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.
Island Forgotten by Jay-Way 4 Against 5's Jay-Way releases his highly anticipated debut album with the label. The explanation of his art is best described on his website (www.jaywaythealien.com), "Globetrotting hip-hop. It's a diverse sound with European and American roots, combining rap's rhythmic delivery with the progressive hooks of pop, the laidback cool of soul music, and the optimistic outlook of gospel. Tying the package together is a multi-lingual artist who's never been afraid to break boundaries or challenge conventions." Jay-Way views himself as an outsider, an alien. Never conforming to standards or a "cookie-cutter" style but residing on an island of creativity all of his own.
Favorites off the album include "Stuck in My Head," "Coolie," and "Shawty Goodnight" featuring Parris Chariz. Anytime 18 tracks are included, favorites are available to ears of every type. This is one of my favorite albums to date and probably throughout the entire year simply because it's refreshing. It's different and unique, just like the creator. An eclectic explosion of sound exists throughout. No two tracks sound alike. Honestly, we need more artists like Jay-Way breaking barriers, what's considered "the norm" and what's popular. Stream Island Forgotten on Spotify here.
Mike Teezy - "Code of Conduct" A native of West Virigina, but raied in North Carolina, this southern rapper has remained atop the CHH space for a solid year. The second release of 2024, "Code of Conduct" lays out God's design for a Christian's conduct different from most. In fact, not of this world but in it. The beat switchup included is one of the cleanest thus far this year. Teezy truly defines his lyrical ability throughout. This track represents one of my absolute favorites from him to date. Stream "Code of Conduct" on Spotify and Apple Music.
Battz - "2024"
Nashville's own up-and-coming rapper Battz returns with his first single of 2024 and latest drop since his debut album released on October 6, 2023. For the past two years, he's been one of the top five artists in CHH to watch. Youthful, innovative, refined and a multitude of stories to share, Battz stays in the conversation for best artist each year. "2024" contains a dope sample and playful piano keys throughout as he smothers his own lyrical seasoning over everything. Halfway through, listeners are treated to a beat switchup hightlighting an energetic electric guitar. I love the overall feel of the track as it's a modernized version of boom-bap. Yet again, 2024 will have the eyes of fans tightly affixed to Battz's moves. Stream "2024" on Spotify and Apple Music.
Elevation Rhythm x Forrest Frank – “PRAISES (REMIX)”
Zauntee - "Do It Too"
Knaladeus feat. Perry Illest – “Sit Here”
Cardec Drums – “MVP”
Toyalove – “Living Water”
DOE - "God Is In Control"
L. Dejuan – “All My Life”
Legin – “Deliver Me”
Childlike CiCi - "STOP WHAT YOU DIDN'T START"
Amose x Limoblaze - "Amazing Grace"
GRAHAM – “Break My Heart”
Tommy Zuko – “PRAY FOR THE HOMIES”
Isaac Mansfield - "New Things"
Weez the Satellite Kiid – “Wxxh”
Spencer Kane x Caleb LaDuke – “Hold On”
Bill B. x Scribe Music – “Break Me”
NK4 – “DESIRES”
Hyper Fenton x Chris Howland - "Scary Love"
Linga TheBoss – “I WANNA SEE”
Kevi Morse – “Lost Inside”
Adriansings. – “Silver Line”
AMAR – “MATADOR”
J-Phish feat. DEON – “WHOA”
GodFrame – “For Every Butterfly”
Xavier Sorrow – “ENDZONE”
Christopher Syncere – “WRIST MST”
Austin White 711 feat. Adrion Butler x A3 – “Listen Up!”
Henrik – “Liar”
Tay Collier - "BROLL"
De La Cruz - "Kick Out"
Aluis x Joseph Muniz x Relena-Rochelle - "Save Me"
Chris TyK – “Have Faith”
Red Tips x Kenny Rivers x Caleb Gordon – “Good, Pt. 2”
John Michael Howell – “Another Man’s Crime”
HYLEM – “News”
DANMAR – “Tattoo On My Mind”
Tj Carroll – “News”
02solus – “I still think about you”
Elijah Kyle – “4 SEASONS”
Lilmizzy x Nolly x Gospel Hints - "Sweet Love"
Kojo Dave x Rehmahz x Rvivxl - "Love Again (Remix)"
NobodyGHY – “God, Do You Love Me?”
Classmaticc x TonyWHOA! - "God Mode"
Foeva x Young Bezzel - "Ordained Surgery"
J-Blev- “PCola Freestyle”
D-Real – “Talking to God”
Joshua Lazer - "Right on Time"
JPK. - "Phase Me"
Ray G - "Letting Go"
Virtuous - "I Believe in Love"
Florence Mayez – “Shootin’ Stars”
Eazy Bob Wizzy – “26”
Drup x 350 x YBSO – “Big Runner”
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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