Today's Song - Thirty by Sean C. Johnson ft. Shy Speaks and Adam L.

"Thirty" is a jazzy, sweet and soft-sounding banger addressing one of the most common issues young Christian men face in temptation with pornography. Sean C. Johnson absolutely kills it. What's the meaning behind the song and its title? 

Sean puts it this way: 

"The motivation for this song comes from my own personal struggles with Pornography. Often a subject that's rarely talked about, I wanted to talk about the elephant that's in the room in a transparent manner. The title of the song is inspired by the Roman numeral representation of the number 30 (which is XXX). It's also said that it takes 30 days of not doing an activity to break your addiction to it."

Sean features Shy Speaks and Adam L., who both feature other insights of the same struggle, Shy Speaks from a woman's perspective, really adding depth to the same topic.

Here's some of Sean's lyrics:

...real talk I thought this was a game

I left that room with chains

Never looked at girls the same

Cuz I know, been thirty years old and a virgin

Don't mean you outgrow them urges

Never shoulda pulled back that curtain

Thank God for the blood He purchased me...

"Thirty" is one of the most humble and beautiful songs I've heard on this issue (Trip Lee's "Fallin" being a close second). It's very transparent and has some complicated issues but really speaks to the temptations that afflict both man and woman.

Here's the link where you can listen and download free!

Best,

Felix

Today's Song - That's Me by Canton Jones ft. Tonio and TK

Canton Jones is coming up out with a brand new free mixtape entitled "Lust, Drugs and Gospel," and from the looks of it, it's gonna be absolutely dope. For more on the release of the mixtape check this out. "That's Me" is one of the singles on it and it goes absolutely off.

Lyrics:

I like change on top of my change for real but that's me tho

I don't pop no Molly, snort Cocaine but that's me tho

I'ma trust in God till I die for real but that's me tho

And when I leave the crib yo I'm fly for real but that's me tho

And I rap for all of my amigos

Million deep now here we go...

The beat is a banger too and the hook is too dang catchy but I'ma save it for you to check out.

While the mixtape isn't out quite yet, there's no download link but I'll for sure cover the mixtape when it's out.

Here's where you can stream it for now.

Best,

Felix

Today's Song - Walk That Talk by B.Parker

(Chorus)

I walk that talk that

Man you ain't know

I walk that talk that

I got that Holy Ghost

I walk that talk that

Just like my Savior did

So if you walk that talk that

Go 'head and say it then 

Man I walk around like I even got no problems

My Man said that if there's ever an issue He gon' solve them

So if you want the same, it ain't no thing, just let me know

His price is real good, He do it for the low

Matter of fact said you covered, consider it a favor

He done cleaned your debt, wrote the check, see ya' later

Now that's a true boss, I ain't talkin Ricky Rozay

Broke the shackles from my hands and feet, no more 2 Chainz!

I hadn't heard of B.Parker before this one but I'm a huge fan. I love his flow and I love his message. My favorite part for sure is his double meaning behind using the mainstream rapper 2 Chainz and the chains that sin has on humans. "Walk that Talk" is another one of those unashamed jams that'll keep you mindful of how good we have it and how good God is.

Here's where you can stream and download it for free!

Best,

Felix

Today's Song - I Like It by Sebastian Phoenix

Sebastian Phoenix takes one of the sickest beats you'll hear and makes it into one of the sickest songs you'll hear this year. "I Like It" tackles the idea of adjusting to the Christian life and the effects a life of truth has on someone. Here's some of the lyrics that go off:

...It's uncomfortable what that truth do

This just ain't what i'm used to

I'd rather go do what i used to yeah

But this spiritual apprehension's 

got my mind in a different dimension of love...

...I'm cool with constructive critique

But keep your opinion if you just gon' hate

cuz me I'ma trust in my Jesus take refuge

in Him is dominion of all He surveys...

Lord knows I been locked up 

Shot down

And then wanna put me in a box now?

Cuz I rep the One who rolls

Like a point guard from Chi-Town!...

(Chorus)

I like it I like it I like it x3

Think I'll spend a little more time here x 4

Here's where you can stream it and download it for free.

Best,

Felix

Today's Song - You Can't Stop Me by Andy Mineo ft. MartyMar

Alright. So Andy Mineo's a household name now in the CHH world. He just released an EP entitled Never Land which has some absolute fire on it. I think the best song coming off it however is "You Can't Stop Me" - featuring Social Club's Martymar on the hook with Andy. The song is a bold proclamation of some of what is proclaimed in Hebrews 13:6 - when God is for you, what can man do? Nothing. Here's some of the lyrics:

What Imma turn down for? I feel like Shaq in nine four

Breaking glass in that backboard, or like Kobe in Toronto, huh?

