NRT's CHH contributor Joshua Galla collects what's new in Christian Hip-Hop and Urban Soul for the week of Friday, March 10, 2023. (Photo: Miles Minnick)
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.
Miles Minnick - "SOBER!" Bay Area's Miles Minnick returns with his second single of 2023. His first single, "BIG!" featuring Lecrae, has gathered over 256,000 streams on Spotify alone in under a two-month timeframe. "SOBER!" was produced by Tahi, mixed by Anthony "MIXEDBYAC" Carballo, and mastered by Aramis. The production reaks of west coast vibes. It's most definitely something you could hear in a club or boomin' from vehicles on a Friday night cruise. The single flips the script on what mainstream hip-hop glorifies in the form of alcohol, drugs, sex, and all things sinful. Minnick mentions how he receives negative messages consistently "dissing" his positive message as it's not "hip-hop enough". Instead,
Minnick takes the life of a Christian and glorifies its characteristics as being free of drunkenness, staying "high", and objectifying women and faithfulness in marriage. He's messed around and made a summertime anthem for every Christian male in the faith to bump in the streets and backyard cookouts. He released his debut album in November last year, so he's only just beginning. Minnick is an artist to keep a close eye on in the months and years to come. Stream "SOBER!" on Apple Music here.
Peabod - "DEEP CUTS"
Seattle's Peabod returns in 2023 with his first new music as a full-time artist. The single pays homage to all his "day one" fans while showcasing his talents behind a microphone. Also, Peabod produced the track too exhibiting his multifaceted skill set. The deep 808s mixed with the finger snaps work phenomenally with the rhyme structure. Then, there's the surprise beat switch around the 1:37 mark pleasing to ears of all true hip-hop heads. The track seemed borderline experimental from Peabod's typical flow and sonics. Not only did he find success with the new single, but it probably reigns atop my favorites from his catalog dating back to his rebranding as a hip-hop artist in 2018. Peabod stays true to his "happy raps" type of vibes, however, this single feels refreshed. Stream "Deep Cuts" on Apple Music here.
NEED 2 HOLD ON 2 THE TRUTH EP by adamariz
Houston native adamariz returns with her second project released. It's a 5-track EP with three original songs. "Need" received the extended treatment (adding a verse from Marty of Social Club Misfits) and "Truth" was remixed and added Parris Chariz as a feature. She allowed her featured artists (350 and 1K Phew) to start off the first two tracks whereas Chariz and Battz follow her on the preceding tracks. It's always a risk to do so, however, I felt like the end project was successful. adamariz verses add texture to each track and do not feel washed by the prominent features.
One of my favorite aspects of the EP is the overall production. The chaotic downpour of creative sounds, instruments, and adlibs is crafted beautifully throughout. They add quite a bit of flavor and value to each track while every verse seems to sit comfortably in the rhyme pockets. Her lyrical contributions are refreshing and bring hope for other female emcees to step up to display their talents. Stream NEED 2 HOLD ON 2 THE TRUTH on Spotify here.
C4CROTONA feat. Jay Colins x Cephas - "Run To You"
Chase Cullum - "Driver Seat"
Q-FLO x AYO Shamir – "Remember"
BigGucciDame- "A Liars Perspective"
Nu Tone feat. Reblah - "Crown Me"
Kieran the Light feat. KRL – "Flame"
Jay Steezy feat. kemvr - "MACH 10"
Stevie Rizo - "Faith and Favor"
HYLEM x grantdakidd - "Future is Together"
DANMAR - "Hate Me"
John Michael Howell - "Not Afraid To Bleed"
Lazarus! - "REVERT"
CieMie feat. Kaelyn Reese - "never coming back"
LLC Flame - "COST!"
Don Ready - "Under Construction"
Wilsxn - "CLUELESS"
Titans Haskins x Matt Mogg - "Like Strangers"
Rehmahz x Jenge x LambCulture - "Cruise Control"
Tbabz x Oneskript x Still Blessed Music - "Way Maker"
Elias. - "free will"
Paul the Messenger - "Little Things"
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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