#13 - Reach Records, Christon Gray, Steven Malcolm, & More...
NRT's CHH contributor Joshua Galla collects what's new in Christian Hip-Hop and Urban Soul for the week of Friday, July 31, 2020 (Photo: Reach Records 2020 Summer Playlist)
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.
Summer 2020: Block Party Playlist by Reach Records For the past three years, the playlist sort of speaks for itself. A few handfuls of incredible tracks, with phenomenal production, providing listeners with a summer soundtrack for barbeques and weekend cruising. The difference this time around is the up and coming friends of the label invited to the block party. Rockstar JT, CASS, nobigdyl., AKLESSO, Duke Duece, MainMain, Torey D'Shaun, and others represent the energy in CHH currently. The premier label reflects being plugged into the urban space shine through the 15-track offering. Personal favorites include "Raise the Meter," "Celebrate More," and "Stick." Once again, Reach Records outdid themselves with the concept behind the annual playlist. It's become something I highly anticipate year-to-year.
Christon Gray - "Closer (Restore My Sight)" Recently, Christon Gray has hinted at the arrival of a sequel to his 2014 classic, School of Roses. Fans are one step closer to its arrival as Gray releases the debut single from the project today. He's a multi-talented artist whose nearly perfected timeless harmonies and pure lyricism. This time around, we receive the soulful version of Gray resembling a song of worship and admiration of our Creator. The keys driving the production of the track are perfect accents to his powerful voice. Our fast-paced lives are forced to a temporary slowdown to enjoy and appreciate the words Gray expresses.
Steven Malcolm feat. Shaggy - "Fuego Remix"
4Against5's Steven Malcolm gives "Fuego" a tuneup off his 2019 project titled, The Second City. Instead of Anderson Michael offering the feature on the track, Malcolm enlisted the Jamaican reggaeton superstar artist Shaggy. Shaggy is best known for his hits "Boombastic," "Angel," and "It Wasn't Me." A dream collaboration given Malcolm's Jamaican roots and sound throughout his projects. Shaggy gives the track a refreshed sound and feel, ideal for a successful remix.
