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.
Finding Balance by Dee-1 NOLA’s (Northern Louisiana) Dee-1 releases another raw self-expression of life lessons and the culture we’re surrounded within 2022. This is his first album release since 2020. Dee-1 has few features, however, those listed are iconic in their own right. 1K Phew, Aha Gazelle, Big K.R.I.T., Lupe Fiasco, and others. It’s been said that Dee-1 would be an offspring of joining Tupac Shakur and Lauryn Hill respectively. He possesses an ear to the streets but also expresses his love for God and faith combined on each track. Highlighted tracks include “My Bruddas,” “Mamba Mentality,” and “Not Afraid.” One aspect of Dee-1’s music I’ve always appreciated is its authenticity. The content is heart-driven from the holy spirit. Even in transparency and difficult seasons, he expresses how God saw him through it all. Stream Finding Balance on Spotify here.
Jude Barclay - "Love Sober" Michigan's Jude Barclay returns with his first single of 2022. Barclay had one of the most fruitful and productive years in 2021 within the CHH space. He made the Reach Records’ summer playlist. Barclay completed a rare feat of balancing quality and quantity of music as he released over 40 singles in 2021 some receiving over 200,000 Spotify streams. With Monday being Valentine’s Day, Barclay blessed his fanbase with a relatable and catchy vibe themed around love. The hook sticks with you. The tempo calls for a scenic Friday night drive. Solid release to open 2022 for finetuning Barclay’s artistry. Stream “Love Sober” on Spotify here.
Legin - "Wish I Knew You" and "3PM featuring Mission & Muhanjii"
Virginia’s own Legin starts off 2022 with two singles quite different one from the other. “Wish I Knew You” was one of the most personal and difficult songs Legin has composed to-date. The content discusses the absence of his father as well as the discussion of forgiveness during their last talk before his father died. He exposed lifelong pain so others can heal or relate related to the absence of a birth parent and related forgiveness. “3PM” is on the other spectrum of a positive nature related to a “feel good” track. The song features Mission and Kenyan native Muhanjii. The single circles between the home regions where each artist dwells between Virginia, California, and Kenya. Cardec Drums went crazy with the production on “Wish I Knew You” with the jazzy feel bouncing between drums and piano vibes. Laquan Green and Ben Mekkes took the reins for “3PM” formulating a party track based off killer 808s. Each track accents Legin’s range of content and depth. Stream Wish I Knew You on Spotify here.
Erica Mason feat. TYLYNN & Lite Pole – “Walk Away”
Legacy feat. Alcott – “Untouchable”
UNTDLD feat. Scribe Music & Trutha – “Held Me Down”
JXHN PVUL - "M626"
Josiah Lowe feat. JP KILLED IT - "Against All Odds!"
Csndra – “Very Well”
DJ LostnFound feat. Jodie Jermaine & Eris Ford – “Ride For You”
Christopher Syncere – “ATREYU”
Bella Vantes x Joey Vantes – “Self Care”
Nu Tone feat. I-Von – “Right Here”
FLF – “Dipped in Blood”
Jes Norris feat. Datin – “Better”
MIRAQL3 – “Been A Lot”
TC – “Two Kinda Loves”
D.R33D - "Cancelled"
NCO feat. Chris Soul - "Glo"
The Graes – “Deep”
HYLEM x Errol Allen – “In My Head Again”
simplyollie. – “All I Have”
Cellus Hamilton feat. Isaiah Jenkins – “Admiration”
Lazarus! feat. CuBox – “BOX!”
Hunterdrinkswater – “1 2 3 4”
N!x feat. 1zaiiah – “For the Soul”
Caleb Gordon - "Evidence"
CRFT - "Waiting"
Ryland Junior – “Que Dios Te Bendiga”
NolaRed x T900 x YJO - "Glory"
ASAP Preach – “Goodbye”
Ayomilly – “That’s Why I’m Feeling So Lonely”
Me Michael feat. Shiwan - "Tick Tock"
Joseph Goulding - "Scammers"
SiahThyLegend - "Sweetest"
QEW - "KAIOKEN"
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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