#157 - Steven Malcolm, Jon Keith, Tedashii, & More...
NRT's CHH contributor Joshua Galla collects what's new in Christian Hip-Hop and Urban Soul for the week of Friday, September 15, 2023. (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.
Steven Malcolm - "Cardio" 4 Against 5 and Michigan's own Steven Malcolm releases his second single of 2023 and first off the forthcoming album slated for an October release. "Cardio" is a high-energy, creative track screaming to be added to gym workout playlists everywhere. I'm a sucker for the use of live instrumentation (as many know), so the usage of horns throughout made me smile ear-to-ear throughout. Malcolm also surprised and blessed fans with the addition of some falsetto bars, as not many artists can pull off such a sound. Malcolm often jokes how he's elite with his bars, underrated to say the least. One of my favorites from the single is, "Michael Jeffrey Jordan 91-93 / Shining the whole city sees me / I remember days they didn't believe me / Nowadays they paying extra to meet me." If this track is any indication of what the album will sound like, fans will be delighted and excited to bump new music from Malcolm soon. Stream "Cardio" on Spotify and Apple Music.
Jon Keith - "BOBBI" San Diego native and Nashville resident, indie tribe.'s Jon Keith drops his fourth single of 2023. Also, he released his seventh project (Eremos) earlier this year. The latest "BOBBI" was produced by himself and Enzo Gran. He unlocked "Pop Keith" once again with this release. The hook is incredibly catchy certifying it as a crowd pleaser. Honestly, Keith possesses one of the widest vocal ranges in the space and overall. An R&B-focused project would be phenomenal. Stream "BOBBI" on Spotify and Apple Music.
Dead or Alive, Vol. 1 EP by Tedashii Reach Records' Tedashii dropped his third EP and eighth project overall since 2006. Previously, two singles were released in August then T-Dot lowkey surprised Reach's devoted fanbase with today's EP. The eight-track EP features Aha Gazelle, Zach Paradis, Richdanfamous, Trip Lee, and Lecrae. Tedashii's an excellent storyteller who injects transparency, emotion, and energy into his art. He's also a hope dealer emitting shouts of victory and triumph as he conquers one obstacle after another through the strength and wisdom of God. "Victory Lap" is an excellent example of this concept.
Even after 18 years, Tedashii remains in his prime lyrically speaking. Actually, this EP may be a display of his finest lyricism and delivery to date. Standout tracks include "Ready for War," "Save Us" featuring Aha Gazelle and Zach Paradis, and "It's Up" featuring Richdanfamous. This EP will steadily be on repeat throughout the fall season and beyond. Stream the Dead or Alive, Pt. 1 EP on Spotify here.
Message Muzik x Salt of the Earth x BigBreeze - "Don't Try It"
Young Cortez x Noexcuse x 350 – “Billy Graham”
Eli Keen - "Late Night Energy Drinks & Melodies, Vol. 3 (2 songs)"
Sacki – “Van Gogh”
Royal Ezenwa – “MARADONA”
Megan Tossi – “WILTED”
GoodWritt3ns feat. Nova Blisto – “CHRISTIAN DIOR”
BVN feat. Mitch Darrell – “Wondering”
Dave Hall feat. Mitch Darrell - "Trading"
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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