2017 was a breakout year for Christian Hip-Hop. 
 
CHH artists exploded onto the scene, more so this year than ever before--partially due to the digital and streaming domination in music, but mainly born out of the concept of quality finally meshing with quantity in the genre. 
 
In a space where Hip-Hop/R&B overtook the most popular genre in terms of overall consumption for the first time since the Nielson Soundscan ratings were created, timing has aligned perfectly for a quality positive alternative to mainstream offerings. The airwaves were smothered in CHH throughout 2017, mainly with trap-drenched production over savvy bars, but a definite direction switch can be seen back to the classics like boom-bap and gritty hip-hop when you look closer. The content stretches wide between "milk-n-meat" lyrical combinations, providing a balanced mix to fans who need to either dive deeper into God's word or just want a Friday night vibe. 
  
Here are the 15 singles which found replay power for me throughout the year (see a full list of CHH standout singles on the playlist below). These favorites remain in my weekly rotation to date:
 
1. "Diamonds" by DJ Mykael V featuring WHATUPRG, Victor Cornelius, and Parris Chariz
2. "All The Time" by Swoope
3. "God Taught Me" by Zauntee
4. "Blessings Be" by Corey Wise feat. Lawren
5. "Broke" by Lecrae
6. "Facts" by Aaron Cole
7. "Five Fifty Seven" by Jay Sanon
8. "Believe" by Heath McNease feat. JGivens and Propaganda
9. "Dance (You See It)" by Andy Mineo and Wordsplayed
10. "Dawn" by Eric Heron feat. Antoine Bradford and WHATUPRG
11. "Lighthouse" by Tarcea Renee
12. "Fiya *Caramel Macchiato*" Angie Rose feat. Lish
13. "Take Off" by Derek Minor feat. Canon, KB, and Ty Brasel
14. "Aquafina" by WHATUPRG
15. "Time Tickin" by Jered Sanders
 
An even more time-consuming process was sifting through most of the albums which dropped in 2017. They're mostly listed in chronological order on the playlist below. I figured the use of the "shuffle" button may turn this extensive 1,200+ track list into an enjoyable listening and discovery experience.
 
I thought locking down my favorite singles was a difficult feat, but then came the albums. I separated full-lengths from EPs because they have different vibes. Here are my top 15 albums and top 5 EPs from 2017, still fresh in my weekly listens. 
   
1. Magic & Bird Mixtape by Andy Mineo and Wordsplayed (Minor League)
2. The Good Album by Dru Bex (Role Model Records)
3. Nobody Famous and VERSEatility by Jered Sanders (GOM)
4. Today We Rebel by KB (Reach)
5. Trilliam 3 by Aha Gazelle (Reach)
6. Crooked by Propaganda (Humble Beast)
7. Canopy by nobigdyl. (indie tribe.)
8. The Spectacle by Mouthpi3ce (HMG)
9. Young T by Ty Brasel (4Against5)
10. Foreigner by Phil J. (Independent) 
11. The Misadventures of Fern & Marty by Social Club Misfits (CMG)
12. Memoirs From A Perfect World by Selah the Corner (GOM)
13. Blue Eyed Devil by KRUM (Independent)
14. Tumultu by Mogli the Iceburg (indie tribe.)
15. Worthy by Beautiful Eulogy (Humble Beast)
   
1. Dawn by Eric Heron (Independent)
2. Your Soul Must Fly / High Above by Derek Minor (from the Up & Away series) [RMG]
3. Focus by Corey Wise (Independent)
4. As You Pass Go by Lawren (Independent)
5. Goodish by Deraj (RMG)
 
Everybody vibes to different artists and types of records for a variety of reasons. Comment below or reach out to me via Twitter to debate your personal favorites. I'm always open to discovering new music and artists! 
 
Throughout the beginning weeks of 2018, I'll post Twitter updates @dadbyfaith of my honorable mentions because I feel like an extra handful of talented artists need to be recognized.