STRT TRBL label launches signing SPZRKT & L9

Far from being in its infancy stages, Christian Hip Hop is now filled with labels and collectives of talented Gospel-centered artists. The kaleidoscope of the culture has broadly expanded from its original tiny following to a variety of lanes and styles. Co-founders Mickey Holm and Mike Luna are aiming to introduce fresh ideas, sounds and artists to the music industry with their new label, STRT TRBL music. While the name (pronounced “Straight Terrible”) may be unconventional, the meaning is much deeper than first glance.

“A little while ago, I hit this rut where everywhere I went, I felt honestly like everyone was terrible.” Holm explained in an exclusive sit down with Rapzilla. “I saw self-interest, and there were so many people who had the desire to just look out for themselves. And I felt that God was saying to me ‘that’s exactly why Jesus came.’ Without Jesus we’re, all terrible; with him we’re awesome” This is deep symbolism for any label, especially one that has the expressed goal of “have fun, make great music, and lead people to Christ.”

With the recent success of Christian Hip Hop on the charts, many will undoubtedly ask if a new collective is necessary. The Ambassador even once famously said that the genre had now graduated to “sucking up the bandwidth” of music, but Luna sees more space to be had. “Within the sub-culture of CHH, it’s not oversaturated with quality music. Even when you look at the mainstream, there’s more than enough room for great artists.”

Holm elaborated that he doesn’t consider STRT TRBL to be a “Christian label” but rather “a label with artist who share our vision. We feel that the artists we have are well-equipped to reach the secular world and get the Gospel into other people’s ears.” Those artists, rapper L9 and crooner SPZRKT, were both featured on the Rapzilla’s 13 Freshman of 2013 list and have styles that are just as unique as the label’s vision. “They’re talented and completely themselves. We’re not trying to make them fit into STRT TRBL. We’re trying to take their vision and help them accomplish that.”

What will their impact be on Christian Hip Hop? While showing excitement for upcoming projects, both men appear to be both realistic and confident. In Luna’s words, “I think there’s going to be a whole different lane that we’ll be able to carve out.” Holm added, “With the artists that we have, the talent in the camp, and the Lord’s continued blessings; I feel like it’s going to be amazing.”

Check out and download the lastest projects from these two artists, SPZRKT's 'The Loner' and L9's 'Something Reckless'. Also, check out Derek Minor's newest single "We Are (Champions)" featuring SPZRKT.

GAWVI joins Reach Records as on-staff producer

If Christian Hip Hop were to make a list of its most prolific producers, there is no doubt that Gawvi would make the exclusive short list. Formerly known as G-Stylez, this successful song-creator has worked with Lecrae, Trip Lee, Rhema Soul, Andy Mineo, Social Club and a slew of other household genre names. As if this weren’t enough, he is now taking his career to the next level by joining Reach Records, the most recognizable name in Christian Hip Hop, as an on-staff producer. This may come as a surprise to casual fans, but for Gawvi, it was a no-brainer.

“Reach Records and I have been family since 2006” he told Rapzilla in an exclusive interview. “Since then till now, we’ve done a lot of projects together and always had that chemistry. As far as being on the actual team, I believe in this season it was the right thing for me and for Reach, and it’s very exciting for both of us.” The excitement will soon spread to fans of the two entities, who will be eager to see what appetizing sounds the mash-up will bring to the table. Gawvi has already set high goals for the merger: “I’ve grown throughout the years, as every person and artist should. And now that I’m so comfortable creatively, I feel I have a lot to offer Reach Records and their crew of talented artists.”

The partnership won’t come without a few challenges. When asked about the fluctuations of styles and genres that the label showcases, he called the mixture “stretching.” But this diversity appears to be something that is right down his alley to begin with. “Being in LA, you can’t stay the same. I’ve expanded to so much more than just hip hop’s traditional sounds. I want to do more.” With the backing of one of Hip Hop’s most influential, emerging labels, it’s clear that he will be able to do much more than he previously anticipated. When asked how he would like to be remembered, he thoughtfully answered, “I want to be remembered as someone that was always pushing the envelope. That I never stuck to one sound and always wanted to do something different. I don’t want people to assume what a ‘Gawvi sound’ is; I want to show them what my sound is.” Well, let the show begin.

Lecrae Nominated for Artist of the Year in 44th Annual Dove Awards

It was just announced that Lecrae has been nominated for "Artist of the Year" in the 44th Annual Dove Awards. Check out the other nominees after the jump...

Artist of the Year
Chris Tomlin, sixstepsrecords
Francesca Battistelli, Fervent
Lecrae, Reach Records
Tamela Mann, TillyMann
TobyMac, ForeFront Records

"The 44th Annual GMA Dove Awards will be held on Tuesday, October 15, 2013 at 8:30 p.m. EST with red carpet reception ceremonies starting at 6:30 p.m. EST at Lipscomb University’s Allen Arena in Nashville, Tennessee. The evening will be full of rare and exciting performances showcasing the genre’s hottest, most diverse artists and televised live nationwide exclusively on UP TV."

Do you think Lecrae will take home the award in this category this year?

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Social Club 'Summer of George' Tracklisting Revealed

The tracklisting for Social Club's upcoming free album 'Summer of George' available exclusively from Rapzilla.com on August 25th.

Tracklist:
1. Steinbrenner ft. Judah Smith (Produced by Cardec Drums)
2. Bang (Produced by D-Flow)
3. Paris ft. SPZRKT (Produced by Cardec Drums and Swade Beats)
4. Double Dip ft. Rey King & Knuff (Produced by Cardec Drums)
5. Majestic ft. Thi'sl (Produced by Tyshane)
6. Summer of George ft. D-Tropp (Produced by Cardec Drums)
7. Art Vandelay ft. Canon (Produced by D-Flow)
8. Van Buren boys ft. Anthony Rose (Produced by Cardec Drums)
9. SCMGWP ft. Cheno Lyfe (Produced by Smash Productions)
10. Fade Away ft. Khleo Thomas (Produced by D-Flow)

MC JIN official video - Over the edge

Derek Minor Official video - Gimme

Canon - MADHAVEN feat. SPZRKT