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.
CRY by Hulvey Reach Records’ Hulvey has entered his fifth year with the label and has emerged as a prominent voice at the intersection of worship and hip-hop. His intimate, Spirit-filled content meshed with heavy basslines and choir-tuned repeatable hooks sets him apart from most. Besides the likes of KB and Forrest Frank, few have experienced the success of Hulvey’s unashamed, worship-drenched interpretation of art; especially over the past 16 months. In 2023, Hulvey experienced his first headlining tour (The Beautiful Tour) spanning across 23 major cities selling out most venues in destinations such as New York City, Atlanta, and Houston. Then, during the summer of 2024, he was the opener for Brandon Lake and Phil Wickham’s Summer Nights Tour traveling though 17 cities.
Hulvey’s sophomore album, CRY, was summed up in one phrase by the artist, “every drop means something.” If we think about the significance of the emotions which trigger crying as a response, it’s usually extremely hurtful, painful, frustrating, or filled with happiness. He elected to select a small handful of other artists to feature on the album including Torey D’Shaun, Alex Jean, Samm Henshaw, and Forest Frank. The choice enabled him to allow the lyrical themes and talent shine over carefully crafted and sample-driven beats.
Personal favorites include “Top Spinnin,” “All For You,” and “Heaven’s Door” featuring Torey D’Shaun. “The album is my invitation for us all to embrace vulnerability as a path to a deeper connection to God,” says the dad of soon-to-be two children and a phenomenal husband to his bride Rachael. He continues, “there is a song for everyone. My hope is that listeners are comforted in these songs, recognizing that their tears are not in vain but a powerful expression of their journey with God. Let every tear be a prayer.”
Stream CRY on Spotify here.
R-Swift - "Miss Me" RMG Amplify and GLDN ERA's R-Swift returns with his first single of 2024. His last release was his album titled, The Forgotten Mirror dropped in August of 2023. The encouraging single is based on being free from negativity as a devout believer. Swift is done with people in his life which don't constantly uplift and inspire. Therefore, if you're all about negative or gossip, "Miss Me." The track is an overall chill vibe, while Swift explains how to live godly and treat others Christlike. Stream "Miss Me" on Spotify and Apple Music.
Gavin the Hotrod - "BETTER THAN EVER"
NEW FACES' Gavin the Hotrod is primed to release his third single of 2024. Fresh off a SMOKE! Fest freestyle cypher participation at Rocketown in Nashville, he's hear to declare the quality of his art is taking a climb forward. The track is a introspective take on the complexities of love, and communication. Also, the constant frustrations of wanting to love someone (in return), yet feeling blocked by unspoken barriers. It's a heartfelt reflection on the difficulties of love and relationships. The content is holistically pure and smothered in faith and progression. His rhyme schemes and wordplay are leveled up for a multitude of reasons. Gavin's a problem and someone to watch in the coming months. Stream "BETTER THAN EVER" on Spotify and Apple Music.
YP aka Young Paul x Da Commissioner – “CHASING NIGHTMARES”
Medisin – “Mood Alter”
Donutello feat. 1K Phew – “HE SAID”
GRAHAM - "Mad It's My Fault (Remix)"
John Michael Howell - "Had Me At Goodbye"
L. Dejuan - "Long Lovely Road"
Tay Collier feat. Mayia - "Goodness and Mercy"
BigGucciDame - "One Route"
Sonny Creacion – “THE OTHER LINE”
ATTAM x YP aka Young Paul x Tyler Conti – “The Time Is Now”
Ic3rd feat. Mission and DeandreGoSaves – “GOD FIRST”
Rio 24K – “Only Imagine”
Jubril - "Coney Island"
N!x – “Romans”
JusRzd x Weez the Satellite Kiid - "IAINEVAGONE"
Vennisay feat. Isaac Mansfield - "TOUCHDOWN"
Nobodyghy x Yusef – “Wingman Freestyle”
Zippy x OnBeatMusic – “Who Am I?”
KELO - "By Tomorrow (Remix)"
Matt Mogg x Jpk. - "westside"
Austin Lanier – “Fly Away”
De La Cruz - "Presence"
grantdakidd x DANMAR - "Double Dutch"
Kemvr - "Stylish"
The Lofi Christian - "The Blood"
Cellus Hamilton - "Need a Sign"
LLC Flame x K-See - "BIGGER THAN ME"
Ernest Musik feat. Trizzy Tre and Sam Purpose - "Brighter Days (Remix)"
Era James x Xay Hill x V Squad - "Sad Songs"
TUVI - "WALK"
Ilish x Brvan - "Punto De Vista"
Edify x Marc Vanparla x Quese - "Don't Ever Quit"
ASAP Preach - "Hot Stove"
okay troy - "LEAVE THIS TOWN"
LAMB CULTURE x Echow Clay x Oyije - "Story"
Naffymar x Tbabz x Pawasonic - "Bank on You"
Ealle - "By Me"
Kijane Boone - "Born Sinner"
Lyric the Geenyus – “SUPER GREAT”
KD3 – “Bodybuilders”
LJ the Messenger x OM53 - "Bad Habit"
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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