NRT's CHH contributor Joshua Galla collects what's new in Christian Hip-Hop and Urban Soul for the week of Friday, February 10, 2023. (Photo: Limoblaze)
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.
Limoblaze - "Two" and "Somebody" Reach Records' latest signee, Limoblaze released a maxi single (do fans still use this term?) containing two spitfire tracks. TWO includes both "Somebody" and the title track. Starting off with the title track, it's classic 'Blaze. Upbeat. Bouncing back-n-forth between his native language and English. It can easily translate to the club or the summer barbeques. "Somebody" switches gears to more of a mellow worship vibe, but is equipped with a catchy soundscape bringing praises to our Lord. Quite thankful to see and hear the afrobeats version of CHH draw attention. Releasing the Gold (Remix Pack) EP just last week, 'Blaze has a bright future along the side of Reach in 2023. Stream TWO on Spotify here.
Chase Cullum - "Hometown (Freestyle)" and "Nobody's Favorite"
Independent artist Chase Cullum has only released a total of five singles since 2000. Therefore, recent news of Cullum set to release a single a week in 2023 through at least June was exciting for fans of his artistry. He released a maxi single of his own titled, Self Portrait. Two songs were included as we'll look at Hometown (Freestyle)" first. The title chosen for both tracks overall was perfection as the two included songs were a microscope of Cullum's life during his music hiatus and beyond. The freestyle proved he possesses bars, but simultaneously depicted transparency, rawness, and discovery.
"Nobody's Favorite" reminds me of a stripped-down worship track with just the artist and his acoustic. Cullum gave listeners almost an acapella-like experience as he dove even deeper into matters of the heart, soul, and how God has stood by him through difficult seasons. I've always admired the talents of Cullum as a singer and rapper. I'm hoping with his weekly offerings musically, the world will showcase the same love for him as I possess. Stream Self Portrait on Spotify here.
Germaine Martel feat. Dee Black and Mouthpi3ce - "JITS"
Floridian rapper/producer Germaine Martel returns with his first new music of 2023. Martel admits he wasn't in the "best place" mentally and with his artistry in 2022. However, he assured fans recently on Instagram that 2023 will contain multiple releases. The first one features Dee Black and Mouthpi3ce. The trio combined created a surefire hit. Stream "JITS" on Spotify here.
Alcott feat. Hilgy x Jesse Calentine – “Paramount”
StefanOtto feat. Jay Cabassa x Jes Norris – “Father Strengthen My Feet”
Jonathan Baker - "Upper Cup"
Asha Elia feat. Rehmahz – “love is sweet”
Reece Lache’ feat. Holy Gabbana – “Weeeakdays”
Jude Barclay feat. Eli Wilson x Swaizy – “Get Over It”
YB - "PLAY FOR KEEPS"
GRAHAM – “truth or dare”
Scootie Wop – “SPIN BACK!” (Sony Music edition)
Konata Small – “Brown Skin”
Red Tips – “Moon Light”
outr.cty feat. QEW - "Don't Let Go"
Arik Nelson – “Fear God”
KRL feat. Kieran the Light - "LUCY!"
DJLC x J J L – “Hurts”
Rhomar Jessy – “Down, Down Bad”
Procyse feat. J. Rhodan - "Need You"
Jusrzd feat. Wayne Klassik x Scribe Music – “What We Doin’”
Saint James feat. Jeremiah Paltan – “JOY”
DaShawn Shaunta – “My Space”
Lil’ Red – “BEEN HERE BEFORE”
Kieran The Light – “Peak”
Nu Tone feat. Jeaux Mayo – “No Half Step”
Christopher Syncere – “Jeff Hardy 777”
Titus Haskins - "Dancin"
Shirlvin Desir feat. Maikon West x Spillz Ochai - "Follow"
Tbabz feat. naffymar x Hills Music - "Stuck To You"
BigGucciDame – “Psalm 51”
L. Dejuan – “BLOOM”
Anthone Ray – “Outside”
Phathom feat. Jes Norris and Mike Teezy – “No Conditions”
HYLEM x Joseph Goulding – “Give Me Faith”
John Michael Howell – “Fool For U”
DANMAR – “Cha Cha”
Reem – “Hamilton Flows”
Mainetoowavy! – “promise me”
Ross Millet – “child”
Dante Raddd - "What Are You On?"
4TUNAT – “possible”
Alvin Cedric – “MAYBE”
Ty Scott King - "Black History Is"
Classmaticc x Dedge P – “OMG”
Drup feat. krstian x SiahThyLegend – “Galaga”
Twiceborn – “Black Hearses”
LLC FLAME – “Runnit!”
Matt Mogg – “face 2 face”
Elias. – “Nightlight”
William Cata – “I Try”
Secret! – “Letter 2 My Flesh”
Lazarus! – “Ball W U”
Spence4Hire – “Lover & Fighter”
Zabbai – “Beneath the Ruuts”
Danon Rowe - "1HUNDRED"
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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