NRT's CHH contributor Joshua Galla collects what's new in Christian Hip-Hop and Urban Soul for the week of Friday, January 15, 2021. (Photo: Angie Rose)
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.
Unstoppable EP by Angie Rose Capitol CMG's Angie Rose releases her debut project under her new label affiliation. Unstoppable captivates listeners to the point of wishing the project was in the long form of an album as opposed to an EP. It's culturally aesthetic. It pushes Rose's abilities to juggle rapping, harmonizing, and bouncing between two cultures seamlessly. From the beautiful, affirming strength shown on the cover art to the content overall, Rose exemplifies her inner power through Christ and dominance of her art found in musical expression. Standout tracks include "Pain Inside My Eyes," "Unstoppable (Do It Again)", and "7 Gold Chains" The sonic value of the overall EP is quite pleasing. Sounds of trap drums, high hats, bongos, horns, and a variety of other well-coordinated additions help make the project stand out and listeners jump out their seats to move furiously. Seven tracks honestly aren't enough, as this project is one that will repeat more than a handful of plays.
Josiah Davis - "I'm Okay"
Independent artist Josiah Davis returns with his second single of 2021 titled, "I'm Okay." Many fans and fellow artists are unaware of the multitalented Davis who isn't restricted to writing sixteens to spit on a mic. He can produce, sing (and sing well) amongst other weapons within his sonic arsenal. With the latest single, Davis displays both talents of rhyming and harmonizing on a track that easily could be a certified radio hit. I appreciate his escape from the standard trap sound adding melodic bops and twists to the production behind the track. Davis explains that regardless of any level of diversity, he's going to be okay through the love and protection of God. NGEN radio needs to add this to their airplay list pronto!
Sanctified x Poetics feat. Miles Minnick - "925 (765 Remix)"
Rise of the independent artists and producer as this track justified a label isn't required to handcraft a strong vibe throughout. Miles Minnick and Poetics are like the Midas brothers turning everything they touch into gold hits! The track accents the Bay Area (California) atop on their allegiance to Christ regardless. The continuous exchange of tempos between the artists is well-done and a highlight of the track. I absolutely love the background sounds of woodwind-driven instrumentation. Overall, it's a solid track helping signify CHH is far from dead.
