Naomi Raine’s latest release, ‘Be Glad’, is a powerful testament to her current stage of gratitude and growth. The New York singer has recently launched her own record label and opened up about her journey towards joy and self-discovery, speaking exclusively to PEOPLE. Initially gaining recognition with Maverick City Music in 2021, Raine faced a tumultuous period marked by personal transitions that led to a bout of depression.
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At just 18, Raine became a mother, navigating the challenges of early parenthood while grappling with defining her identity. These internal and external changes, compounded by the evolving dynamics within Maverick City Music, brought about a significant phase of instability and reflection for the artist. Raine expresses, “I had to become somebody strong… I had to do the things that I was preaching about or singing about.”
Navigating through the somber moments, Raine found solace in the unwavering support of her close circle, which served as a pillar of strength during her darkest days. Her debut solo album, ‘Journey’, unveiled in 2022, captured the raw emotions of her transformative journey and resonated deeply with her audience through her signature powerhouse vocals. Fast forward to 2025, the artist acknowledges that while challenges persist, she now occupies a more positive headspace, reflected eloquently in her newest single, ‘Be Glad’.
The recently unveiled ballad encapsulates Raine’s newfound ethos—emphasizing perseverance, gratitude, and unwavering faith. The track, which dropped on May 16, serves as a precursor to her upcoming project, ‘Jesus Over Everything — Live in Las Vegas’, slated for release in June. Promising roughly 12 soul-stirring tracks, the album showcases Raine pushing her vocal boundaries and exploring new creative dimensions while staying true to her worship roots.
Beyond her musical endeavours, Raine ventured into uncharted territories this year by co-founding Refraine Records alongside her longtime collaborator, G. Morris Coleman. The launch of her record label symbolizes a fresh chapter for the artist, as she embarks on a journey of self-discovery and artistic autonomy. Raine acknowledges the challenges inherent in starting anew but embraces the opportunity to rebuild from scratch with a renewed sense of purpose.
Collaborating closely with Coleman, who dons multiple hats as her manager and confidant, Raine navigates the intricate balance between her artistic pursuits and the business aspects of her ventures. The mutual trust and understanding shared between the two facilitate a harmonious working relationship, grounded in shared goals and artistic vision. Raine muses, “While I’m not saying we never disagree, I think a lot of times we are really on the same page… generally, we’re in agreement on 98 percent of everything.”
As Raine continues to ascend in her musical career and embrace novel challenges, she finds solace in her unwavering faith and the belief that every obstacle is a stepping stone towards her ultimate destiny. Through her music, Raine aims to inspire listeners to find solace amidst life’s trials and tribulations, echoing the sentiment that peace stems from an unshakeable trust in a higher power.
In a world brimming with uncertainties, Naomi Raine’s musical journey stands as a beacon of hope and resilience—marking a poignant chapter in her artistic evolution. ‘Be Glad’ is now available for streaming on various platforms, offering audiences a glimpse into the artist’s profound introspections and unwavering faith.