NRT's CHH contributor Joshua Galla collects what's new in Christian Hip-Hop and Urban Soul for the week of Friday, February 18, 2022. (Photo: Trip Lee)
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.
Trip Lee - "Stone" Pastor, emcee, producer, and one of the early members of the 116 Movement from Reach Records, Trip Lee returns with his third single off of the highly anticipated album titled, The End dropping on March 4. “Stone” was co-produced by Mashall (Leroy) and JUICEBANGERS sprinkled some analog synthesizer genius all over the track. Also, the track contains sermon snippets from renowned pastor Dr. E.K. Bailey who pastored at Lee's home church (Concord Church). The use of synth sounds and sermon snippets connects a modern vibe with a classic feel; classic Trip Lee. Classic Christian Hip-Hop (CHH), yet quite refreshing. The single focus on the fact we as Christians still have work to do here in the present without solely emphasizing our gift of Heaven throughout eternity after our last breath. Therefore, we can’t kick up our feet yet, as we need to constantly be at work. Stream “Stone” on Spotify here.
Also, you can pre-order The End. dropping March 4, 2022 here.
Aklesso - "Wedding Day" Miamiresident Aklesso drops his first new music of 2022 in celebration of his wedding day in 2021 on November 30th. The video footage showcased during the visuals is taken from the actual wedding day and celebration. Aklesso has been vocal about his issues with abandonment throughout life beginning with his father. Aklesso celebrates love, partnership, and trust through his new role as a devout husband. The track contains a unique joy heard in his voice, bars, and overall delivery. It’s a playful, fun, yet serious expression of love and faith. Produced by Gleece and Soulua, the single has the modern feel of a dope hip-hop record, but also a celebratory vibe of happiness and bounce. It’s perfect for anyone to just vibe out to. Stream “Wedding Day” on Spotify here.
Legacy feat. Kay Sade - "AIR"
Canadian-born Legacy teams up with New Jersey’s finest, Kay Sade, for one of the hottest singles of 2022. This is the third single dropped from him in the new year gearing up to release part two of LEAP OF FAITH next month (March). The track has one of my favorite beginnings as I’m always seeking out something unique and different. The fade-in. The “slap in your face” from the instant 808s. The infusion of the piano keys, handclaps, and bass is intoxication, as the production was ridiculous. Both Legacy and Sade stepped up their pen game and delivery both in harmony and straight bars. We really haven’t heard from Sade in the past two years except for a few singles and a collaboration project with Dru Bex. Therefore, her return highlighted in a few features this year has been promising. She blessed listeners with both sides of her talents with singing and rapping. Stream “AIR” on Spotify here.
Mitch Darrell x Kris Noel feat. Sean Wyckoff, Alcott, Monster Tarver, DJLC – “Chop It Up, Pt. 3”
K-Drama feat. HeeSun Lee - "Squid Game (Remix)"
Dedge P feat. Young Anointed & TonyWHOA! - "Slow Ya Roll (Whoa)"
Aasha Marie feat. Darious Lyles – “Nobody Greater”
Kurtis Hoppie x Shelco Garcia – “Eye of the Storm Remix”
Henrik – “LOVE RACE”
L. Dejuan – “GLOW”
Gabby Callwood feat. J1W - "Holy"
Alcott x J. Crum feat. Krizz Kaliko – “Never Come Down”
PJ Morton x Jojo x Mr. Talkbox - "Peace"
Ilish x Jay Sanon - "Fables"
Errol Allen – “Untold Freestyle, Pt. 3”
Raging Moses feat. Datin – “Awake”
Apex Frazier – “Coffee Shop”
K-SEE feat. Christopher Syncere – “On It”
Scootie Wop – “Wanted Freestyle”
TC – “Greenlight”
outr.cty – “you.”
Mike Sarge – “30 PC”
Wxlf – “What’s the Vibes” / “Sides”
Oh-So x Levi Parker x Kaleb Mitchell x 717na - "SPEAK NO EVIL"
Military Mindset Productions – “AMEN”
Lazarus! x BigBreeze – “INSIDE OUT!”
Caleb Gordon – “Flow Getting Better”
Rosco x Titus feat. Calm – “Cardiac Freestyle”
HYLEM x DANMAR – “Want More”
G.G.E.O. x YJO – “Counterfeit"
Mlpc x simplyollie. – “STIKE3!”
LLC FLAME feat. Vitter x LaMonte – “Free”
Brenno x K Diamond – “Airways”
BryannT – “Bible Open”
Joseph Goulding - "Go Crazy"
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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