NRT's CHH contributor Joshua Galla collects what's new in Christian Hip-Hop and Urban Soul for the week of Friday, August 20, 2021. (Photo: Andy Mineo)
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.
Andy Mineo - "MPJ Freestyle"
Reach Records’ Andy Mineo drops a new single from his upcoming highly anticipated fourth studio album, Never Land II. This album, set to be released next month, will be a follow-up to the original Never Land EP from 2014. Recently, Mineo developed a friendship with young Denver Nuggets NBA player Michael Porter, Jr. Lately, the two followers of Christ have discussed faith, sports, the entertainment industry, and how to remain driven in their walk with Jesus amongst constant temptation and worldly influences. A line from the track states, “Lord keep your hand on MPJ that he goin’ keep his pants on and behave / There’s a lot of married men in the NBA who got shorties in cities on NDA.” Due to their friendship and treasured conversations, Mineo named the track after him. The freestyle contains quite a few lyrical gems over a brilliant beat. Stream the "MPJ Freestyle" on Spotify here.
V.Rose - "Act Right"
RMG Amplify's V.Rose returns with just her second single of 2021. However, she's been a mainstay in the CHH and Soul spaces for a decade. Her latest single focuses on her raw, pure harmonizing talents as a vocalist. She has range. She has depth and soul. She can ride multiple tempos. There isn't much, musically speaking, she cannot do. Stream "Act Right" on Spotify here.
Signs EP by Reece Lache'
Born and raised in the state of Louisiana, independent artist Reece Lache’ has written soul-driven songs of faith, life experiences, and of God’s influence through it all. Like most, she utilizes music as an emotional outlet for self-expression. Such a practice began at the age of 11 when she started to compose poetry and original songs. Recently, she was honored as a part of the Reach Records’ Summer ’21 playlist released on August 13 by the inclusion of her track with BigBreeze titled, “Down Too Long.”
The Signs EP is a 4-track offering of an emotional journey recalled from recent experienced shared with the masses. “So Glad” opens up as an intro of sorts showcasing Reece’s skillset aside from rapid-fire lyricism. Next up, “His Plan” solidifies life struggles posted against God’s will and plan found in our purpose. “Wrong Way” battles back-n-forth with our choices to follow God or follow our own path. Finishing things up, “Not So Bad,” encourages listeners life experiences are handled easier when we give our lives over to Christ.
Since most of the CHH fanbase was newly introduced to Reece Lache’ from her inclusion on the Reach Records’ playlist, the EP serves as an immediate continuation of her life experiences and personal story. Listeners get a taste of what she can do through harmonies and rhymes. Stream Signs on Spotify here.
