NRT's CHH contributor Joshua Galla collects what's new in Christian Hip-Hop and Urban Soul for the week of Friday, November 18, 2022. (Photo: Derek Minor)
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.
Derek Minor feat. Thi'sl & Aaron Cole - "Pressure" Reflection Music Group's (RMG) Derek Minor, Full Ride Music's Thi'sl, and Gotee Records' Aaron Cole combine for one last anthem of 2022. A trio of elite CHH emcees gathers for an energetic, bass-knocking, onslaught of fire lyricism tagged with a catchy hook. We're treated to Minor's first single released in 2022 and if it's any indication of what's in store for 2023; fans should prepare to be amazed. The track has two verses from Minor, one of Thi'sl's strongest feature verses, and Cole on the hook. The playful high hats battling the piano keys behind thunderous bass create a fantastic soundscape for the contents. The idea of pressure is explored in various definitions and scenarios. Honestly, it's one of my favorite Minor tracks in quite some time. Stream "Pressure" on Spotify here.
Swaizy feat. Arik Nelson & DJ Mykael V - "BUTTER" Divine Outcast Collective's Swaizy teams up with indie rapper Arik Nelson and indie tribe.'s DJ Mykael V for a late-season hit. Swaizy and Nelson trade speed rap flows back-n-forth throughout creating a playful, hard-hitting fun track. The metaphors and wordplay are funny, yet witty. Also, quite fresh in their delivery. Overall, it accents the skill of both emcees with some hype support from Mykael V. Stream "BUTTER" on Spotify here.
For Better or Worse EP by Isreal Perez
Independent Milwaukee-based artist Isreal Perez releases his sophomore project. Last year's Levels EP showcased both Perez's talents to rap and sing effortlessly. However, the current EP feels much more refined, focused, and creatively articulated. Sonically, it's more personal and adopts a true R&B vibe. Such a targetted sound that takes most listeners back to 90s sitcoms. He's quoted as the main theme displaying, "love will always move and it will move again, you just first have to get beyond yourself."
The opening track is an acoustic spoken word piece delivered over delicate keys of a piano and synthetic organ. In itself, I've listened to it multiple times as significant gems exist throughout. Other favorites include "OMW" featuring seni., "Something About You" featuring Elijah Thrill, and the title track "For Better or Worse." The title track reminds us that Perez can rap and rap pretty well. He's a jack of both trades as well as dabbling in graphic design through Build Your Own Dream (BYOD).
Perez was able to take the format of an EP, make it conceptual, mold it with "finished and polished" vibes, and create some of his finest art to date. Stream For Better or Worse on Spotify here.
Reach Records x Crystal Nicole x Q Parker – “Silent Night (Hush)” Remix
Konata Small x Butta P – “You Already Know”
MvkeyyJ - "A TO C"
Danielle Apicella – “if your world is gone”
Mike Teezy – “Just Like Marvin”
KJ Carter - "Spotlight"
IMRSQD – “Woosah”
Shiwan – “Above the Madness”
Byron Rhodes x FVMELESS - "Buckets"
Beacon Light – “This Hits Different”
GRAHAM - "Silhouettes"
Legacy feat. Aable – “What’s Gwanin’”
Christopher Syncere - "MAZE RUNNER"
Kell Cahaya x Mitch Darrell – “Take The Wheel”
James Gardin – “CAN’T STOP, WON’T STOP”
DJLC x Jack Tyler – “Amazin”
Kevi Morse – “Fake Love”
Tsan x Apex Frazier – “had a plan”
JUDO SAMMY – “MARTIAN”
Avila feat. Zach Paradis - "Fine"
Byron Woo - "RISE UP"
Marqus Anthony x Mission x Choirboy Bell – “Optimus Prime 2”
HYLEM x Errol Allen, Jr. feat. Jude Barclay – “ON ME”
Austin Joyce – “Vision”
Ray G - "BROKEN VESSEL"
Noah Andres – “that place you like”
678NATH - "Long Gone"
Witnez – “By Your Side”
gio. – “mess it up”
N!x x Tristian Cxle – “Slidin for Jesus”
K-SEE – “All I Need”
Anthony Hale – “Joy Comes in the Morning”
John Michael Howell – “Shoot Me Down”
JXYD3N - "Cloud 9"
Alvin Cedric - "Tired of it"
DANMAR feat. Titus – “LST TXT”
Hunterdrinkswater – “Nothing Will Save U”
Don Ready x Yung Kriss x Brenno – “Mindset”
Ayomilly - "UHUH UHUH!"
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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