The Word of Truth gospel choir's concert went off with a bang on Tuesday and created high expectations for next semester.

The group performs one concert each semester.

This is the first year in a long time the choir has invited a special guest to join the performance, Racquel McBay, theater major and choir president, said.

B. Reith, a “hip hop, pop and soul” artist who writes and produces his own music, guest starred in the concert. 

The choir performed three songs before Reith got on stage. 

Reith had the crowd dancing, jumping, clapping and singing with his original and top hit songs.

McBay said she came across Reith at a concert in Dallas. She said once she heard him sing, she knew she had to have him come to the university and perform.

In between songs, Reith discussed his journey as an artist. He said God helped him become who he is today and that he decided to pursue his passion and become a musician while he was on a mission trip.

The Word of Truth choir “edified the name of Jesus Christ, encouraged people to follow the Lord and provided a praise and worship atmosphere,” McBay said.

Audience member Johnny Holland said he enjoyed the ministry part of the concert. 

Reith pulled Holland’s son, Malik, on stage to play the drums.

“It was cool [playing the drums] with B. Reith," Malik said. "I’ve never played with an actual famous person before so it was something new to me. And it was fun."

Because of the big turnout for this concert, McBay said she wanted to have a guest artist at the spring concert as well.

The audience, about half of the Brown-Lupton University Union, was twice the size it normally is, McBay said.

The choir receives funding from SGA, independent fundraising activities, membership dues and the office of inclusiveness and intercultural services, McBay said.

Word of Truth gospel choir practices every Tuesday at 7 p.m. on the third floor of the BLUU.