NRT's CHH contributor Joshua Galla collects what's new in Christian Hip-Hop and Urban Soul for the week of Friday, January 28, 2022. (Photo: Jon Keith)
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.
Jon Keith - "97 (Ninety-Seven)" Californian and the latest addition to the indie tribe. collective, Jon Keith releases his first single of 2022. Keith is methodic with each release, as it may not seem he offers a constant rotation of new music to his fan base. However, his "quality over quantity" mentality ensures each release hits different and the creative concepts behind releases set their own bar. Everything about Keith is unique. His flow. His rhyme schemes. The delivery. The uniqueness equates into one of the premier artists in the CHH space. "97" is no different. The latest single possesses earth-shattering bass, creative use of synth sounds, and driving taps of the snare. The content is some of Keith's best too. He walks you through life experiences while dripping in the love of Christ bar for bar. The track easily sits on my personal list as a top single of 2022 after the first month. Stream "97" on Spotify here.
1K Phew x Dee-1 x Aha Gazelle - "My Bruddas"
Reach Records and ATL's own 1K Phew links up with two Louisana (NOLA) boys for one of the hottest singles in the CHH space. Phew presented some of his most raw material skating over the track effortlessly. Also, we're blessed with lyrical Aha and melodic Aha. Let's not forget Dee-1's phenomenal contributions such as lyrics like, "The only way I survived the trenches God allowed me / that's why I say His Name on every song and do it proudly." C'mon now, fam! The beat rides like a typical trap beat, but with "deep from the south" bass. This one deserves multiple repeat listens, especially on a weekend with all the windows down. Stream "My Bruddas" on Spotify here.
Glass Ceilings by YB
Bold Records artist and owner of NXT MOVE, YB returns yet again with some of the strongest content in the CHH space. The five-track collection of songs was presented a tad differently than normal. YB released a song a day during release week keeping them listed as independent singles, yet collectively titled, Glass Ceilings. YB pushes the envelope sonically and willingly this time around hence the name of the first single and collection. Just when personally I didn’t think his flow and delivery could sharpen or improve, it does. With each new release. It’s encouraging for fans but has to be frustrating for other emcees to see the constant glow-up of YB.
“GLASS CEILINGS” is supercharged behind steady handclaps and a rapid flow captured to near perfection. “REARVIEW MIRROR 2” is a tempo-down retrospective of the past. Though the energy takes a step down, the wordplay is heightened. Pay attention. “HOLD ME DOWN” slows things up even more, however, hits no different. Fire content. Fire production. Fire concept. Love the keys and high hats driving this track. “SPEAK ON IT” features NXT MOVE’s Christopher Syncere. This is the highlighted track of the five. Pure excellence between the two. “ONLY WAY” is a worship track in nature giving praises to the Most High for blessings on blessings. YB didn’t disappoint. Love every track for separate reasoning. Stream Glass Ceilings on Spotify here.
Xay Hill x Torey D'Shaun x Scootie Wop x BigBreeze - "It Wasn't Luck"
CABREJA feat. BJ Maldonado – “A TI”
Noah Andres – “LIKE YOU”
Muted Mike – “Welcome to Dumber”
Tylynn x Lite Pole – “Peer Pressure”
BigGucciDame – “Call God”
simplyollie. feat. Lindsay Vann – “How They Feel”
Prafit Josiah – “3 FIFTHS” & “Christ Died For This”
Jordan May – “Trade It All”
Trutha x Q-Flo x Prodi da Prodigal x Legacy - "Resurrection"
Adriel Cruz - She-Hulk"
Jack Tyler feat. ZDIORX – “FISCAL YEAR”
Juliana Hale - "Hold Me"
Rosco x Matt Mogg – “Tell Em”
CasanovaontheMic feat. Miles Minnick - "Flex"
N!x – “THE LIGHT”
Bryann T - "Welcome to the Church House"
Lazarus! – “Reflections”
BRM - "Big God Flex"
SiahThyLegend x HYLEM feat. Joseph Goulding – “With My Stick”
Brenno x Kdiamond – “Follow”
Paul the Messenger - "Seriously"
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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