#211 - Gavin the Hotrod, Steven Malcolm, Christmas 2024 Releases & More...
NRT's CHH contributor Joshua Galla collects what's new in Christian Hip-Hop and Urban Soul for the week of Friday, December 6, 2024. (Photo: Gavin the Hotrod)
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.
Happy Christmas season! Starting off December proper, listed below are the known CHH and Urban releases from the 2024 season thus far:
Singles.
C4 Crotona x Q-Flo x Prodi Da Prodigal – “Gritty Christmas” (12/23)
Maverick City Music – “The Gift” (12/06)
Mitch Darrell x Wayne Klassik x JusRzd - "Happy Holidays" (12/06)
Prodigyl feat. outr.cty – “Good News” (12/06)
Adriel Cruz – “Falling For You” (12/06)
Mike Sarge - "T.O.Y (Time of Year)" (12/06)
Marqus Anthony and Choirboy Bell – “Christmas in the City” (12/06)
Nu Tone feat. Kidd Lee and Tds Cam – “Celebrate” (12/06)
Ty Scott King feat. Kaleb Novah – “Holy Grace” (12/06)
V.Rose – “Oh Holy Night” (12/04)
Toyalove – “Feels Like Christmas” (11/29)
HYLEM and grantdakidd – “see you this holiday” (11/29)
Peair and IDEGO – “CAROL OF THE BELLS” (11/29)
Theresa Phondo – “O Holy Night” (11/29)
LAMB CULTURE feat. Praise Lubungu and Theresa Phondo – “Oh Sing For Joy” (11/22)
Nu Tone feat. Kidd Lee and Jonathan Ashenafi – “Brighter” (11/22)
CeCe Winans – “Joy To The World” and “It’s Christmas” (09/27)
Projects.
The Gift (Instrumental Version) by Reach Records (12/06)
A Blowmold Christmas by Sintax the Terrific (11/22)
Red & Green by Jonathan McReynolds (11/22)
A Harvestland Christmas by Mike Teezy (11/22)
Who Do You Love by Ariel Fitz-Patrick (11/22)
Snow Globe by Blessing Offor (11/15)
Nostalgic Holidays by Tyrone Crawford (11/15)
Seasonal Specials, Vol. 1 by Sarah Nathalie (11/01)
‘Tis the Season by Tedashii (10/25)
The Greatest Gift by Anthony Evans (10/18)
Back to our regularly schedule content, below are the reviews and releases from the week of November 30 through December 6.
BACK ROW HERO by Gavin the Hotrod APOLLO Records’ Gavin the Hotrod drops his debut project under Marty’s new label established towards the beginning of 2024. Hailing from the Jacksonville, FL region, Gavin equips the people with constant heat. Although he’s been established in the CHH space since 2019 with his first single released titled, “Gimmie That,” his name is finally recognizable when speaking of the elite emcees to date.
BACK SEAT HERO showcases Gavin’s masterful approach to gritty lyricism and introspective content. The seven-track project was produced by PRIM, Matty, and Eli Williams. The only features include 350 and Derek Minor. Favorites include “BIG HOSS,” “BOSSMAN” featuring Derek Minor, and “WAIT ON HIM.” Listen intently, vibe to the hard knocking 808s and appreciate the bright future of these young, multi-talented CHH artists blowing up the scene. Stream BACK SEAT HERO on Spotify here.
Steven Malcolm and Mike Teezy - "Stick and Move"
"Stick and Move" is a high-energy track that offers a mix of motivational lyrics and vibrant production. It’s an anthem for anyone looking to overcome challenges and stay focused on their goals. The blend of rap and catchy hooks makes it appealing not just to Christian hip-hop fans but to a broader audience who enjoys music with a positive, empowering message.
Both Steven Malcolm and Mike Teezy bring their best to the track. Their vocal deliveries are confident and impactful, helping to convey the motivational tone of the song. The synergy between their styles works well—Malcolm’s more aggressive flow pairs nicely with Teezy’s smooth, melodic hooks.
In summary, "Stick and Move" is a well-executed collaboration that delivers on both lyrical depth and musical appeal. Its themes of perseverance, faith, and resilience are wrapped in a catchy, contemporary sound that’s sure to resonate with listeners who appreciate an uplifting, high-energy anthem. Stream "Stick and Move" on Spotify and Apple Music.
Jon Keith feat. Annatoria and Limoblaze - "No Love (Remix)"
Levi Parker - "Co-Star"
Spencer Kane – “Routines”
Jude Barclay - "over"
Sondae - "Softly"
Henrik – “Be alive”
De La Cruz - "2025 (Way Up)"
NAES - "I HATE IT"
Titus Haskins – “Real”
Cellus Hamilton - "Never Change Freestyle"
Vennisay – “ROOT”
Isaac Mansfield - "December"
John Michael Howell - "Seasons"
Theresa Phondo - "Daily"
LLC Flame and Caleb Osorio – “EVERYTHING CHANGED”
No Vain Glory feat. Mapolo the Girl – “Praise”
Tylan1K – “Parish Won’t Perish”
King Chai - "WIN"
Luke Hopp - "RESIDUAL BAGGAGE"
AyeItsAron - "Still Here"
Matt Mogg – “THINK I FOUND IT”
TUVI feat. Kaden Jordan – “TBH”
Saint Rockstar – “Watch Me Work”
Dave Hall feat. Legit – “Everything (Psalms 150)"
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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