NRT's CHH contributor Joshua Galla collects what's new in Christian Hip-Hop, Rap and Urban Soul for the week of Friday, May 22, 2020 (Photo: Eric Heron)
Each week, dozens of albums, EPs, and singles are released in the Christian Hip-Hop (CHH) and Urban Soul spaces. Below, we listen to a few highlights and list the rest for your own discovery. As always, follow our New Christian Rap & Hip Hop playlist on Spotify to listen to all the latest.
Aaron Cole - "Only You" and "Forever Grateful"
Gotee Records' Aaron Cole dropped a maxi-single under the title, Only You Forever. The first of two tracks features label mate Terrian. "Only You" has the soulful, melodic version of Cole returning. The two blend harmoniously like peanut butter and jelly or milk and cookies. Their voices compliment each other effortlessly as the track has a worship-like vibe. The song focuses on how only God can do the things he does in our lives regardless of the season. Next, "Forever Grateful" adds a more upbeat tempo but sticks with the soulful vibe. This time around, we do not get the version of Cole that bar after bar of lyrical heat. Again, its theme is an ode to his gratefulness of all that God does based on his eternal promises. An incredible choir provides some of the background vocals solidifying it as one of my new favorites from Cole.
Eric Heron feat. Dondi - "4 Life"
One of the most underrated artists in the hip-hop space, Eric Heron seems to never miss. Heron teams up with Hawaiian native Dondi for a second effort. This time around, a summer anthem ensues as the end product. The track focuses on that "ride or die" boy and girl relationship of individuals in love. Dondi provides one of her strongest features to date. It's confident, it's powerful, and it showcases her craft is growing and improving with each new appearance. It's one for your Friday night cruise this summer for sure!
Bizzle - The Messenger 4: Independents Day
A staple of the CHH industry, Bizzle returns with the fourth installment of his Messenger mixtape series. This time around, he's celebrating 10 years of being fully independent. From day one, Bizzle has been unashamed of shamelessly placing Christ-centered content in every track put out. One thing will always be true about this artist, you will get to know Christ, the Kingdom of God, and the Gospels in every project he's created. Slick wordplay, theological heat, biblical truths, poppin' beats, and a solid flow which never disappoints. Some favorites to speak of are "Christ Gang," "Smoke Free," and "Crazy."
