Faith, Music, and Wings: The Tramaine Long Story
From church child to chart success, gospel artist Tramaine Long is redefining what it means to blend rhythm with righteousness
When Tramaine Long first stepped up to a microphone in his home church at age 5, little did anyone know they were witnessing the beginning of what would become one of gospel music’s most innovative careers. Twenty years later, Long is riding high with his current hit “Put On Your Wings” climbing the charts and his latest album “Legendary” inspiring listeners worldwide.
The Foundation Years
“Music became my language before I even understood what that meant,” reflects Long, whose early years were shaped by his mother’s strength and the spiritual foundation of his church community. Raised alongside two sisters, Long found his identity in the intersection of faith and melody, drawing inspiration from gospel legends like John P. Kee while also embracing the raw honesty of artists like 2Pac and the smooth harmonies of groups like Jagged Edge.
This diverse musical palette would prove crucial to his later innovation. “I never saw genre boundaries the way others did,” Long explains. “To me, all music that speaks truth and touches hearts has value, whether it comes from the church or the street.”
By 14, Long had received what he calls his “divine confirmation” about his musical calling. Three years later, he made his first major investment in his future, purchasing his first professional microphone and diving into music production using FL Studio. This was 2004, and Long was determined to master every aspect of the creative process.
Building the Brand
Long’s dedication to his craft extended beyond just making music. Recognizing the business side of the industry, he pursued formal education at Full Sail University, graduating in 2022 with a Bachelor’s degree in Entertainment Business. This educational foundation has proven invaluable as he navigates the complex landscape of today’s music industry.
His breakthrough as a producer came in 2019 with the creation of “Kick Back” for the Free Life Boyz and “Be More Good” for Teiona “TP9” Gunn. Both tracks landed on Canton Jones’ “Kingdom Business 5” album, giving Long his first taste of industry recognition and establishing his reputation as a producer to watch.
The RNG Revolution
Valentine’s Day 2020 marked Long’s official artist debut with “RNG: A Love Story,” an album that introduced his self-created genre: RNG (Rhythm and Gospel). This innovative fusion represents Long’s belief that gospel music can embrace contemporary sounds without compromising its spiritual message.
“RNG is about meeting people where they are,” Long explains. “The gospel is timeless, but our delivery methods can evolve. I wanted to create something that could play in a club and still minister to someone’s spirit.”
The concept resonated with industry tastemakers, earning Long features on major gospel platforms including Rapzilla, Gospel Grind Radio, and several prominent radio shows and podcasts. His unique sound caught the attention of a growing fanbase hungry for fresh approaches to faith-based music.
Current Success and Future Vision
Long’s current single “Put On Your Wings” exemplifies his artistic maturity and commercial appeal. The track is making impressive moves on multiple charts, sitting in the Top 80 on Media Base for internet gospel, breaking into the top 20 on urban influencer gospel charts, and accumulating over 46,000 streams on Spotify. The song’s message of empowerment and spiritual elevation perfectly encapsulates Long’s artistic mission.
His February 2025 album “Legendary” continues this momentum, celebrating both divine greatness and human potential. “This project is about recognizing the legendary nature of God while acknowledging that He’s placed that same legendary potential within each of us,” Long shares.
The industry is taking notice. Long’s nomination for an Avidity Award in the Top 100 Gospel Artist, Group, and Choir category represents significant recognition. The Avidity Awards is “The BIGGEST Night In Independent Gospel Music,” and celebrates the careers of the biggest and brightest independent Gospel artists, industry professionals and creatives. This nomination places Long among the most promising voices in independent gospel music.
The Wings to Fly
As Long continues building his empire, his ultimate goal remains unchanged: to become “one of the greatest music producers and artists the world has ever seen” while staying true to his faith and community roots. His current success with “Put On Your Wings” serves as both achievement and metaphor—Long is teaching others to soar while spreading his own wings in the process.
“At the end of the day, it’s about transformation,” Long concludes. “If my music can help someone discover their wings and learn to fly, then I’ve done my job. That’s what legendary really means—leaving a legacy that lifts others up.”
With chart success under his belt, industry recognition growing, and a clear vision for the future, Tramaine Long is proving that innovation and inspiration can coexist beautifully in today’s gospel music landscape.