Award winning Hip-Hop artist, Derek Minor, is enjoying success at CCM radio with his new single, “Change the World,” going No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot AC/CHR chart. The tune features guest artist, Hollyn, and is from Minor’s current album Reflection that released on his Refection Music Group (RMG) label, in partnership with Entertainment One. The project has been streamed on Spotify over 2.6 million times. At the same time, the music video for “Change the World” premiered on NewReleaseToday last Friday and can be viewed below:
“Change the World” is partly inspired by Minor’s first visit to Haiti in 2015 with the non-profit organization Hands & Feet Project that provides family-style housing and sustainable solutions for orphans in Haiti. Upon landing in Port-au-Prince, Minor was immediately overwhelmed by the country’s economic crisis and was moved to use his voice to make a difference.
“I just wrote this song as an anthem, hopefully for people to create change,” Minor explains. “I think in today’s climate around the world, we have forgotten that our differences are beautiful. That God made each of us unique and that makes our world a better place. I think ‘Change the World’ speaks to that yearning inside for all of us to be heard and accepted with love.”
Minor recently received an award for Urban/Rap Album of the Year (Reflection) from the 5th Annual We Love Christian Music Awards, presented by NewReleaseToday. Minor was a presenter for the first live awards event that was a joint effort between NewReleaseToday and JUCE TV, where winners and nominees were spotlighted. Besides the album win, Minor was also nominated for Male Artist of the Year. “It’s very humbling to be honored among my peers and I’m super thankful,” he added.
Fans of Minor will soon get to see live performances of his music on the 9th Annual Rock & Worship Roadshow, which launches Feb. 24 in Cape Girardeau, Mo. and concludes April 2 in Baltimore, Md.The 23-city tour features such major artists as Steven Curtis Chapman, Francesca Battistelli, Rend Collective, Passion, Family Force 5, Jordan Feliz and Urban Rescue. To keep updated with information about Minor visit the following links:
Award-winning Derek Minor is enjoying chart-topping success with his new single “Change the World,” that reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot AC/CHR chart Feb. 6th. The song is from Minor’s current project Reflection, that was No. 1 on Billboard’s Rap Album chart and debuted No. 7 on Billboard’s Christian Album chart. Minor grew up in Middle, Tenn. and received a bachelor’s degree in Recording Industry Management from Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) in 2006. He began his music career in 2007, through a record deal with an independent label that quickly folded. Minor quickly became a member of a small, elite class of Hip Hop artists who are adept at MCing, producing, and running their own companies. Two of his previous albums won Stellar Awards, Empire (2015) and Minorville (2013), along with Dove and Grammy nominations. Minor’s wordplay and relatable lyrics have made him an in-demand collaborator who has worked with the likes of Lecrae, Andy Mineo, and Colton Dixon. As a producer, Minor received a 2015 Dove Award for his production contributions to Lecrae’s Anomaly album. Minor’s Reflection Music Group roster includes celebrated acts Canon, Tony Tillman, and Deraj.
ArtSoul Radio is a 24/7, online Christian Radio Station and Entertainment news site promoting new and diverse sounds in Christian music! We highlight both indie and mainstream artists in Contemporary Gospel, Pop, Soul, Hip-Hop, Alternative, and Spoken Word Poetry.
Anike released her lastest new single “Holy Girls” today and it’s set to be the new anthem for Christian ladies all summer! Giving the typical high energy all of Anike’s music gives, this one is going to make new mark in the industry and in the hearts of fans everywhere!
GiGi didn’t always know Faith based music would be her lane. Before stepping into Christian R&B, she was preparing to release a secular record, but things didn’t move the way she expected. Doors closed, plans shifted, and what felt confusing at the time ended up being intentional.
That season forced a real decision. Instead of pushing through what wasn’t working, she paid attention to the signs and what God was speaking to her heart in that season. It was during this time of transition that she decided to fully surrender her sound to God. And that “yes” changed everything, not just in direction, but in how her music started to come together.
Out of that shift came her 2025 release “Everlasting,” where listeners first heard the difference. The single centered on obedience, intimacy with God, and what it looks like to trust His direction even when it interrupts your own plans. It wasn’t just a new song — it marked a turning point in her story.
Her music was manifesting in a more grounded message – something more honest, and more connected to her actual walk. It wasn’t just about creating a vibe for attention or to pursue fame. It has now become her goal to make it clear that this version of her and her music is about purpose and inspiring others through Christ. It’s never easy in any industry taking a public stand like this. But, the single was met with nothing less than respect and great feedback from fans on her sound, the message of transformation and the vibes! She has landed interviews on Sirius XM while also being featured on countless blogs – only proving that she’s heading in the right direction.
Now with her latest single “My Heart,” she continues on that same pathway. This song leans into more vulnerability, touching on trust, surrender, and what it looks like to give God access to every part of you. It carries the smooth, familiar feel of R&B, but with continued intention behind every lyric.
That balance is important right now. The sound of R&B is shifting, and so are listeners. People are looking for more than something that just sounds good — they want music that connects, that reflects real life, and in many cases, something that speaks to where they are spiritually.
GiGi is stepping into that space, even if it’s not where she originally planned to be. She’s answering a call that didn’t fully make sense at first, but now shows up clearly in the music she’s creating. And that honesty is what makes it land every time.
Sometimes doors close so we can hear what’s actually meant for us. For GiGi, that led to a sound that reflects who she is now, and it’s clear she’s only building from here.
We’re excited to keep watching this artist grow! Scroll down to hear both singles that have been birthed from this new transition in her life and music.
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:
“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.