#98 - Steven Malcolm, Angie Rose, Apex Frazier, & More...
NRT's CHH contributor Joshua Galla collects what's new in Christian Hip-Hop and Urban Soul for the week of Friday, June 3, 2022. (Photo: Steven Malcolm)
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.
Tree by Steven Malcolm Grand Rapids midwestern rapper Steven Malcolm resurfaces with his third album since 2017 titled, Tree. His debut self-titled album dropped in 2017 followed by his sophomore release of The Second City in 2019. With each release, Malcolm shares his personal story as he believes that’s the easiest way to reach people and relate to their own lives. The new album is an eclectic depiction of Malcolm’s past, present, and future. It’s time the CHH sub-genre and hip-hop generally speaking put some respect on Malcolm’s name. His elite lyricism, crafty wordplay, crispy-clean rhyme scheme, and overall delivery have been overlooked and underrated since entering the industry. However, I believe Malcolm’s time to shine has arrived.
The list of features is stacked including KB, labelmates Ty Brasel and Jay-Way, Social Club Misfits, Derek Minor, Canon, Jude Barclay, renowned Snoop Dogg, Shaggy, as well as a few other surprises. Malcolm is banking on 2022 as a breakout year, especially with the release of the new album stacked with thematic anthems throughout. Personal favorites include “Red Light, Green Light” featuring Ty Brasel and Jay-Way, “Respect,” and “Believe in Me.” Being someone who grew up in the 90s at the peak of conscious, backpack rap, I’m a sucker for lyricism as production is more of a compliment than something I focus upon.
Tree possesses numerous points of brilliance. The album spans multiple genres such as hip-hop (Midwest, East and West coast), reggaeton, R&B, and gospel. Malcolm ensures his message through the music always is infused with God-centered content. Listeners will find encouragement, hope, victory, and love found in Jesus Christ. Likewise, he speaks about real-life difficult situations such as abandonment, anxiety, depression, and basic discontentment. Tree represents the complete artistic package poised to bless ears and hearts worldwide. Stream Tree on Spotify here.
Angie Rose - "Fight of My Life" Capitol Christian Music Group’s (CCMG) Angie Rose debuts her first single of 2022. Rose celebrated a standout 2021 with an EP and album titled, Unstoppable highlighting diversity, the beauty of Christ, and the strength of women through artistic medium. “Fight Of Your Life” circles around the adversity believers face often, but claiming victory because we all know how the story ends once the final trumpet sounds. Rose treats listeners to fire sixteens mixed with beautiful harmonies extending her prowess on the mic. We’re all survivors through the blood of Jesus Christ. If this first track of the year is any indication of what’s to follow, Rose’s fans better buckle up for a strong second half of 2022. Stream “Fight Of Your Life” on Spotify here.
Apex Frazier feat. DJ Mykael V - "Pool Sharks"
Canadian independent rapper Apex Frazier kicks off Hoodie Raps, Season 2 with a new single, “Pool Sharks” featuring indie tribe.’s DJ Mykael V. Personally, I’ve always been inspired by Frazier and his progression as an emcee and artist. As he puts it, Frazier is a muscular dystrophy surviving creative. When artists overcome difficult obstacles, it just makes the art that much more appreciated. His use of wordplay and metaphors is playful and artsy combined. An example of such would be, “I walk in discernment, the reason I’m swerving, just listen to the raps.” Frazier is confident in his skill set, yet humbled by the grace and love freely given by God. OkayWarren provided the production for the single and like Frazier said, “the beat goes brazy.” Everything sounds mixed sharply and clean creating a dope track to begin the second season of Hoodie Raps. Stream “Pool Sharks” on Spotify here.
Maverick City Music feat. Kirk Franklin – “Bless Me”
Beleaf feat. Kaye Marie – “Beauty Queen”
Christon Gray - "Golden Girls"
Phil J. – “Slave”
D. Tall feat. Aha Gazelle - "VEGAS"
Jaylon Ashaun - "Focus"
Setty feat. NXTMIKE – “Breathing Heavy”
Tre’Gadd – “Thorn To A Daisy”
Red Tips - "Hit My Line"
Mike Teezy – “Can I Get a?”
Jet Trouble - "Stubborn"
tylerhateslife - "hush. (live)"
Chris TyK – “Ahi Ahi”
MvkeyyJ x Mike Teezy – “PLAY YOU”
Nu Tone feat. Ray Knowledge & Kaleb Mitchell – “Be A Legend”
Q-Flo feat. Aable & Scribe Music – “Y.K.T.D.”
Knick Knack x DedgeP – “Summer Rain”
Jason Bordeaux feat. Jered Sanders – “Battle Cry”
CRFT x Smith Beats x ThaHyst - "Timeless"
Lady K feat. Solachi Voz – “Speedy Braids Anthem”
adamariz feat. Parris Chariz - "Dream (Remix)"
John Michael Howell feat. Jude Barclay & Swaizy - "DEAR PETER PAN"
ZDIORX feat. DJ Mykael V & Torey D’Shaun – “FASHION”
SiahThyLegend x CieMie – “Drama”
Shxrda feat. maxo xoxo – “unstable”
HYLEM feat. Titus – “Picture that”
Seth Benjamin – “Rescued”
Opto Music feat. DJLC x Nachaash x Gamfam – “Bloodline”
Don Ready x Yung Kriss – “2 Serious”
Brenno x K Diamond feat. JussAaron – “They Gotta Know”
Matt Mogg x Titus x Rosco feat. jpxprince – “hallelujah”
Ross Millet - "T-SHIRT"
J J L - "Vince Carter!"
Yung Priest Da Preacher feat. Xay Hill - "BELIEVE ME"
Ayomilly – “He See Me”
Joshua Galla is an audiophile hyped about all forms of art in music, but his passion rests behind CHH and soulful vibes. He's a devout husband, father, and child of God. Concerts are his happy place.
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