The Christian Rap Revolution
An eruption of Christian rap has exploded into both the gospel and secular music worlds, receiving attention and praise. With its raw sound and hard-hitting lyrics, Christian rap has set itself apart from typical worship music while still complementing it.
A Christian hip-hop revolution seems imminent as several up-and-coming artists are experimenting with the genre, exploring modern themes and capturing a massive audience that yearns for authenticity.
One of these prominent new voices is Hulvey. According to Reach Records, Hulvey signed with the Christian hip-hop record label Reach Records in 2019 and released his studio debut album “Christopher” soon after. He later collaborated with Forrest Frank and released two songs that spent time on the Billboard Hot Christian Songs list: “No Longer Bound,” peaking at No. 19, and “Altar,” reaching No. 25, according to Reach Records.
It is in his solo albums, though, that he flawlessly pairs a laid-back sound with introspective lyrics, inviting listeners to dwell on the darkness of humanity and the light of God.
His most recent album, “CRY,” seeks to reimagine the word through a three-disk journey: Communion, Reflection and Yearning. According to Hulvey Music, each section shares a different message from his journey with God: the story of a broken world, the hope of a new life and the discovery of divine peace.
“It’s a reminder that we’re all human, but with God in the story, we can have thankfulness and live in that place,” Hulvey said about the album in an interview with Relevant Magazine.
In the same interview, Hulvey spoke on the origins of the Christian rap revolution, citing the TikTok movement for bringing artists into the spotlight, including artists like Anike.
Using the platform to gain prevalence as a rapper, singer and lifestyle influencer, Anike has blasted into the Christian-pop and secular rap world. Creating a signature upbeat and uplifting sound, Anike, formerly Wande, celebrates her walk with Christ with R&B and pop-fused tracks, becoming Reach Records’ first signed female artist, according to Anike.net.
By collaborating with talented artists like Lecrae, TobyMac, Porsha Love and Hulvey, she creates a uniquely playful experience that blends each artist’s style and strengths. The result is a dynamic assemblage of sounds with each bouncing off the other.
She also found success featuring on the Grammy-nominated album “The Mav Way.” Her most recent self-titled album acts as a reinvention of her name and music, focusing on vivid expressions of art and faith.
“I also want people to see what the joy and freedom of a life with God looks like. And also the expression what being a woman of God in a relationship looks like,” Anike said in an interview with Sidedoor Magazine.
While Hulvey employs reflective lyrics and a minimalistic production, Anike focuses on elevating lyrics with an energetic, playful soundscape. Both reflect a need for spiritual honesty in Christian pop, understanding the broken world while acknowledging their gracious God.
The Christian rap movement has also introduced artists like Ty Brasel who epitomizes this statement. His emphasis on the underbelly of our hearts and Christ’s love along with his distinctly sci-fi, ethereal sound makes Brasel a name to remember and his album “TRANSCENDENT” a perfect entry into his style.
Though he has been interested in making hip-hop music since childhood, Brasel had a dramatic change in the message of his music after he gave his life to the Lord during college. According to LF Radio, Brasel struggled with substance abuse and illegal activity in the past, and in his darkest moment, he decided to turn his life around and use his music to honor God.
Now, Brasel’s music shares messages of overcoming life struggles and remembering that there is always hope.
Up-and-coming artists like Hulvey, Anike and Brasel show a spectrum of ways to vibrantly worship God and find him in the heights and depths of life.
Glass is a feature reporter for the Liberty Champion.