Marvin Sapp Reflects on the Impact of Never Would Have Made It

Marvin Sapp is gearing up for his upcoming headline performance at the annual Celebrate Gospel concert. Scheduled to take place at the Fantasyland Theater at Disneyland Park on February 17th in Anaheim California, Sapp shares with EBONY about his preparations for this significant moment and his role as a family man. Reflecting on the impact of his song “Never Would Have Made It,” released 17 years ago. Sapp reveals to EBONY the remarkable journey behind its creation and its near-miss release.

Sapp is eagerly anticipating this concert moment, expressing his excitement as he prepares. “Personally for me, Disney World and Disney Land are my favorite places to go. I’m excited about having the opportunity to participate in such a monumental occasion.” When pondering how artists select their concert setlists Sapp recognizes the importance of including some of his classic hits as they are what the fans want to hear. “I have to sing certain songs because people enjoy what we do. When I put a particular show together I always put it together with the understanding that I have a particular listening base, that likes to hear me sing certain songs a certain kind of way.” Sapp sees this concert as not just a celebration of gospel music but also as an opportunity to share the experience with his family, who will be joining him for this special occasion. “I’m just excited to be able to be able to come and to share and to have fun and I’m even bringing my family and I believe it or not probably for the first 25 years of their lives, we spend two times a year at Disney.”

When juggling ministry work, a career as a recording artist, and family responsibilities achieving balance is key. Sapp’s perspective differs in that he doesn’t aim for balance, understanding that trying to balance everything could lead to imbalance. “You don’t juggle, because anything you try to juggle, you may drop something, everything is about priority, and priority prioritizing stuff. Before I’m anything first a child of God. Secondly, I’m a father and third I’m a pastor and then fourth I’m a recording artist, and then everything else that comes after that. I make sure that I put all of these things in proper priority.”

Seventeen years ago, Sapp released a record that continues to resonate with people in various ways to this day. “Never Would Have Made It” has gone viral numerous times been sampled by different artists and even played in clubs. The song’s release wouldn’t have happened if it weren’t for Marvin’s late wife highlighting its significance and enduring impact.

“Honestly, people almost didn’t hear it. If it wasn’t for my late wife Dr. MaLinda P. Sapp really pushing and nagging me to record it. People never would have heard the song, so 17 years later I sit back.”

Marvin Sapp

Seventeen years later, Sapp understands why the song still deeply resonates with people: because everyone experiences “Never Would Have Made It” moments in their lives. “No matter where you may be you can be at the church house you could be at a funeral. Honestly, you could be in a club and you can reflect on that particular moment that you had and say wow when I look back over my life and what I’ve had to endure and come through I can legitimately say that I’m stronger. I’m wise, I’m better.”

Sapp takes great pride in the fact that many artists have sampled his song in their music over the years, a testament to its enduring influence and resonance across various genres. “The first person who sampled it was DJ Khaled. After DJ Khaled did it, Kanye West took it and did it with Teyana Taylor. Lil Wayne took it, it’s on Tha Carter V. Recently, I heard something on a new album by T.I. that’s about to come out. So I’m honored. I’m not going to lie to you. I think it’s a great amazing thing.”

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