Reynand Wu
This week’s New Music Friday has delivered a powerful array of new music, signaling significant shifts and fresh starts for numerous artists across the hip-hop and R&B landscape. From long-awaited comebacks to high-stakes diss tracks and unexpected collaborations, the releases collectively paint a picture of an industry in constant evolution, driven by both established legends and emerging talents. The sheer volume and diversity of offerings underscore the dynamic nature of contemporary music, catering to a wide spectrum of tastes while pushing artistic boundaries.
Isaiah Rashad’s Resurgent Return with "Same Sh!t"
One of the most anticipated moments of the week is the return of Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE) artist Isaiah Rashad, who has broken a five-year hiatus with his new single, "Same Sh!t." The track serves as the initial salvo for his forthcoming third studio album, It’s Been Awful, slated for release on May 1. Rashad’s previous album, The Sun’s Tirade, released in 2016, was met with widespread critical acclaim for its introspective lyrics, soulful production, and Rashad’s distinctive flow, cementing his reputation as a lyrical craftsman within the TDE roster alongside peers like Kendrick Lamar and SZA. Fans have eagerly awaited new material, and "Same Sh!t" immediately addresses this anticipation.
Produced by Don Oskar, Mario Luciano, and Nate Hobden, "Same Sh!t" is characterized as a "southern-fried trunk-rattler," a sound deeply rooted in the traditions of Southern hip-hop, featuring robust basslines and a rhythmic cadence designed for cruising. Lyrically, the track delves into themes of stagnation and repetition, capturing the existential feeling of being caught in a "Groundhog Day" loop. This introspection, combined with the track’s potent sonic landscape, offers a compelling glimpse into Rashad’s current headspace and artistic direction. The choice to lead with such a thematically rich and sonically engaging track suggests a thoughtful and deliberate re-entry into the music scene, poised to reclaim his space as a significant voice in contemporary rap. The five-year gap has only intensified the demand for his unique storytelling and production choices, and It’s Been Awful is already generating considerable buzz as a potential landmark release for 2024.
DJ Khaled Unleashes "One of Them" Featuring Future & Lil Baby
Known for his consistent ability to curate star-studded anthems, DJ Khaled maintains his prolific output by releasing "One of Them," the lead single from his long-delayed 14th studio album, Aalam of God. Khaled’s formula for success typically involves enlisting some of the biggest names in hip-hop and R&B, combining their star power with his signature ad-libs and bombastic production. This strategy has consistently yielded chart-topping hits and commercially successful albums, solidifying his status as a major player in the music industry.
For "One of Them," Khaled taps into the formidable talents of trap titans Future and Lil Baby. Future, renowned for his influential melodic flows and introspective yet often dark lyrical themes, brings a distinct gravitas, while Lil Baby, a dominant force in modern trap, adds his signature street narratives and compelling delivery. The track is produced by a collaborative team including DJ Khaled himself, TM88, Rozay Knockin, Marko Lenz, and Concentracia, promising a rich, layered soundscape that supports the formidable vocal performances. The title itself, "One of Them," carries an air of self-referential confidence, a nod to Khaled’s frequent assertion that his tracks are "the ones." Whether this particular iteration truly stands among his most impactful remains to be seen, but the combination of Future and Lil Baby ensures it will command significant attention and likely dominate playlists. Aalam of God is expected to follow in the grand tradition of Khaled’s previous albums, featuring an extensive list of high-profile collaborations designed to make a significant commercial impact.
Snoop Dogg Expands His Death Row Empire with 10 Til’ Midnight
Since his groundbreaking acquisition of Death Row Records in February 2022, Snoop Dogg has embarked on a multifaceted mission to revitalize the legendary label while continuing his own prolific artistic career. His latest endeavor, the album 10 Til’ Midnight, arrives as a companion piece to a recently released movie of the same name, showcasing Snoop’s ambition to weave music and visual storytelling. This move underscores his vision for Death Row not merely as a historical archive but as a vibrant, active platform for new content.
10 Til’ Midnight sees Snoop Dogg reuniting with an impressive roster of familiar faces and long-time collaborators, a testament to his enduring relationships within the music industry. The album features contributions from a diverse group of producers and artists, including the iconic Pharrell Williams, known for his innovative production and distinctive style; Swizz Beatz, a powerhouse producer and artist; Erick Sermon, a foundational figure from EPMD; the veteran producer Rick Rock; and his long-time associate Soopafly. Additional features include Nottz, October London, Peezy, Trinidad James, and MyGuyMars, creating a rich tapestry of sounds and styles. This project signifies more than just another album for Snoop; it’s a strategic move to blend his executive responsibilities with his artistic output, demonstrating his commitment to both preserving the legacy of Death Row and shaping its future. The concurrent release of the movie and album creates a synergistic experience, offering fans a deeper dive into Snoop’s creative world and solidifying his role as a cultural impresario.
