#251 - 1K Phew, Aha Gazelle, Steven Malcolm, & More...
NRT's CHH contributor Joshua Galla collects what's new in Christian Hip-Hop and Urban Soul for the week of Friday, October 31, 2025. (Banner Photo: 1K Phew)
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.
What's Understood 3 by 1K Phew Reach Records’ certified representative of the ATL, 1K Phew returns with the third installment of the What’s Understood project series. The first two projects were released essentially back-to-back in 2019 laying the foundation and groundwork for Gospel Rap in one hip-hop’s main demographics on domestic lands. Phew had the following to say about the new project, “What’s Understood 3 is my story in real time — the highs, the lows, and the moments God kept me when I didn’t even realize it. I wanted the album to sound like motivation you can ride to and live by. It’s faith in motion for the lost who’s still trying to get it right. I’m not preaching perfection; I'm showing progress and pushing unity. That’s what this project is about.”
Honestly, I think Phew invited most of the A-listers in CHH to contribute to the album. Fellow labelmates Anike, WHATUPRG, Lecrae, and Hulvey are included. The entire five-artist roster of the indie tribe collective. Others include Ty Brasel, 1k Pson, Aha Gazelle, IAMBARABBAS, 404 chew, KJ Kemp, Luhtye, Aaron Cole, Parris Chariz, Kijan Boone, Nathan Davis, Jr., BigBreeze, Forrest Frank, and KB. As dyl. mentioned on one of Phew’s Instagram posts, Phew put an entire music festival on an album!
Besides the features, the 808s take center stage. I haven’t heard bass so heavy since the days of the Miami bass-driven mixtapes and artists like 69 Boyz and Quad City DJs. Windows down is a must regardless of the track. The album contains 13 original tracks and even a few remixes built like a deluxe edition without the title. Also, a skippable track simply doesn’t exist. Go stream What’s Understood 3 on Spotify here.
Aha Gazelle - "God is Not A Genie" Louisiana native Aha Gazelle drops his fourth solo single of 2025. Gazelle commented on the social media platform, Instagram, the track was supposed to release on Psalm Sunday this year. However, it was delayed due to creative processing. Instead of waiting for situations align “perfectly”, Gazelle vows to release the art to his fanbase and the details will be eventually ironed out. The track was produced by only son and VVD Sound. The song speaks to not viewing our Lord and Savior like a genie; someone to grant wishes. God shall provide and God will bless, but relationship must first be established. One of Gazelle’s favorite bars was, “All of us human, we know what it is but rather pretend that we’re all different species.” Stream “God is Not A Genie” on Spotify and Apple Music.
Steven Malcolm feat. Adia - "Lean on You" Hailing from Grand Rapids, Michigan, 4 Against 5’s Steven Malcolm returns with his fifth single released in 2025. This time around, he’s teamed up with Rock City Music Group’s Adia and her incredibly multi-talented soulful sounds. Referred to as the “Princess of Gospel music” by Malcolm, Adia added a necessary flavor to the overall track. Part afrobeats. Part worship. Part hip-hop. All love. Malcolm tapped into his Jamaican roots a bit showcasing his diversity amongst sound. It’s a certified groove from start-to-finish; perfect for holiday road trips this fall into winter. Stream “Lean on Me” on Spotify and Apple Music.
FLAME feat. Tarcea Renee, Reuben Jones, and Adam Prince - "Extra Nos Music"
Polished Arrow Music – “LOTW”
Konata Small – “Plot Twist”
Scootie Wop x okaywarren – “Overflow”
Chris Caro – “It’s Okay”
Jeremiah Paltan and KDNS – “If You Love Me”
RRELL - "Creep"
Modern Temple – “Chasing the Culture”
TK Lee – “Prophetic Love”
Tay Collier feat. Jeff Knox and Prodigal Joe – “WEEP”
Petrina DeLacey – “STAND ON BUSINESS”
Sis N Lil Bro feat. Xay Hill – “Old Me”
STIXX aka Conejo feat. Kaleb Mitchell – “HOLD UP”
DaShawn Shauntá - "Clean"
Nu Tone feat. Young C and GodFearin - "Militant"
JWOODZ – “PURPOSE 4LIFE”
Caleb McCoy – “Thief in the Night”
Will Kellum - "Fall Away"
No Vain Glory – “ROYALTY (CHOSEN)”
Drea LP x OnBeatMusic – “Still”
Giovani and Isaac Mansfield - "Move like Moses"
Razzie x Joz feat. 4KL – “NEW PETRO”
B.E.R.I.D.O.X. x Marv4MoBeats feat. Craig Watson and Ron Smith – “Mandate”
Nameless Servant – “THE HILLS HAVE EYES”
George Jones III – “Testifying”
Jericko – “Skeletons”
Ryan Madison feat. Mac – “Riches in Righteousness”
Jordy Sam feat. IAN – “Hard Days”
Tanner Cooperknoll feat. DJLC and QEW – “Come and Go”
Scott Ralley – “Make Ya”
Alphein – “Working”
VAWNN – “Overtime”
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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