Dropping 81, Yo I drop the 88, Ricky Bobby shake and bake

Sleeping on us should have stayed awake, huh?...

(Hook)

They try to shut us down, and it ain't gon' slide

Only thing i fear is God and he on my side

That's the confidence of God, cause he got me

That's why I really feel like

YOU CAN'T STOP ME...

You tryin to get this on your iTunes? Get it here along with the rest of Never Land.

Best,

Felix

Today's Song - Backseat Freestyle (Remix) by Bumps INF, Flo, and Bizzle (God Over Money)

I gotta be honest - if you're gonna try and take a Kendrick Lamar beat and use it on a mixtape, you had better do it justice. Not only was Good Kid, M.A.A.D City one of the best mainstream Hip-Hop albums arguably of the decade, but Kendrick's version of "Backseat Freestyle" is one of his most signature songs. Good thing the God Over Money Team wrecks this.

Peep some of the lyrics from the first verse by Bumps INF:

All my life I want money and power

Respect my mind or die from sin's curse

I admit it I did dirt

You did it I did worse

A hell, yeah livin like a felon

Rebellin from His Word

I promise that He ain't finished

I'm liable still to blow it

Fightin sin if you notice

But minus Him I'm a no one

Liable just to slide again

Vicodin with a cold one

A Heineken

I lose sight again

Why is sin so bogus?!

I'm not gonna spoil the rest for you. The flow is consistent and as always, the mixture of the team adds for a nice balance. Flo murders his part and Bizzle, as always, leaves you in disbelief.

Here's where you can download the whole Martyrs in the Making Volume 2 Mixtape which remixes other Kendrick songs too. Daring, but successful.

Best,
Felix

Today's Song - Barz by GS ft. Dre Murray

I love CHH and now and then I just find a song that's on repeat for days on end. "Barz" is such a song. Not only is GS so consistent in delivering killer lines, Dre Murray serves as an additional push that takes a sick beat into what should actually get radio time. 

As the song promises, here are some "barz":

(GS)

...I'm crazy I'm crazy but they didn't tell you I was born in the 80s?

This luxury living he made me brand new I roll like a Mercedes

They ask why that I wait? I'm back-spazzing like Tracy McGrady

Jesus He love me, He love me the way the way He treat me you would think we're related...

(Dre Murray)

Sucka put them fans down - who cares you makin it rain?

My God He made rain!

Yeah and it's for free. Do yourself a favor. Stream and download it free here. 

Best,

Felix

Today's Song - Heart of a Hustler by Tragic Hero (Prod by Dilemma x JoeLogic)

Tragic Hero kills this song produced by Dilemma x Joe Logic. Behind a chill/eerie street based beat, Tragic Hero lays out the story of a situation of a hustler fighting the streets, his culture, and the fight against drugs and addiction. I see the song being a metaphor for the intrinsic nature of mankind - relapsing to failures and faults. As always, his flow is on point and his signature voice makes him one of the most recognizable sounds in CHH today. Check some of the lyrics:

...A diamond for the earlobe

and heroine for heroes

He's keepin it a hundred

Why not bring him back to zero?...

This is only better for my story

I'm just counting every day a blessing in my inventory...

(Bridge)

Another day a wall I'm breaking through and falling in

Lost the sight of my own heart, learn it's all a game

You can stream and download the song for free right here.

Best,

Felix

Today's Song - Heart Beats by Young Joshua

Grace and Peace Records just released their second single off their album, Glimpses of Grace, entitled "Heart Beats" by Young Joshua. Along with the banger comes a fresh music video. Peep some of the lyrics from the song:

Yo it ain't nothing perfect here

He is my perfection, no glory here

I'm fighting thoughts and a wicked heart

Yo my flesh is attached

Tryna run laps, praying i don't relapse

If His Word is attached then I got nothing to worry for

In due time He'll save you, nothing to hurry for

All in His timing, this mountain we climbing, gets smaller, through substance of things hoped for

Without further adieu, Young Joshua:

Get this song and many more from a host of CHH artists here on iTunes. The album includes original tracks from Eshon Burgundy, Braille, Stephen the Levite, Sivion and more!

Best,

Felix

Today's Song - Take Me Back by Roy Tosh ft. Benjah

Roy Tosh is a newer face to CHH but he has a very talented first album available for free download right now that has been catching some steam steadily. The addition of Benjah on the hook of "Take Me Back" makes for a nice single with a really powerful message.
Here's some of the lyrics:

(Chorus)

Why do you love me?

