Dave Hollister Returns with ‘Thought You Knew’

Dave Hollister is the embodiment of timeless R&B sophistication—a voice defined by soul, substance, and an unwavering commitment to authenticity.

Returning with his new single and video “Thought You Knew,” blending timeless R&B warmth with modern polish.

Emotionally rich and reflecting Dave‘s signature “Ghetto Preacher” style, honest, uplifting, and deeply felt.

“You caught my heart mid air, mid spin
Like magic tricks on a whirlwind
The moon’s got secrets it won’t share, hey
But I see yours in the midnight air
The way you glance
The way you do
I knew you knew”

As a founding member of the Grammy-winning group Blackstreet, Hollister helped shape the sound of a generation before establishing a solo career that redefined grown-man R&B—honest, elevated, and deeply resonant.

Long before his solo acclaim, Dave Hollister’s voice was already etched into music history—featured on two of Tupac Shakur’s most iconic records, “Keep Ya Head Up” and “Brenda’s Got a Baby,” delivering soulful melodies that helped define the emotional depth of hip-hop’s golden era.

Dave also performed alongside Digital Underground, further cementing his roots in a transformative era of music culture.

Affectionately known as the “Ghetto Preacher,” Hollister earned this distinction through his rare ability to minister through music—bridging the streets, the church, and the human experience.

His platinum-certified albums “Ghetto Hymns” and “Chicago ’85… The Movie,” along with signature records like “One Woman Man,” solidified his place as a definitive voice for love, accountability, and real-life storytelling within R&B.

Rooted in gospel and refined through decades of artistry, Hollister’s sound transcends trends — offering a rare blend of vulnerability, strength, and musical excellence.

UB spoke to Dave in 2006 for the release of his first gospel release “The Book Of David: VOL. 1 The Transition.”

At the time he had left R&B and we asked him then if he would ever record it again? “No my R&B; days are gone man. I’m done. I don’t really look at it as me doing gospel music now, but again more like life music. Don’t get me wrong, I will talk about anything and will sing love songs to a certain extent.”

Dave continued “It’s about whatever I feel at the time. For me it’s about the concept, like right now I got the title. So now I’ll write the songs based around that. The rest will fall into place.”

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