#260 - De'Aris, Dee Black, Trendsetter Sense, & More...
NRT's CHH contributor Joshua Galla collects what's new in Christian Hip-Hop and Urban Soul for the week of Friday, January 23, 2026. (Banner Photo: De'Aris)
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.
LOST FILES EP by De'Aris Apollo Records’ De’Aris drops his second project overall and first new music of 2026. The LOST FILES EP is a collection of seven tracks showcasing his overall skill set and microphone prowess. Additional featured artists include Social Club Misfits’ Fern, Will Kellum and Taylor Wells. Favorites off the project are “God’s Hands” featuring Fern, “Blessing,” and “We Still Here” featuring Taylor Wells.
The track "BLESSING" is a soulful, yet hard-hitting hip-hop fusion rooted in the understanding that most believers are drowning in favor through Jesus. With warm soul textures, driving drums, and a choir that evokes the feeling of church, the song blends worship and confidence. It inspires bold faith while reminding listeners that every win comes from Him.
Then, the project closes out with “WE STILL HERE” featuring Taylor Wells. If you enjoy faith‑driven music with a modern edge, the closer is a strong, diverse single. It’s concise, uplifting, and polished—ideal for listeners who appreciate motivational Christian tracks with contemporary production. Overall, De’Aris is only just getting started within his endless capabilities.
Stream the LOST FILES EP on Spotify here.
Dee Black feat. Scootie Wop - "Too Late" Hisstory Music Group’s Dee Black teams up with STARRBABY WRLDWIDE’s Scootie Wop for a vulnerable, faith-filled record about emotions extended too far gone. The track is based off biblical examples such as the New Testament parable told by Jesus about the woman at the well. Regardless of the situation or circumstance, God will always meet you where you are.
Over a melodic, emotional bounce, Black and Scootie Wop open their hearts and reveal struggles like battling the flesh, hitting their knees in surrender, and discovering that with Jesus - it’s never too late to come home. Also, the parable about the prodigal son comes to mind too. This single just hits differently and will resonate with the masses. Stream “Too Late” on Spotify and Apple Music.
Trendsetter Sense feat. 1K Phew, Young Dro, and Xaytoven - "LORD JESUS" Music has infinite power. Few individuals realize such artistic power harnessed within music as Trendsetter Sense. He’s one of the founding members of The Aphilliates and a pioneer of the Gangsta Grillz series - which paved climatic foundations for the mixtape scene; elevating Atlanta (The ATL) as a hip-hop hotbed.
Now, Trendsetter Sense has a new mission and purpose for his craft, stating, “My responsibility is to follow what God called me to and that is to be a vessel to shine a faith-filled experience to people, but still doing it on a high level.” S/O to the journalistic team at Proper XL and Doc Watson at RMG for the background piece related to Trendsetter Sense.
His first single of 2026, “Lord Jesus” represents fearless faith and bold courage breaking through walls with truth straight from the streets. The music is anthemic in nature leaving the beautiful, bold declaration resounding the name of Jesus between ears of listeners worldwide. Stream “LORD JESUS" on Spotify and Apple Music.
Samuel ASH feat. Secreto and Tommy Royale – ““Sin ti” (Desde el Valle)”
Yung Kriss – “YES U R”
GRAHAM – “Figure It Out”
Nu Tone feat. Leandrea Shanice and Tds Cam - "Looking Up"
Cardec Drums – “Brava (Vamo' A Ver)”
Leandrea Shanice (fka Kidd Lee) - ARMY
tylerhateslife – “mental health (heaven's remix)”
gio. and Kai Uriah – “GET BACK UP”
Lj the Messenger – “Marvelous”
Omega Sparx feat. Ty Scott King and Isayah Beloved Shalom – “Psalm 40”
Reece Lache’ – “Still All Love”
Shanta Fuentes – “SOLACE”
Griffin and Outsiders – “Mega Church”
Jonah Greene – “I Need You”
Don Ryvcko - "ThE NAME"
IDEGO – “Pray Some”
Jay Bizzze – “WHAT YOU RUNNING FROM?”
Luke Hopp – “ALL OF IT”
Nameless Servant – “HELP!”
Vennisay – “aliver”
Eli Wilson – “Can’t Let You Go”
Isaac Mather – “Wish I Would’ve Known”
Jay Manwell – “Work It Out”
DeAngelo – “Holy Water”
Dubem – “Lately”
Keepalot – “Pedigree”
Zachary Heider – “Voice”
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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