Whether she meant to or not, Missy Elliott, the rapper-singer-songwriter-producer-dancer, put a new spin on a timeless scripture while being honored at the 2019 MTV Video Music Awards. Psalm 124:1 reads, “If it had not been the LORD who was on our side,” but she said: “Without Him, I would not be standing before y’all.”

A new radio documentary that explores the history of Black gospel music and illustrates its significant influence on the formation of rock and soul music will be broadcast by US public radio stations in February during Black History Month.