This Next Up List is not just for the Up & Coming CHH & Urban Gospel artists. It’s also to give a spotlight to the CHH & Urban Gospel artists who more people need to hear about.
With The Next UP criteria ranging from:
-Having an album, EP, mixtape and singles out the previous year (2019)
-Strong work ethic
-Artists under the CHH radar.
So with no further a due here is the 2020 Next Up List!
Xay Hill
Xay Hill is a very talented CHH artist who you have heard on records with newcomers to the OGs of CHH. The music he makes is based on his testimony of hardships, gangs, being an outsider, making new friends, and doubt. With EPs like “Introverts” and “Isaiah” and singles like “Hear Me Coming” and “Make A Way” it’s only right that he makes things lit.
When did you know God called you to do music?
Xay Hill: Honestly I knew God called me to do music when I was 8. I first learned how to play drums then the saxophone. Now i play piano for my church. So I always knew I was going to do some type of music. God just turned it into this.
If I have never heard your music before what can I expect?
Xay Hill: You can expect music written to myself. I usually write music encouraging myself and as a reminder to myself of what God can do!! It’s just one of those situations where everyone relates.
What makes you go so hard and do so many features?
Xay Hill: I do these features, because when I first started in CHH someone told me they wouldn’t work with me because I didn’t have any clout. So because no one knew who I was they refused to give me a chance to prove my worth. So since then I refused to do that. So anyone that hits me up for work gets it from me. It just turned into something this genre kind of started supporting.
Who are your musical influences?
Xay Hill: My biggest musical influence comes from artists within CHH. Mainly Canon. The way this man creates and has 50 million styles I love it. I never know if I’m getting Trippy Canon Redd or Kodak Canon.
Twitter- @itsxayhill
Instagram- @_xayhill
Recommended songs from Xay Hill – “Here Me Coming”, “Make A Way”, “Clear”
Thomas Iannucci
Thomas Iannucci is a Hawaiian Grammy (Na Hoko Hanohano) Award-winning rapper from Hawaii. He is known for lyricism which includes punchlines that intertwine his faith. His album “Kuleana” is filled with head nodding boom bap with a modern twist that creates a vibe for you to enjoy.
When did you know God called you to do music?
Thomas Iannucci: Well, to be honest, it feels like everybody in Hawaii does at least a little music, either singing or playing the guitar or ukulele or something. Definitely everyone in my family can sing or play an instrument – except me! So though I was writing music from a young age, it wasn’t until I started rapping around age 15 that things really started falling into place. Shortly after that a friend of mine, who was also a rapper, asked me to do the talent show with him and I agreed – even though I’d never rapped before! But I came up with a verse, and he and my sister Dondi and I remixed Ready or Not by The Fugees. We didn’t win, but we were a huge hit with our classmates; I think that was when God showed me that I could actually have a future in it.
If I never heard your music before what can I expect?
Thomas Iannucci: A mix of boom bap (with a modern twist), elements of Hawaiian and local culture, and punchline heavy lyricism that focuses on my faith in Christ, the raw realities of life, and the emotional turmoil we all experience but rarely know how to express.
How do you feel about representing Christ in the Hawaii Hip Hop Scene?
Thomas Iannucci: Humbled, but excited. Hawaii has a long and complicated history with Christianity – it was originally, of course, not a Christian nation, and it was the Christian missionaries who eventually came and stripped Hawaii of most of its culture, religion, land, and (eventually) its independence; the wounds run quite deep, as do the memories. However, the Hawaiian church also has a long and powerful history in Hawaii, and many of the great Hawaiian kings and queens were strong Christians as well; at one point, Hawaii was one of the most Christian nations in the world. Understanding the long and at times ugly history of the church in Hawaii gives context and perspective to the way I approach the people in my community about my faith. Without a doubt, though, Jesus is moving in Hawaii, and it is my honor to represent him in my home as best as I can!
Who are you musical influences?
Thomas Iannucci: Man, where do I start? The Roots, Talib Kweli, Mos Def, Kanye West, Jackie Hill Perry, Eminem, Lecrae, Pac, Macklemore, Biggie, Beautiful Eulogy, Lauryn Hill, 50 Cent, foggieraw, Chance the Rapper, and Andy Mineo to name a few. And that’s just in hip hop! I haven’t even mentioned The Beatles yet.
