NRT's CHH contributor Joshua Galla collects what's new in Christian Hip-Hop and Urban Soul for the week of Friday, November 20, 2020 (Photo: Da' T.R.U.T.H.)
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.
Bridges by Da' T.R.U.T.H. x Limoblaze The album is one of the most culturally-unique albums of 2020. It's a welcomed escape from the trap-smothered influence which has somewhat dominated CHH throughout the year. Refreshing instrumentation, innovative soundscapes, powerful thought-provoking content, and energetic fun summarize the vibe felt throughout the album. Bridges infuses emotions of hope, love, and unity as opposed to the panic-driven feelings society has faced throughout most of the year. Some standout tracks include "African Church Boy," "Mean Time" featuring Papa San, and "Landmines." Just when most album-of-the-year selections are made, media sites like our own may want to consider this gem for a nomination.
Rockstar JT feat. Tedashii & Scootie Wop - "My Migo"
One thing listeners of Alabama-born, Philidelphia-based Rockstar JT can bank upon is the high energy and street awareness JT blesses every track he touches. Prepping for the release of his next project, Streets Signed Me, Vol. 2 - JT releases another solid single featuring Reach Records' Tedashii and indie artist Scootie Wop. Like legends Thi'sl and Reconcile, JT's music is directed to showing Jesus to the people on the streets. The drug dealers, hustlers, or whomever else needs the love of Christ to shine through. JT and Scootie Wop sound flawless each time they partner on a track. Their exchanges during the track truly make the track shine. Also, I think the Tedashii feature was some of the strongest bars T-Dot has released in quite some time. Even while we near the end of 2020, this single receives high praises as one of my favorites from the year.
Ruslan - "Bless God"
Kings Dream Entertainment's own Ruslan returns with a new single presenting a retro feel. He throws the flow and production back to the days of the mid 90's complete with the turntable scratches, absence of the typical double-time flow, and solid bars. I absolutely adore the background sounds of a choir-like sound, piano, and an overall mellow flow. Definitely threw me back to the era when I fell in love with hip-hop bumpin' Biggie everywhere I traveled. This track would definitely perform well in front of a crowd if we ever return to such an atmosphere.
