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.
Nights Like This EP by Phaino x Ezzo
Toronto natives Phaino and Ezzo link up often for the incredible art Phaino handcrafts through God’s direction. The content of this EP is the byproduct of something unique and special through and through due to the close-knit partnership these two possess. Since the release of the CASANOVA EP, Phaino has been heavily consumed in developing a reborn sound fusing R&B, pop, and dance together with his original love for hip-hop. The experimental results may very well be deemed the EP of the summer, if not all of 2021.
Nights Like This is a 6-track EP that plays more like a fluid experience as opposed to individual tracks. On the production, Ezzo slew the transitions between tracks as well as complimenting Phaino’s lyrical talent with a sonic arsenal pleasing to ears worldwide. After a first listen of the project, listeners may break a sweat as the overall vibe forces body movement and praises upward to the Most High. Favorite tracks are “WHO AM I,” “Nights Like This,” and “BESIDE ME.” However, “WHO AM I” has gained the most plays from me thus far. It has the song structure and composition fit for mainstream radio play and DJ set inclusion.
Artists across the CHH space will continuously speak about how producers do not receive enough credit. It’s projects like this where the producer Ezzo shines bright like the summer afternoon sky on a day in July. Without his flawless song transitions, crisps beats, and song structure between verses – the project would be dope, but not acclaimed as incredibly versatile and infectious. The Toronto duo pulled off something artsy and beautiful for all to enjoy. Stream Nights Like This on Spotify here.
George.Rose feat. Porsha Love - "Up Tuh Speed"
Rappers George.Rose and Porsha Love tag team the latest artistic work from Rose. The track is themed around a "faith check" of sorts ensuring you're where God has called you to be during the personal walk with God. The single is filled with catchy wordplay and references to the speed of internet service (e.g., 5G, fiberoptics, cable). Porsha Love is an up-and-coming female artist catching the ears of many media sites and promoters. She's hosting the indie tribe. Holy Smoke! event at the end of this month (July 30-31) in Atlanta. Check out the end of the video for the further explanation behind the song and some outtakes from the visuals. Stream "Up Tuh Speed" on Spotify here.
Rockstar JT feat. Social Club Misfits - "YKTV"
Indie trap rapper Rockstar JT teams up with Capitol CMG's Social Club Misfits for a toned-down, mellow vibe fitting for late-night chill sessions. Tracks such as this one showcase versatility. Marty displays his vocal talents on the hook, while JT spits game even on a mid-tempo beat proving he can spread art over a variety of canvasses. I love the mix of Fernie's and JT's bars with the beat and Marty's melodies. Great start of the weekend track. Stream "YKTV" on Spotify here.