NRT's CHH contributor Joshua Galla collects what's new in Christian Hip-Hop and Urban Soul for the week of Friday, September 17, 2021. (Photo: Gabby Callwood)
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 and Apple Music to listen to all the latest.
Blood of the Lamb EP by Gabby Callwood
Canadian soultress Gabby Callwood presents her debut EP complete with a touch of lyricism and a healthy dose of harmonies covered in elegant rhythm. Only 18 years young, Callwood has the vocal capacity equipped equal to a veteran of sound. Her voice captures throaty, deep vocals smothered in soul. Also, she gifts fans innovation comfortable for the streets or a Sunday service. Callwood provides a sound unique in nature, rare in current culture. She doesn’t mirror any known vocalists as she possesses a sound all to herself.
Favorites off the EP are “Bygones” featuring GodFearin, “Blood of the Lamb,” and “Wolves in Sheep’s Designer Clothing.” For such a young mind, Callwood recounts transparency pouring from the heart outward. God’s everlasting love and promises the bible provides bleed through every verse. Confident in her personal theology, Callwood reclaims that unashamed Christian sound missing far too often from the urban space between CHH and Urban Soul. Stream the Blood of the Lamb EP on Spotify here.
RedTips feat. Aable - "Hustle"
Independent Floridian rapper RedTips gifts his fanbase with another trailblazin’ single, his eighth single released in 2021. “Hustle” encompasses not being complacent or bowing to laziness. It’s a call to take charge in life physically, spiritually, and emotionally. This song is a form of motivation to add numbers to the Kingdom. Up and coming rapper Aable joins RedTips on the track and surprises the entire CHH space. His spitfire delivery, poignant wordplay, and master of the pocket reigns applause from the east to the west. We already know RedTips’ lyricism is masterful, however, Aable provides the content to wake up anybody who is sleeping on him. RedTips exhibits not only his rapid-fire art but shows fans diversity by serving up the hook on the track too. Stream “Hustle” featuring Aable on Spotify here.
Shiwan - "Killjoy"
Connecticut’s Shiwan returns with just his second single of 2021. However, he did release an album titled, Project 27 infusing lyricism and R&B vibes throughout. Killjoy is defined as an individual who intentionally spoils the joy in others. Shiwan could’ve taken this concept several routes, as some Christians, at times, exhibit a prime example of this. Shiwan takes an industrial, electronic approach to the track perfect for the aggressive delivery deep into the pocket of the verses. Shiwan reminds us how skillful his rhyme schemes present and how artful he can be with concepts. Stream “Killjoy” on Spotify here.
