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.
K-Drama - "Keep Me Lifted" Cincinnati native and CHH veteran K-Drama returns with his first single of 2003 leading up to a newly released EP sometime in Spring this year. "Keep Me Lifted" is inspired by the teachings of Ephesians 6:10-17. The full armor of God is heavy, yet essential to champion holiness. Also, K-Drama touches personally on the struggles of a career in the public school system amongst other trials. The production behind the lyrics deserves its own kudos. It possesses its own eerie, traumatic tone, but freeing when combined with K-Drama's transparent outpour. Listeners gain the best of both worlds between the production and the content expressed. Stream "Keep Me Lifted" on Apple Music here.
Porsha Love feat. BigBreeze - "Gumbo"
It's always refreshing when female emcees release new music in the CHH space. It's a highly underserved market and overlooked. Our young girls and female teenagers need a positive influence more than most. Therefore, I'm quite grateful for the art the likes of Porsha Love, Wande, Angie Rose, Childlike CiCi and so many other female CHH artists create.
Porsha Love and BigBreeze are influencers, especially in the current atmosphere of the CHH space. Each release is always equipped with quality, centered on God, and relevant to what's hot in hip-hop overall. BigBreeze opens up the track, as that alone shows Porsha Love is not only confident with her own lyrical contributions but possesses a "big picture" mindset relying on the quality of the end product. The production is different and certified as pleasing to the listener's ears. The basis of the track is we're all unique as the multiple ingredients contained within a quality bowl of gumbo and work seamlessly when together. Stream "Gumbo" on Apple Music here.
I Was There by Knaladeus
Menace Movement's Knaladeus released his eighth album since 2011. He takes his listeners on an introspective journey, discussing various, relative topics all rooted in biblical truths. I Was There specifically relates to the listener and their own trials and struggles. The lyrics contained within the 12-track offering are balanced on relatable material coupled with Christ's love for you and I.
Some favorites include "Turn Around" featuring Selah the Corner, "Still Hopeful" featuring Datin, and "Anxious." Sonically, the album presents a solid mix of innovation, boom-bap, and modern elements. One thing we can always expect from either God Over Money or the Menace Movement collective is spiritual guidance teamed up with a direct correlation to the bible. Knaladeus isn't ashamed of being called a Christian rapper and his unashamed mentality reflects throughout the entire album. The Menace Movement is gaining steam with a steady string of releases. Stay tuned in 2023. Stream I Was There on Spotify here.
Mitch Darrell feat. Jusrzd x Weez the Satellite Kiid – “Get Focused”
Apex Frazier – “Five Figure Suit”
CALLEDOUTMUSIC – “Worse Days”
Trampolines feat. Aaron Cole - "Hey You"
GRAHAM – “Counterfeit”
Seth Benjamin – “Golden Gate”
Adriel Cruz - "Milk & Honey"
Nu Tone feat. Ashlee Keyton – “Freedom Sound”
Josiah Davis feat. Jachin Donald – “your loss”
Noah Andres – “Would It Be So Bad”
Yung Kriss – “Rolling Stone"
zdiorx feat. 1K Phew – “Lights Up”
Shem Rivera feat. Grady Escobar – “Big God”
Brenno x Kieran the Light x K Diamond – “No Limits”
DJ PV x CASS - "Everything"
DJ Mal-Ski - "My Happy"
UNTIDLD feat. Mic Wise - "No Hats in the Building"
Sam Purpose – “K.O.C.”
BigGucciDame – “Women of Brazil”
Lil’ Red x Xay Hill – “FROM THE JUMP”
JXYD3N feat. K-SEE – “Feeling Fine”
Montythehokage x Cohlman – “Slide”
AMAR (OnceWckd) – “AVALANCHE”
HYLEM feat. Jachin McDonald – “Pull My Strings”
Procyse feat. iNTELLECT x DJ Navin Johnson – “The Big Picture”
Matt Mogg x Cole Tindal – “Panic Attacks”
John Michael Howell – “Not Your Type”
Tj Carroll – “Know The Father”
99 APEX – “Risk”
Lazarus! – “NOTHING ELSE TO SAY”
LLC Flame x Joseph Goulding x simplyollie x Emilio Sarabia – “Fast Life” (Maxi Single)
J. Broady feat. Dee Black – “Last Word”
Drup x K-SEE – “Bully Maguire”
J J L - "TOKYO!"
Phil the Voice feat. Aria Alise – “Tonight is the Night”
Cliford Gray – “City of God”
Joseph Madigan feat. Big Fil x outr.cty – “Red Letters”
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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