#158 - Konata Small, CJ Emulous, Sharp Dialect, & More...
NRT's CHH contributor Joshua Galla collects what's new in Christian Hip-Hop and Urban Soul for the week of Friday, September 22, 2023. (Photo: Konata Small)
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.
BANG! by Konata Small Good City Music's Konata Small has dropped a total of six singles in 2023 and now an album. Small has been featured on video games like Fortnite and nationally televised stations such as ESPN. His art has always remained upbeat, energetic and balanced with faith and stories of life itself. The 10-track album only possesses one featured artist, Zayde Wolf on "REVOLUTION." I admire the relateable nature each track contains, whether you're connected with your faith or a non-believer. The comic book-based cover art is catchy too! Listen for pristine live instrumentation and get ready to "shuck-n-jive" moving vigorously to each track. Stream BANG! on Spotify here.
CJ Emulous - "Got It On Me" A part of Miles Minnick's independent GLO. collective, CJ Emulous released his seventh single in 2023. "Got It On Me" is a bass-heavy, West Coast banger both in production and delivery. One thing I love about CJ Emulous and the entire GLO. collective is how Gospel-centric they remain. It's like a modernized version of CHH/HHH from the 2000's and artists like The Cross Movement, Gospel Gangsterz, and T-Bone. The content is drenched with faith and tales of God's faithfullness. The eery piano chords throughout fit seamlessly too. This definitely ranks high on my life for one of the best Wes Coast-based tracks of the year. Stream "Got It On Me" on Spotify and Apple Music.
Sharp Dialect - "LAST SUNSET OF SUMMER" The independent dynamic duo of Sharp Dialect released their fourth single of 2023. The production is a trap beat laced with a soothing loop of acoustic guitar strokes. Also, a refreshed inclusion of summer sounds (e.g., ocean waves, seagulls) are heard in the background. The track is a total and complete summer vibe! Stream "LAST SUNSET OF SUMMER" on Spotify and Apple Music.
Will Kellum x William Pippins - "Rich Man Poor Spirit"
Titus Haskins x okaytroy – “broke”
Mike Malagies x Pishko - "Make Him Known"
Alvin Cedric – “FIGHT THIS FEELING”
Elijah Kyle x Yung Crusha – “heartbreak story”
CallemJJ - "Take Over"
ASAP Preach - "Take Away"
Jaae Kash - "Light"
Alvin Cedric - "Fight the Feeling"
Ayomilly – “Patience”
Paul the Messenger - "Letting You Go"
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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