#30 - Jered Sanders, Kurtis Hoppie, DJ LostNFound, & More...
NRT's CHH contributor Joshua Galla collects what's new in Christian Hip-Hop and Urban Soul for the week of Friday, November 27, 2020 (Photo: Jered Sanders)
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 to listen to all the latest.
Black Friday 3: Mamba Mentality by Jered Sanders The third installment of the Black Friday series from God Over Money's Jered Sanders is out now. It's a free download on the official GOM Plus app available in the applicable app store. One thing listeners can always expect from a GOM artist is superb lyricism, playful rhyme schemes and wordplay, and hard-hitting theological bars. One thing Sanders always includes in his projects is carefully selected snippets from media, sermons, or pop culture enabling flawless transition between tracks. Just like the ode to Kobe Bryant on the cover and album title, the contents are fantastic, filled with purpose, and stamp Sanders as one of the best lyricists in CHH. Standout tracks include "WIZKID FREESTYLE," "EVILUTION," and "COME BACK" featuring TH3 SAGA. As usual, Sanders assembled a quality, thought-provoking release of excellence.
Kurtis Hoppie feat. Derek Minor - "INFINITE"
Kurtis Hoppie needs more attention, period. Independent, yet with the talent of a seasoned artist. Whether it's harmonies, melodies, or solid bars, Hoppie satisfies. This time around, he brought powerhouse Reflection Music Group's Derek Minor on the track. Yet another individual who never disappoints. Check out each single released in 2020 from Hoppie, the cover art is always professional and top-notch creative. Love the overall sonic feel of this track. While the hook shines bright, the verse from Hoppie and Minor complements each other nicely. Definitely a favorite of mine from the holiday weekend. Oh and... DEREK MINOR, WE MISS YOU!
DJ LostNFound feat. JP KILLED IT & Ian Kenville - "Saturday Morning Cartoons"
By now, readers should know I've grown tired of that typical trap beat and mix. Therefore, when a refreshing alternative appears; I smile. The highlight of this record from DJ LostNFound is the chill acoustic guitar vibe controlling the background of the track. Coupled with a simplistic, slowed down percussion influence, I love the overall feel. My only complaint is the track is too short clocking in just under two minutes. Another spotlight should be shone on the hook. Just like the name insinuates, JP killed the hook with the melodies and sonic value. To be honest, I could just blast the hook on replay and be happy. He's an independent artist truly finding his niche vocally. The track basically explains how we reminisce when life was indeed quite simpler, more enjoyable before the idea of "adulting" and responsibility settles in. It's definitely a dope track.
