After a three-city string of private listening events and insightful new interview with Sway In The Morning, Miami’s own Aklesso unveils his deeply personal album Still Lonely, released via Rodney Jerkins’ Alienz Alive. A follow-up to his praised 2024 album Lonely, the project solidifies him as one of Hip-Hop’s most honest storytellers.

Produced by Okay.Benny, William Soolua, and GLEECE, Still Lonely is a vulnerable, atmospheric exploration of fatherhood, faith, abandonment, and generational healing. The album expands the emotional universe introduced through his recent singles, including the Lecrae-collaborated single “Lonely” and the Darrel Jones–directed “Range!” featuring 1K Phew.

Listen to Still Lonely in its entirety below and watch his intimate conversation with Darkchild below:

The Florida-born entertainer officially signed with Alienz Alive back in September, marking a new chapter in his career. Rodney Jerkins, founder of Alienz Alive, adds:


“Aklesso’s story, his culture, and his sound all carry a weight that this generation needs to hear. From Miami to Haiti to the global stage, he’s not just making records, he’s making an impact. At Alienz Alive, we’re about building legacy, and Aklesso embodies that. I couldn’t be more excited to walk this journey with him.”

The Haitian lyricist, Aklesso, shares:

“This is the most honest project I’ve ever made. It’s not about perfect answers, it’s about presence. It’s about realizing God was with me even in the moments I felt the most alone.”

Be sure to stream and purchase this latest release – Now Available everywhere where music is sold.

In a moment that perfectly captures the pulse of today’s faith-driven hip-hop movement, 1K Phew has released the official video for his new single “Ain’t He,” featuring WHATUPRG and Ty Brasel — a collaboration that feels as much like a cultural checkpoint as it does a music drop. For years, Phew has been a champion for authenticity in Christian hip-hop, bridging church roots and street reality with the language, cadence, and confidence of the culture. With this release, he doubles down on that calling.

A Visual That Feels Like Right Now

The “Ain’t He” video brings together three of some of the most recognizable voices in faith-centered hip-hop, all stepping into a visual narrative that feels timely, stylish, and grounded. Shot with the clean, cinematic polish we see dominating new-media platforms (think YouTube drops that look ready for Hulu), the video balances trap-influenced swagger with moments that remind us how anchored these artists are in purpose.

The scenes move quickly — warehouse energy, street corners, stylized group shots — echoing TikTok-era pacing without sacrificing meaning. Even in fast cuts, the symbolism stays clear: this is what conviction looks like in 2025. It’s unpolished, relatable, and charged with the type of confidence that’s God-given -not self made.

Three Artists, Three Lanes — One Message

1K Phew sets the tone, blending his signature Atlanta bounce with a message that hits with both rhythm and revelation. The chemistry between him, WHATUPRG and Ty Brasel comes is undeniable. They understood the assignment and delivered the message we can always expect to see from these faith based artists while giving us quality that competes with the mainstream. Christian Hip Hop is continuing to show the next generation that authenticity and spirituality can share the same stage.

This isn’t Sunday-morning messaging wrapped in a music-video aesthetic. It’s Tuesday-afternoon reality — the kind of faith expression that meets people where they actually are: scrolling, streaming, sharing while looking for something real.

A Statement for the Genre

“Ain’t He” arrives at an important time for Christian hip-hop and Christian R&B — the two genres that are continuing to see renewed momentum as younger creators reshape what faith expression looks and sounds like. Their collaboration signals not only musical synergy, but alignment around purpose led by three young men in Hip Hop – diverse and intentional messaging. Continuing on top of a foundation taht has been built over the last 25+ years, this is one of the many signs that Faith and Hip Hop is not going anywhere. It’s for everyone. It’s fresh, it’s multi-cultural and it’s intentional. And it keeps getting better! And the acceptance of the message from a new generation is confirming it all with their streams and and featured choices with creating content on social media.

Why This Matters for the Culture

For the communities ArtSoul Radio serves — Millennials, Gen Z, and the growing Alpha Gen — this video is representative of a continued broader shift. Faith-driven music no longer sits on the fringe. It’s influencing playlists, live events, campus conversations, and social-media storytelling. Releases like “Ain’t He” help cement that movement.

And for emerging artists watching? It’s a blueprint:
Bring your faith, bring your story, bring your sound. All of it belongs.

Watch the Video

The official video for “Ain’t He” is now live on YouTube.

Chicago was the backdrop for a moment you couldn’t script any better: GRAMMY®, Dove, and Stellar Award-winning powerhouse Jonathan McReynolds linking arms with American Idol Season 23 winner Jamal Roberts to deliver a live ballad that hits straight to the soul. Their new single, “Still,” isn’t just another worship record—it’s a reminder that God’s love is the one thing that doesn’t shift when life does.

Recorded live in McReynolds’ hometown, the song is lifted from his forthcoming project Closer—an album already carrying heavy anticipation. What unfolds in “Still” is classic Jonathan: heartfelt storytelling, layered with rich theology, now elevated by Roberts’ fresh, unshaken voice.

👉 Watch the live performance here.

Legacy Meets New Fire 🔥

Jonathan McReynolds has carved out a lane few can touch—an artist who makes Gospel feel as real as your group chat confessions. His catalog has always balanced honesty and worship, bringing Sunday morning depth into everyday playlists.

Enter Jamal Roberts: the new voice America fell in love with on American Idol. His win wasn’t just about vocal ability—it was about heart, authenticity, and the kind of presence that feels rare. Pairing him with McReynolds doesn’t just make sense; it feels prophetic. It’s the kind of intergenerational link-up that keeps Gospel fresh while honoring its roots.

The Vibe

With “Still,” Jonathan McReynolds and Jamal Roberts don’t just give us another Gospel single—they give us a soundtrack for resilience. It’s raw, it’s soulful, and it’s proof that the future of faith-based music is in good hands. Expect this one to be on repeat long after the Stellars.