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.
Heavenly Legacy by Nu Tone Stockton's (CA) own Nu Tone keeps the hits coming, as he releases his second album of 2022. Tone has already dropped 11 singles and 2 EPs, aside from the albums, this year. He's equipped with the iconic west coast sound but laced with hope, love, and the promises of God. Heavenly Legacy is a testament to God's faithful through trials and tribulations and sometimes our own egos or stubbornness.
Standout tracks include "Right Here" featuring Ivon, "Showing Me" featuring JXHN PVUL and V. Rose, and "Light Work" featuring Jay Steezy and A. Ruiz. The vibes of each are energetic in nature proclaiming a similar message; God is in control. Even though the album sounds specific to a region like the west, Tone includes welcomed surprises of some live instrumentation and a variety of instruments adding creativity and originality. It's an album geared to reaching the lost and outcasts, but relating to the daily struggles of most Christians. Basically, a wide audience can enjoy what Tone presents on this album. Stream Heavenly Legacy on Spotify here.
Summer Twenty-Two Playlist by Reach Records Reach Records returns with their annual summer playlist in the form of 18 new tracks. This year's theme is "You Are The Movement." The idea of a yearly playlist released by Reach began in 2018 and has become one of the most highly anticipated drops each summer. The label not only showcases its in-house talent from its own artists and producers but focuses on the up-and-comers throughout the CHH space. 2022 was no different, as we see artists such as EmanuelDaProphet, Still Shadey, 678NATH, Chastity, F.L.O.G.I.C, Battz, Arik Nelson, and others featured.
Some of my favorites include "ONE DAY" featuring nobigdyl., "Love So Sweet" featuring Chastity x Porsha Love, "Any Attack" featuring Lecrae x 1K Phew, as well as "STEPPIN" featuring Miles Minnick x WHATUPRG. Not only is the musical content next level, but Kevin Hackett outdid himself with an artistic take on 19 different cover art pieces for each individual track. The collection of summertime anthems should keep the listener's ears busy on those hot summer nights. Stream the Summer Twenty-Two playlist on Spotify here.
Me Against the World, Vol. 3 by 5ive
Craig James, "5ive", has been ministering to the streets for over the past decade (2011). His content envokes hope, forgiveness, grace, and love spawned from the teachings of Jesus. His audience resides in the lost, the forgotten, the addicts, and those disregarded in local communities. Born in Earth, Texas, 5ive dealt with his own adversities tossed between a fatherless upbringing, drug addiction, and various legal troubles. His testimony reigns powerful as so many others can relate to 5ive's story and music.
MATW, Vol. 3 is the third installment of a collection (MATW, Vol. 2 [2018], MATW, Vol. 1 [2017]) detailing personal trials 5ive dealt with from childhood forward. The music is raw, gritty, honest, and transparent to the point of emotional trauma. Few others pour their heart over sixteens in the manner 5ive delivers. Standout tracks include "Old Me" featuring Thi'sl and Derek Minor, "Rise (Fight Night)" featuring T Haddy, and "All My Life." The production is crisp-n-fresh, the numerous features aid in conveying the overall story, and 5ive isn't rusty by any means. If anything, it's some of his best content and rhyme delivery to date. This one is deep, not to be overlooked. Hear 5ive's story and relate to its many diverse layers. Stream MATW, Vol. 3 on Spotify here.
CRFT x Swoozy – “happiness is only real when shared”
Cconsciencee – “Faith Walk”
99Apex – “2UP”
Jay Violet – “Peace Uprising”
Lazarus! – “Cotton Candy”
Knick Knack feat. JBe@tz & Crystal Evon – “Kept”
BVN feat. Mitch Darrell – “Knock Knock”
grantdakidd x JXYD3N – “With You”
HYLEM feat. Rockstar JT & DEON – “IT IS WHAT IT IS”
Matt Mogg x jpxprince – “Back and Forth”
DANMAR – “1000 Degrees”
Titus x jpxprince feat. DANMAR – “I Miss Your Voice”
Drup – “Better Man”
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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