Christian hip-hop legend and author Trip Lee has shut down any talk of stepping away from music. The Dove and Stellar Award winning artist pivots in an unexpected way, and it works so well.

I've always been a huge fan of Trip Lee, and have never questioned his heart for worship. "Sweet Victory," one of my favorite songs from him, already showed that clearly. Now Lee is back with BRAG Worship, a new collective-driven initiative that furthers Lee's diversity in music. For Your Glory, Pt. 1 is an eight-track EP featuring Naomi Raine, DOE, Jonathan Traylor, and Lead Smith. A new sound in worship is here and it might just be for you.

The opening track, "For Your Glory," uses a unique, restrained grungy guitar tone as its foundation, carrying a song that feels more like a prayer than a performance, "Watch my step, please hold my hand / I'll place my hope in your plan / For my good and for Your glory / Please make joy out of this pain / Make me grow after this rain / For my good and for Your glory." It's a minimal, vibey start that immediately hooks both ears and hearts.

Naomi Raine steps in on "Fortress," backed by a catchy acoustic guitar strum and beautiful lyricism that makes this an instant favorite, "I'm weakest when I'm strongest in my eyes / I'm hopeless when I rejoice in my highs / Lord, keep me low until I recognize / I'm feeble till my fortress arrives." It's poetic in every way. Raine's layered harmonies paint a picture of God's artistry, and I love how Lee takes a step back here and lets her do what she does best: lead.

"Draw My Eyes," featuring DOE, is the first track to bring in a beat, which is honestly kind of wild at this point and not a bad thing at all. The track feels reminiscent of M83's "Midnight City," riding on dreamy synths, a melodic electric guitar lick, and a catchy chorus, "I need You to draw my eyes / draw my eyes to You / Jesus, can You draw my eyes / draw my eyes to You." "He Reigns" keeps things lyrically simple and stays in the same sonic lane, again using guitar textures in a really cool way. The bridge is a surprise and it feels pulled from an R&B or gospel record and adds a fresh, emotional lift.

"Way Up" and "Take My Life" aren't my favorites on the project, but I still appreciate the sounds and heart behind both tracks. Madison Ryann Ward closes the EP with "Boast," using her smooth, expressive vocals over a lo-fi-leaning instrumental, "If I boast, let it be in You / If I hope, let it be in You." It's a fitting ending and a perfect reflection of the EP's title and message.

I'm fully here for BRAG Worship and what's ahead for Trip Lee in this next chapter. For Your Glory, Pt. 1 is a solid, refreshing project that creates a new worship sound, one that can genuinely connect with a wide range of listeners.

- Review date: 2/12/26, written by Michael Carder of Jesusfreakhideout.com