#110 - DJ LostNFound, Kham, Scootie Wop, & More...
NRT's CHH contributor Joshua Galla collects what's new in Christian Hip-Hop and Urban Soul for the week of Friday, September 2, 2022. (Photo: DJ LostNFound)
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.
Caesura II by DJ LostNFound Dallas resident deejay, DJ LostNFound, releases his sophomore album titled, Caesura II. He's curated a project with 50 of the biggest industry risers and talent across CHH and mainstream hip-hop. His goal is to spotlight artists who deserve a bigger platform. Also, he desires to pinpoint unity as one of the biggest themes of the project. In times such as these in social and within the CHH space, unity is a key ingredient to help push the influence of hip-hop forward and represent an example across all forms of art.
Some of the featured artists include Aaron Cole, Reconcile, A.I. the Anomaly, Datin, Battz, Eris Ford, S.O., Battz, Mission, Dillon Chase, and quite a few more. My favorite tracks include "Ride For You" featuring Jodie Jermaine and Eris Ford, "Foolish" featuring Battz, Stevie Rizo, and Bumps INF, and "Count It Up" featuring QEW, DJLC, and JustCallMeDT. They're 18 tracks in all mostly fueled with energy, talent, and artistic precision. There really is something for everyone for CHH fans to enjoy and play on repeat.
With production as one of DJ LostNFound's strong attributes, listeners are treated to much more than the atypical trap sound dominating hip-hop. Listen for the brilliant soundscapes included. The changes in flow and delivery. The metaphors and wordplay. It's all created in excellence. Stream Caesura II on Spotify here.
Kham - "To Whom It May Concern" and "Healing" feat. Aybe Lexington & 99 APEX Culture Villains' rapper Kham returns after a two-year hiatus with songs of healing and restoration. After releasing his debut album in 2020, Kham was sent down a dark path through a difficult season as he coped with negative fan reactions to his beloved art. He took a stand against police brutality, social injustice, and only desired equality for dark-skinned individuals like himself. Such a season sent him far from friends, family, and the creative writing process. It wasn't until his girlfriend's encouragement and therapy that sparked a need to express himself once again through music.
"To Whom It May Concern" was born out of a dream Kham had involving his unborn daughter, his faith, the struggles he faced, and a few things in between. "Healing" revolves around the last two-year season he's experienced healing from scars of the heart. One of the key lines from TWIMC is, "Sometimes to go high, you gotta go low." I love the meaning of this being that success is achieved through prayer and obedience. Both tracks represent some of Kham's best delivery and the depths of his heart poured over sixteens. Stream the double single on Spotify here.
Scootie Wop - "NO WEAPON"
Vert Mobb's Scootie Wop drops his latest single, "NO WEAPON." Even though he's becoming a household name in the CHH space, Scootie Wop never detracts quality from his art. He's a firm believer of quality and quantity can live harmoniously. "NO WEAPON" expands on his attention to detail from a production standpoint. Regardless of the samples used, the overall mix sounds clean and adds to the enjoyment between ears. This track has more of a worship vibe tapping into his extended vocal prowess breaking away from the belief that he only raps. I'll admit this definitely steals a spot in one of my top ten favorite singles of 2022. I love the playful sonics and the thematic integration the samples play into. Afterward, you feel encouraged and smile based on its contents and know Scootie Wop is only on the up and up within the industry. Stream "NO WEAPON" on Spotify here.
TLS feat. Legacy & Scribe Music – “Radical” (prod. by Opto Music x Canadian Connect)
Red Tips – Hosea’s Heart
Jon James feat. 1K Phew - "GLO"
KELO – “Honest Prayer”
Caleb Gordon - "Rocky Road"
Xay Hill feat. FOEVA – “Diamond Pearls”
Xay Hill feat. I$aac Illa – “I Admit It”
Xay Hill & QweenK feat. Darnell Nate – “All For Nothing”
DEON feat. Jon Keith – “GOING UP”
N!x – “Straight to the League”
John Michael Howell – “I L O V E Y O U”
Big Fil feat. Khaleel - "Step By Faith"
Mainetoowavy! – “IDK What That Is”
Adamariz feat. Camino, Nu Tone – “NOEXCUSE
The Prophet – “Letter to Heaven (Remix)”
DANMAR – “Woke Up”
Grantdakidd feat. Trey.Vonne – “LIGHTYEAR”
HYLEM feat. Parris Chariz and Zach Heider – “WIN”
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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