Unleashing the Soul: The Electrifying Impact of Deitrick Haddon's "Love, Joy & Fire

From the immortal words of Rakim, “It’s been a long time, I shouldn't have left you…” Oh wait! This is a gospel platform. Some of y’all saved Christians might’ve just said, “Rakim who?” My bad, still got a little b-boy DNA in me. I promise I’m sanctified… with a side of soul clap.

Anyway, so much has happened since the last time we did this. New city (hello Vegas heat), new job, new house and yes a brand-new grandbaby who already runs the household like a seasoned executive with chubby cheeks. But the biggest change, one that hit many of us hard, was the passing of everyone’s favorite friend in the gospel industry, mentor and self-declared career coach, Bradford “Doc” Howard.

Doc’s charisma wasn’t just off the charts… it BROKE the charts, flipped the table and rewrote the scale. I met half the gospel industry just because “Doc said call.” And when Doc said call, uhh you called, even if you didn’t know who you were calling...or why. I once called a label exec thinking I was ordering pizza. But hey, Doc said call!

He was the type to give you a title whether you earned it or not, “This is my VP,” “That’s my promoter,” “He’s my publicist,” “He’s head of snacks.” Didn’t matter. You always felt important. But underneath all the titles, he still called you family...brother, sister, cousin, kingdom kinfolk.

We were both raised in CT and ended up in TX. We shared roots in Henderson and Franklinton, NC. Doc could always find a reason to connect. And if he couldn’t find one, he’d create one. The man could turn a handshake into a lifelong bond. You are missed, sir. Deeply.

Now, on to some brighter stuff, besides the Vegas sun. I’ve been soaking up family time, especially with the newest grandbaby. Watching your kids raise kids—with love, peace, and an occasional juice box bribery is a beautiful thing.

But enough about me. Let’s get into what we’re really here for: gospel, R&B, hip-hop...but only the good stuff. No gutter, no grime, just positivity, purpose, and a little praise break here and there. Let’s go!

Cover Track of the Week: "Love, Joy & Fire" – Deitrick Haddon feat. Mali Music

Let’s talk about this spiritual banger that’s setting souls ablaze like it’s Praise & Worship meets a house party in Heaven.

"Love, Joy & Fire" is everything you want from a Deitrick Haddon track...bold, electrifying and full of that signature church with a beat energy. The moment you hit play, it grabs you like a Sunday morning altar call with an ill beat.

Mali Music slides in smooth with that buttered biscuit vocal tone that just lifts the song even higher. Together, they bring the kind of synergy that makes you want to dance in the pews, cry a little, then hit “replay” while making breakfast.

Lyrically, it’s a celebration of resilience, revival, and holy fire. If “joy comes in the morning” had a soundtrack, this would be it, with a little side of bass and organ runs.

🔥 The beat hits.❤️ The message uplifts.🎶 The collab? Anointed and appointed.

So if your faith playlist has been feeling dusty lately, go'n ahead and throw this track in rotation. It'll get your heart right and your head noddin'.

That’s it for this week, family. Keep your inboxes open and I'll be back sooner next time.

Stay blessed, stay lit (spiritually), and stream Love, Joy & Fire like your earbuds got baptized.