NRT's CHH contributor Joshua Galla collects what's new in Christian Hip-Hop and Urban Soul for the week of Friday, September 8, 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 x Dkg Kie - "Revival Kit" Bay Area independent artist Miles Minnick is turning heads with his direct approach when discussing demonic themes in mainstream music, specifically hip-hop. Also, when similar themes are headlining major events like the Grammy Awards. Minnick is tired of Christians turning heads in the other direction and shying away from relevant cultural issues. Therefore, he's released a single addressing such topics as well as Christians taking a stand against things of the devil and of popular culture.
Detroit native and indie rapper Dkg Kie teamed up with Minnick with a genius lyrical prowess of his own. "Making trap gospel hymns for the streets and they gon' sing 'em / I scream Jehovah like a witness, where the bell at we're gon ring 'em," spits Dkg. He's a metaphorical monster with the bars throughout. The "quotables" throughout this track go crazy! Stream "Revival Kit" on Spotify and Apple Music.
FLAME - "1525" Clear Sight Music's and CHH veteran, FLAME returns with his first single of 2023. Just like taking it back nearly 700 years ago, FLAME returns to his biblical doctrine approach to tracks. Something he's held steadfast for the last two decades since the days of The Cross Movement. FLAME sticks to CHH roots with biblical-laced bars throughout. He's on an evangelical alarm warning believers to repent and return to the basics of their faith; unapological devotion to Christ Jesus. This is the type of music I "grew up on" in faith during my early days as a Christian at the beginning of the 2000's. I enjoy the samples and snippets used in "1525" as it took me back 20 years. Stream "1525" on Spotify and Apple Music.
Zae Ortiz - "Bizerk" Independent rapper Zae Ortiz drops his second single of 2023. The high-energy track should be played at a high volume in your vehicles with all the windows down, even in September. Above the standard trap high hats and drums, a surprisingly pleasing set of horns and flutes add to the catchy production captured. Ortiz remains in the pocket throughout driving the body to move and shake repeatedly. Even the hook is performed by Ortiz with a pleasing mix of harmonies and a rapid lyrical delivery. This quickly became one of my favorite tracks from this Floridian artist. Truly, a fun track to the ears. Stream "Bizerk" on Spotify and Apple Music.
De'Aris x The.Lofi.Legend x Xay Hill - "GET THRU THE WEEK"
Tbabz x Monaze x Naffymar - "Denge"
Testimony Muzic x Foreward Nation - "PTSD"
Gabriel Katon - "What It Mean"
Paul the Messenger - "A Thousand Lies"
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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