#11 - Parris Chariz, Lecrae, Antoine Bradford & More...
NRT's CHH contributor Joshua Galla collects what's new in Christian Hip-Hop and Urban Soul for the week of Friday, July 17, 2020 (Photo: Parris Chariz)
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.
2045 by Parris Chariz Parris Chariz returns with his seventh release in the span of a five-year timeline, 2045. The album is a creative collection of all the best talents Chariz has to offer the genre and overall art collectively-speaking. Listeners are treated to pure lyricism from Surfboard P on "Can't Hold Back Freestyle." Chariz accents harmonies and melodies adding soulful greatness on "Secrets." Personal highlights include the disco-driven throwback vibe on "Type Mean." Also, the unique production and overall flow on "Hate Me or Love Me." Notable features are 1K Phew, Ty Brasel, Foggieraw, ELI PLM, Chasing Ryan, M.C., and long-time friend Joey Sativa. The album possesses replay value, regardless of the track, and several anthems that will turn into the soundtrack of Friday night cruises for the rest of summer.
Lecrae feat. John Legend - "Drown" Lecrae Moore returns with his third single off the soon-to-be-released album titled, Restoration (August 21). After a few listens, I can't help but relate the transparent vibe from Lecrae to something similar David would experience while lifting up songs to God in the Book of Pslams. Columbia Records' John Legend was a puzzle-perfect fit with his strong harmonies and chords. The track is in-tune with the entire idea behind the album's title. Listeners are expected to discover the clearest, most intimate portrayal of Lecrae to date. Also, I enjoyed it wasn't strictly a trap-based beat and collective production either. The Rhythm & Blues (R&B) feel for the track shines outward and is quite satisfying.
Antoine Bradford - "How Many Times"
Newly signed Humble Beast artist Antoine Bradford is back with his second single since leaving behind the independent road. Bradford's strong chords behind an acoustic guitar return driving the track. The theme revolves around how many times us as Christians fall to sinful desires or temptation. Bradford poses the question of how many times must we fail before we either succeed or walk righteously in the sight of the Lord. Shortly after the middle of the track, listeners are met with an ear-pleasing surprise in the form of drums. A few EP releases later and a handful of singles and Bradford seems to just consistently improve and wow my ears with each new release.
