NRT's CHH contributor Joshua Galla collects what's new in Christian Hip-Hop and Urban Soul for the week of Friday, December 8, 2023. (Photo: Derek Minor)
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.
Derek Minor x Canon - "Bands" Reflection Music Group's (RMG) rawest dynamic duo found in Derek Minor and Canon kick off a new Vigilante Campaign with this latest single signifying the "grand opening" of sorts. The single is an energetic capsule of power catipulted over a heavy bassline and laser precision found in the lyricism. The duo speaks on their history of success equipped with a willingness to reign victorious over any new obstacle met. The 808's are powerful enough to cause mass destruction or at least rupture a few nearby windows. Stream "Bands" on Spotify and Apple Music.
Zauntee - "Wartime" BEC Recordings' artist Zauntee dropped his fifth single of 2023 darting towards the goal of a collective album soon to be announced. Within just a six-month period, the five singles have gathered over four million streams on Spotify alone. Zauntee's fanbase, Zealots, are accustommed to brutally honest content over a barrage of strings, keys, trap drums, and spewing with infectious energy. He's always been "on fire" for his faith in Christ Jesus and it's evident with each release. Stream "Wartime" on Spotify and Apple Music.
Dee-1 - "Lines Drawn" RMG Amplify's Dee-1 drops his latest single which will serve as a bonus track on his album titled, From the Hood to Harvard. Like many rappers with their art, Dee-1 delivered a message to his fanbase and critics addressing the industry's (hip-hop/rap) hypocrisy; especially on the mainstream side. Over the last week or two, Dee-1 has formally called out artists such as Rick Ross, Joe Budden and others demanding the industry to "do better" related to accountability and content related to their lyrics. Proverbrially drawing a line as to what should and should not be acceptable in hip-hop is where this single draws its inspiration from. The track was produced by Danny Beats. Stream "Lines Drawn" on Spotify and Apple Music.
1K Phew x Zaytoven feat. 1K Pson and Young Dro - "Favorite Trapper"
Starringo - "World in Trouble" and "Soul"
Konata Small - "Feel the Joy"
Eris Ford - "Lead Me"
Legin – “Open My Eyes”
Shepherd x Destiny Marko x International Show – “LIVE LIFE”
Tylynn – “Three Second Violation”
Byron Rhodes x FVMELESS - "Time"
GRAHAM – “Just For The Moment”
HYLEM x tristxn! – “Lift him high”
John Michael Howell – “Dear Growing Up”
Cooper Hill – “two blue flames”
Illish x Grace O'Donovan - "Balance"
King Chav – “Good With My Soul”
iNTELLECT feat. K-Drama and DJ Sean P – “ONE80”
808 Beezy (aka YB) – “Closure”
LLC Flame – “ABANDON ME”
okaytroy- “cold & alone”
Titus Haskins – “Chemtrail (Sped Up)”
Edify x Undy - "Only One"
Elijah Kyle x Landon Schafer – “Engraved”
Austin Joyce feat. Alcott – “Unity”
Foreword Nation – “Live in the Booth”
Hunterdrinkswater – “crazy”
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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