Brandon Lake Leads With Five Nominations and Cory Asbury, and Phil Wickham Follow With Three Each, 54 Artists Nominated Across 12 ‘Song of the Year’ Categories
NRT's CHH contributor Joshua Galla collects what's new in Christian Hip-Hop and Urban Soul for the week of Friday, September 1, 2023. (Photo: Plain James)
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.
It's A Trap EP by Plain James Southern Georgia resident and street minister Plain James returns with his second project of 2023. The first EP, Trap Triology, dropped on March 3. James has always been vocally unashamed in regard to the Gospel and His faith walk with Christ Jesus. He equips such a strong relationship with God and heads deep into the streets or neighborhoods that need to hear the love of Christ and see the hands and feet of Jesus in motion. Similar CHH artists carry the same goal through street ministry including Thi'sl, Reconcile, BigBreeze, 5ive, Sevin, Knine, and several others.
The latest EP is a small, three-track collection of songs driven by hope, God's love, and reconciliation through Christ. My favorite of the three would be the second track, "I'm Ok." Also, this track is featured on our CHH playlist accessed through the link above. James connects the art of storytelling with his own personal struggles and faith walk and ties in how God can save anyone from any situation or life circumstance. The three tracks were produced by Meathouse Beats. Stream the It's A Trap EP on Spotify here.
Tedashii - "Dead or Alive" Reach Records veteran Tedashii drops his second single within a two-week period. Previously, "MMA Freestyle" was released on August 18 showcasing some of T-Dot's strongest bars delivered to date. "Dead or Alive" continues the story of the "fight for his life." The track is lyrically honest and sonically a vigorous confessional track ranging from personal hardships faced to the applicable life impacts that ended in a stronger desire to follow God's plan over his and his family's lives.
The single was produced by VinnyforGood, Zach Paradis, and Alex Dollar. "God whatever you want / I want all of it / I don't wanna be labeled as a counterfeit / I see evil is back on the prowl again," says Tedashii during the bridge of the song. He continues, "God I want you to come in my heart again / I've been lost if I'm bein' so honest." He reminds us we're destined for so much more than the lies, rejection, and attacks dealt harshly by the world. This song helps listeners see that and realize how strong and everlasting the love of God remains. Stream "Dead or Alive" on Spotify and Apple Music.
Battz - "FREEDUMB" Nashville-based independent rapper Battz finally began album mode with the release of the first single off the forthcoming project titled, Shuck and Jive. The track was produced by Aaron Dews and mixed/mastered by TNY. Several relevant samples are used throughout adding a welcomed flavor to Battz steady cadence. Also, a healthy dose of melodic snippets exists throughout driving home the message behind the chorus (concept) of the track. Stream "FREEDUMB" on Spotify and Apple Music.
Message Muzik x Kidd Lee x Iceberg5:17 x GodFearin - "GOAT"
HYLEM – “FINE”
John Michael Howell – “Mansion”
Virtuous x L. Dejuan - "We Win"
Eli Keen - "Jezuz Freeztyle"
Chris Elijah x 404 Chew - "Fear No Evil"
Cade Kellam x Leslie Perez - "Blessed"
LLC FLAME feat. DJ HTSW – “nobody else”
Spillz Ochai x Shirlvin Desir x EDEM Evangelist - "Make Sense"
iamezekiel x iamgft3d x YP aka Young Paul x Da Commissioner - "The King"
Da’ Gatherer – “Closer”
Drup x Lazy G x YBSO – “Glossy”
NobodyGHY x Thatboymassin - "You Are Worthy"
Kushim - "Christ In Me"
Reblah - "We Overcame"
LilMizzy x Vic Lucas - "Mindful"
Jamie Mura - "Wasting Time"
Bencomo – “NOBODY”
Razzie - "Father's House"
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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