NRT's CHH contributor Joshua Galla collects what's new in Christian Hip-Hop and Urban Soul for the week of Friday, April 17, 2026. (Banner Photo: DEON)
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.
Praise the Carpenter EP by DEON Love Mercy Music Group’s DEON drops his first project of 2026 titled, Praise the Carpenter. Loyal fans of his still wait patiently wait for the release of DEON’s debut album. The current five-track EP features Zaytoven, Eris Ford, Roosevelt Stewart and Sam Rivera. Favorites of mine include “In the Light (Out of Darkness)” featuring Roosevelt Stewart and Sam Rivera as well as “Forever Changed” featuring Eris Ford. I admire how melodic each track represents while marrying both R&B and hip-hop near seamlessly.
When asked to share his heart behind the project, DEON commented, “This EP is all about giving praise to the “carpenter”. It is commonly known that Jesus was a carpenter and when I read that it made me realize that being creative is a direct trait of Jesus. God not only created the world but in human form as Jesus, his role to society was still to create. I give him praise for being a creative that never grew weary of the role God the Father put him in on earth. I aspire to never get weary of creating for the King of Kings so that He gets all of the praise and when I get praise for what I do, I take such applause and I say, “Praise The Carpenter” - the One that truly deserves the credit for my creative contribution to society.”
Stream the Praise the Carpenter EP on Spotify here.
Aklesso feat. Ty Brasel - "He Did It" After releasing "Outta Time" with help from Aha Gazelle & Kaden Jordan as well as recently being featured on XXL's The Break, Alienz Alive artist Aklesso enlists independent, Memphis-based rapper Ty Brasel for the latest single. Produced by in-house instrumentalist Enzo Gram, the track finds the pair trading high-energy verses that refuse to let bad news win.
When asked about the new release, Aklesso had this to say, “Around November last year, I was focused on a lot of the bad that was going on in my life. Found out a program I was involved in got cancelled, which hurt my family financially and at the same time we found out we were having our second child. It was a scary time for me. Not too long after that I got a random text from Heather B (Sway In The Morning) who sent me a song about gratitude. I was so worried about what was wrong that I didn't take time to realize all the great things happening simultaneously.”
Having a similar string of negative situations occur within a week’s time personally, I can release. God shall always remain faithful, and His promises shall always remain true and absolute. I love Aklesso’s heart behind this track sparking a worship-like atmosphere. Stream “He Did It” on Spotify and Apple Music.
COULD BE TONIGHT by Hulvey Reach Records’ Hulvey is set to release his final project through the iconic label – seven years (2019) in the making. As the contractual agreements expire, COULD BE TONIGHT will stand as his best work of art. When the dust settled from KB’s departure (2020) for Provident Music Group (Sony), Hulvey became the next face of “worsh-hop” when worship and hip-hop blend near perfection. The resume of singles and projects are set to stand the “sands of time” as relative anthems for decades to arrive. “Beautiful,” “Altar,” “No Longer Bound,” “Love Like That,” along with a multitude of others – Hulvey’s discography boasts one hit after another (and all for the Glory of God).
The premises of COULD BE TONIGHT is based off the second coming of Christ similar to how it’s presented in Matthew 24:40. Followers of Jesus are to intimately be ready and prepped for His imminent return. Hulvey presented believers with a soundtrack to the soul of the listener as well as their heart. Each track invokes passion, urgency, emotion, and a type of peace only our Lord can provide.
Favorites include “SPEECHESS” featuring Lil Dru and LIN D, “RICH LIKE THI$” featuring Kijan Boone, and “NIGHT NIGHT” featuring Torey D’Shaun. The track “INFLUENCER$” is the focal track and one of the best too. Throughout the massive 20-track project, Hulvey walks through how believers are to live, what they are to avoid, and essentially a practical artistic version of the bible itself.
The COULD BE TONIGHT tour kicks off on August 12 running through 33 cities until September 27. Special guests Kijan Boone and indie tribe. are accompanying Hulvey’s last hoorah under the reign of Reach Records. Tickets for the tour are available at hulveymusic.com.
Shepherd | Destiny Marko | Giovani feat. Guerrero De Cristo | Temperamento – “REINO”
Madison Ryann Ward | Bianca Silver – “At Your Side”
De’Aris – “WASN’T EASY”
EGR feat. Lecrae – “Big Brother (Remix)”
Mike Teezy feat. Erica Campbell - "For My Good"
Connor Price | Shumaq – “It’s Not Really Funny”
GRAHAM – “TBA”
MAYIA WARREN – “Take Me Back”
DC3 – “FIRE IN THE BOOTH”
Untidld – “Blood on the Altar”
Andrew Prim – “CHILD’S PLAY”
DANMAR – “Can You Blame Me”
WXLF – “Remain”
Will Kellum – “Already Done”
Kins feat. Ty! – “trials & tribulations”
Saints in Exile | Cutright – “Good Won't Get You In”
Ally Minju – “JESUS HAS RIZZEN”
Isaac Mather – “Who You Are Is Who I Love”
Pastor Charles A.R feat. Big Fil – “Lord Let It Rain”
Elan Brio feat. B Red-E – “We Up Against It”
Luke Hopp – “SOMETHING NEW”
George Jones III | B Red-E – “HOT SAUCE”
Nameless Servant – “Raise the Roof”
Eddie Clark – “They Know Not What They Do”
AustinThaNoble – “Into Your Hands”
Dedge P - “Love You (Perfect Part 2)”
Dre’ Jamal feat. Slack from IDOL KING – “YES LORD”
J Reborn feat. King James Version – “Revival”
JXYD3N | Kelo – “Lord of All”
Lady Audri – “Alabaster Box”
Alphein – “Unsaid”
Bleszt- “POWER”
Tamera King – “Do You Miss Me”
Vennisay – “nonsense”
Elijah Kyle – “THE BOYS”
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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