FAST FIVE: May 2025
Torey D'Shaun, CarriedON, nobigdyl., and more
You know the drill! Five mini-reviews for the month of May.
For only $5, Midnight Donuts Bonus Batch subscribers get a free extra zine at the end of the year compiling all the year’s FAST FIVE entries. Plus more bonus goodies! Click below to join.
Torey D’Shaun - “SAME OLE”
April 25, 2025
Words by
As always, Torey D’Shaun’s music sounds undeniably innovative and fresh. On “SAME OLE” he’s combining some rage-sounding synths with sampling that’s reminiscent of phonk music. As the indie tribe guys are apt to do, Torey combines a lighthearted tone with legitimate depth in his lyrics. It’s my favorite song of his to-date.
CarriedON (HIS Hypeman Stract, Procyse, & AnonymousRay) - “In The Flames”
May 2, 2025
Words by Eric Boston of
With a haunting piano introducing the trio to the CHH community, CarriedON attacks the record with grit and conviction. Pro, Stract, and Ray have firmly established themselves as solo artists who consistently deliver high-quality lyrics packed with not only metaphors and punchlines, but also Godly wisdom. Coming together as a collective provides the opportunity to combine their individual skills and elevate their already impressive art. The group wastes no time crafting a standout record as “In The Flames” is one of the most notable debut tracks in CHH in some time.
Seventh Day Slumber, 12 Stones, & Starringo - “Garden of Shadows”
May 2, 2025
Words by
Had to ping this one. Christian rock heavyweights Seventh Day Slumber and 12 Stones join forces for this headbanging masterpiece. 12 Stones is close to my heart because my dad lent me his CD of their 2002 self-titled album once, and I have listened to those songs a lot over the years. (Fun fact about 12 Stones: one of their bandmembers is the male vocalist on the chorus for Evanescence’s hit song “Bring Me to Life.”)
Christian trap-heavy rapper Starringo is a surprising choice for this nu-metal-infused track! But it works really well, and the song is better with him on it. Definitely worth an addition to your workout playlist, at least.
nobigdyl. & Kato On The Track - SEOUL BROTHER
May 9, 2025
Words by
Can we take a moment to appreciate nobigdyl.’s incredible output over just the past year? He's done more in less than a year than many do in a career. Full-length album, a reimagined album, 2 collab EPs, a live album, features, b-sides, stand-alone singles, tours, festivals, a podcast...
SEOUL BROTHER sees the indie tribe emcee teaming up with 6-time Billboard-charting producer Kato On The Track for a hard-hitting trap-heavy release. Standout song and video is “NEVER GOING BACK” featuring Project Pat. Also, “STRENGTH AND SONG” with Sarah Juers, which dyl. debuted live at nobigdyl. unplugged earlier this year.
J.Solo - “This Feeling (feat. Joseph SD & HIS Hypeman Stract)”
May 23, 2025
Words by Eric Boston of
With “This Feeling,” J.Solo partners with Knaladeus (Menace Movement), who produced and engineered the record, crafting a smooth and melodic track supported by a foundation of crisp, hard-hitting drums. The song easily connects with a wide audience, from golden-era heads to listeners seeking the latest vibe. Joseph SD brings a soulful vocal performance to the hook while HIS Hypeman Stract compliments J.Solo’s verse by showcasing his acclaimed rapping skills.
“This Feeling” tackles a subject that far too many experience daily. Stress and anxiety can easily cause us to succumb to periods of depression if we are not prepared to face them. For believers in Christ, the answer is found by turning our worries over to Him and allowing Him to show us the beauty that remains around us, even on our darkest days.
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