Gucci Mane’s Defiant Statement: "Crash Dummy" Diss Track
By far the most explosive release of the week comes from Atlanta trap pioneer Gucci Mane, who unleashed "Crash Dummy," a pointed and defiant diss track aimed directly at Pooh Shiesty and Big30. This track is not merely a lyrical sparring match but carries significant real-world context, as Pooh Shiesty and Big30 are currently facing federal charges for allegedly kidnapping and robbing the 1017 Records boss earlier this year. The legal proceedings surrounding these allegations have cast a long shadow over the careers of the younger artists and added a layer of high-stakes drama to the ongoing narrative within the trap music scene.
Gucci Mane, known for his unflinching honesty and assertive posture throughout his career, uses "Crash Dummy" to respond forcefully to these events. Produced by the legendary Zaytoven, a long-time collaborator whose signature sound has defined much of Gucci’s discography, the track is imbued with an authentic trap sensibility. The lyrics are direct and confrontational, serving as a stark warning and a declaration of power from the veteran artist. This diss track is more than just music; it’s a statement of authority and a public response to a deeply personal and legally sensitive situation. Its release immediately sparked widespread discussion across social media and within the hip-hop community, highlighting the ongoing tensions and rivalries that often define the genre. Gucci Mane’s decision to address the situation through music reinforces his image as an artist who doesn’t shy away from conflict, using his platform to assert his dominance and send a clear message.
Legendary Freestyles and Unexpected Collaborations Grace the Airwaves
Beyond the major album rollouts and confrontational singles, New Music Friday also brought forth a collection of unique artistic expressions, including a rare freestyle from an iconic figure and several intriguing collaborative efforts that transcend genre expectations.
Yasiin Bey (fka Mos Def) – "LikeZ" ("Like That" Freestyle): The highly revered Yasiin Bey, formerly known as Mos Def, delivered a rare freestyle, aptly titled "LikeZ," over the immensely popular "Like That" beat from Future, Metro Boomin, and Kendrick Lamar. This beat has become a cultural touchstone since its release, especially after Kendrick Lamar’s incendiary verse reignited the rap beef conversation. Bey, a figure celebrated for his lyrical dexterity, conscious narratives, and profound influence on hip-hop, shared this freestyle via his Substack channel, offering a more intimate connection with his audience. A snippet circulated widely, allowing fans to savor his distinctive flow and thoughtful wordplay applied to a contemporary and highly charged instrumental. His engagement with the track underscores its widespread impact and demonstrates how even legendary artists participate in and comment on current hip-hop dialogues.
Doechii feat. Lady Gaga – "Runway" (From The Devil Wears Prada 2 Soundtrack): In one of the week’s most surprising and genre-bending collaborations, TDE’s rising star Doechii teamed up with global pop icon Lady Gaga for "Runway." This track is featured on the soundtrack for The Devil Wears Prada 2, adding another layer of cultural significance. Produced by an all-star team including Bruno Mars, Andrew Watt, Cirkut, and D’Mile, "Runway" is poised to be a high-energy, fashion-forward anthem. Doechii, known for her eclectic style and powerful vocal delivery, finds a compelling synergy with Lady Gaga, whose theatricality and vocal prowess are unparalleled. This unexpected pairing highlights the increasing fluidity between musical genres and the power of film soundtracks to foster unique artistic partnerships.
Kehlani feat. Missy Elliott – "Back and Forth": R&B powerhouse Kehlani joined forces with the legendary Missy Elliott on the track "Back and Forth." Produced by Khris Riddick-Tynes and The Stereotypes, this collaboration brings together two generations of influential female artists. Kehlani, celebrated for her evocative songwriting and soulful voice, benefits from the undeniable creative energy of Missy Elliott, whose innovative production, groundbreaking music videos, and distinct lyrical style have left an indelible mark on hip-hop and R&B. The track is expected to showcase a seamless blend of Kehlani’s contemporary R&B sensibilities with Missy’s timeless funk and rhythmic ingenuity, creating a dynamic listening experience.
Diverse Albums and Projects from Established & Rising Stars
The week also saw a flurry of full-length projects and significant singles from a wide array of artists, further enriching the musical landscape.
