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Streetlights is a nonprofit audio Bible that reads the NLT word-for-word over original hip-hop production. Alongside the Scripture it offers teaching, BibleProject videos, and gospel music, all freely given.
Our verdict
Streetlights does one thing and does it exceptionally well: it reads Scripture to you, word-for-word in the New Living Translation, over original cinematic hip-hop production. The result is an audio Bible that feels alive and current rather than dutiful, and its 4.8-star iOS rating reflects how deeply listeners connect with the format. It is a genuinely fresh way to hear the Word.
Around the core audio, the app adds real value: Corner Talk teaching that breaks down passages in plain, street-level language, BibleProject overview videos, and gospel music from ALERT312 and Prisms. Everything is free, since Streetlights is a nonprofit born in a Chicago basement and every resource is, in their words, freely given. English and Spanish are both supported.
The limits are the flip side of its focus. This is a listening and discipleship experience, not a study or reference tool, and it centers on a single translation in two languages. The hip-hop soundscape is also polarizing, transformative for some and distracting for others. But for its intended audience, especially younger and urban listeners, nothing else sounds quite like it.
How we scored it
Standout features
Hip-Hop Audio Bible
Word-for-word NLT read over original soundscapes.
English & Spanish
Full audio Scripture in two languages.
Bible Overview Videos
BibleProject illustrations explaining each book.
Corner Talk Teaching
Street-level breakdowns of God's Word.
Gospel Music
Tracks from ALERT312 and Prisms.
Freely Given
Every resource offered at no cost.
Pros & cons
✓ Pros
- One-of-a-kind word-for-word audio Bible set to original hip-hop production.
- Completely free from a nonprofit, with no paywalls or subscriptions.
- Strong 4.8-star iOS rating from listeners who love the format.
- Bonus Corner Talk teaching, BibleProject videos, and gospel music.
- Available in both English (NLT) and Spanish.
– Cons
- Limited to the NLT in two languages, so it is not a study or reference tool.
- The hip-hop soundscape is polarizing and won't suit every listener.
- Coverage and features are narrower than full audio-Bible platforms.
Best for
Listeners, especially younger and urban audiences, who want Scripture read faithfully over compelling hip-hop production, plus teaching that meets them where they are.
Look elsewhere if
You prefer traditional narration, need many translations, or want in-depth study features rather than an immersive listening experience.
Pricing
How it compares
| Streetlights Bible | Dwell | Bible.is | Through the Word | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Our score | 8.0 | 8.7 | 8.0 | 8.5 |
| Price | Free | Subscription | Free | Free |
| Audio style | Hip-hop soundscape | Ambient/music | Plain narration | Guided narration |
| Translations | NLT + Spanish | Multiple | 1,600+ languages | NIV/ESV |
| Extra teaching | Yes (Corner Talk) | Devotional playlists | Minimal | Verse-by-verse guides |
FAQ
What translation does Streetlights use?
The English audio Bible is the New Living Translation (NLT), read word-for-word, and a Spanish version is also available.
Is the Streetlights app free?
Yes. Streetlights is a nonprofit and every resource is freely given, and you can optionally donate to support it.
What is the hip-hop soundscape?
Scripture is narrated over original, cinematic hip-hop production designed to make listening immersive and engaging.
What else is in the app besides the Bible?
Corner Talk teaching, BibleProject overview videos, and gospel music from ALERT312 and Prisms.
Is Streetlights on both iPhone and Android?
Yes. It is available on the App Store and Google Play, and you can also stream it on the Streetlights website.
