Ernest Billups And Tribe Of Levi Sound Off

New York’s own Ernest Billups and Tribe of Levi will release their first full-length album, In My Own Lane on November 15th. The disc is already available for pre order on digital outlets. The twelve-track album from E’mazin Entertainment showcases the talents of Ernest’s immediate family as well as his extended musical family.

“That’s what’s special about this project,” Ernest said. “It gives a platform to those who have been rocking with me for a very long time—from singers to musicians to producers. As a result, the album contains a diverse range of songs and styles.”

Among the family members who appear on In My Own Lane are Ernest’s mother, gospel recording artist Angela “Missy” Billups. Missy teams with Tribe of Levi veteran Hannah Brown on the churchy “For Your Blood.” Ernest said that although he has produced many of his mother’s records, this is the first time she has appeared on one of his projects. “It was cool to reverse the roles,” he said, then laughed, “and push her out of her comfort zone a little bit!”

Ernest’s sister, also named Angela Billups, solos on “The Cross.” He wrote the hymn-like piece right after Hannah and his mother finished recording “For Your Blood.” “I was still stuck on ‘For Your Blood,’ thinking about the Cross and the Resurrection,” he said. “I felt like something more should be added to the subject. I came up with a little melody and it turned into a full song. It was only supposed to be two minutes long, but when we finished, it was a full track!”

He added: “Angela has been in Tribe of Levi from day one. She heard ‘The Cross,’ she wanted to sing it and she exceeded my expectations!” He is now in the process of producing her debut solo project.