Marvin Sapp, Close the Door | Controversial Songs

In the 14th edition of Controversial Songs (2025), we explore the controversy behind “Close the Door” by Marvin Sapp.

Bring on the controversy! Controversial Songs is a column that provides background information and insight into songs that raised eyebrows, stirred the pot, or were banned. The more censorship censor$hit, the better! The records that grace Controversial Songs are old and new alike, with all genres of music welcome.  In the 14^th  edition of Controversial Songs (2025), we explore the controversy behind “Close the Door” by Marvin Sapp.

“Ushers, close the doors.  Close the doors! CLOSE THE DOORS!” Pastor and Grammy-nominated gospel singer/songwriter Marvin Sapp earned himself a viral moment.  Unfortunately for Sapp, not all viral moments are positive. In his case, he was heavily scrutinized for his method of attaining ‘donations’ at the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World convention in 2024.  Yes, this infamous happening is from 2024, but it ‘blew up’ in March 2025.  Since then, the “Never Would Have Made It” singer has had many folks proclaiming they “Never would have paid it” – the $20 Sapp challenged them to give and instructed the ushers to close the doors.  The backlash has been gargantuan, inspiring memes, parody videos, and, according to Sapp, death threats.  So, what does a disgraced pastor/gospel singer/songwriter do in the face of adversity? Pray, of course, but beyond that, in Sapp’s case, he did what so many do when the finger is pointed at them – double down… sort of.  Sapp told CBS News Texas, “I was like, well, since they’re capitalizing on it, I’m going to capitalize on it as well.” Hence, Sapp released a brand-new song, “Close The Door” written with Kloten Perine and Rodney East.

 Sapp made a bold move addressing his controversial viral moment via song. Does it pay off? It depends on who you ask. Starting with the positive aspects, there is no doubt that Marvin Sapp is a fine singer.  His voice does not reach the highs of his best songs necessarily, but, as always, the pipes are elite.  The production and sound of the record are well-rounded, too. The contemporary R&B-infused gospel backdrop works soundly, with the keys leading the charge.  The musical underpinnings are intact as well, with a splendid harmonic progression. Supporting Sapp’s dynamic lead vocals are beautiful background vocals.  The musicianship is not controversial in the least.  “Close The Door” does not dare approach the same level as “Never Would Have Made It”, “Perfect Peace”, or “The Best In Me”, but it meets expectations.  The problem is the controversy Sapp is embroiled in, and for many, the view that he takes no responsibility and ‘plays victim’ (“Oh, no matter what, they don’t believe me”).

“Close the door on anxiety

On the pain and disdain that keeps chasing me

Close the door on the ridicule

And on the noise that tries to make me lose my cool

God has a purpose, and He will restore

So, I’ll just close the door, close the door, close the door.”

Marvin Sapp opens up a can of worms early on in “Close the Door”. Like me in this article, he samples his infamous donation speech in the background.  After getting that off his chest, he proclaims his good intentions lyrically, essentially saying he was misunderstood.  Despite the hate he’s received, he looks to God, and he is closing the door on various things that can bring him down, etc. In the second verse, he highlights the ridicule he has faced at the hands of others due to his viral moment.  This includes how it has affected his family. I never agree with/cosign death threats – that was a bridge too far.  The problem is, I don’t think Sapp should have recorded this.  It does nothing to diffuse the situation.  Many people have had issues with how the church, and especially celebrity and megachurch preachers, handle money. Go back to the quote that Sapp made about capitalizing on his moment.  How is he most going to capitalize? Money via streams going to him. The rich get richer, right? While some (his most faithful followers) believe that Sapp ‘took a bullet,’ others are ready to reignite discourse about him.  There are far more controversial songs than “Close the Door”, but doesn’t it seem like every time a celebrity uses music to address something they did not take responsibility for that they release a questionable song? That is what this is. Food for thought.

Marvin Sapp // “Close the Door” // Marvin Sapp // 2025

Marvin Sapp, Close the Door: Controversial Songs No. 14 (2025) [: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Marvin Sapp; Andrea Mosti from Pexels; AcatXlo, OpenClipart-Vectors from Pixabay; christian buehner on Unsplash]