You’ve probably heard it. That raw, gravelly, almost defiant vocal line: "I tried Him and I know Him." It’s everywhere. It’s on TikTok transitions. It’s in the background of sports highlight reels. It’s the soundtrack to people showing off their personal "glow-ups" or surviving a rough patch in their lives.
But where did it actually come from?
The phrase isn't just a catchy hook. It is a piece of Black gospel history that has been revitalized by the digital age, specifically through the voice of the late Rev. Milton Brunson and the Thompson Community Singers. Specifically, the song is "It’s Gonna Rain," and the soloist who delivers that legendary line is Darius Brooks.
Knowing the source matters. Most people think it’s just a trending soundbite, but it represents a specific era of 1980s and 90s gospel music that bridged the gap between traditional choir sounds and modern production.
Why "I Tried Him and I Know Him" Went Viral Now
Nostalgia is a powerful drug. Honestly, the reason this specific clip exploded on platforms like Instagram and TikTok isn't just because the music is good. It's because of the conviction.
In an era of filtered lives and artificial intelligence, there is something jarringly authentic about a man shouting that he has personally tested a higher power and found it to be real. It hits differently. People are using the sound to validate their own struggles. Whether they are religious or not, the sentiment of "I’ve been through it, I tested this path, and I’m still here" is universal.
The viral moment usually focuses on the breakdown. The beat drops out, the choir stays steady, and the lead singer goes into a "drive." In gospel music, the drive is that repetitive, high-energy climax where the message is hammered home.
The Thompson Community Singers Connection
The Thompson Community Singers, or "The Tommies" as they are known to fans, were pioneers. Based in Chicago, they weren't just a choir; they were a hit-making machine under Milton Brunson. They won Grammys. They topped Billboard charts.
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When Darius Brooks sings "I tried Him and I know Him," he isn't just performing. He’s testifying. That’s the nuance that AI-generated music or slick pop songs often miss. There is a "dirtiness" to the recording—not in quality, but in soul—that makes it feel like it was recorded in a room full of people who actually believed what they were saying.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Song
A lot of folks think this is a new song or a remix by a modern DJ. It's not.
"It’s Gonna Rain" was released on the album Available to You in 1988. If you listen to the full track, it’s actually a retelling of the story of Noah and the Ark. The "I tried Him" part is the emotional payoff after the narrative.
- The soloist: Darius Brooks. He’s a legend in his own right, a producer and songwriter who helped shape the "Chicago Sound."
- The structure: It starts slow, builds narrative tension, and then explodes into the vamp.
- The message: It’s a warning. The song says "It’s gonna rain," implying that you need to find shelter (faith) before the storm hits.
The viral snippet ignores the "rain" part and focuses on the "know Him" part. This is a classic case of digital re-contextualization. We take the part that feels good—the part about certainty and personal experience—and leave the part about the impending flood behind.
The Technical Brilliance of the "Drive"
Why does that specific line get stuck in your head? It’s the syncopation.
Gospel music relies heavily on the "and" of the beat. When Brooks says "I tried Him," he isn't landing on the one. He’s pushing the rhythm forward. It creates a sense of urgency. You feel like you need to move.
Musicologists often point to this era of gospel as the "Golden Age of the Choir." Before this, gospel was often very rigid or very bluesy. The Tommies brought a sophisticated, almost jazz-like harmony to the choir stands, but they kept the "stomp" of the Pentecostal church.
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If you analyze the vocal frequency of that specific recording, it occupies a space that cuts through smartphone speakers perfectly. It’s mid-range heavy. It’s loud. It’s demanding of your attention.
The Cultural Impact of the Phrase
In Black vernacular, "I tried him" carries a double meaning. It can mean "I tested His faithfulness," but in a more colloquial sense, it can also mean "someone tried to test me, and they found out."
This linguistic flexibility is exactly why the sound works for so many different types of content.
- Religious content: Sincere testimony of faith.
- Fitness content: Proving the doubters wrong after a transformation.
- Humorous content: Someone "trying" a new food or a new relationship and giving a definitive "I know him" (as in, I know how this ends).
How to Find the Original Version
If you want the real experience, don't just listen to the 15-second loop. You have to go to the source.
Search for Rev. Milton Brunson & The Thompson Community Singers - It's Gonna Rain.
The full version is nearly six minutes long. The build-up is essential. By the time you get to the "I tried Him" section, you’ve earned it. The interplay between the soprano, alto, and tenor sections is a masterclass in vocal arrangement. You can hear the room. You can hear the wooden floorboards of the church.
There are no vocal tuners here. No Melodyne. No Auto-Tune. If a note is slightly sharp or flat, it stays, because that’s where the emotion lives. That’s what’s missing in a lot of 2026's over-produced music landscape.
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Actionable Insights: How to Use This Knowledge
If you’re a creator looking to use this sound or a music lover trying to dig deeper, here is how you should approach it.
Understand the History
Don't just use the sound blindly. Acknowledge the Chicago gospel roots. If you’re posting a video, maybe tag or mention the Thompson Community Singers. It builds your credibility and shows you aren't just a "tourist" in the culture.
Listen to the Full Album
Available to You is a foundational gospel album. If you like the energy of "It's Gonna Rain," check out the title track "Available to You." It’s a slower ballad but carries the same weight of conviction.
Apply the "Certainty" Principle
The reason this song works is the lack of doubt. In your own content or life, aim for that level of "I know Him" certainty. People gravitate toward confidence. Whether you’re talking about a product, a belief, or a personal journey, the "tested and proven" narrative is the most compelling story you can tell.
Support the Legends
Many of the original members of these choirs are still active in music and ministry. Darius Brooks continues to produce and perform. Supporting the architects of the sounds we use for free on social media ensures that the culture stays alive and funded.
The "I tried Him and I know Him" trend isn't just a flash in the pan. It’s a reminder that truly soulful, honest art has no expiration date. It can sit in a vault for thirty years and suddenly become the most relevant thing on the internet because humans will always respond to someone speaking—or singing—their truth with everything they’ve got.
Stop scrolling through the 15-second clips. Go find the full live performance from the late 80s. Watch the way the choir moves. Notice the sweat on the soloist's brow. That is the level of effort it takes to create something that people are still talking about nearly four decades later.