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.
KHAM - "PROBLEMATIC" Recently RMG Amplify signee KHAM presents "PROBLEMATIC" as his introductory single with the label under Doc Watson and Derek Minor. KHAM is also a part of the Culture Villains collective headed by Travis James. The single is gritty and displays some of KHAM's strongest bars to date. It will be the first single off his debut album of the same title dropping as of October 30. The west coast-inspired track was produced by Bay Area native producer and artist, seni. KHAM's content focuses on current societal issues that have been problematic when pinned against his own mental health. Check out KHAM's new site, improblematic.com, for snippets and previews of the upcoming debut album.
Swaizy feat. Hulvey - "Swivel"
Independent 17-year old Hawaiin native Swaizy continues to surprise the CHH community with his passion and skill set as a teenager. The latest single "Swivel" teams the rising Swaizy with Reach Records' Hulvey. The track's contents revolve around remaining focused on God regardless of how many directions the world tries to steer you. Hulvey gets the track started with the hook and his own lyrical contribution. With each new feature and single lately, the refinement within Hulvey remains quite impressive bar for bar. Swaizy finishes up the track with a fiery charge of energy. He doesn't sound like a freshman, but a vet of several years to this rap game. Refined. Focused and determined. Swaizy is someone to watch throughout 2021.
Golden by Zae Ortiz
We do not highlight our urban soul population enough. The skill and talent to take the sound of CHH, yet the skill set of a solid vocalist is no easy feat. Zae Ortiz has been perfecting such for the past five-year period. It's said that the roads of heaven are paved in solid gold. Ortiz takes this idea of heavenly splendor and awe and translates his emotions into a masterpiece. Some standout tracks include "Token" featuring Jarry Manna, "Let Go," and "Need You To Need Me." Within such a space, balance is key. Not too much trap focus. Not too much rhyme and lacking rhythm. Vocals interjected into soul and transparency. Ortiz remains seasoned and weathered. The project celebrates life, victories, and struggles combined.