Twitter – @thomasiannucci_
Instagram – @thomasiannucci
Recommended songs from Thomas Iannucci – “Illyinde”, “Been A Minute”, “Take Me Back”
Kay Sade
Kay Sade is a singer/rapper who writes great rhymes and amazing melodies. Influenced by the 80s/90s R&B scene and you get that vibe from her music. Her lyrics are meant to give you a Christian perspective on different topics that she chooses to discuss. With her projects “Meta” and “111” on the way I’m sure we will continue to hear great melodies and great rhymes from her.
When did you know God called you to do music?
Kay Sade: Around the age of 17. I’ve always been a musical person. I can remember dancing and singing to my parents’ radio when I was a toddler and being able to learn the song lyrics by the sounds of words I didn’t understand. I realized I had a special ear for music when I was about eight years old during a summer camp ‘Name That Tune’ game (I guessed the theme song to I Love Lucy after hearing a split second of the opening note and won the game for my team). I gave my life to Christ the week before I turned seventeen. In my high school orchestra and music theory classes my conductor “diagnosed” that I had either relative or semi-perfect pitch, often testing me in front of my band and orchestra classmates. In the following years I became confident enough musically to begin learning different DAWs and develop a sound of my own, and I became grounded in my faith and confident to share what I was learning and how Jesus was changing my worldview and behavior with others through song. It took me until around 2011 or 2012 to release my first Christian Rap songs, but I think seventeen was the turning point for me spiritually and musically.
If I never heard your music before what can I expect?
Kay Sade: I’d say my music is stylistically a mix of mid-2000s Lupe Fiasco, 90s R&B (Aaliyah), 80s Soul (Sade) and 80s Pop/Rock. First, you can expect that I’ve had some influence in the production. In addition to rapping and singing. If I haven’t produced the song entirely, there’s a chance that I’ve added an extra instrument or sound to help customize it. Not always, but there’s an 80% chance. Second, you can expect that it will be completely clean. I don’t use or tiptoe around profanity in my songs. Third, you can expect to hear a blend of singing (with lots of harmonies) and rapping. Fourth, you can expect to hear me speak on things from a Christian worldview even when I don’t quote scripture or use Biblical terminology. If I’m not explicitly saying “quit listening to false teachers and read the Bible for yourself” I might write lyrics about or in the mindset of the frustration I felt as I heard a false teaching being spread.
What is your creative process about when you want to sing verses and when you want to rap?
Kay Sade: When I have something to say that takes more words, I rap it. When I can get my point(s) across with fewer words, I sing.
Who are your musical influences?
Kay Sade: My musical influences are Sade (the band), Aaliyah, Drake, Michael Jackson, Lauryn Hill, Lupe Fiasco, Paramore, Periphery, Lissie and John Mayer. I’m also really into artists who can produce their own music like Kanye, Jon Bellion, Tinashe, The Band Perry, Russ and recently Billie Eilish & Finneas O’Connell. I love observing their creative processes and picking their arrangements apart. All that said, my subject matter’s influence is Jesus.
Twitter: KaySade321
Instagram kaysade321
Recommended songs from Kay Sade – “All The Scars”, “Trust Fall”, “Patterns”
Culture Villains
Culture Villains is a group/collective that gives a great message with good vibes in their music. Their album “Preseason” is considered one of the best albums of 2019 and shows their chemistry with each other. It also shows their music diversity in the collective. There will be a lot more to come from the Culture Villains individually and as collective.
When did you know God called you to do music?
Czar Josh: I know God called me the first time I starting having people come up to me after some of my early performances at various types of venues and tell me that my music resonated with them. They said mine stood out and felt different and that I could reach people like that. And to me, it was effortless, I didn’t have to pretend to be somebody to do this.
Big Yae: Well I started making music when I was Fourteen, but I wrote my first song when I was fifteen after becoming a Christian. I didn’t know I had any rapping abilities I just knew that I wanted to try and make a song about the Gospel. Granted that song would be even more terrible to listen to today than it was back then, but after creating it I know that I could see myself using this gift to glorify God. He just so happens to confirm that this is what he wants for me as I went along.
Kham: Throughout high school I became curious about whether or not music could be more than just a hobby. Though the summer after graduating I had my first 2 performances and, even though they were really small, the feeling I had after both was spiritual and led me to believe there was more to music for me.
If I never heard your music before what can I expect?
Czar Josh: You can expect a wide array of sounds from me, but it’ll almost always have a twang or a bounce, or some sort of soulful or melodic element.
