Welcome to the ArtSoul Spotlight Series! Here, we sit down with some of your favorite artists while introducing you to rising talents and influential voices you need to know. In this series, we’ll dive deeper into their journeys, their work, and how their purpose intersects with culture.

In today’s episode, we dive into the inspiring journey of Anike, the first woman signed to Reach Records. In this interview, Anike reflects on her career, including her very first unreleased project, “Pancakes,” and how it shaped her path in Christian Hip-Hop (CHH). From her early lessons to becoming a trailblazer in her genre, Anike shares stories, insights, and experiences that many have never heard before. Discover how she’s become the prototype for women in CHH and a voice for aspiring artists everywhere. 💡 Don’t miss this exclusive interview filled with wisdom, faith, and music industry gems!

📌 Topics Covered:
• The story behind her unreleased single “Pancakes”
• Lessons learned throughout her career
• What it means to be a trailblazer as the first woman in Reach Records
• Advice for aspiring artists in CHH 🎥 Watch now and be inspired!

And don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more exclusive interviews from ArtSoul Radio!

[Los Angeles, CA – September 13, 2024] — “Every drop means something” is a phrase that
encapsulates the overall message of Hulvey’s latest offering, CRY, an album represented as an
acronym: Communion, Reflection, and Yearning. Giving listeners 17 compelling reasons to
embrace vulnerability as a sacred path to deepening your relationship with God, released today
via Reach Records.

LISTEN HERE:

“I think ‘CRY’ is the definitive Hulvey album. There is a song for everyone,” says Hulvey. “My
hope is that listeners are comforted in these songs, recognizing that their tears are not in vain but
are a powerful expression of their journey with God. He knows you, He loves you, and He desires
to walk with you. Let every tear be a prayer.”

Throughout his new album, Hulvey reflects on his spiritual journey. He explores universal themes
that tie together our disparate experiences, broken up into three chapters that tell a heartfelt story
of redemption. This pious pursuit is complemented by features from artists like Torey D’Shaun,
Samm Henshaw, Alex Jean, and one of Hulvey’s closest collaborators Forrest Frank.

Cementing his status as a leader of a new generation, Hulvey’s sophomore album is a joyride
through worship and hip-hop. He delivers blunt-force bars that carry a true-to-life feel on “Poor
Party,” unfurls a tale of perseverance and determination on “Top Spinnin,” and delivers a source
of motivation for those who need it on “Battle Cry.” Of course, all roads lead to “Altar,” the closing
track to Hulvey’s new LP and one of his most popular songs among fans. The latter peaked at
#25 on Billboard’s Hot Christian Songs, with seven total weeks on the chart, and earned a
remix featuring Grammy Award-winning R&B-pop star Ciara.

Elsewhere, Hulvey just completed his late-summer US tour alongside Christian worship giants
Phil Wickman and Brandon Lake, making landfall in Detroit, Atlanta, Boston, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, and more before wrapping in Hawaii. In the five years since signing with Lecrae’s label, Hulvey has since won over audiences worldwide and it’s evident that his list of accolades will only continue to grow. With raw talent, proven superstar potential, and his relationship with God at the forefront of the conversation, it’s only a matter of time before Hulvey is shining bright enough for the rest of the world to take notice.

CRY TRACKLIST:

1. COMMUNION
2. World Hunger
3. Poor Party
4. Love Like That (feat. Torey D’Shaun, Alex Jean)
5. All For You
6. REFLECTION
7. True
8. Letter 2 The Game
9. Top Spinnin
10. Heaven’s Door (feat. Torey D’Shaun)
11. Anxiety
12. YEARNING
13. Have Me
14. Miracles
15. Roses (feat. Samm Henshaw)
16. Battle Cry
17. Altar (feat. Forrest Frank)

In the new gospel comedy, Bailey plays Sam, a rebellious non-believing teen forced to move to Atlanta and join a praise team.

The film is in the vein of the “Pitch Perfect” movies and for 24-year-old Bailey, the fact it was set and shot in Atlanta was a big deal. She grew up in Mableton until her early teen years.

“We shot this in Atlanta and I got to move back to my hometown for three months,” she said in an interview with The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “It was so nostalgic and exciting at the same time. I got to see some of my favorite spots growing up. I got to pass churches I knew and we even shot in some churches I had visited before.”

She said she relates to her character Sam’s journey. “It’s definitely the music for both of us and how we strive to be at the top of our careers,” she said. “She’s an aspiring musician and she’s willing to do whatever it takes to make her dreams possible.”

In the movie, Chole’s character Sam reluctantly joins the praise team with her much more chipper cousin Jess, played by Anjelika Washington. Despite being polar opposites, Sam’s character accepts her cousin because they have known each other since they were tiny, Bailey said.

“She loves Jess,” Bailey said. “That’s family. It’s love and the power of God. Jess opened Sam’s mind up to God.”

Bailey also got to work with Migos star Quavo, who plays Ty, a popular rap star who takes a professional interest in Sam.

“There was a scene that brought back so many memories of me meeting producers hoping they’d work with me,” Bailey said. “And it was great to pull from his own experiences.”

The movie was produced by Atlanta’s Will Packer, who is known for films such as “Ride Along” and “Girls Trip.” He was excited to have Bailey as the lead and spoke highly of her performance.

“She reminds me of Beyoncé with her work ethic,” he said. “She is relentless. Mark my words. She’s destined for greatness.”

Chloe’s role in Praise this is a unique full circle for her! In 2003, she appeared in “Fighting Temptations” a movie with a similar theme featuring Beyonce and Cuba Gooding Jr. as the two main leads. Chloe was only 3 years old at the time and played the role of Beyonce’s character “Lilly” as a child alongside the younger version of Cuba Gooding Jr. character.

Praise This largely seems to be a film about faith, community, remembering the good things in life and finding your tribe and a space where you can be yourself. It also features a lot of music! Featuring additional singing co-stars like Jekalyn Carr, Koryn Hawthorne, Quavo, Crystal Renee Hayslett (of BET’s Fatima), Tristan Mack Wilds (from HBO’s “The Wire” and the CW teen drama 90210), Birgundi Baker (of HBO’s “The Chi”), Drew ‘Druski’ Desbordes, Anjelika Washington and many more.

The film brings out of a new side of many of these actors as we get to see and hear them sing in addition to acting which is also new for a few of the listed stars. Take it from us, their skills are top notch! You’ll hear a few Gospel favorites in this film along with a host of new songs as Chloe and others put a new spin on Gospel favorites while also flipping a few mainstream favorites.

“Praise This” is available now on Peacock. Sign up to watch today!