Award winning hip hop artist Derek Minor released a new visual for his recent single entitled “Free”. The recent murders of several African-Americans by law enforcement including the killing of Alton Sterling in Baton Rouge, struck a deep chord inside of Minor. This motivated him to write and produce “Free,” which addresses the violence and disparities in our culture based on race.
“Free,” written, produced, and mastered by Minor within just three hours, conveys the anguish he feels inside, pondering the pain and fear of these experiences and troubling times. The music video for “Free,” which was conceptualized by Minor and directed by Patrick Tohill, was filmed a few days later.
Watch The Full Video Below:
Derek posted the following statement on Twitter (which has since been deleted the platform, but remains on his blog).
“I couldn’t sleep last night so I wrote this song. For the hurt… We shall overcome. God got us. #AltonSterling”
His statement was followed by an uproar of replies from a few fans who seemed to be unclear on his stance. In order to give more clarity to those who seemed to misunderstand why he wrote this single, Derek wrote a longer blog post where he shared his heart and explained his perspective and reasons for writing “Free”.
Read a portion of that statement here,
“…We’ve seen more content uploaded to the Internet every day. Along with the funny, we’ve also seen some of the darker side of humanity archived on the Internet. But it was a few weeks ago that I received a very disturbing one. A friend sends me a link along with a text that said “Not Again.” It was the video of the death of Alton Sterling. My heart sank. I told my wife that I needed to go to the studio. She knows that’s my safe place. I just intended on messing around on the keyboard but 3 hours later, the song “FREE” was mastered and on Soundcloud.
Who knew that in the next days we’d see the death of Philando Castille, the death of police officers in Dallas and Baton Rouge, and international terror…”
Click here to read the full statement featured on his blog.
All proceeds and contributions connected to this single will be given to The Expectations Project to help end education inequality for students. Go to http://hopeforstudents.orgto get involved in creating positive change in our nation.
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.
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.
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.
Coming off the heels of an electric 2024, Anike, who’s been featured on multiple Grammy-nominated projects, is back with a Valentine’s Day surprise featuring new tracks from her highly anticipated 2024 self-titled album, Anike. This release, With Love, Anike, showcases her growth as an artist while maintaining her signature blend of hip-hop, R&B, and pop influences.
Anike connects with Sam Rivera and rising Christian R&B star Lee Vasi on an Afrobeat track that taps into her Nigerian roots, “Show Me Love Too.” Rivera, known for his Billboard-charting hit “Lord & Savior,” brings a fresh energy to this vibrant collaboration. The album closes with another reimagining of Anike’s hit “Show Me Love,” featuring 1K Phew, adding a clever new twist to the track, called “Show Me Love Again.”
“With Love, Anike is a celebration of love in all its beauty. This special collection breathes new life into some of my favorite tracks from Anike, featuring fresh verses and exciting collaborations. Curated for the lovers; and those on a journey to nurture a healthy love within themselves so they can pour into others. From me to you, With Love, Anike.”
Anike, a Nigerian-born, Texas-raised rapper, influencer, and visionary shaping the future of Christians engaging with culture through her groundbreaking artistry and unwavering commitment to empowerment. With millions of annual streams on Spotify alone, Anike’s dynamic and empowering catalog continues to inspire listeners worldwide.
As the pioneering female rapper to achieve significant commercial success in the Christian Hip Hop space, Anike has firmly established herself as a luminary in the industry. Beyond her musical endeavors, Anike’s versatility shines through her memorable performances on stage and in music videos, as well as her encouraging and empowering voice on her social media platforms. On the acclaimed TV show “Girl Talk” on TBNx, she demonstrates her dedication to empowering women on their spiritual journeys. If you don’t already know about Anike, you will soon as she continues to innovate her sound and capture the attention of the believers everywhere through her presence on social media.
ABOUT REACH RECORDS
Reach Records is an Atlanta based independent hip-hop label founded in 2004 by Lecrae and Ben Washer. Long before acclaim, awards, plaques, chart positioning, and radio play, the two started the label because they both love hip-hop and Jesus. Reach Records was launched with no strategy, no funds, no big players, but they made big moves! Today Reach Records is a trailblazing label with a roster of nearly 10 artists and a staff of 20 who are unashamed about sharing their faith and passion about hip-hop. Reach Records is committed to building a movement that combines faith with music and popular culture.
“A Bold Anthem of Faith, Resilience, and Overcoming Doubters“
Broward County, FL – For Immediate Release – Christian hip-hop artist and entrepreneur K’nek returns with a compelling new single, “Eating Crow,” featuring fellow artists Razzie and Nachaash. This track serves as a testament to overcoming doubt and staying true to one’s purpose.
Drawing inspiration from the idiom “eating crow,” which signifies humbly acknowledging one’s mistakes, K’nek reflects on his journey of facing skepticism and adversity.
“Over the years, I’ve faced my share of skeptics—people who didn’t believe in my abilities,” K’nek shares. “But instead of seeking revenge, I lean on Romans 12:19, which reminds us that God is the ultimate judge.
Beyond his musical pursuits, K’nek is the founder of WesTheTech Productions, a company dedicated to empowering independent artists to transition into full-time music careers. Through personalized coaching and strategic guidance, K’nek leverages his industry experience to mentor artists, helping them navigate the complexities of the music business.“
Eating Crow” is already making an impact, securing spots on prominent playlists and radio stations, and resonating with listeners who appreciate its message of faith and perseverance. The single is now available on Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube, and all major streaming platforms.
About K’nek
Born in Miami, FL, K’nek—also known as WesTheTech—is a multifaceted artist and entrepreneur. With a deep passion for music and an unwavering Christian faith, he founded WesTheTech Productions to assist independent artists in achieving their dreams of full-time music careers. Whether through his motivational music or his dedicated coaching, K’nek’s mission is to inspire others to pursue their God-given purpose.