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.
Young & Chosen by Limoblaze Reach Records’ latest male signee (2022), Nigerian-raised, London-based musician and songwriter Limoblaze releases his seventh project titled, Young & Chosen. This is the second major release with the label, as he dropped the Sunday In Lagos EP the same year he signed. Limoblaze has become a household name in the Christian music space and a pioneer of the Afrobeats subgenre known as “AfroGospel.” His influence spans across major global markets including Nairobi, London, New York, Accra, and Paris. Over the past two years, his tours in the US, European, and African markets have sparked a movement among Gen Z and Gen Alpha, translating to millions of streams. Recently, he joined KB, WHATUPRG, and nobigdyl. on The Glory Nights Tour during Spring 2024.
On this album, Limoblaze provides the soundtrack for a generation of Christians living for something greater than themselves. The album explores a range of emotions and experiences, from remorse to rest to victorious transformation in faith. The album’s anthem, “One Day,” features KB and rallies listeners around being chosen by God. Tracks like “Holy Father” and “Blesser” weave in themes of selflessness and thanksgiving, while “Transformation” addresses the emptiness of worldly success.
Limoblaze has never been one to gatekeep his platform, making Young & Chosen the most diverse-reaching collaborative effort in his career, sharing the microphone on this 14-track with chart-toppers Sam Rivera & Naomi Raine of Maverick City Music, KB and Joe L Barnes. Limoblaze also elevates emerging talents like Princeton South and includes a Spanish-Afrobeat fusion verse from label mate WHATUPRG. The marketing team at Reach was kind enough to contribute to this review offering excerpts from the official press release and documentation (Thanks Joe!).
Favorites include “One Day” featuring KB, “Happy” featuring Sam Rivera, and “Rest.” I truly appreciate the diversity of the roster Reach possesses. Cultural superstars such as Anike, WHATUPRG, and Limoblaze expand their audiences and influences across all continents. Stream Young & Chosen on Spotify here.
Datin feat. C4 Crotona, THVNOS and Selah the Corner - "RUN LUCIFER" Menace Movement and God Over Money’s Datin returns with a Kingdom heater. “RUN LUCIFER” features independent emcees C4 Crotona, THVNOS, and Selah the Corner who used to run with GOM beside Datin. He’s always been a maniac lyricist regardless of the track spitting truth, Kingdom values, theology and street wisdom. This time around is no different (thankfully).
The single is based off the words included in James 4:7 reflecting on resisting the temptations of the devil causing him to flee from you. The production value on this track is straight bananas, crazy on every level. The harmony (from the sample), the synthesizers, and the raw snare drum taps. This may result in one of my favorite tracks of the summer. Gritty, grimy, boom-bap and lyricism will always represent the perfect recipe in hip-hop. Stream “RUN LUCIFER” on Spotify and Apple Music.
Mitch Darrell x Wayne Klassik - "Upside Down"
Independent artist and The Listening Session (TLS) collective’s Mitch Darrell teams up with Wayne Klassik on his latest single from 2024. The duo has already teamed up on two previous tracks (guess which ones?). Darrell begins the track with a bit of commentary like his YouTube channel where he reviews and reacts to music. Then, he hit a switch or something and instantaneously got to business making the most of his under two-minute delivery. The adlibs. The hook. The verse. Darrell handled all the important stuff on this playful little track incorporating wordplay selections related to the title. Loved it! Stream “Upside Down”on Spotify and Apple Music.
Nu Tone feat. Kidd Lee and Tds Cam - "Rearview Mirror"
Cellus Hamilton - ""Noah's" Ark"
Byron Rhodes - "Good Thoughts Only"
DANMAR – “ONLY MAN”
Will Kellum x K Diamond – “Fear No Evil”
Shane Kidd – “Determination”
Allen Thomas feat. Xay Hill and L-oh-L – “Wear Your Crown”
LLC Flame – “CAME TO PLAY”
K Diamond x De'Aris - "Wins & Losses"
J Torah – “FIGHT”
Joezy feat. GB – “Replay”
Vennisay – “TWENTY MINUTES”
Illish - "La Calle"
Ray2k - "Ace"
Phillip Anthony – “A League of My Own (ALOMO)”
Drup feat. Aniah Pearson – “WHO I AM”
simplyollie - "Ella"
Hunterdrinkswater – “Look in the Mirror”
DreBeeze Da Godson - "SPT"
Lee Vasi - "Never Let Me Go"
Shirlvin Desir - "Get Up"
Karlton Jones x Theresa Phondo x Scott Evans - "Halle"
Lord Badu - "Good News"
Lil Luke – “BIG STEPPA”
The Filthy Kids – “Gnarly Bodacious”
Public Union – “Undefeated One”
Stevn Martinez feat. Linga theBoss - "Anything Can Happen"
Melodic B feat. Mike Teezy - "Loyal"
Joshua Stewart feat. FERN - "Livin' For Love"
Essence Natay x Stevie Rizo x BigBreeze - "Sweet Love"
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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