NRT's CHH contributor Joshua Galla collects what's new in Christian Hip-Hop and Urban Soul for the week of Friday, August 25, 2023. (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.
Nobody's Perfect by Derek Minor Reflection Music Group’s (RMG) Derek Minor reemerges with a new project entitled, Nobody’s Perfect. The album is an eclectic compilation of awe-inspiring production and deeply introspective wordplay. Restoring the power of the overused expression “nobody’s perfect” (often used as an excuse), the Nashville-based artist inspires listeners to embrace their imperfections almost like a badge of honor. Such instances strengthen our stories and our understanding of the struggles others endure.
The strategic soundscape presented throughout the 10 included tracks is near perfection. It’s like Minor captured an entire orchestra (choir included), bottled the sound, and then released the live theater experience in the middle of a club in downtown Atlanta. It’s an immersive explosion of strings, guitars, keys, and horns coupled with some of the nastiest 808s, high hats, and synthesized notes. In other words, it's ear candy without even considering lyrical content (which are some of Minor’s best to date).
Favorites that stand out are “More on the Way” featuring 1K Phew, Jon Keith and nobigdyl., “HALLELUYAH,” and “It’s Okay” featuring Byron Juane, Susan Carol, and Greg James. However, a skippable track doesn’t exist throughout the album. Each track was handled with delicate care addressing topics such as mental health, self-restoration, healing, motivation, and navigating through a darkened culture with the light of Christ shining from within.
Read my full review of Nobody's Perfect on the site here. Listen to the album on Spotify here.
Aklesso - "HELP!" Independent Floridian rapper Aklesso released his first single of 2023. Previously this year, he collaborated on the HEAVENONEARTH compilation album noted as one of the top releases thus far. On social media, he commented one of his weaknesses is inconsistency with releasing music as an artist. Sporadic singles or projects are dropped, then you don't hear from Aklesso for a year or two later.
He addresses various areas within his daily thought processes and responsibilities where help is needed; with mental health being one of the accelerators. Through two beat changes and some of the most abstract and eclectic production notes I've heard, the track almost puts off a freestyle vibe. It's all over the place like a headless chicken but somehow pulls together. Stream "HELP!" on Spotify and Apple Music.
Zauntee - "God Had Other Plans" BEC Recordings' artist Zauntee dropped his second single of 2023. Zauntee's art is known as God-honoring, faith-drenched anthems dripping with transparency and energy. The latest record is no different. He also handled the production for the track, while the mix and mastering were credited to Jonny Grande.
Zauntee makes a statement most of us can relate to in one facet or another. When we think an obstacle is too hard or a task is too difficult or the thought of even moving from our beds is exhausting, God has other plans for our lives. God has a purpose for us. God sees greatness within us. God knows we are strong through Him. The tempo rides with this push of adrenaline from the Lord Most High. It's a hype track. It's classic Zauntee. It's a message we all need to be reminded of weekly if not on a daily basis. Stream "God Had Other Plans" on Spotify and Apple Music.
Jonny Henninger feat. IMRSQD and Asha Elia – “Surrender”
Childlike CiCi feat. Red Tips - "Bringing It Down"
Cephas x The Resistance x Marty (of SCM) - "We Cry Freedom"
Mic Wise feat. Prodi Da Prodigal and Q-Flo – “Tawk To ‘Em”
Opto Music x DJLC x Bill B. x UNTIDLD - "24 Hours"
Tylynn – “I Thank God”
Konata Small – “Bang”
Jamie Grace – “Nothin”
DJ Evon x Dru Bex x Not Klyde x OnBeatMusic - "E.R.T.H.L.N.G.S."
Linga theBoss – “This is the Day”
Average Jo x Saint James – “This Time”
Apex Frazier – “What If?”
adamariz feat. Xay Hill - "GREATER THINGS"
DedgeP feat. J.E.R.K. – “Celebrate”
Kidd Lee - "Thief in the Night"
n!x – “I Don’t Care”
Wes Harris – “BRAIDS”
Adriel Cruz feat. Amanda Ruiz - "See You in My Dreams"
A-Easy feat. 1K Phew - "On Mary Lil Baby (Liam Bushey Remix)"
John Michael Howell – “I’ll Be Your Eyes"
Caleb Fields adamariz – “Hope”
Zachary Heider – “Yahweh”
Titus Haskins – “Complete Us”
Elijah Kyle – “Too Many, Pt. 3”
Austin White 711 x CDUGZ – “Throw Shade”
Christ, Jr. feat. Miles Minnick - "Culture"
Nolly feat. Shirlvin Desir – “Your Love”
Preacher Zay - "Lonely"
MANIII – “Care More”
Paul the Messenger - "Enough"
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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