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.
Joy by Phil J.
Alabama native Phil J. has been involved in faith-based music for the past nine years (2012). He released his debut mixtape, The Sponsor. However, he’s been smothered in the art of music since his first steps. His father was a huge influencer beyond Phil J.’s obsession with music. What makes Phil J. different than most is the infusion of multiple sounds within his personal art. Soul, R&B, hip-hop, funk, international, and jazz are just some of the varieties of influences found through his music. Phil J. has polished a sound nobody else can call their own. He writes, producers, plays multiple instruments, and experiments with sonics most do not consider. Phil J. lives and breathes creative art.
Joy is a compilation of nearly two years of work in the making. Phil J. has devoted the project to his late brother who passed away earlier in 2021 and represented a major portion of who Phil J. was. The album is a certified masterpiece from start to finish. Sonically, creatively, aesthetically, and overall. If this album took on a human form, it would be a supermodel; polished from head to toe.
Some favorites from the album personally are “Passion,” “Peace” featuring Culture Villains’ CZAR JOSH, and “Spotlight.” Without giving away the unique characteristics of the project, I’ll share some feedback. The tracks contain a plethora of strings, something I’m obsessed with in hip-hop and soul. Phil J.’s melodies blend near-perfectly regardless of the track. His flow stands unique, untouched by any other artist honestly. In all facets of the term, the project is a masterpiece (as Phil J. has mentioned). Stream Joy on Spotify here.
Roy Tosh feat. Evan Ford - "On Time"
RMG Amplify’s Roy Tosh returns with his fourth single of 2021 titled, “On Time” featuring Evan Ford. Evan’s wife Eris was featured on Tosh’s last single “Gotta Wait.” The duo possesses some of the best vocals and bars in the faith-based community. “On Time” speaks to how God never fails, is never late, and is always available at the exact moment we call upon Him. Ford opens with some crazy vocals igniting the tempo and vibe of the track. Then, Tosh enters in with his precise bars, crazy rhyme schemes and melodic party. The track serves of a beautiful reminder of God’s timing and goes crazy on a weekend playlist. Check on the amazing acoustic sounds throughout too. Stream “On Time” on Spotify here.
K-Drama - "Thank You for Blessing Me"
The Long-time CHH veteran K-Drama blesses his fanbase with a new track and the fifth single released in 2021. The sample used throughout the single is a classic M.C. Hammer hit, "U Can't Touch This" from 1990. Recently, K-Drama has sampled iconic hits from the past or video game megahits while enjoying crafting his art and love for hip-hop. He's a master beyond the production aspect of music creation. The track has that classic K-Drama sound and flow, yet the sonics are creative enough to give off the throwback vibe of the 1990s and the music we all grew up on. Stream "Thank You for Blessing Me" on Spotify here.
