Kanye West left inmates in tears when he performed a surprise concert at the Harris County jail in Houston, Texas.
The Grammy award-winning rapper and his choir performed songs from his gospel album “Jesus is King” on Friday as inmates waved their hands and knelt in prayer. West said his visit was “a mission, not a show,” according to Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez.
In words of God
Several inmates at a Houston prison were left crying and kneeling in prayer on Friday after Kanye West surprised them with a performance of songs from his new album, “Jesus Is King.”
West performed for more than 200 male inmates before using an underground tunnel to access a separate jail to perform for a smaller crowd of women inmates, according to the Houston Chronicle.
Kanye West holds A surprise concerts at Texas prison: Details inside
“Say what you want about the man,” said Jason Spencer, a public affairs director for the Harris County Sheriff’s Office. “But Kanye West and his choir brought some light to people who needed it today at the Harris County Jail.”
This is a mission
West, who released his gospel-inspired record last month, showed up at the Harris County Jail with a church choir and began rapping for more than two hundred male prisoners, the Houston Chronicle reported.
“This is a mission, not a show,” the hip-hop artist told his audience, who cheered him on as they stood just a few steps away in their orange jumpsuits.
Sensational Sunday service
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott tweeted on Saturday that it would be “great if other artists followed Kanye’s lead.” “What Kanye West does to inspire the incarcerated is transformative,” Abbott said.
“Saving one soul at a time. Inmates who turn to God may get released earlier [because] of good behavior & may be less likely to commit future crimes.”
West is scheduled to speak with Joel Osteen and his Lakewood Church congregation on Sunday. He will hold his “Sunday Service” performance inside the church later that evening.
