Each week, dozens of singles and a handful of projects 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.
KB - "10K" Known as one of the elite artists in the CHH genre, KB returns with his second single "10K" since departing from Reach Records and inking a deal with Sony Music Entertainment. First was "Armies," spun with a Chris Tomlin sample. Now, the latest single is a KB's own take from Matt Redman's anthem "10,000 Reasons." Personally, this is one of my favorite releases from the Florida native. Fans are treated to his classic fast-paced raps and creative wordplay over crisp production and sample. This track will be on solid repeat for weeks to follow.
Datin feat. FERN (of Social Club Misfits) - "Did It A Lot" God Over Money's (GOM) Datin returns with a gritty banger to bless hip-hop heads everywhere. FERN from Social Club Misfits kickstarts the track with intricate bars and a creative spin original to the misfit himself. Listen carefully to catch the brilliance brewing in FERN's mind including a personal greeting for new fans of his craft. Datin finishes off the track like the dessert of a five-course meal, filling to the last bar. The wordsmith himself created catchy sixteens sure to gain some "ooohs and ahhhs" from fans everywhere. No trap music here, but a return to the classic boom bap of the era that made me fall in love with hip-hop for the rest of my days.
NOMIS - Lot EP
Two years after Rhodes to Rome dropped, NOMIS releases a new project titled, Lot. CHH veteran, NOMIS has been blessing ears of hip-hop faithful for over 12 years. The EP begins with "Atlas" (see below) reminding fans of his innovation and unique sound departed from what's drowning the airwaves currently. Pure lyrical onslaught and a catchy hook start things off. It's obvious that NOMIS hails from a different era of hip-hop with influences dating back to the iconic '90s when hip-hop erected its infectious foundation. The wordplay references, the production selection, and hints of storytelling; characteristics absent from most of CHH in 2020. A favorite off the EP for me is "Tug of War" feat. Jeremiah Bligen. The exchange of lyricism between the two is aggressive, yet encouraging. The track reminded me why the art of rapping is embedded in my heart. For a refreshing take on CHH, this is a project every fan should check out this weekend.
