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.
A Beautiful Tragedy by CABREJA Reading, Pennsylvania independent rapper (Jeff) CABREJA returns with a captivating project in 2022. A Beautiful Tragedy alternates the beautiful sonic soundscapes of hip-hop and harmonies. For starters, he brings back the purity of a holistic intro track easing into the core content. The project opens up with "LOML" (Love of My Life). It's a strong track reaffirming CABREJA's lyrical prowess with hints of harmonious talents. The melodic chords of an organ behind everything blend the track ideally. Next, "A TI" (To You) follows which was the first single released off the project this year. The track pays homage to CABREJA's Dominican roots. The Spanish-heavy lyrics pull beauty into culture and languages outside of our native dialect.
"Fault" stands out as a favorite of mine off the project. CABREJA's flow, energy, and crisp delivery create a pleasing result. "10/17" was the second single released prior to the project and provides a peek into heartbreak. The rest of the content I'll leave to your own discovery and enjoyment as nobody likes spoilers. Overall, CABREJA pulls at the heartstrings of listeners while bouncing between emotions tied to love, loss, discovery, purity, and everything in-between. The production throughout is brilliant through a collective group of talented producers and engineers. The project lends to an appreciation for his talents in harmony and lyricism while diving into personal matters providing a window into just who CABREJA is as an artist and human. Stream A Beautiful Tragedy on Spotify here.
Aha Gazelle - "Heart Away" Independent NOLA rapper Aha Gazelle continues to add depth, rawness, and transparency to his art in the form of music. Gazelle's craft and talents seem to age better than any grade of cheese or fine wine. Even after the release of 10+ successful albums and EPs, Gazelle shows no slowing down. In fact, some core fans would verify he's in his prime based on the quality of art released over the last 12-16 months. Autotuned-laced "Heart Away" captures raw emotions, struggles, and captivating thoughts. Few other emcees reveal themselves in their music time and time again like Gazelle. Music is his therapy as reigns true for his music representing therapeutic mini sessions to fans. Three singles into 2022 and the foot remains on the gas. Stay tuned. Stream "Heart Away" on Spotify here.
Coop x NXTMIKE - "UNDER CONSTRUCTION"
NXT MOVE's Coop and Trapship Collective's NXTMIKE link up for a single easily contending for a top-five spot under any "Song of the Year" category. The track applies the boom-bap production treatment throughout over a catchy sound bite sample few will be able to pinpoint. The single speaks to how we're constant works in progress, under construction, after we accept Jesus as our Savior. The bars, wordplay, metaphors, and punchlines are on full display, supercharged throughout. Each emcee has truly strengthened their skill set, sound, and delivery during 2022. These are two names and two collectives to watch closely. Stream "UNDER CONSTRUCTION" on Spotify here.
Maverick City Music feat. Phil Wickham & Chandler Moore – “Worthy of My Song”
1K Pson - "Hero"
Shiwan – “Offensive”
Jor'dan Armstrong feat. Erica Campbell - "Call"
Ray Knowledge – “Shoof”
Errol Allen – “I’m Sorry”
Mic Wise x Trutha – “Demon Time”
DJLC x Jack Tyler – “That’s On GOD”
Dedge P feat. Dre Wheelz – “Brush It Off”
Aable feat. IMRSQD – “Tell Me”
Cinemaddox x Swaizy - "FUGAZZI"
Erica Mason - "Better"
James Gardin x Newselph – “Promise Land Remix”
Nu Tone feat. K-Drama x QEW – “Fight Now”
aymbersings – “Before I Go”
Xay Hill x Patrick McMillan – “Heartless”
iNTELLECT feat. Mitch Darrell, TC, & DJ Navin Johnson - "I Got Somethin'"
TR!KE x Judo Sammy – “Bang!”
Tj Carroll – “Eastside Southside”
BigGucciDame x Ohsobrkn – “Shine”
C-Micah - "TwoTwentyFive Freestyle"
Austin White 711 feat. Jenna Wright – “Eyes on You”
FVMELESS x Byron Rhodes – “Swim Lessons”
N!x - "Joseph"
Dante Raddd – “Big Facts”
JXYD3N x Joseph Goulding – “Lately”
Shawn Mocey x Mitch Darrell – “Don’t Waste It”
Lamar Riddick feat. Vanelle - "HANDOUTS"
Rehmahz x Bridge Music x Asha Elia – “Easy”
SiahThyLegend – “SERVE”
Ayomilly – “Jimmy Neutron”
Brenno x K Diamond x J’Mez – “Count the Cost”
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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