But lyrically my music will always have substance and I pride myself on bars as well.
Big Yae: You can expect a message and/or truth wrapped up in a package of joy, fun, excitement, and passion. From upbeat to slow and melodic.
Now, due to the next album, you’ll be able to receive all of that while also witnessing life stories, and relational stories. So over all a very diverse sound.
Kham: Expect content with substance on a scale ranging from hype upbeat trap records to smooth records you can relax and vibe too.
How do you guys work together with different styles and personalities?
Czar Josh: I think what helps us is that we all have a basic respect and understanding of each other’s music. And then with that comes chemistry, and it’s natural. That makes it easy to be friends and to kick it, and to perform together etc.
Big Yae: Personally I think it’s because we are all somewhat similar minded, we all want to see each other grow and strive to be better. Whether musically or just life in general. We help each other. Where one might struggle the other two might excel. Where two might fail, the remaining one can help pick them up and show them how it’s done. We want to win together so that means we work together.
Kham: Although our main styles differ, our chemistry just as brothers makes it easy. We all honestly want to see each other and our team as a collective excel.
Also we share a desire to make the best art possible which I think translates from our individual songs to collaborative efforts.
Who are your musical influences?
Czar Josh : My hip hop influences range from southern artists like Outkast, T.I., J Cole, UGK to New York rappers like Nas, Biggie, Wu Tang and Tribe; and then out West i love Kendrick, NWA, Snoop and Pac. I’m also a fan of some younger artists like Bas, Smino, Kota the Friend, Earthgang and more. I’m also influenced by a lot of soul, r&b, and rock/metal music and try to study a lot of different genres.
Big Yae: Some of my musical influences are Andy Mineo, Logic, J. Cole, Sia, Jon Bellion, Joyner Lucas, and Jaden Smith. That’s just to name a few off the top though. Most might find it unusual but I tend to be influenced and listen to a lot of pop music as well (due to my love for harmonizing and singing in my own songs).
Kham: Some of my personal hip hop influences include but aren’t limited to Andy Mineo, Travis Scott, J. Cole and Meek Mill. I also listen to a good amount of r&b which i know will have a big influence on future records.
Twitter – @CultureVillains
Instagram – @culturevillains
Recommended songs from Culture Villains- “Roll The Dice”, “We Up”, “IDWCMH”
5ive
5ive is an amazing rapper who uses his testimony about deliverance from drugs to draw people to God. His music is filled with passion, redemption and worship.
With his albums “White Van” and “Family Business” you can hear more of 5ive’s heart for God through music.
When did you know God called you to do music?
5ive: Well, when I Got saved a couple of young believers who were also musicians named C.J. and Evan Castillo Replay embraced me and helped me in my walk early on. Even brought me a beat he made one day and the rest is history.
If I never heard your music before what can I expect?
5ive: To hear passionate worship in the form or rap.
What was an amazing testimony you have about your music?
5ive: There are too many to list, but one that sticks out the most is about this guy who happened to be walking by this festival stage I was at who had already written a suicide note to his parents, but on his way to do the deed he heard me minister and share my story and was miraculously saved and healed that night. I had no clue until the next year he came back just to tell me the story. I actually have video footage of it. So awesome to hear those kinds of stories.
Who are your musical influence?
5ive: Oddly enough I don’t listen to a lot of rap. My biggest influence right now would have to be Elevation Worship, which is also my dream feature, by the way!
Twitter: @5iveola
Instagram 5iveola
Recommended songs from 5ive – “Ain’t Worried”, “They Know Us”, “Freedom”
Kris Noel
Kris Noel is a hyper creative with aggressive rhymes and word play. He also has a love of using acoustic guitar in his music. With his debut album “Catapult” you can hear songs that are fun, lyrical and points back to God. Kris Noel is a name to remember.
When did you know God called you to do music?
Kris Noel: I would say around 08. I have always had a gift for creating music but around 2008 is when I turned my gift over to God.
If I never heard your music before what can I expect?
Kris Noel: Acoustic hip hop, aggressive lyricism, flow and Spanish/Portuguese bars.
What was your biggest highlight of your career so far?
Kris Noel: Winning the Canon freestyle contest this year & being pulled up on stage to play guitar and rap with Canton Jones.
Who are your musical influences?
Kris Noel: Andre 3000, Trip Lee, Mos Def, Canon, Nas, Roots, Ludacris….I have a long list.
