It's been a difficult year for artists and bands, of any genre, during a time where a global pandemic reigned for most of it. No concerts. No events. No touring. No meet-and-greets. No physical interactions with fanbases. Since 85 percent or greater of Christian Hip-Hop (CHH) artists are independent and unattached to a label, the struggle runs deep on a wide scale. However, most artists rose above the personal trials and tribulations creating beautiful art throughout 2020. Here are my top 20 albums and EPs of the year.
Top Albums
Parris Chariz – 2045 / 2045 Deluxe Edition: Airwaves 2045 is a creative collection, given everything that artist Parris Chariz has to offer. Not just for the listener, but for the genre and art of music. Sonically, the project differs from most of its counterparts. Unique music from start to finish. The album has three bonus tracks, including 2019’s “Angels.” The artistry blend of harmonies and lyricism, when done right, will always command a standing ovation. Parris possesses the tools to challenge any other artist within the genre (the talented artist has been one of my top ten artists since 2015). Digest track to track with hunger. Ingest the music with eagerness. Catch the wave of “Surfboard P” and ride through a collection of some of the best hip-hop music in existence–whether speaking of the mainstream or Christian spaces.
Restoration / Deluxe Edition by Lecrae (Reach Records)
My Life is a Beautiful Mess by Aklesso (Good City Music)
His Glory Alone by KB (Sony Entertainment)
Exit by Wande (Reach Records)
The Divine Storm by Ty Brasel (4Against5)
Problematic by KHAM (Culture Villains collective)
Vagabonds by J. Crum (Streetlight Sounds collective)
Heathen by GAWVI (Reach Records)
Anti-Hero by Jon Keith (Kings Dream Entertainment)
Hope is Dope! 2 by Jered Sanders (God Over Money)
Sad People Make Dope Music 2 by Mogli the Iceburg (indie tribe. collective)
Grounded by Dillon Chase (Die Daily)
JOPPA by Eshon Burgundy (NFTRY)
Touch Mine Not Anointed by Taelor Gray (independent)
Feared By Hell by Social Club Misfits (Christian Capitol Music Group)
UFO TOFO by Dru Bex x Kay Sade (independent)
Bridges by Da' T.R.U.T.H. x Limoblaze (independent)
Darrell by Mitch Darrell (independent)
CHH Ain't Dead, Vol. 1 by Datin (God Over Money)
Top EPs
Hulvey– BRKNHRT BRKNHRT was the second EP release of the year for Reach Records' newest signee, Hulvey. After Prelude, Hulvey wanted to give fans a proper introduction to his artistry, heart, and passion behind the music. He gives me a lot of the same vibes hip-hop superstar KB did when he was with the label. Solid lyricism meshed with a heart of worship. Hulvey even coupled each track with a visual representation, that is video, to further drive the message and detail behind each song. Each artistic selection bleeds raw emotion helping Hulvey transition from a goal of the spotlight to aspirations of growing closer to God. The art captured alone between the visuals and the lyrical content created a masterpiece earning the top spot out of the masses of EPs released in 2020.
Top 20 CHH EPs of 2020
BRKNHRT by Hulvey (Reach Records)
180 by Aha Gazelle (independent)
Black Jordans & White Socks by Armond Wakeup x Taelor Gray (independent)
Happy Thoughts by Andy Mineo (Reach Records)
Power of the Pivot by Beleaf (independent)
Provision by YB (Bold Records)
Sundown by Eric Heron (independent)
Father Guide My Hands 2 by Josiah Davis (panda cafe collective)
Refresh by TROSSTHEGIANT (independent)
Marty for President 2 by Marty (of Social Club Misfits) (Christian Capitol Music Group)
Summer Was Canceled by Thi'sl (Full Ride Music)
Growing Up, Pt. 1 by Peabod (Centricity)
Daybreak by FLAME (Clear Sight Music)
Contentment by Hilgy x FVMELESS (independent)
Heights by Wes Harris (independent)
Casanova by Phaino (independent)
BRXXKS by JASXN (panda cafe collective)
In This Moment by Legin (Renaissance Music Movement)
Beautiful Chaos by Roy Tosh (RMG Amplify)
No Time to Waste by JP KILLED IT (independent)
While a global pandemic dominated 2020 from March until now, many artists used their excess amounts of time at home to create their art in the form of musical expression. With close to 50 prevalent albums and approximately 75 EPs released throughout the year, entertainment for our ears and hearts was never in short supply. Even with 20 selections from each form of media, I feel personally I may have missed some solid releases. Then again, "Best Of" lists are subjective and are never perfect for every reader. That's sort of the beauty within concerning art. What may be a masterpiece to one pair of ears, might be trash to another.
Joshua Galla is an avid hip-hop head always hip to the latest releases while enjoying the classics. Music is his passion and escape from the mundane.
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