#243 - Miles Minnick, Andy Mineo, Wordsplayed, OnBeatMusic, & More...
NRT's CHH contributor Joshua Galla collects what's new in Christian Hip-Hop and Urban Soul for the week of Friday, August 29, 2025. (Banner Photo: Miles Minnick)
Each week, dozens of singles and a handful of projects are released in the Christian Hip-Hop (CHH) and Urban Soul spaces. Below, we have listed a few highlights and included the rest for your review. As always, follow our New Christian Rap and Hip-Hop playlist on Spotify and Apple Music to listen to all the latest.
Via Dolorosa by Miles Minnick Rising Bay Area (California) Christian Hip-Hop (CHH) artist, Miles Minnick, drops his third solo full-length album as a follow-to to Christlike, California (2024) and H O L O G R A P H I C. (2022). Via Dolorosa is a 13-track pure representation of West Coast culture fusing Bay Area bounce with bold spiritual depth. The project title itself is Latin for “The Way of Suffering,” references the path Jesus walked to his crucifixion. However, for Minnick it’s a metaphor for perseverance, identity, and purpose in a chaotic world.
Minnick makes music that blends elements of hip-hop, rap, and gospel to create a unique sound with an uplifting message and faith-based undertones. Featured artists on the project include Keak Da Sneak, G-Easy, E-40, Lecrae, Mistah FAB, Kamaiyah, Brooke Valentine, and Transformation Worship. With Via Dolorosa, he solidifies himself as not only a voice of his generation but a visionary pushing the boundaries of Christian-endorsed hip-hop.
Favorites on the album include “The Method featuring E-40 and Lecrae, “ON 10!,” and “My Friend.” Minnick works tirelessly to remain authentic to the iconic West Coast sound without compromising his solid Christian faith and values system. The production goes crazy regardless of the track, as listeners will be moving all-around from start to finish.
Andy Mineo and Wordsplayed - "GTA6" Miner League’s Andy Mineo and Wordsplayed officially begin the rollout for the sequel to their classic debut collaboration album titled Magic & Bird from 2017. The track was produced by Blaine Taylor, Andrew Prim, Ex Deo and Mineo himself, a team effort. Eight years may have passed, however, the chemistry between the two has only been perfected. The back-and-forth bars, the punchlines and excellence in wordplay value all mesh beautifully. The balance of humor, rhyme skill, and camaraderie are flawless. The dynamic duo has returned, hide your kids, sports equipment and brush up on your sports antidotes. The boys are back in town and nobody’s safe. Stream “GTA 6” on Spotify and Apple Music.
OnBeatMusic x Dillon Chase x Saint James - "Breathe" San Antonio native and independent producer, DJ, and an overall phenomenal creative, OnBeatMusic drops the second single from the soon-to-be-released project titled, Vulnerable. Mental health isn’t something easily discussed in Christian spaces. Some believe our faith shall trump any interior struggles. However, the masses know the intense struggles of depression, anxiety, fear and doubt. Thankful, more Christian artists across multiple genres are speaking up about their own battles which, in turn, help those who fight similar wars within.
OB has been quite vocal about his own dealings with anxiety and depression along with the multitude of severe side effects. This single, “Breath” speaks on such times of being affected by these serious diseases and how to navigate through such as a Christian. OB teamed up with long-time friend Dillon Chase and fellow indie artist Saint James. Chase and James serve as mouthpieces for what OB desires to communicate; however, through a creative outlet known as rap. The production is phenomenal, as expected. Boom-bap is married to a soulful bridge/hook intertwined with solid, meaningful lyrics. Stream “Breathe” on Spotify and Apple Music.
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. He has been an NRT contributor since 2016.
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