NRT's CHH contributor Joshua Galla collects what's new in Christian Hip-Hop and Urban Soul for the week of Friday, January 21, 2022. (Photo: Hyper Fenton)
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.
Hyper Fenton feat. 350 - "Bluetooth"
Colorado Springs-resident Hyper Fenton returns with his third single released in 2022 and January isn’t even over yet. Hyper Fenton is brilliant as he releases music constantly--mostly weekly--and keeps the quality beyond measure. Each release possesses innovation, creativity, energy, and fun content.
He makes it enjoyable to stand beyond music that is not only Christian and family-friendly but enjoyable too. For the latest single, he teamed up with 350 who’s dominating the CHH scene over the course of the last two years. He’s part producer, rapper, and hitmaker.
These two combined just three weeks into 2022 creating one of the best tracks heard this year. It’s a major vibe, spotlights 350’s lyricism, and the constant high energy Hyper Fenton emits track after track. He takes simple concepts like “Bluetooth” and transforms them into radio hits. If either of these artists is not on your constant watch/radar, adjust now. Stream “Bluetooth” on Spotify here.
KJ-52 - "Take Me Back"
For close to 25 years, hip-hop veteran KJ-52 has been a household name in CHH. He released his first studio album in 2000, 7th Avenue. He's been able to bridge the gap between mainstream and Christian rap through fans of Eminem. He may never admit it, however, KJ is one of the pioneers of CHH.
Personally, he was the first Christian rapper I was introduced to in 2002. A quarter-century later, KJ is still creating new music. “Take Me Back” is the second single released from the project KJ-52 vs. Jonah. The album is comprised of eight new tracks, two unreleased tracks, and five remade/remixed tracks.
The latest single is based around Higgins Lake, one of KJ’s favorite childhood spots smothered with memories. Also, it represents a place where God truly began a special work in his life-affirming a foundation thriving to this day. The track itself is fast-paced similar to a dance track. The infectious handclaps and EDM vibes drive the listener’s body into sporadic movement. I love the easy-to-recite lyrics and hook included too. Stream “Take Me Back” on Spotify here.
Loss At Sea by Nomis
Californian Nomis returns with his first musical offering of 2022 in the form of an album. In January 2021, his father suddenly passed away. The death of a father, especially when a bond is shared, can be quite a traumatic journey. He’s quoted as stating 2021 was one of the worse years he’s witnessed as three members of his family died.
As with most artists, music is emotional outlet feelings are flooded into. Navigating through the grieving process is never easily handled, however, can be made manageable when emotions have ears to fall upon. Beauty can be discovered within the difficult storms we as humans experience often. Hence, the release of this album. One thing during the ten-plus year rapping career of Nomis I’ve always appreciated was his ability to create a cinematic experience for every album keeping the spirit of thematic projects alive. It was no different this time around between the inclusion of voice mail clips, scripture, and other welcomed surprises. Spotlighted tracks include “Notice Your Pain” featuring Sinai and “Drowning.”
However, the entire 6-track album is relatable and worth multiple listens. Not only does it provide a bird’s eye perspective in the heart of Nomis, but walks through how many of us cope with loss and grief. As usual, the production throughout is brilliant. Far from the trap spectrum, Nomis stays authentic to that classic boom-bap sound most know and love. Listen for specific instrumentation, as it is plentiful and masterful. The album isn’t available on DSPs yet, but check out the Bandcamp home for Nomis to support the project here.
Promise x Bumps INF feat. Eris Ford – “Way Out” (Patreon Exclusive)
MVKEYYJ – “no time freestyle”
Lamar Riddick x Kevi Morse - "Feeling Good"
Nak Daniels – “GOAT”
Scootie Wop – “No Friends in the Industry Freestyle”
BigBreeze – “APE”
L. Dejuan – “Everything’s Different”
Richie Righteous – “Vacant Seat”
Jermaine Cowan feat. Dru Bex - "Believe Me"
Hector Dominguez feat. Collin Christopher, Alishani Crespo, & Liv Roskos – “All the Way”
Lazarus! – “DOODLE”
Zach Limitless feat. Nu Tone - "No Opps"
Joe Verses – “Wildfire” (Blaze and Inferno Editions)
KELO feat. Quick Stukes - "Decisions"
Josiah Lowe – “Catch”
simplyollie. – “Can’t Hurt Me Now”
LLC FLAME feat. simplyollie. – “GROWN UP”
HYLEM x Joseph Goulding – “Ready or Not”
Little Lambo – “Rick Tap”
Asterisk - "BLEED"
Eddie Clark - "Love Exists"
Titus x Matt Mogg x jpxprince – “Don’t Blame Me”
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.
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