NRT's CHH contributor Joshua Galla collects what's new in Christian Hip-Hop and Urban Soul for the week of Friday, March 31, 2023. (Photo: George.Rose)
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.
George.Rose - "Can You ?" Bay Area rapper, songwriter, and producer George.Rose released his third single of 2023. "Can You ?" is a typical high-energy track ideal for dance renditions to start popping up across social media. It's catchy with a positive message revolving around what we can do when powered by the will of God (through our obedience). He self-produced the track along with Eli Willliams, whose an up-and-coming producer in his own right within the CHH space. Stream "Can You ?" on Apple Music here.
Hulvey x Forrest Frank - "Altar" One-half of the mainstream duo called Surfaces, Texas native Forrest Frank has only been releasing independent music for the past two years. However, his notoriety is growing steadily. Reach Records' Hulvey teamed up with Frank on January 6's "No Longer Bound" which has gathered over eight million streams on Spotify alone. Now, Frank's hopping on Hulvey's track curious as to what the end result will be.
Hulvey's music has been on a targeted worship-driven journey over the last 18 months. The three singles released in 2022 ("Beautiful", "Have Me" and "Closer") was directly led by the Holy Spirit. Instead of the typical bar-heavy lyrics Hulvey is known for, this season of music is more laid back soaked in a worship-like overtone.
"Altar" represents the best of both worlds as Hulvey rattles off his rapid-fire excellence bar after bar, yet stays true to the worship vibe and content specifically calling out his love for our God. It's encouraging to hear Frank follow suit with his own odes to our Heavenly Father lyrically. Hulvey is breaking barriers within the mainstream and bearing witness that hip-hop can cross lines and remain relevant in sound and in structure. Stream "Altar" on Apple Music here.
Not Klyde - "Gone With The Wind"
Vancouver, Canada's own Not Klyde returns with the kickoff of "NK Wednesdays" by dropping the first single off the new series. Being a former youth pastor, he strives to create uncompromising music for the younger generations of today. An alternative to what's played on local radio stations, Not Klyde offers "real-time slappers" with clean, clear, and convicting messages.
Produced by Eli Williams, the track goes crazy way beyond the lyrics. The array of sounds included is incredible. Sounds of synthesizers, sounds of various drums, and sounds of epicness. The lyrics range from a shout-out to indie tribe., pop culture references, and authentic nods to our Savior and NK's strong faith. The bass is strong enough to rattle your car windows for several minutes after the track ends. I'll admit, this reigns as one of my favorites from 2023 period. Stream "Gone With The Wind" on Apple Music here.
YP aka Young Paul feat. Selah the Corner – “Eerie Howl”
Cru Alxndr x Brenno – “Finally Free”
tylerhateslife - lose yourself vs. kryptonite."
Christian Lane feat. DJ Mykael V and Jon Keith - "LOLY"
Kemvr - "FYI"
Kieran the Light - "Takeover"
Anthone Ray – “Bend The Rules" and "Drop"
BigGucciDame – “Still”
L. Dejuan x Donutello – “GOD FR”
Kurtis Hoppie feat. Vito OT - "Prophetic"
Nu Tone feat. Angie Rose x TDS CAM – “The Blood”
Mike Sarge – “Love Wins”
iNTELLECT feat. DJ. Sean P - "Sky High"
AMAR – “5000”
HYLEM – “IN THE DARK”
DANMAR feat. CashMoneyAp – “The Line”
Sam Purpose – “Anyhow”
John Michael Howell – “Rejected”
Sean Wyckoff feat. Jfgs x Alcott – “Hide & Seek”
Niko – “Holy Water”
Anthony Hale feat. lc3rd – “Whom Shall I Fear”
Titus Haskins – “Incoherence”
Matt Mogg – “final four”
Lord Badu - "Burnin'"
Reblah feat. S.O. - "Spread the Word"
Lazarus! – “GOT MY BACK”
YABOIRICH x Childlike CiCi – “Christlike”
Keiana Parks aka KP – “Thirsty”
Lyrical_Levite - "Callando"
Servant feat. LilRed - "Ministry"
Sonny Knight – “Match Time”
Licy-Be - "Big"
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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