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.
FLOP ERA, VOL. 1 by Marty (of Social Club Misfits) Apollo Records’ Marty is set to release his first project since Social Club Misfits left Capitol Christian Music Group (CCMG) in 2023. Those living under a rock, upside down, and blind, may not realize Marty and Fern are the dynamic duo which goes by the name Social Club Misfits. Marty and Fern have been in the CHH space since 2011 when they started by debuting solo EPs. Nearly 13 years and 20-plus projects later, Marty and Fern are just getting started.
Marty has released a total of four solo EPs previously, as FLOP ERA, VOL. 1 signifies his fifth and best art to date. The project includes nine tracks and features from Brenno, Derek Minor, Gavin the HotRod, McKenna Johns, and Spencer Kane. Five of the nine tracks were released as singles beginning with “IN MY ROOM” featuring McKenna Johns in January and finishing with “CHRISTIAN RAPPER” featuring Brenno in June.
Favorites from the EP are “QUESTIONS,” “IN MY ROOM,” and “QUIET.” However, each of the nine tracks are uniquely created and emotionally driven from Marty’s heart outward. Besides Marty’s fine-tuned sound lyrically, the included production is next level in every sense of the term. I’ll remain vague as I want the reader turned listener to gain their own experience and emotional connection to the tracks as I did throughout this year. Stream FLOP ERA, VOL. 1 on Spotify here.
Ty Brasel - "Most High" Independent rapper Ty Brasel dropped his fourth single of 2024. Like most of his art, Brasel emits worship vibes throughout his latest offering. Brasel has remained unashamed from the jump. He makes worship songs bump. Brasel deserves the praises of the industry, but remains flying "under the radar" to speak. He remains transparent to the point where he pours out his shortcomings and sinful past to the audience. Thankfully, he's repented turning 180 degrees towards our Savior washed cleaned day in and day out. Stream "Most High" on Spotify and Apple Music.
Hulvey feat. Ciara - "ALTAR (Remix)"
Beauty Marks Entertainment's Ciara, the Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter, and global icon has teamed up with Reach Records' breakthrough artist, Hulvey for a powerful remix of his hit single "Altar." This collaboration marks a significant moment in both artists' careers, blending Ciara's dynamic presence in the music industry with Hulvey's rising influence in Christian music. Ciara has dabbled in Christian music before with a featured appearance on Tasha Cobb Leonard’s song titled, “In Spite of Me” from 2020.
The original "Altar" single was immediately praised by listeners across social media who quickly turned the song into a dynamic and relevant worship anthem for this generation. The song organically garnered over 500,000 creates on social media, and climbed up the Hot Christian Songs chart, garnering over 60M streams. Altar became Hulvey’s biggest release in 2023, leading him to become Billboards’ #2 Top New Christian Artist. The song’s widespread success reached Ciara, whose decision to use the song in her family’s Instagram post this year sparked a genuine connection with Hulvey, leading to their collaboration on this remix.
Both Forrest Frank and Ciara enter at the same portion of the track, but their deliveries are completely different. Both tracks, including Hulvey's contributions, for the first nearly two minutes remained the same. However, Ciara's portion just bleeds soul. It feels more "at home" on the track than Frank's verse. All in all, Ciara made this track something even more special; if that's even possible. Stream "Altar (REMIX)" on Spotify and Apple Music.
Ayo Shamir feat. YP aka Young Paul, William Cata, and Prodi Da Prodigal - "Judas Kiss"
Mitch Darrell x Q-Flo - TLS - "Shaq & Kobe"
ASAP Preach x Brother Bo x Adrion Butler - "I Do Too"
GRAHAM – “Deeper Than The Water”
tylerhateslife – “God Did It”
Relena-Rochelle - "Fall on Us"
Rio24K x Nak Daniels - "Honest"
Henrik – “Good Authority”
L. Dejuan – “Closer”
Shirlvin Desir x RVIVXL - "PRAISE"
HYLEM – “I MET A GIRL”
John Michael Howell x Jude Barclay – “Love You”
Zachary Heider – “vegas!”
Mike Sarge – “16 Salutes”
Lilmizzy - "Eze Nara"
J. Solo feat. Mouthpi3ce – “EMPTY SPACES”
Bro Ivory - "All I Need"
Tyler J Music x 1K Phew x BigBreeze - "God's Hand"
iNTELLECT feat. Procyse, Philip Anthony, and DJ Sean P - "Revolution"
NobodyGHY – “Following God”
EJ Swavv – “EJ’s DM (Foggie’s Way)”
okay troy – “BURNOUT”
J J L x Cousin Rickie – “LOOSE CHANGE”
Anthony Hale feat. John Givez – “Run”
Cal Hackett - "MORE"
Lee Vasi - "Ensename"
Allen Thomas - "Holy Summer"
Peair x Coastside x Sam Ramos - "Joy"
Survivor Q - "Hard Times"
LLC Flame – “It’s Love”
Mike Malagies - "Amazing Grace"
Drup – “World”
shxrda x Exitus999 – “PARTY WIT US!”
Sam Llanes – “Music The Spark”
DreBeeze Da Godson - "Lazer Dim Flow"
JAVVY x Jack Frazier - "Sunday's Best"
Larell x Snipes - "Israelites in America"
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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