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.
Christopher by Hulvey Reach Records' Hulvey releases his debut album just over a year after joining the prolific CHH label. In-between, he released two EPs, took part in the label's distinct summer playlist compilation, and dropped over a handful of singles. The album integrates Hulvey's pristine talents of rapping, freestyling, and singing. He also dabbles in producing, but not this time around. Ace Harris, Zach Paradis, and a handful of other producers collaborated. Christopher is a transparent walk of faith from high school through present-day embodying God's work within him artistically and personally.
The beauty resides in the various soundscapes experienced throughout. Worship anthems, Friday-night bangers, pop-driven hits, freestyle perfection, and songs of remembrance assemble collectively. Teaming up with BigBreeze, Hulvey asks, "Where The Love Go?" referring to CHH and the community within. Those involved in the industry know that it can be as unpredictable as a roller coaster of emotions. "9th Grade" unfolds Hulvey's struggles with a disconnect from a best friend and seeing everybody else partying while he was keeping the faith. Many can relate to the trials of attempting to "fit in" and the emotional trials attached. "We Against the World" featuring Andy Mineo presents to us a version of Mineo we all know and love. Dope bars, hysterical antics, and that boy can act! Cumulated together, it's a debut I personally believe Hulvey exactly hoped for from beginning to end. Yesterday, a documentary was released on This Is Me TV titled, "Where Do I Belong?' To stream Christopher on Spotify, click here.
NXTMIKE feat. adriansings. - "NO SABE"
Trapship Collective and Freshman Year Co. owner NXTMIKE presents one of the hottest singles of springtime to date. "No Sabe" (Do Not Know) invites a Spanish twist to two underrated and underappreciated emcees in CHH. The leading horns on the track go crazy and add to a unique soundscape. A fellow 'The Office' lover like myself, one of my favorite bars was, "I feel like Jim Halpert, I had to cut some ties." The wordplay throughout hits different and improves steadily as the track builds. Definitely, a weekly road trip playlist must. Stream "NO SABE" on Spotify here.
S.O. - "Prosper"
Nigerian-born, yet raised in London, S.O. is an international hip-hop artist which should always be on your radar. The latest single hinges off of a play on meaning and words from Isaiah 54:17 summarized as "no weapon formed against me shall prosper." The instrumentation goes crazy on the single throughout presenting itself as a Caribbean vibe brushing lines with a reggae feel. The drums, horns, harmonizing, and flowing snare forces your body to move and shake in worship to a God who provides. This track definitely stands out as a favorite of mine from S.O. after multiple listens release night. Stream "Prosper" on Spotify here.
