Kappa Alpha Psi’s Marvin Sapp Is Making History as the First Gospel Artist to Release a Full-Length Album through Roc Nation Distribution

Gospel recording artist Bishop Marvin Sapp is breaking new ground in the music industry.

On July 28, the award-winning artist announced a partnership with Roc Nation Distribution to release a full-length, 12-track album. Billboard reported the deal the same week.

Founded by rapper and businessman Jay-Z in 2008, Roc Nation has become one of the entertainment industry’s most prominent companies. Sapp’s upcoming project will be the first full-length gospel album released through Roc Nation Distribution.

Titled Restoration, the project is expected to arrive this fall. It will be Sapp’s 17th album overall, ninth live recording and first album since 2024.

The album’s first single, “He’s Not Finished,” was released Aug. 21. Sapp co-wrote the song with gospel songwriter and producer Stan Jones.

“Partnering with Roc Nation to distribute my music is something that I would have never thought possible, yet it is another reminder that—as the scripture says—with God all things are possible,” Sapp said in a statement announcing the partnership.

Sapp is also a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. According to previous Watch The Yard reporting, he was initiated through the fraternity’s Grand Rapids Alumni Chapter in 2009.

The partnership connects one of gospel music’s most established voices with a company that has represented prominent musicians such as Rihanna, J. Cole and Alicia Keys. Roc Nation’s sports division has also represented athletes including Minnesota Timberwolves guard LaMelo Ball, who the Timberwolves acquired from the Charlotte Hornets this offseason, and former Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant.

By distributing Restoration, Roc Nation will expand its presence in gospel music while providing Sapp with a larger platform to introduce his latest project to new audiences.

This article was written for Watch The Yard by Nicklaus Utsey, a recent graduate of the University of Texas at Arlington and a Fall 2022 initiate of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., by way of the Zeta Chi Chapter at UT Arlington. His work focuses on the intersection of sports, leadership, and the Black collegiate experience.