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.
Loner EP by Aklesso Miami’s independent artist Aklesso dropped his latest EP titled, Loner. Previously, he released three projects and one introductory EP in 2017. Last year, Aklesso contributed to the highly anticipated WHATUPRG’s HEAVENONEARTH collective and a self-titled project. Also, he’s been a featured artist this year on songs by Derek Minor, 808 Beezy, Kevin Hackett, A3, and DJ Mykael V. Remaining busy, Aklesso was one of the opening artists on nobigdyl.’s the people we became tour running from August through November of 2024 stopping in 26 select cities. It’s been quite a productive, artistic year for Aklesso. Even better, or more complicated, he’s a new father to a beautiful nearly eight-month-old son too.
Leading up to this project’s release, Aklesso dropped three singles since August of 2023 including “Help!,” “Creep” featuring Jon Keith and “Look!” featuring WHATUPRG. He pinpoints this project as being the first part of his story, as each of the eight tracks dives profoundly deep into Aklesso’s family dynamic, past hurts, and everything in between. The invasive therapeutic journey within was a challenge set forth by his friend circle after hearing some of the songs. What began as “throwaways” from a future album evolved into intricate diary-like entries.
Favorites include “Narrow Road” featuring Scootie Wop and Sarah Juers, “Look!” featuring RG, and “Destiny” featuring Torey D’Shaun. Honestly, I’m a “sucker” when hip-hop records are stripped down to an acoustic guitar intertwined with melodic emotional outpours over targeted sixteens. Loner is relatable, moving, and downright artsy in a multitude of senses. The album which follows, I propose, will be Aklesso’s best work yet. Stream Loner on Spotify here.
BODEGA 2! by DJ Mykael V and 1995 Dropped on Tuesday, November 5, the sequel to the highly successful BODEGA! album series by DJ Mykael V has arrived. The original was released two years ago on November 4, 2022. The deluxe treatment was applied the following March (2023) adding five brand-new tracks. For those which do not know, the term bodega is defined as a small, independent or family-owned grocery store, usually located in a densely populated urban environment, traditionally serving a Hispanic clientele. It is a vital part of many communities, offering convenience and a sense of familiarity. Therefore, Mykael handcrafted a musical bodega-like experience deep in gritty, boom-bap hip-hop roots with offerings from most of the elite emcees in the CHH space.
The featured list of artists is extensive. Notable names include Lecrae, Beleaf, Kaleb Mitchell, Propaganda, J. Monty along with a total of 35 rhyme slayers compiled onto a 14-track collection of excellence. Favorite tracks are “FVLL OF ROME” featuring Lecrae, am.sunday, J. Monty, and 350, “TIME FLIES” featuring 350, Taelor Gray, Tragic Hero, and Beleaf, as well as “HUMBLE BEAST!” featuring Propaganda, SIV, and Braille. I’ll leave your imagination open to the continued navigation of the brilliance 1995 has created in the lab, as this soundscape throws you back 30 years to the heart of hip-hop in the 90s within the streets of New York, stompin’ around in your Timbs equipped with either your Sony Walkman or portable CD player.
Phathom feat. DJ Mykael V, Datin, C4 Crotona, RJ Payne, and Jae Millz - "Safehouse"
Seattle’s own Phathom returns with his fifth single released in 2024. He’s enlisted an entire squad of gritty lyricists to bless the mic with one onslaught after another. Featured artists include God Over Money’s Datin, Menace Movement’s C4 Crotona, Philly’s own RJ Payne and NYC’s elitest Jae Millz. The track introduction is hosted by iconic DJ Mykael V. Engaging Mykael’s BODEGA 2! album steadily in my ears all week, I could’ve easily seen this track included. It’s boom-bap street hymns straight from “the gutter”. If anything, lyricism continues to thrive in the CHH space and continues to be undersold to the masses. I can name several projects or emcees within CHH which far exceed the skill set or quality of any mainstream counterpart.
Hence, how this idea and string of singles were born in Phathom’s “multiverse”. He’s taken the best underground mainstream artists and partnered them with CHH counterparts. Datin meet Jae Millz. C4 Crotona, meet RJ Payne. The results? A certified banger! Stream “Safehouse” on Spotify and Apple Music.
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.
NEW!BEHIND THE SONG
#1236 - Brandon Heath
Transforming wounds into stories of redemption in this powerful song
ADVERTISEMENT
NEW!NRT EDITORIAL
Skillet
We explores some of the band's best songs outside their hits
NEW!NRT LISTS
Jordan Merritt
A real conversation around the artist's new track, "Human"
NEW!HEARTSPEAK
Jordan Feliz
The artist's must-listen-to songs about faith, family, and redemption
NEW!AN NRT EXCLUSIVE
Rock Meets Worship
Seven gritty cover songs of popular worship music and hymns