Twitter @WhoisKrisNoel
Instagram whoiskrisnoel
Recommended songs from Kris Noel – “Same Energy”, “Flame On”, “O.M.G”
Mike Sarge
Mike Sarge brings authenticity with his music of fun, hope, and a deep message. Creating songs that has themes and thought provoking lyrics. With his album “Hunger Pains” and EP “706” you can hear creative and conscious content. He also has a vlog series for indie artists where he gives great tips for artists.
When did you know God called you to do music?
Mike Sarge: I honestly didn’t know at first, but I always had a passion for music & for people. As I continued growing in my walk (and as an artist as well), it became more and more clear of the path God was taking me on.
If I never heard your music before what can I expect?
Mike Sarge: One word: Authenticity with Hip-Hop & Gospel influences. My music is a blend of deep south and lo-fi production with conscious content.
What made you start a vlog series to help indie artists?
Mike Sarge: When I started doing music I noticed a lot of “vets” or influencers would give people the “what” in their videos, but would never give the “how” or “why”. For me, I like to help indie artists understand the ingredients they have and what combinations will give them particular results. If I give you ingredients for a really good recipe, but don’t tell you what to mix, how long to bake it, etc — I’m not actually helping you am I?
Who are your musical influences?
Mike Sarge: Lecrae, Frank Sinatra, Derek Minor, Michael Jackson and Drake.
Twitter @Mike_Sarge
Instagram mike_sarge
Recommended songs from Mike Sarge – “Peep That”, “Fuego”, “Mocha”
Charlene Nash
Charlene Nash is a Christian R&B artist who likes to express her feelings through her songs. Her style is dramatic, moody and dark music that comes from Toronto.
Her lyrics are passionate and her subject matter is very strong that brings hope in Jesus. Her “Chill” EP brings these elements to life with a vibe mood and life changing power.
When did you know God called you to do music?
Charlene Nash: Music has always been a huge part of my life. Ever since I was 6 years old I use to really admire a lot of female solo artist in pop, R&B and pop-rock and just dream of writing and recording my own projects. A little after high school when I gave my life to the Lord, I use to listen back to all the music I loved and think that it would be so dope to make this kind of quality music and sound for God, so the people like me, younger and older, have something to listen to in the styles I loved, that doesn’t eat their souls, but feeds them. Shortly after that realization, a pastor in the industry randomly called out my gift and presented the opportunity for me to start doing just that. So I took that as a huge confirmation from God and my passion only grew for Him and the music. We ended up building a mini studio in my church. I recorded my first project and it was only up from there!
If I never heard your music before what can I expect?
Charlene Nash: You can expect intense lyrics and subject matters that really bring a certain mood that you may not find often in Christian R&B, but wrapped in R&B styles of all kinds. From Pop, to r&b, to Electronic, to Alternative/Pop-rock. I really like to mix it up, yet still meet any messages or stories that I convene with the most important message of life; hope in Jesus Christ. O yeah, and hard hitting drums with interactive patterns are my weakness. So expect a lot of that.
What do you bring to the Christian R&B scene that you feel is different than anyone else?
Charlene Nash: I would say edge and melancholy. When I started putting out music and even now, people would always say “your music is so intense, moody, dark, or dramatic.” Which I never did on purpose or even noticed at all! I just made whatever came out of me. My temperament is naturally melancholy, so I know that comes out in my music a lot, which I never deemed as a bad thing, because I think all types of moods are important to bring to art. Even the darker ones.
Who are your musical influences?
Charlene Nash: My first favorite artist growing up was Avril Lavagine. In an era dominated by Pop princesses like Britney Spears, and Christina Aguilera (I wasn’t allowed to watch much BET lol) I was drawn to the alternative and slightly gloomy artistry that was her. Over time, I was influenced by artist like Rihanna for her experimental “I don’t care what anyone thinks” approach to music and life, Drake for his vulnerable lyrics and night time in Toronto sound and producer Timberland’s crazy production style. Andy Mineo for having a little bit of all those traits, but brings his faith in the center of his art.
Twitter @IAmCharleneNash
Instagram iamcharlenenash
Recommended songs from Charlene Nash – “Real Love”, “Breathe”, “xxxRisk”
Whoz Meech
Whoz Meech is a gifted rapper who puts his message first in his lyrics. His desire is for believers and non-believers to experience God through his music.
