FAST FIVE: February 2025
Stephen the Levite, MotionPlus, Jesus Jamsters, Dex the nerd who loves Jesus, & REFVGE
If you’ve ever picked up a copy of Midnight Donuts zine, you know that one of our staples is the “FAST FIVE,” a collection of five mini-reviews for recent Christian hip-hop releases. In 2025, we launched monthly FAST FIVE installments here on the newsletter! Check out the February edition below.
Stephen the Levite & DJ Official - “Fish”
September 16, 2024
Written by
“Don’t forget about the DJ.”
I’ll never not be moved by a hip-hop song where an emcee processes grief out loud. On “Fish,” Stephen the Levite reflects on his memories with the legendary DJ Official, who many may know from his work with Cross Movement and early Reach Records. DJ Official’s death sent waves throughout the CHH community—I still distinctly remember the moment I opened Instagram and saw the news while waiting in line to board a plane at the Houston airport.
I only just got around to listening to this song, even though it released months ago, but it’s important enough that I still wanted to recommend it here. More below, in Stephen the Levite’s own words on social media:
I've been sitting on this song for 3 years. I wrote it the week of [DJ Official's] birthday in 2021. It took a long time to even write it at all.
When our friends and family pass away, all we really have left of them is our memories. But memory is unreliable. Trying to remember details to write about became difficult. Then guilt set in.
Fish produced the track that inspired me to say the words #dontforgetabouttheDJ. And though in context I meant DJs in general, he was always the kind of DJ I was talking about. And after he passed, I was usually referring to him. But that's exactly what I was doing. I was forgetting about the DJ, and it hurt to realize that those memories were slowly losing their integrity.
Well, 3 years ago, on September 16, his birthday, I got over that and became determined to honor my brother and write something that would help me and others who knew him hold onto the memories we had left. I cried. A lot. I listened to his unreleased instrumentals, all the songs we did together, snippets on his SoundCloud, then I wrote.
This year I'm determined not to hold on to it any longer. At midnight it'll be available on my Bandcamp. Let's not forget about the DJ.
MotionPlus - FOCUS
January 31, 2025
Written by
Part apocalyptic, part lyrical terrific
Miraculous and accurate—I’m miracle specific
Write my 16s in Egyptian hieroglyphics
Rosetta Stone bars—you gotta translate to get it
First off, you gotta check out our interview with MotionPlus about FOCUS in Midnight Donuts #6. Fully produced by A-F-R-O, FOCUS is pure hip-hop excellence from start (“Intro”) to finish (“Backyard Brawl”). The two artists truly bring out the best in each other, not to mention all the features, including Procyse, KNALADEUS, a few other Scribbling Idiots, and more. It’s high praise, but I’d have to say that FOCUS is one of the best hip-hop albums I’ve heard in 2025 so far, Christian or otherwise.
Jesus Jamsters - “Cuzz I’m Saved”
February 7, 2025
Written by
Someone dropped this in a group chat I’m in. 1980s Christian hip-hop. Classic! Some people act like CHH has only recently achieved the same level of quality as the mainstream, but I’ve always held that it’s always been on the same level, if you know where to look.
“Cuzz I’m Saved” instantly hooked me with classic 80s synth pads, and cheesy midi horns. I also love the radio intro. Honestly might be my new favorite 80s Christian hip-hop track…
I wasn’t really able to find any info online about the Jesus Jamsters, so if you know anything about them, please drop it in the comments or shoot me a message! They have another song out that released since “Cuzz I’m Saved,” so it would seem that someone is uploading their back catalogue to streaming for the first time.
Dex the nerd who loves Jesus - “Pray About It”
February 14, 2025
Written by Eric Boston of FiveTwenty Collective
With “Pray About It,” Dex brings his trademark lyricism and message which is amplified by Glaspie’s production. Veteran artist Big Fil joins in on the song’s hook and his melodic vocals add a heartfelt element of praise to this standout record.
The single is an example of how Marv4MoBeats Music is more than just a record label — it’s a movement of purpose-driven artistry and ministry. “Pray About It” is set to follow the label’s mission to glorify God and inspire listeners everywhere.
REFVGE - “S E R V E”
February 18, 2025
Written by
Here’s something interesting and new: a collective called “REFVGE.” I’m a big fan of collectives in general, but even more so when one of the members (talking about Cyfë II here) made waves with their debut album last year, GOD : CHILD. “S E R V E” is a great track, and we will definitely be keeping an eye on this crew.
From their press team:
This is the debut of the new Christian rap collective REFVGE, featuring Cyfë II, Josh Lecroy, Bianca Silver, and WAY?. "S E R V E" ignites a musical journey that seamlessly blends genres and highlights the group's diverse talents. Expect a fusion of hip-hop, gospel, and soul with every release, all while staying true to their Christian message.
