#231 - Phathom, Aha Gazelle, Social Club Misfits, & More...
NRT's CHH contributor Joshua Galla collects what's new in Christian Hip-Hop and Urban Soul for the week of Friday, May 30, 2025. (Banner Photo: Phathom)
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.
The What If Project by Phathom Phathom is a Korean American recording artist and producer who has worked with the elite artists from mainstream and has continued to make a name for himself within the CHH space too. Initially, he gained notoriety during the late 90s for his witty freestyles, punchline-heavy battle verses and prowess on the mic within the mainstream world. Phathom’s eclectic production style allows him the opportunity to take the listener on various soundscape journeys using music as the platform.
Phathom has perfected the fusion of CHH and mainstream rappers sharing the same platform all for the furtherance of God’s Kingdom. He’s redefined boundaries in CHH and hip-hop overall. The biggest names from the CHH space joined forces with their mainstream (secular) counterparts – creating a groundbreaking multiverse of gritty, raw hip-hop sound unlike anything previously heard nor witnessed. Standout tracks include “War Games” featuring Canibus, Monster Tarver, Datin, Chino XL and Kxng Crooked, “Safehouse” featuring DJ Mykael V, RJ Payne, C4 Crotona, Jae Millz, and Datin, and “Ultimate” featuring Apathy and Alcott.
Phathom is an authentic voice for the Kingdom both in the studio and on the finished product. He’s collaborating with circles of individuals who mirror the love of Christ and those who need to hear such truths. Stream The What If Project on Spotify here.
Aha Gazelle - "New Situation" Alienz Alive’s Aha Gazelle waits midyear to drop his first taste of new music. The latest single was produced by okaywarren. For those devout fans which pre-saved the song, they were granted instantaneous access to an exclusive Free Barabbas merchandise drop online.
Aha speaks on perseverance, pain, and perfect timing as such emotions collide often curating unique life situations. Yet, one of the stronger bars speaks to “approval is fake.” Far too often, Christians seek out the approval of man, especially humans with a celebrity status as opposed to God alone. Don’t be gassed by everybody around you when all which matters is aligning with what God calls of us and expects of us as His children. Stream “New Situation" on Spotify and Apple Music.
Social Club Misfits - "GG Freestyle"
The independent dynamic duo of Marty and Fern returned, for the first time in 2025, with a new single. The “GG Freestyle”) refers to the Nintendo 64 classic game GoldenEye where “Golden Gun” meant one shot, on kill. This transverses into the meaning behind the single as we all just need one shot. One opportunity to step out in faith and take it. Also, it’s Social Club’s way of telling the industry loud and clear, Marty and Fern are still around and far from done. As expected, the track was produced by Marty himself.
Pulling up on 15 years, Marty and Fern have put out close to 25 projects between the mainstay duo and solo offerings from each. How many groups or artists can make that same acclaim? Each artist offers two verses each on this laid back freestyle. For me, the track offers a sense of nostalgia. These are the types of flows from a decade ago which drew me to their art. Their discography would be a top pick if stranded on an island with only one artist or group to pick from. Stream the “GG Freestyle” on Spotify and Apple Music.
YP aka Young Paul x ATTAM feat. DJ Mykael V – “JALEN BRUNSON”
Christcentric and the Apologist – “The One Above All”
QEW – “MUK.”
Prodi Da Prodigal feat. Alcott – “Save Me”
Tylynn and Jackie Legere – “I’ll See You”
BigGucciDame and Isaac Mansfield “God With Me”
J J L x Cousin Rickie x Aklesso – “DON’T U KNOW?”
Ayo Shamir and C4 Crotona – “Truth Hurts”
Chris Caro – “Totally Surrender
Will Kellum – “Psalm 23”
Cyfe II feat. Mike Teezy – “CHRIST: UP”
Jay Sanon and Isreal Perez – “HOW MANY”
Petrina DeLacey feat. Nissi Shalom – “Holy Girl Stomp”
Billy James – “Rain on Me”
Drenae – “I’m Different”
HEYMIKEIKE – “No Better Time Than Now”
CLEARLANES – “Give It to God”
Tds Cam – “BLIND WILL LEAD THE BLIND”
K-SEE – “We Good”
TUVI and NAES – “KEEP IT UP”
Nu Tone feat. Murcy 34 and Tds Cam – “Divine Mercy”
Marqus Anthony – “All Dawgs Go To Heaven”
Joshua Kriese x Dee Black x Joe Write – “Conquerors”
Allen Thomas – “Whistle”
Joshua Penn – “WORK”
Isaac Mather – “Lose It All”
JAYY and Titus Haskins – “merry oaks st”
Sam Llanes – “New Wine”
goodwill. – “Another Life”
Dazy Chain – “Ooh La La”
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. Contributor of NRT since 2016.
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