Music
Deitrick Haddon Celebrates 25 Years of “Chain Breaker” with Star-Studded 2.5 Release
Chain Breaker was the song that shifted the sound in gospel music. We pushed some boundaries
By iPraiseRadio.com Staff Powered by @GospelNewsroom on YouTube
Twenty-five years ago, a young Deitrick Haddon and the Voices of Unity released an album that would shift the sound of gospel music forever. On January 30, 2026, the Grammy-nominated artist marked that milestone with the release of “Chain Breaker 2.5,” a reimagined celebration of the project that defined a generation.
Originally released in 1999 as a double-disc set, Chain Breaker was a game-changer. Long before Billboard had a Gospel Airplay chart, songs like “Anybody Here,” “We Worship You,” and the title track became anthems for youth choirs and worship teams across the country
“It was really exciting because nobody was making gospel like this when I did the album,” Haddon recalled. “Chain Breaker was the song that shifted the sound in gospel music. We pushed some boundaries”
A Legend Reimagined
For the 25th anniversary, Haddon didn’t just remaster the old tracks—he reinvented them. Chain Breaker 2.5 trades the rock-driven edge of the original for a sleek, modern urban groove
The new project is a bridge between generations, featuring a powerhouse lineup of gospel legends and contemporary stars. Guest appearances include Fred Hammond, Hezekiah Walker, and John P. Kee, alongside hip-hop hitmaker Zaytoven on keys and rapper T. Church
Highlights of the new album include:
- “Anybody Here” (Southern Soul Mix): Featuring rising star Jekalyn Carr.
- “Hold On 2 Your Faith”: A reunion of sorts, featuring original soloist Damita and powerhouse vocalist Tasha Page-Lockhart, a former member of the choir
- “Find Jesus”: A new acoustic pop track that showcases Haddon’s versatility.
A Career of Breaking Chains
Deitrick Haddon’s career has been defined by innovation. Over the last two decades, he has placed more than two dozen songs on the Billboard Gospel Airplay chart, including four No. 1 hits: “A Billion People,” “Open Door Season,” “Here Comes the Joy,” and “Never Be the Same”
From his early days with Voices of Unity to his solo success with albums like Church on the Moon (which won a Dove Award for Urban Album of the Year), Haddon has consistently pushed the envelope. His influence extends beyond music into film and television, but his heart remains in worship.
With Chain Breaker 2.5, Haddon proves that the message of freedom and breakthrough is timeless. As he told fans, “There’s no legacy without your love and support. To my day ones—this moment is ours”
Chain Breaker 2.5 is available now on all streaming platforms.