His LP “World” is a mix of catchy hooks, good beats and great lyricism. Whoz Meech main goal is not to just make music, but make disciples for Christ.
When did you know God called you to do music?
Whoz Meech: I knew God called me to do music when I was around 20 years old. I didn’t grow up listening to hip hop, so when I finally got into hip hop I was 13 years old and it captivated me. By the time I was around 16 years old I started messing around trying to rap a bit but I never took it too seriously. But as I got older I got closer to God and the closer I got to God I realized the mental chains negative hip hop had on me and many others. So I felt compelled by God to use hip hop to speak a message of redemption in Christ. As I began to work on the craft more and started to feel my way into my local hip hop scene it became more and more evident that this is a route I should continue on and I never looked back.
If I never heard your music before what can I expect?
Whoz Meech: It’s simple, I expect you to feel the glory and weight of God when listening to my music, but I expect people to be pleasantly surprised when hearing my music for the first time, because it’s really just another form of worship music. It’s just wrapped and delivered in rap form and up-tempo beats. But it’s still all worship. We are broken. God is complete and perfect. I expect you to be impressed with God and His glory. Not me.
Do you feel you can still be lyrical in today’s Hip Hop climate?
Whoz Meech: Of course you can still be lyrical in hip hop today. I just think it’s more about production and beat selections. That has become supremely vital in this age. I think the problem some make is they want to be lyrical on undesirable beats. Hip hop hasn’t changed so much that people don’t want to hear lyrics at all. I just think that people want more of a musical situation that they can really vibe to. So if the beat creates a vibe then FOR SURE you can be moderately lyrical or even super lyrical on it and people will love it. Nowadays I feel it’s all about creating the musical vibe first and then giving the lyrical element. But giving the lyrical element without the creation of a musical vibe is going to, 9 times out of 10, be a fail.
Who are your musical influence?
Whoz Meech: My musical influences are vast. I’m going to name many. I have a melting pot of influences that shock people. (Disclaimer, any rapper with negative lyrics I do not condone, only speaking to a musical and artistic influence). Da Truth, Eminem, Nas, The Ambassador, Shai Linne, Beautiful Eulogy, Eshon Burgundy, Drake, Kendrick Lamar, Lil Uzi, PlayBoi Carti, Metro Boomin, Big Sean and Kanye West.
Twitter @WhozMEECH
Instagram whozmeech
Recommended songs from Whoz Meech – “Fo Hunnit”, “Lyrical Love”, “Godstar”
Mitch Darrell
Mitch Darrell is a versatile emcee who can rap on boom bap to vibe records. He displays great wordplay, flows, and lyricism in his music.
Known for collaborating with the OGs to the new acts of CHH. His Dreadhead Lando LP is must have for any CHH fan.
He wants to inform the listeners and broadening their perspective.
When did you know God called you to do music?
Mitch Darrell: I would say right around 2017. I had just put out my second ever music project “My Experience” and I was given my first opportunity to headline my own show. The show went so perfect it felt as if God was guiding me through it. Afterwards, I was riding such a high from the performance. The fact that I was able to take songs I wrote in my bedroom and perform them in front of people and have them enjoy them just felt surreal. I think that’s when I knew that God gave me this talent and it wasn’t an accident.
If I never heard your music before what can I expect?
Mitch Darrell: Wordplay, Lyricism and versatility. Also, a very concept driven tracks. I am and forever will be a fan of bars. I’ve been told I don’t waste a single word when it comes to my writing. Everything has a meaning. As for the type of music, I make tracks all the way from boom-bap to speed rap to sing-songy vibes.
What makes you put different concepts in your music?
Mitch Darrell: I truly just write about whatever it is that is on my mind at the moment or in that period of time. I wrote an entire star wars album because I’m a huge fan and the series had been brought back to life and was on my mind. I wrote a song called “B.L.M.” because I was angry at killings of unarmed black men. Really whatever weighs heavy on my mind winds up in my music.
Who are your musical influences?
Kendrick Lamar – First artist I fell in love with. Lyrical genius and great at concept albums.
Childish Gambino – Taught me I can rap using my normal voice and that there’s no such thing as not being “black enough” to rap.
Logic – The reason I love speed rap!
Lil Wayne – taught me about wordplay, metaphors and never wasting a bar.
Twitter – @MitchDarrell_
Instagram – @mitchdarrell
Recommended songs from Mitch Darrel l- “Stay True”, “Chop It Up”, “Jedi vs Sith”
