Gospel singer Kentrell Ragin releases 'Testify' after four family deaths
The track from his new album, The Sound, details a highway moment where Ragin said calling on Jesus ended his suicidal thoughts.
By Sarah Reynolds ·
Kentrell Ragin is sharing a new album with a sound that mixes 1980s punk and funk. The release, titled The Sound, arrived on October 9. The lead single, "Testify," carries a heavy weight for the singer. It documents a period where he lost four family members within a two-year span and struggled with depression.
Ragin spoke about these losses during a recent appearance on Get Up Mornings with Erica Campbell. He detailed the deaths of his mother in 2019 and his grandmother, father, and grandfather earlier this year. The cumulative impact of these events led to a period of intense emotional difficulty. He admitted to battling thoughts of ending his life.
The turning point occurred while Ragin was driving on a highway between home and church. He described the moment he called out to Jesus as the instant he was pulled out of that crisis. "The moment I called Jesus’ name, man, he delivered me out of that moment," Ragin said. That specific experience became the narrative core of "Testify."
For Ragin, music has served as a vehicle for ministry since childhood. He began playing at age 3, accompanying his mother during church solos. By his late teens, he had stepped into his own songwriting career. The Sound is his third studio album. Before this project, he played for gospel artists JJ Harrison and Dion Kipper. Harrison taught him to stay grounded and manage his responsibilities, including the idea that one does not need to quit a job to pursue ministry.
Ragin is originally from Bridgeport, Connecticut, but he now lives in South Jersey. He serves as a worship leader at Change Church alongside his wife. Listeners can access The Sound and "Testify" through streaming platforms. His social media channels include the Instagram handle @KentrellR and the YouTube channel Kentrell Raymond.
Campbell offered her condolences to Ragin during the interview. She thanked him for sharing such a personal part of his journey. The conversation highlighted how his background in gospel music informs his current work. Ragin views the song as a reminder of grace during his darkest hours.
