a soulful throwback

Michael Gi’s “Child of a King” is the kind of record that makes you look up from whatever you’re doing and say, “Hold up… who is THIS?” It’s a soul-stirring revival of vintage gospel swagger—rooted in the ’60s soul era, dipped in that Brooklyn Dap-Kings grit, and finished with the unmistakable Money Moses b-boy flavor that gives it a fresh modern snap.

Right from the jump, the horns hit like you’re stepping into an old-school church basement jam session where the Spirit and the soul band share the same groove. The drums swing with that analog warmth, the bass walks with authority, and Michael’s vocals glide on top—rich, seasoned, and anointed, yet still playful enough to keep your head nodding.

What makes this track even more powerful is its lineage. “I’m a Child of the King,” a hymn born in the 1800s and later recorded by Marvin Yancy in the ’70s, is reimagined here with deep respect but bold creativity. Michael doesn’t just cover the song—he transports it, giving it new legs without losing the timeless gospel heart that made it a classic.

His artistry is no accident. Michael Gi’s musical DNA runs through decades of legendary mentorship and lived experience. From singing on a box at age five in St. Louis so the church could see “the little boy with the old anointing,” to sharing stages with icons like Rev. James Cleveland, Gerald Albright, Billy Davis Jr., and multiple members of the O’Jays—his journey is embedded in every note he sings.

You can especially hear the influence of the late Bill “Pops” Isles II, his former manager and mentor. The same spirit of intentional, message-driven soul that shaped the O’Jays’ legacy pulses through Michael’s artistry today. His release “A Prayer of Peace” carries that heritage, and “Child of a King” continues it—bridging eras, honoring the elders, and proving that some sounds don’t age… they deepen.

In an industry crowded with digital gloss and disposable melodies, Michael Gi brings back the craftsmanship—the woodgrain soul, the gospel grit, the heartfelt storytelling. “Child of a King” is more than a song; it’s a restoration project, a cultural echo, and a royal declaration set to a groove.