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.
Sindy Verses Victoria by Dru Bex
Toronto's own Dru Bex delivers one of his best projects to date. It’s 15 tracks of pure lyricism, the vulnerability of Bex, and his classic innovative touch in a variety of forms throughout the project. 16 featured artists join Bex to handcraft one of the best independent projects of 2021. Some of the artists include Datin, Gabby Callwood, Kay Sade, Not Klyde, Selah the Corner, DJ Mykael V along with several others. Even with quite a few collaborators on the tracks, it still feels like a pure Bex record.
Listeners are treated to the complete Bex talent arsenal throughout. Smooth and timely tempo changes, genre crossovers, boom-bap and trap vibes; this album has a taste of it all. Standout tracks include “Tony” featuring DJ Mykael V, Legacy, Selah the Corner, and Rigz, “So Easy” featuring Gabby Callwood, and “Reverse Christology.” Although the album is solid from start to finish with a generous helping of hip-hop, soul, and emotion contained.
Even in the oversaturated CHH market, albums still fight for their place in aggressive streaming environments. Albums tell a story. Albums expose artists to their absolute core connected by the mind, heart, and soul. Listeners are able to connect to concepts delivered track-to-track piecing together the overall message. Through singles and short EPs, such a practice isn’t always mirrored. Take time to listen to Bex’s beauty found in the album created through many sleepless nights, tears, and rigid emotions. Stream Sindy Verses Victoria on Spotify here.
Peabod - "My Favorite Part"
Rapzilla Freshman and Seattle’s own Peabod returns with his first single of 2021 closing out October. After the first listen, the wait was well worth it. The instrumentation on the track goes crazy bouncing back between an electric guitar, low piano keys, horns, handclaps, and a few other surprises. “This is that cannonball off of the roof,” pens Peabod. Such a perfect definition of the energy and raw fusion of the track. It’s gritty, yet happy raps. Everybody has that favorite part of a track where they either belt out the chorus or rap along with their favorite artist. This single captures that sort of vibe. Stream “My Favorite Part” on Spotify here.
GB x OnBeatMusic - "Fade To Black"
DMV’s (Maryland) GB brings back the certified heat with his sixth single of 2021. Canadian OnBeatMusic went crazy with the production too. Overall, this is by far some of GB’s best work lyrically. The tempo switches throughout are refreshing aside from the sonics and crispness of the track. “This is the truth reemerging,” proclaims GB. He’s always been one to ensure his lyrics are laced with biblical principles and his love for our Savior Jesus Christ. Stream “Fade to Black” on Spotify here.