Beckah Shae will release her eighth studio album, Champion, May 6 through Shae Shoc Records.
The 15-track project follows the worship-focused Rest with a considerably louder collection of electronic dance music, pop and hip-hop. Shae said the change came directly from listeners who responded most strongly to the upbeat material on her previous album.
“We got so much feedback from the Destiny album, saying how much everyone loved the dance tracks and were looking for more upbeat music,” Shae said. “The fans asked and we listened. Champion was born.”
Her husband and longtime production partner, Jack Shocklee, produced the album, building its sound around programmed drums, synthesizers and the kind of bass that makes sitting quietly feel like a misuse of available resources.
The guest list stretches across gospel, R&B and hip-hop. Israel Houghton appears on “Jericho,” Crystal Lewis joins Shae for “Legacy,” Eric Dawkins is featured on “Me and My God,” and T-Bone appears on “My All.” Rapper Canon also contributes to the project.
Shae co-wrote material with Crystal Nicole, whose credits include songs recorded by Mariah Carey, Beyoncé and Rihanna, and Eric Dawkins, who has worked with artists including Justin Bieber, Janet Jackson and Christina Aguilera.
Despite its club-ready production, Champion remains rooted in worship. Shae drew inspiration from Hebrews 12:2 and its instruction to keep looking toward Jesus, presenting the album’s title less as a declaration of personal greatness than a reminder of where strength originates.
That message is also connected to Shae’s own experiences with poverty, family instability, rejection and an eating disorder. She said those struggles shaped her desire to help listeners see themselves differently, particularly during seasons when progress is difficult to recognize.
“God has always remained persistent and consistent in being faithful and secure in my life,” Shae said. “Now, I’m extremely passionate about helping others see themselves the way God sees them, no matter what season of difficulty they’re going through.”
The album was partly funded through Kickstarter, where Shae’s supporters contributed more than $40,000 during the campaign. The response allowed her and Shocklee to complete the independently released project while involving listeners in its development.
Shae introduced the album with “Turbo Style” and “Incorruptible,” two songs that established its emphasis on movement, endurance and spiritually focused dance music. “Turbo Style” is particularly direct about its intentions, combining a workout-ready tempo with lyrics about pushing forward rather than remaining comfortable.
Watch the official lyric video for “Turbo Style” below.
Champion will be released nationwide May 6.