Gospel Gangstas: The Walls Group

Hello all! So this week, I've decided it was time to hop on the magic blog bus and take a little field trip. Today class, we are going to go to CHURCH. This group has a definite God given talent that is full of anointing. So buckle your seat belts and let's go!

Who are these saints? 

Together, Darrel, Rhea, Paco, and Ahjah Walls, make up the new gospel music sensation known as The Walls Group. Born to musically inclined parents, Roger and Alicia Walls, there was no way these four could resist their musical talents. If you enjoy some of their favorites, which include Kim Burrell, KiKi Sheard, The Soul Seekers, Mary Mary, and Dorinda Clark- Cole, then you will love them as well. Adding a young, soulful sound to the contemporary gospel vibe they've got going, and combining it with their love for the ministry and their family bond, is what has spiked the interest of so many worshipers.

Darrel

Age 19; Photo: Donna Shana

The oldest member of the singing group, Darrel McGlothen Walls, showed he had major musical inclinations at a very young age. After learning from a young lady from the Grace Memorial Church of God in Christ how to play the tambourine at the age of 1.5 years old, he could no longer part from his musical ways. Seeing his talent, a pastor friend allowed him to sing is first solo, Somebody's Knocking At Your Door, that solo started him off for real. At the age of four he began playing the drums and later continued to learn to play the organ and keyboard. Darrel now 23 years old, was a soprano until until the age of 13. Growing with his group, he now aspires to be a producer, spending most of his time now writing, recording, and of course singing. 

Rhea

Age 15; Photo: Donna Shana

19 year old, Rhea Walls is the second oldest of the group. She is said to be very shy, but breaks out of her shell when killing that soprano. Joining her older brother, Rhea could soon match pitch before she could barely speak. Her inspiration is her older brother and followed in his footsteps by learning to play the piano. She increased her musical talents by developing a wonderful ear for the clarinet. Beyond her musical capabilities, she is also an amazing athlete. She has been very near to attending the Junior Olympics for the Carl Lewis Track Club - CL Stars. In addition to her music goals, she is hoping to one day bring home a gold. In the 2009- 2010 year she won district title in the 100 meter hurdles and the 300 meter hurdles. As if she isn't diverse enough, she actually aspires to become a dentist. Her spunky style and calming spirit makes a great addition to the team. 

Paco

Age 14; Photo: Donna Shana

A year younger than Rhea, Alic (Paco) Walls, is yet another soulful (and very attractive) addition to the gifted group. He has been known for his raspy voice that is often compared to that of his mother's raspy and hoarse tone. He is said to be chillax. He, as the rest of them, started off very early showing his natural born attraction to music. At the age of 7 MONTHS he was noticed by his parents in the car tapping his foot to a song playing on the radio, and of course they knew what was up. He soon joined his two older siblings as the alto and actually would steal the show with his charm and unique sound. When he was 13, he like many boys, struggled with his voice changing and now holds down tenor. He knows that he will one day become a pastor. He says that God actually spoke to him in a dream and told him that he would become the pastor of a mega- church one day.

Ahjah

Age 12; Photo: Donna Shana

The baby to the group, but not the baby out of her other seven siblings, is Ahjah Walls. She actually has a different beginning story than the others. When she was little, she loved songs and loved to sing, but the way her vibrato was set up, no one could understand why she was always just a little off. As a child, her vibrato was a little faster than the others and she just couldn't get a hold of it. Because of this, she actually took up gymnastics instead of singing. Now 17 years old, she has developed into an incredible alto. Her riffs and runs, similar to that of her brother, are amazing. She can emulate almost any artist. She aspires to become a famous cartoonist one day- drawing being one of her many talents. 

On the Rise 

      In an interview on September 29, 2014 with interviewer for Black Gospel, Christopher Heron, the group began to explain how their fame was never the intention. Ahjah explained it, saying "it kind of took off after we posted a reel on Facebook, and then someone took it off Facebook and then posted it on YouTube. After that everything just went crazy." At a young age, they were first known as The Walls Kids, and obviously aren't kids any longer. 

      The group is actually close friends with the very popular artist Kirk Franklin. They say he called their dad at home, and none of them could believe it. After a little convincing, they got on the phone, and had a normal conversation. They kept talking and kept in touch, and about a year later, they were signed to the large enterprise Fo Yo Soul Recordings. They have also developed a good relationship with gospel and contemporary artist Mali Music. 

Want to join the praise?

This young group has definitely been on the come up and just keep rising. With over 58 thousand YouTube subscribers, they have obtained quite the crowd. They released their first debut single in 2011, doing their own rendition of the song "Mighty You Are." They later released their first album entitled The Walls Group. Their latest album, Fast Forward, under their new record label was released in August of 2014. That album includes my favorite song of theirs, "Satisfied." 

On Friday, December 5th, 2014, they were given their first Grammy nomination for Best Gospel Performance/ Song for "Love on the Radio," another song on their latest album. 

If you enjoy their contemporary style and would like to see more of them, please visit their Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, and website. 

Check them out and let me know if you decided to become a Wallower!

As always, please feel free to offer any up and coming artist that you are interested in!

Thanks a Mil' - Keep Up Your Trill