BossMan Dlow – Chicken Talkin Bastard: This project features a strong lineup of collaborators including G Herbo, DaBaby, Trey Songz, OJ Da Juiceman, YKNIECE, BossMan Pac, and Goldenboy Countup. The diverse features suggest an album that explores various facets of trap and street rap, capitalizing on BossMan Dlow’s growing momentum.
Joyner Lucas – ADHD 2 Reloaded: Joyner Lucas delivers an expansive project with an astonishing list of guest appearances: Big Sean, Chris Brown, NBA YoungBoy, Kodak Black, Ty Dolla $ign, T-Pain, DaBaby, Fireboy DML, and Ava Max. The "Reloaded" designation implies an enhanced or expanded version of a previous concept, showcasing Lucas’s lyrical prowess alongside a diverse set of vocalists and rappers.
Tink – Fuck, Marry, Kill: Tink’s latest album features G Herbo, Tee Grizzley, Bryson Tiller, and Rob49. Known for her blend of R&B and rap, Tink continues to deliver projects that explore complex relationships and emotions, further solidifying her position as a versatile artist.
DJ Muggs & T.F. – Don’t Call Me Lucky: The legendary DJ Muggs of Cypress Hill teams up with T.F. for a gritty project that boasts an impressive lineup of features known for their hardcore lyrical styles: Ghostface Killah, Roc Marciano, Boldy James, Rome Streetz, Meyhem Lauren, OT The Real, and HeartBreak JC. This album is a treat for fans of traditional, hard-hitting East Coast rap, reminiscent of the Griselda movement.
Serial Killers (Xzibit, B-Real & Demrick) – This Thing of Ours: The supergroup consisting of Xzibit, B-Real, and Demrick continues their collaborative journey with a new album featuring Chuck D and Scoop Deville. Their consistent output demonstrates a commitment to classic West Coast hip-hop, delivering potent rhymes over robust beats.
Buddy – Simmie Sims III: Buddy’s new album features Jay Rock, Kalan.FrFr, Guapdad 4000, KEY!, CUZZOS, Huey Briss, Kent Jamz, Indigo Boys, and Faucet. Buddy’s unique blend of melodic rap and R&B, often infused with a laid-back West Coast vibe, is further enhanced by this diverse cast of collaborators.
Lupe Fiasco – "Crash Out": Lupe Fiasco, revered for his intricate lyricism and thought-provoking narratives, drops "Crash Out." While production credits are unavailable, any new material from Lupe is highly anticipated by fans who appreciate his intellectual approach to rap.
Nelly Furtado & Boi-1da – "Electric Circus" (Canada Soccer 2026 World Cup Anthem): In an unexpected but welcome collaboration, Nelly Furtado teams up with acclaimed producer Boi-1da for "Electric Circus," which has been designated as the Canada Soccer 2026 World Cup Anthem. Produced by Boi-1da and ZALE, this track highlights Furtado’s enduring vocal appeal and Boi-1da’s hit-making prowess, connecting music with a global sporting event.
Lil Tjay – "First Time": Lil Tjay, known for his melodic rap style and emotionally charged lyrics, releases "First Time," produced by whywhiteshine and rigasbeats. This single continues his trajectory in the contemporary rap scene, often exploring themes of love, loss, and street life.
Additional notable releases include Skrilla feat. NBA YoungBoy – "Free 40", produced by Solo Wolf Beats UK; AZ feat. Mume Fresh – "So High", produced by Bink!, showcasing veteran lyrical talent; REASON feat. CUZZOS – "Humble’Em_PINK"; Blxst & Big Sad 1900 feat. Lori Perry – "Day After Day"; Your Old Droog & Tha God Fahim – "MESHUGENA", produced by J-Es, offering a taste of underground lyricism; BunnaB – "We Back Outside", produced by 10kjake & Sammy Haig; Sir Michael Rocks feat. Valee – "In Solace", produced by Geeohhs; H3adband & DaBaby – "She Can Get It", produced by SayyDuke; Blade Brown & Benny The Butcher – "Blue Marlin"; Jason Derulo feat. Kevin Gates – "Sexy For Me (Remix)", produced by Phil Greiss; Deante’ Hitchcock – "Electric Revival"; and El Costeau – "F U", produced by twelveAM & Coco Costeau.
This New Music Friday has been a robust indicator of the current state of hip-hop and R&B, demonstrating a vibrant ecosystem where established legends make powerful returns, rising stars push creative boundaries, and unexpected collaborations ignite new conversations. From the deeply personal narratives of Isaiah Rashad to the assertive declarations of Gucci Mane, and the wide-ranging collaborative efforts across multiple projects, the week’s releases collectively offer a rich tapestry of sounds and stories, ensuring that the music landscape remains as dynamic and engaging as ever.
