TobyMac’s “Hits Deep Tour” has become a beloved annual tradition. The outing is known for showcasing big radio hits that also hold deep meaning, affecting listeners at the heart level. The multi-artist trek is the hitmaker’s way of settling into a new year. Each year, Toby takes a host of friends on the road, spotlighting well-known artists alongside rising stars. The 2024 edition of “Hits Deep” is evidence of this with a lineup that boasts Cory Asbury, Mac Powell, Tasha Layton, Jon Reddick and Terrian, with Toby and his Diverse City Band poised to cap the night in style. The camaraderie backstage is obvious onstage as the show allows ample space for creative collaboration and non-stop music with very few breaks in between acts.
“Hits Deep 2024” kicks off Jan. 26 in Jonesboro, Ark., and will visit a total of 30 arenas nationwide before wrapping Mar. 23 in Charleston, W.Va. See a full list of dates and cities here. With six artists on the bill, “Hits Deep 2024” is sure to be an evening packed with plenty of songs you’ve heard on K-LOVE, and maybe even a few you’ll hear on the radio in the future. While we don’t want to give away too many secrets, we can’t help but wonder whether our favorite songs will appear on the setlist. There are some singles, however, we’re certain will make the cut. Here are six songs you’re guaranteed to hear at “Hits Deep 2024.”
“Faithfully,” TobyMac
The evening’s headliner will undoubtedly include “Faithfully” in his setlist as he takes the stage with Diverse City to close the concert. TobyMac’s latest single is a sober testament to the goodness of God in the midst of tragedy. “It’s been a long year. It almost took me down, I swear,” the hitmaker confesses as he opens the song, which exposes the depth of the emotion he felt after losing his firstborn son to an accidental drug overdose in 2019. An honest picture of a man who’s experienced the faithfulness of God in the deepest of valleys, “Faithfully” has been a part of Toby’s show since “Life After Death” first dropped in 2022. Look for him to transition into the chorus of “Goodness of God” at the end, creating an unforgettable moment of authentic worship in the midst of an otherwise high-octane set.
“Kind,” Cory Asbury
While the majority of fans will simply be waiting for Cory Asbury to break out “Reckless Love,” those who follow the singer/songwriter/worship leader more closely will eagerly anticipate the live version of “Kind,” a standout selection from Asbury’s latest collection, “Pioneer.” The album’s poignant lead single asks the hard questions of faith most of us are too scared to utter out loud. While Asbury doesn’t pretend to have the answers to the questions he poses, he does land on a simple truth he’s experienced firsthand time and time again: “All He’s ever been is kind.” Although the respected wordsmith’s radio hits are likely to shape his setlist, fans will really miss out on something special if they head to the concourse for a snack during Asbury’s new material. While “Pioneer” is heavily influenced by the country sounds emerging from his new hometown of Nashville, Tenn., the lyrics of his latest songs are some of the best of his career. “Hits Deep 2024” attendees are in for a treat.
“New Creation,” Mac Powell
Sometimes it takes tragedy unfolding in our lives to reveal the true blessing. That’s the lesson Mac Powell shares on his original track, “New Creation.” The fan favorite finds the singer reflecting on the fact that he thought he knew God, only to discover he really only knew Him after experiencing hardship. He’s come to realize that every difficulty is a chance to know the Lord on a deeper level and an opportunity to become a better man, or perhaps, someone new altogether. Powell wrote the song in the midst of pandemic uncertainty and the touring shutdown, choosing to lean on the truth of 2 Corinthians 5:17: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” Now, he’ll get to lead the upbeat pop single in arenas across the country. Concertgoers will no doubt sing along to every word.
“Never,” Tasha Layton
Tasha Layton leans on the truth of Deuteronomy 3:16 for her new single, “Never.” “Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you,” the well-known verse reads. “Never” cements that promise. Reunited with the same team of co-writers who helped her craft her No. 1 smash, “How Far,” Layton penned the impactful pop selection with Matthew West, AJ Pruis and her husband, Keith Everette Smith, who will provide musical accompaniment for her on “Hits Deep,” since he’s also a longtime member of Toby’s Diverse City Band. Layton’s soaring performance of “Never” will have fans buzzing as her incredible vocals shine on the song that reminds us we’re never forgotten, abandoned or forsaken. Fans are also sure to enjoy other hits from the celebrated songstress like “Look What You’ve Done” and “Into The Sea (It’s Gonna Be Ok).”
“I Believe It (The Life of Jesus),” Jon Reddick
Jon Reddick proclaims his unwavering faith in Christ on his song, “I Believe It (The Life of Jesus).” The congregational-friendly single, which debuted as a K-LOVE First, was inspired by a trip Reddick took to the Holy Land. When he saw for himself the very places Jesus lived out his 33 years on Earth, the Bible stories the respected worship leader has read across his entire existence came to life in a fresh way. As he stood on a balcony at sunset overlooking the Sea of Galilee, his faith became sight. He took the initial idea into a writing session with fellow songwriters Daniel Carson, David Leonard, Jonathan Smith and Jess Cates, and it evolved into this epic track that celebrates the death, life and resurrection of Jesus. A returning favorite, Reddick performed the song last year on “Hits Deep.” He also treated radio listeners to the praise-worthy anthem at both the K-LOVE and Air1 events held at Red Rocks Amphitheatre in 2023.
“Honestly, We Just Need Jesus,” Terrian
Terrian kicked off 2024 with confessional mid-tempo ballad “Honestly, We Just Need Jesus.” The phrase might sound trite on its own, but in the context of the hard-hitting lyrics found across the quietly vulnerable track, it simply sounds like the truth. “This song is me taking a look in the mirror and recognizing that I don’t have the solution. I know the Person, though, who has the solution to the pain, the anxiety, the hurt that plagues our world, and His name is Jesus,” the Memphis native shares of the single that premiered as a K-LOVE First. “This song has meant so much to me for a while now. I look forward to finally sharing this one with you guys.” “Honestly, We Just Need Jesus” follows Terrian’s “Big God” (You’ll hear that one, too!). She filmed the official music video for the former pop smash during 2023’s installment of “Hits Deep.” Both songs appear on her highly anticipated full-length debut, “Give It Time,” releasing Jan. 26, 2024, the same day the tour launches. In addition to her opening set, you’ll also see the Diverse City member supporting Toby on background vocals during the night’s final full-length performance.
