#83 - Mogli the Iceburg, Steven Malcolm, Xay Hill, & More...
NRT's CHH contributor Joshua Galla collects what's new in Christian Hip-Hop and Urban Soul for the week of Friday, February 4, 2022. (Photo: Mogli the Iceburg)
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.
Mogli the Iceburg feat. Eshon Burgundy - "hypocrite" Tennessee-resident Mogli the Iceburg returns to his roots smothered in his original love for hip-hop. Hip-hop music is what baited Mogli into creating and producing music. It’s similar to his firstborn. For the next month, he’s releasing weekly hip-hop tracks before going crazy with the experimentation sonically. First up, is the current single with Eshon Burgundy. Burgundy is a hip-hop veteran and thrives off classic, boom-bap production where hip-hop once saw as a common space. The track speaks to hidden sin, the hypocrite within most Christians. How we look, speak, and act publicly isn’t always true to what occurs behind closed doors. Burgundy added his spice to the conversation laced with theology and biblical tie-ins. Overall, def. a refreshing sound from Mogli. Although, I love his alternative, rock-heavy creative side too. Stream “hypocrite” on Spotify here.
Steven Malcolm - "Respect"
4 Against 5's Steven Malcolm returns after a strong end to last year with the single "Rooftop Freestyle." As promised, Malcolm is creating some of his best content to date. "Respect" has the sound of a structured freestyle. He dives into personal situations which grew him into the emcee, man, and creativity he represents now. Malcolm switches tempos displaying versatility, as the track serves as an appetizer to the main course he's been teasing across his social media accounts since late last year. His wordplay remains elite as few others can combat such artistry. Stream "Respect", produced by SANGO + UMOORE, on Spotify here.
When It Hurts: A Story by Isaiah Hill by Xay Hill
Independent rapper Xay Hill is one of the few emcees devoted to always keeping alive the idea of concept albums. Not only does his art portray a specific story, but through dope tracks and innovative skits, the puzzle constructs perfectly in line by the end of the 19-track album. He’s a student of the streets and of the Gospels as the story of redemption, healing, and glory through pain ooze onto Hill’s canvas of sonic brilliance. He meshes auto-tuned melodies with gritty rhymes through trap-infused production.
Highlighted tracks include “I Can’t Be Your Friend,” “Step It Up,” and “It Wasn’t Luck” featuring Torey D’Shaun, Scootie Wop, and BigBreeze. Hill’s content captures what most young black males face transitioning from poverty to blessings received from God in faithfulness and commitment. In presentation throughout the album, listeners will learn of struggles faced, blessings, received, and everything in-between. Hill always shines outward in his art and such transparency leads others to build upon their own faith. Stream When It Hurts: A Story by Isaiah Hill on Spotify here.
Weez the Satellite Kiid x King Manifest – “Transcend”
Die-Rek – “Wheel Back, Come Again”
Tylerhateslife feat. TDS CAM – “My Life”
Mike Teezy – “All I Want”
Chase Cullum feat. Parris Chariz – “Drip Like”
Dashawn Saunta – “Don’t Riot”
L. Dejuan – “Better with You”
KEMVR – “Vertigo”
Tay Collier - "Siyahamba"
Jarrell - "Man Up"
Cephas – “Revolutionary”
Anthony Hale feat. Creation Christian Center – “You Are Good”
K-SEE – “Bible on My Hip”
Creative Culture Co. feat. Aklesso - "Black Boy"
Lazarus! – “Ionknow”
Gabe Lowe feat. Miles Minnick - "My Year"
LLC FLAME – “Hotel Freestyle”
HYLEM – “Keep That”
ZDIORX - "Alone"
Cutright - "Holly Daze"
Tk Lee - "Outta Here"
Byron Rhodes - "The Fall"
Joseph Goulding - "Underdog"
Shane Kidd – “Shadowboxing
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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