NRT's CHH contributor Joshua Galla collects what's new in Christian Hip-Hop and Urban Soul for the week of Friday, November 11, 2022. (Photo: Ty Brasel)
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.
TRANSCENDENT by Ty Brasel 4 Against 5’s Ty Brasel is back yet with another prolific album release. TRANSCENDENT is the fourth studio album dropped by Brasel since 2017. He’s an iconic voice in the CHH space and a master of the featured verse too. Pretty much everything this west Tennessean rapper touches turns to gold (like Midas). The new album reminds me of a futuristic trap speed rap explosion. The contained soundscapes included are vast, synthesizer-infused, and energetic and put you in mind something from a movie like Tron, the Matrix, or Mad Max. The album rollout leading up to the delayed November release was near perfection and completely in line with the final product.
The three singles released first were “GOD IS THE BEST” featuring 1K Phew, “SET IT OFF,” and “SHINING” featuring Aha Gazelle. They were great examples of the core sound the album presents. However, surprises are around every corner. Overall production was handled by Dirty Rice, Joseph Prielozny, and JUICEBANGERS. “CROSSROADS” featuring Aaron Cole completely flips the tempo slowing into a worship-like vibe. Gotee Records’ Cole adds his melodic beauty balanced between bars and harmony. It’s a favorite of mine off the album. “MAD TO THE MAX” featuring labelmate Jay-Way is another favorite. I love the bassline and the flow showcases the best of each artist. Also, “SHINING” featuring Aha Gazelle is a special track and the perfect closure to the project. It states how God stays shining in the lives of the faithful. Light seems to be an overwhelming theme of the album and what better way to use God’s light than to shine. It doesn’t hurt Gazelle adds one of his best feature verses of 2022. Stream TRANSCENDENT on Spotify here.
H O L O G R a P H I C by Miles Minnick San Francisco Bay Area native Miles Minnick is an astounding actor, rapper, artist, and producer. He fuses faith-based hip-hop with a modern sound aimed at inspiring the youth and culture which surrounds us. Minnick has even appeared in three feature-length films, one with a cast including Charles S. Dutton and Vivica A. Fox (Carter High). His fan base, deemed Glo Nation, is faithful, spirited, and ready to take his music to new levels. Over the past 4-year period, Minnick has released a few handfuls of singles and a self-titled EP leading up to this debut album.
Standouts on the album include "Ghost" featuring Bizzle, "Team," and "God On Me." The content is unapologetic, unashamed, and a stance forward for the Kingdom. All the terrible misconceptions that CHH is "corny" or "unrelatable" are thrown out the window as faith has application to life circumstances in every one of the 12 included tracks. From a production standpoint, George.Rose, NK4, and a few others didn't disappoint. The project isn't smothered with autotune, trap, and atypical rap soundscapes. It's authentic west coast. It's catchy and forces the listener to move along with each track. I challenge anyone to listen and not throw hands side-to-side. Stream H O L O G R a P H I C on Spotify here.
Battz - "Southern Hospitality 2"
Independent rapper Battz continues to dominate the underground CHH scene in the space. He releases his fourth single of 2022 aside from a multitude of features. His most recent was two appearances on DJ Mykael V's BODEGA! which is being considered for album of the year. The latest single highlights a handful of beat switches while Battz laces every sixteen with power, grit, and a precise flow applauded by the best emcees. His youth doesn't match his skill and voice control tightly in every rhyme pocket. Battz continues to be one of the premier rappers to watch as we approach 2023. Stream "Southern Hospitality 2" on Spotify here.
Shon the Phenom feat. Taelor Gray - "Alright Anyway"
Mainetoowavy! – “InnaAccord!”
Hunterdrinkswater – “Ops on My Tail”
Nathaniel Thomas – “Battling”
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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