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Writer's Block is Real, Even for J.Cole: Here are 8 Tips to Overcome

January 19, 2023

Rapper J. Cole has recently announced that he had been struggling with writer's block, but found a way to break free from it by using a type beat from Youtube music producer BVTMAN's YouTube...

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Hania Rani: A Virtuoso in the World of Classical and Electronic Music

January 19, 2023

Hania Rani is a Polish pianist and composer whose music has been described as "hauntingly beautiful" and "evocative." She is known for her unique blend of classical and electronic music, which she...

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Ryan Tedder’s Studio Review: Writing Three Songs From Scratch

January 16, 2023

Ryan Tedder is a highly accomplished and sought-after music producer and songwriter. He is known for his work with a wide range of artists including: Adele, Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, and OneRepublic...

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Quentin Miller only got paid $30,000 for writing 6 Drake songs.

January 6, 2022

Drake's ghostwriter controversy has been a topic of conversation since the rapper's feud with Meek Mill in 2015. Quentin Miller, a lesser-known rapper from Atlanta, was named as the ghostwriter....

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Timbaland’s Beatmaking Masterclass Review: A Class on Feeling the Flow

December 28, 2022

Many artists are using their personal brand and influence to educate artists, from beginners to fellow professionals. Timbaland has partnered with Masterclass to teach musicians how to make unique...

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Rina Sawyama -- The Voice of a Genre-Spanning Pop Star

December 7, 2022

Rina Sawayama has burst into the consciousness of queer music listeners in recent years. My first time listening to her work was Cherry, a track that is bubbly ...

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YouTube Announces New “Creator Music” Platform

October 4, 2022

In the wake of Tiktok’s rapid expansion and growing dominance in the short-form video market, YouTube has felt the pressure to adapt to keep up with the shifting demands of its audience...

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Deep Dive: How Conan Gray Writes His Songs

October 5, 2022

Conan Gray is an American YouTuber turned singer-songwriter, most well-known for his songs about heartbreak and unrequited love. Throughout his career, Conan has written songs like “Crush Culture”...

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Phoebe Bridgers: A Deep Dive into Songwriting

October 17, 2022

Phoebe Bridgers is an American songwriter, singer, and producer who has, in recent years, gained mainstream recognition with the release of her sophomore album “Punisher” in 2020...

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How Steve Lacy Makes the Most with Less

October 18, 2022

Steve Lacy is a singer, songwriter, record producer, and living proof that you don’t need the most advanced or high-tech studio equipment to create music that listeners will love...

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Has the Pandemic Changed the World of Live Music?

August 31, 2022

For the last two years, there has been something missing in the lives of music lovers around the world—live music. The advent of a global pandemic meant the absence of concerts, festivals........

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Like the Early Days of Hip-Hop: The Future of Blockchain in the Music Industry

August 19, 2022

One of the biggest questions many spaces face today is how blockchain technology may overhaul industry norms, and the music industry is no exception. In particular...

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“Hard Fought Hallelujah”: Worship Breaks Through as a Cultural Movement

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From Worship to World Stage

Christian music stepped outside of its quiet comfort zone in 2025. "Hard Fought Hallelujah," a worship song by Brandon Lake, went platinum, sold out festival stages, and exploded from churches to mainstream charts. A contemporary worship moment that went beyond its genre is uncommon but powerful.

Background: Artist and Song Genesis

Together with Mark and Christopher Olsen and Steven Furtick, worship leader-turned-solo performer Brandon Lake wrote the song. It combines country-rock gritty elements with gospel passion and was released in November 2024. Micah Nichols produced it with organic energy and layered guitar swells. The song's lyrics emphasize maintaining faith and giving thanks even when hope seems far off.

Chart Domination & Cultural Reach

  • Debuted at the top of Billboard's charts for Christian Digital Song Sales, Christian Streaming, and Hot Christian Songs.
  • Became one of the first worship songs to chart in years when it debuted at number 51 on the secular Billboard Hot 100.
  • Remained on Hot Christian Songs for a continuous 20 weeks.
  • In June 2025, after more than a million units were sold, it was certified platinum.
  • Won "Song of the Year" at the K-LOVE Fan Awards in 2025.
  • Fans and choirs covering the song created a viral sensation on Facebook and TikTok.

Its crossover appeal led to a remix featuring Jelly Roll, who added his gritty rap verse; bridging subcultures and deepening its reach. A version featuring the country artist further expanded its listenership.

Personal Impact Stories 

At Nashville’s CMA Fest, Lake brought 70,000 people to their feet with a powerful performance, with live holograms of a cross behind him. Fans cheered as lyric lines like “Through the pain, through the flood / You have been enough” echoed across the grounds. A festival-goer told Rolling Stone:

“It wasn’t just a performance—it was healing.”

On TikTok, countless family and church videos popped up; people singing, crying, and thanking Lake for a song that crossed cultural lines to minister personal truth.

Final Take

"Hard Fought Hallelujah" is a declaration as well as a song of worship. It proves that faith is a call when it is grounded in soundcraft and vulnerability. Brandon Lake proved that spiritual messages can be both transcendent and popular by guiding worship music onto international trends.

“Hard Fought Hallelujah”: Worship Breaks Through as a Cultural Movementhard-fought-hallelujah-worship-breaks-through-as-a-cultural-movementLienor KatasAug 23, 2025Christian music stepped outside of its quiet comfort zone in 2025. "Hard Fought Hallelujah," a worship song by Brandon Lake, went platinum, sold out festival stages, and exploded from churches to...