NRT's CHH contributor Joshua Galla collects what's new in Christian Hip-Hop and Urban Soul for the week of Friday, January 12, 2024. (Photo: Not Klyde)
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.
I<3NK by Not Klyde
Canadian rapper, songwriter, and entrepreneur Not Klyde was adamant and intentional to begin 2024 with something proper. The 27-year-old creative delivers a project specifically with his fans in mind. I admire it when artists take the time to detail out the meaning behind their art and their projected goals for it. Therefore, here's an excerpt from Not Klyde himself shared on Instagram shortly before 2023 ended about this album.
"This album is an address to the avid NK (Not Klyde) listener and fan. 'I<3NK' explores the idea of on-screen personas, social media profiles, and caricatures verses the behind-the-scenes, real-life, and often regular human experience. This album addresses those that are diehard fans of artists or celebrities and touches almost an erotomaniac feeling of deeply knowing the people on our screens because of constant content. The goal of this album is a promise of authenticity, as I pursue the lengths and depths that God has for me in this industry. Also, the album is a celebration of the redemptive, restorative power of Jesus. I hope the listener hears the message behind each song. No one is Superman, no one is untouchable, no one is perfect, but Someone is; both sufficient and more than enough. We've all fallen short, that's why we need Jesus."
Not Klyde is the "master of adlibs", comedic delivery, yet biblical substance. His unique cadence, flow, and song structure drew me directly to his art from the beginning several years back. This project was produced by J Lane and Eli Williams while mixed by Anthony "mixedbyac" Carballo and mastered by LASTLVL Mastering. The list of featured artists include De La Cruz, Aaron Cole, BigBreeze, Alano Adan, and 350. Unlike most of these mini editorial reviews, I'm not going to comment on the specific production elements, lyricism or anything specific. The album is a personal experience, one which each individual will find value for various reasons of their own. Stream I<3NK on Spotify here.
Braille feat. Lynnea - "Yet Always Rejoicing" Portland's own Braille returns with his first track released in 2024. The single is based on text found in 2 Corinthians 6:10. The song was produced by Trox, The production elements are downright beautiful shared between piano keys, use of a violin and a constant loop of a scriptural reference. Braille bounces between God's promises and the 101 reasons to rejoice. The enchanted beautiful voice of Lynnea enters lightly during the hook and ending lending a feeling of completion to the overall sound. Anymore, anything Lynnea hops on is a certified hit. Stream "Yet Always Rejoicing" on Spotify and Apple Music.
Mission - "UH-HUH" Antonio "Mission" Smith was born in Greenville, Missouri, yet raised in Sacramento, California. He's the founder of AOYNOM (All of You, None of Me). He's closing in on a 10-album catalog with his latest released last October (Second Wind). In his own words, "UH-HUH" is a triumphant hard-hitting energetic anthem perfect to start off a new year. The track pushes listeners to reach personal goals, workout, and believe deeply in yourself. Instantly, the song reminded me of Mission's banger from the last project titled, "Marvelous." This is definitely a song primed for placement on sports networks, live sporting events or workout playlists in general. I caught myself whispering UH-HUH repeatedily in my mind as the track plays through. Defined as a hype song doesn't do it justice. The prevailing sample throughout, the definitive wordplay, and the constant switch-ups combine for something special. Stream "UH-HUH" on Spotify and Apple Music.
Matt Osowski x Propaganda - "Lemme Holla At You Playr"
George.Rose - "Algorithm"
Toyalove x KELO x Christ Jr. - "Love It Here (Remix)"
Arik Nelson feat. Tahella - "Where Are You"
Sarah Juers – “I’ve changed a lot”
John Michael Howell x Ryan Mack – “Look Mom”
JusRzd x Mic Wise – “The Grind”
Weez the Satellite Kiid x Bill B. – “Pure”
Sal Ly – “Deliver Me”
E.i. the King – “All Love”
Kevi Morse - "Show Me"
Pastor Charles A.R. – “Acquittal”
Stevie Rizo - "Go Jehovah"
Jay Manwell x Caleb Gordon – “Old Ways”
GodFrame – “Since ‘89”
FLF x KHOMPONO – “Joyful”
Chris Elijah feat. 404 Chew, SCI BLW x ZILLA – “SPIN (Remix)”
Red Tips - "Popped Out"
JWOODZ x Coastside – “Not Too Far”
808 Beezy – “Look Where We At”
Xavier Sorrow – “MUSTARD”
Chris TyK – “Temple Entry”
Eddy Puyol – “Blessings”
Zachary Heider – “Good Side”
DANMAR x KAATJE – “If You Walk Away”
HYLEM – “ADDEROL”
Megan Tossi – “Break Off”
Ross Millet - "All of Me"
K-SEE – “Shine!”
JAYY x Titus Haskins - "Ask For Help"
Prodigyl x Annsbert – “FLY!”
Shirlvin Desir - "Your Strength"
Uchenna x Rehmahz x Tbabz - "Take Over"
LAMBCULTURE x Kimah - "Refine Me"
Ayomilly - "Get Back Up"
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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