NRT's CHH contributor Joshua Galla collects what's new in Christian Hip-Hop and Urban Soul for the week of Friday, March 12, 2021. (Photo: Torey D'Shaun)
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 and Apple Music to listen to all the latest.
Torey D'Shaun - "SCAM LIKELY" After an extended hiatus of sorts, independent rapper Torey D'Shaun returns with a playful vibe titled, "SCAM LIKELY" featuring indie tribe's nobigdyl. D'Shaun has been featured on Reach Records' summer playlists. He's always been a prominent CHH artist. However, he takes time to add quality to his craft releasing hits off the beaten path. The latest single speaks to me as I seem to get way too many of those "spam risk" warning calls on my cell. Prominent producer Carvello handcrafted a 90's-like feel for this banger ensuring my love for the track even more. The instrumentation used is unique and catchy adding to the overall enjoyment of the single. Listen to "SCAM LIKELY" on Spotify here.
J. Crum feat. Tylynn - "Monochrome Melancholy"
Streetlight Sounds' rapper J. Crum returns to showcase his strength in bars solidifying his spot as an elite emcee. Crum has range between tempo and style. His rhyme schemes are always fresh and witty. He will definitely have you engaged in three or four repeat listens to catch a certain play on words. This time around, Crum enlists Nebraska's own Tylynn featuring her inferno-like skills as an emcee. I've added her as yet another incredible female emcee to remain on my radar. The overall mix is super clean and fits each rapper's vocal pocket perfectly. Listen to "Monochrome Melancholy" on Youtube here.
Blood, Vol. 1 by Dee Black
HISSTORY Music Group's Dee Black returns with a hard-hitting, soul-searching EP for the people. Black is from the "glory days" of CHH and sticks to the time-tested formula for content. Dope production. Hard-knocking 808s. Content smothered in the love and grace of Jesus Christ. The opening track "Made Me." has a dope piano lead-in, as I'm a sucker for keys on hip-hop tracks. The track ends with a sermon snippet, typical to organic CHH vibes. The next track, "Gasoline", heats things up quickly. The wordplay is pretty insane, so listen intently. Another hype track, "Move Along" featuring Mouthpi3ce, continues the audio party. Mouthpi3ce has always been a favorite of mine. Underrated, yet never disappoints. "What good is turning up if you're not going to return to repentance," he declares with authority on the track. The project finished with "Praise and Honor" featuring Norman Michael. The tempo of the project is slowed down only for a moment, then builds with anticipation as Black explains devotion to Christ while constantly avoiding the devil. Start to finish, the EP is a proclamation of faith, glory, and Christ's reign in a Christian's life. Listen to the Blood, Vol 1 EP on Spotify here.