I'm so unfaithful!

I never keep my word, no

You still take me back

Why do you love me?

Why do you want me?

Why do you show grace?

I fall down on my knees

(Verse)

...My God never changed

Even when I'm down, He is faithful to remain

When I'm feeling pain

Confident now in His love

So secure, crying out for more

Lord I'm letting go

I'm giving You control

You're calling me to grow!...

You can stream and download it here free.
Here's the rest of his album available for free download.

Best,
Felix

Today's Song - Now Or Neva by C.R.O.W.N. Movement

The C.R.O.W.N. Movement (Christ Rising Over Worldly Nature) is a rap group out of Australia and Canada...which doesn't mean this isn't of national importance. Their song "Now Or Neva" is a jam relating to the concept relating to not knowing when the return of Christ will be and iterating the importance of preparing for His coming (see Matthew 24:36-44).
Peep some of the lyrics:

(Chorus)

Nobody knows what tomorrow holds - it's now or never 

(I know if I procrastinate today 

tomorrow's not promised

so I might pass away)

It's now or ever

(I know if I procrastinate today 

tomorrow's not promised

so I might pass away)...

...The call goes out

it's now or never...

the blood of the lamb flowing like a river

the sacrifice of God the giver of all givers

given for all sinners, even the worst killers...

never wait for the weather to change

when the Son comes back it's too late

don't hesitate...

You can stream this and download it free right here.

Best,

Felix

Today's Song - Man Up Anthem by 116 Clique ft. Lecrae, KB, Trip Lee, Tedashii, PRo (aka Derek Minor), Andy Mineo, and Sho Baraka

In honor of it being 1/16, I thought a throwback Thursday was appropriate and who better to serve this day then the 116 Clique. For those of you not altogether familiar with Christian Hip Hop, 116 Clique (many might argue) was the revival of Christian Hip Hop - sure you had Cross Movement (see a throwback review of them here) and G.R.I.T.S. (throwback review here) and even older, from the Ambassador to TobyMac to John Reuben and more, but a group consisting of now some nationwide names entitled 116 Clique brought a new face to the genre. With the new face, came a higher, modern level of quality that rivaled mainstream rap and really reached out to the masses. The name originated from Romans 1:16, a verse now pretty well known among CHH fans, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes..."Being unashamed meant it was a lifestyle and it was to be broadcasted loudly for everyone to hear.

"Man Up Anthem" is one of the most well known songs produced by the 116 Clique (Lecrae, KB, Trip Lee, Tedashii, PRo (aka Derek Minor), Andy Mineo, and Sho Baraka) and I've posted the video for you all to enjoy. While alas, a free download is not available, it's a classic and worth the purchase.

Here's one of the fire lines KB spits in this song:

Right after Adam

every atom 

in our anatomy

had to make adamant

after what Adonai is against 

Here's another fire one from Andy Mineo:

Being a man got nothing to do with age

You can be a boy till the day you lay in your grave

None of us behave

like the image of who we're made

cause we've fallen away

it's better known as depraved

Without further adieu, the "Man Up Anthem:"

Best,
Felix

Today's Song - U N I V E R S E by SPZRKT (prod. by Sango)

So, if Jekob made Redeeming Rap history yesterday as the first to have two songs featured off the same album, I guess SPZRKT continues that trend. His free album Lucid Dreams is one of the most inspired albums I have ever come across, free or not. I would venture to say that he's one of the most talented Hip Hop/R&B artists in CHH today with one of the best and distinct singing voices. You take his mission and his message with that and you have an iPod on repeat.

Dig in:

There is nothing like You x2

I am longing for Your presence

I long for Your presence

Your love x3

is everything 

You are x3

You're all I need

The simplicity mixed with the soothing beat by Sango makes for a time of peace.

Here's where you can stream the song (you can't download it there) but here's where you can stream and download this and the rest of his whole album free.

Want more Spazzy? Check out our review of his song "BC" here and him featured in Wildchild's "Change Gone Come" here.

Best,

Felix

Today's Song - Say Your Prayers Now by Je'kob ft. Applejaxx and Eshon Burgundy

Je'kob and his free album Pocketless Souls II have made Redeeming Rap history. I'm featuring a second song from the same artist from the same album. Why? The addition of stellar verses from Applejaxx and Eshon Burgundy helps, but to be honest, the whole album is gold. As far as free CHH albums go, this one may be a top 5 album of all time, maybe even higher. I'm still listening through it and I downloaded it months ago. Maybe some of the lyrics will expound what I'm talking about:

...cuz the time you got is the time you get

Better be careful who you run with

Thug life screaming "yolo"

and every man and woman they die solo...

