NRT's CHH contributor Joshua Galla collects what's new in Christian Hip-Hop and Urban Soul for the week of Friday, September 30, 2022. (Photo: WHATUPRG)
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.
New Hollywood by WHATUPRG Gwinnett County and Reach Records’ own WHATUPRG finally delivers his debut full-length album to the residents of New Hollywood. This project has been in the works for nearly a 3-year period since late 2019 when RG’s laptop and hard drives were stolen in Atlanta. As expected, it was quite worth the wait and anticipation. Similar to Andy Mineo’s Never Land II, RG delivers an overall experience in sound, emotion, and personal exposure.
An insane 44 individuals contributed to the New Hollywood community with either producers or artists. To name a few (besides the iconic contributors on “PRAISE!”) creatives are as follows: Kings Kaleidoscope, Andy Mineo, CSNDRA, Dirty Rice, Beam, Hulvey, and a host of others. Do yourself a favor and listen to the project with a solid pair of headphones to capture the soundscape included as a soundtrack for the album.
Favorites of mine include “MYSPACE” featuring 1K Phew, “Human,” and “Hollywood.” Although, I think those will gradually switch to other selections as each track possesses an array of special characteristics for listeners to fall in love with. Sonically, few other albums match what NH provides in the CHH space and mainstream hip-hop collectively. Stream New Hollywood on Spotify here.
nobigdyl. - "SLEEPIN!" Murfreesboro resident and indie tribe. founder nobigdyl. delivers his second solo single of 2022. The first is “One Way” off the Reach Records Summer ’22 playlist. “SLEEPIN!” is quite possibly not only my favorite dyl. track to date, but probably his best content too. The production duo of WOW ELI and Scootie Wop absolutely destroyed their contribution. Between the trio of 808’s, high hats, and piano keys combined with the random, creative sound effects; it's the perfect combination. It’s a solid head-nodding vibe and a near-perfect foundation for some of Dyllie’s best wordplay and content. The video was captured by the iconic Cinemaddox complimenting already one of the top singles of 2022. Stream “SLEEPIN!” on Spotify here.
Shepherd feat. Canon & Kaleb Mitchell - "Grind"
Miami-based rapper Shepherd teams up with Reflection Music Group's (RMG) Canon and BENCHWRMRS' Kaleb Mitchell for yet another certified heater. This is Shepherd's third solid single released in 2022 overall. He's been the "king of mainstream placements" lately with singles featured on the motion picture Space Jam 2 and televised networks such as ESPN and Fox Sports. His art is compacted with energy, the love of Christ, and relatable content anyone can align with their own journeys. "Grind" is no different. An infectious beat, rapid-fire lyrical delivery, and enough caffeinated spirit to raise Lazarus. Stream "Grind" on Spotify here.
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.
NEW!BEHIND THE SONG
#1236 - Brandon Heath
Transforming wounds into stories of redemption in this powerful song
ADVERTISEMENT
NEW!NRT EDITORIAL
Skillet
We explores some of the band's best songs outside their hits
NEW!NRT LISTS
Jordan Merritt
A real conversation around the artist's new track, "Human"
NEW!HEARTSPEAK
Jordan Feliz
The artist's must-listen-to songs about faith, family, and redemption
NEW!AN NRT EXCLUSIVE
Rock Meets Worship
Seven gritty cover songs of popular worship music and hymns
