#75 - Ty Brasel, nobigdyl., Lecrae x 1K Phew, & More...
NRT's CHH contributor Joshua Galla collects what's new in Christian Hip-Hop and Urban Soul for the week of Friday, November 19, 2021. (Photo: Ty Brasel)
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.
Destiny, Vol. 1 (The Mixtape) by Ty Brasel
4 Against 5’s Ty Brasel has been radio silent since January of 2021 when he released the single “Destiny” initially as a YouTube exclusive. Also, he released a remix for “Paid For It” off his 2020 album The Divine Storm. Earlier this month, Brasel teased two singles that were to be released today “On Me” featuring Jenna Wright and “4 The Stars” featuring J. Monty. At the last minute, two singles evolved into an entire mixtape sending fans into hysterics across CHH.
Features on the album include Jenna Wright, J. Monty, 1K Phew, Parris Chariz, Jay-Way, and Plan G. Highlighted tracks are “Chances” featuring 1K Phew, “All I Got,” and “Halo.” The album reeks classic Brasel sounds. Witty rhyme schemes, content targeted from the heart, personal faith on blast, and even a little taste of melodic Ty. Listeners can definitely hear the influence of love and the positive impact his long-time girlfriend (Kristen) has had on his life and art.
Overall, the album is squeaky clean from a mixing/mastering sense. Vocals and flow are highlighted. It’s everything die-hard Brasel fans could ask for in a project. Is it wrong to be hyped about volume two already? Stream Destiny, Vol. 1 (The Mixtape) on Spotify here.
nobigdyl. - "WHAT A DAY" & "100K freestyle"
Middle-Tennessee's indie tribe. co-creator nobigdyl. releases his first solo singles of 2021. Back in May, the indie tribe. collective released their highly successful collaboration project, U P P E R H A N D. Listeners are quickly reminded how crazy Dyllie's wordplay and lyricism play off one another. As usual, it takes a good 10-20 listens before fans can capture all the genius contained within any given track. Carvello and ayeyoungjordan handled the production duties with precision as both tracks are certified heaters. Dyl. will always and forever be a favorite of mine on the mic as an emcee and in person as an incredible human. Stream both singles on Spotify here.
Lecrae x 1K Phew - "Wildin"
Reach Records' frontman Lecrae and label mate 1K Phew release their first single off of their collaboration project No Church In A While dropping December 3. Lecrae was in the middle of recording his next release, Church Clothes 4, when he realized people hadn't even been to church in a while to flex those fresh church clothes fits due to the pandemic, church hurt, and other reasons. Therefore, he hit the pause button and decided to bring the church to the streets with 1K Phew at his side. Lecrae is on the hook and leans in first with the opening verse. Each artist plays off the other with the influence one had on the other. Organic 116 fans will learn a thing or two when listening closely to the rhyme schemes and content. Mainstream producer Metro Boomin brought the heat from start to finish with the beat and production. Stream "Wildin" on Spotify here.