...Y'all dont wanna hear that though

And y'all don't wanna hear me flow

Bout what's really goin on outdoors

Said what's really goin on outdoors

What's really goin on outdoors

Romans 1:21 they forgot the Lord

Yeah they forgot the Lord

And babies they want to abort

and marriage they want to distort

got the Father they want to destroy...

The beat itself is unbelievably catchy and relaxing if even the lyrics wont' get you hooked.

Stream the song here and download it and the rest of the album here.

Want more Je'kob reviewed? Check out our review of "The Edge of the World" here.

More Eshon Burgundy here and here.

Best,

Felix

Today's Song - Southern Lights by Alex Faith and Dre Murray (Prod. by Cardec Drums)

If you liked Elle Goulding's "Lights," you'll love this. If you hated Elle Goulding's "Lights," you will love this rendition. Why? Because two of the members of WLAK, Alex Faith and Dre Murray, absolutely annihilate this Cardec Drums production.

Here's a look inside the song:

(Alex Faith)

...Don't wanna see you die tonight without knowing who Jesus is

Son of God, King above, gave up His life that's what He did

We was lost but know we found, adopted us and made us His

I can't ignore all that He did, that's why you hear me going in!

(Dre Murray)

...Throwin up the set like he lost his little mind

But he know he really lost, he just prayin for a sign

or some light

cuz it's dark

Yeah nobody there to shine!

in this house

just some work

and a fully loaded 'nine...

...see this is more than me just wantin to rhyme tight

we hit that stage and rhyme so we can shine bright!

Want another reason to love this? It's free, right here.

Want more Alex Faith? Check out our review of his album title song, "ATLast" here and check out our exclusive interview with him here.

Want more Dre Murray? Check out our review of the WLAK song "Arena" featuring Alex Faith too here!

Best,

Felix

Today's Song - He Is God by Oscar Urbina ft. Serge

Oscar Urbina, a relatively newer face on the CHH spectrum, releases a really thought-provoking song discussing the divine nature of Jesus Christ. In "He Is God" featuring Serge, Oscar addresses different contrasting points of view from Jews to Muslims to contemporary critics and skeptics alike. Check out some of his lyrics:

He's more than just a teacher

He's more than just a preacher

He's more than your motivational speaker

Let me speak up...

Look John the Baptist wasn't just screamin his voice out

To prepare the way for a nice little boy scout

...Some say he never existed, some say that he's gone

Some say he's only a king, some say he's a pawn

Some say he's only Elisha, some say that he's John

The problem with the presuppositions? They all wrong

[Chorus]

All around the world

People they just wanna know

Tryna figure out

So they askin was he just a man?

Or is he someone greater?

Was he outta his mind 

or was he really the savior?...

It's not your stereotypical CHH song, and it's definitely one that may not be easily received. However, it's in search of truth and finds it with logic so it's absolutely worth a listen.

Here's where you can stream and download the song for free.

Best,

Felix

Today's Song - The Devil Ain't A Lie by Eshon Burgundy

Eshon Burgundy - increasingly a household name for Christian Hip Hop fans - is a product of Humble Beast Records and lives up to their name. I honestly don't know how to say this any other way - Eshon absolutely murders this track.

Peep some of the lyrics:

...John 16 Ima overcomer

Verse 33 if you didn't know the number

They tell me you gonna know a tree by the fruit

If it's evil then it's evil pull that thing out by the root

You know they lie to you try to keep you from the truth

What did I do to 'cept to take you to the proof...

Here it is with free download when you verify by submitting your email address.

Want more Eshon? Check out our first review of one of his songs, "Intro."

Best,

Felix

Today's Song - Right Here by Mission ft. Black Knight

Right off the brand new album Dress Rehearsal, "Right Here" is a banger featuring Black Knight on the importance of the boldness of faith and some of the common misconceptions people have about Christianity, namely its focus of rituals and "religion" than a relationship with Jesus Christ. Here's some of Mission's lyrics:

Started from the bottom - more like started from that dust
On your block, ain't no punks, man we harder than we look
You just watch, Don't be shook
that we out just tryna push
If that Word was like a hammer
I'm like Thor with that Book
Man I'm like slow down (slow down)
Don't wanna be caught out here doing wrong when it go down (go down)
Don't wanna be caught out here on your own when it go down 
but you know now
I ain't here to condemn you man...
cuz I ain't your judge like Joe Brown

Mission has been a feature of Redeeming Rap before - to check out "Round 'em Up" click here.

To stream and download "Right Here," click here. For access to download the whole album Dress Rehearsal, click here.

Best,

Felix