Today is Friday, which means there are a ton of new releases to look forward to from some of your favorite Hip-Hop artists. To help you unwind and enjoy the weekend, check out VIBE’s picks of songs and albums you should hear and add to your soundtrack of weekend festivities.
Gucci Mane & B.G. – Choppers & Bricks
1017 Global Music LLC/Atlantic Records
Fresh off a 12-year prison bid, B.G. teams up with Gucci Mane for Choppers & Bricks, a collaborative album that marks the Hot Boy’s first full-length release since his return to the streets. After offering to sign B.G. to a seven-figure record deal while behind bars, Guwop helps reacclimatize the New Orleans legend to the rap scene with 13 tracks that shows Gizzle displaying minimal signs of rust. Breaking the ice on the introductory cut “Talk,” B.G. separates the real from the fake over a menacing backdrop while proving incarceration hasn’t tempered his appetite for warfare.
On Choppers & Bricks‘ rollicking title track, B.G. compares receiving his discharge papers to waking from a nightmare. Mike WiLL Made-It lays down a jittery soundscape on “Cold,” with Gucci reminiscing on “cold nights sleeping in that cold cell” and B.G. rejoicing about resuming his gun-toting ways. “At This Point” finds Lil Jaimy joining the fold with a standout performance, while C-Murder makes an appearance on “Project Baby.” Closing Choppers & Bricks on a triumphant note with “Beautiful Life,” B.G. and Gucci Mane profess appreciation for their respective returns home, which is right where the duo belong. – Preezy Brown
Bas – We Only Talk About Real Shit When We’re Fucked Up
2023 Dreamville/Interscope
Bas has finally released his new album We Only Talk About Real Sh*t When We’re F**ked Up. The 17-track LP is highlighted by three J. Cole features: fans have sat with the Afrobeats-influenced jam “Passport Bros” for month; “Home Alone” is a fun sparring match between the two Dreamville lyricists; and “Paper Cuts” is a more mellow, autotune-heavy reflection on the grind and money they’ve made. Bas also taps A$AP Ferg, Amaarae, AJ Tracey, FKJ, and more for an album loaded with bars, introspection, and forward thought. We Only Talk is a firm reminder that Bas is one of the most talented artists in Dreamville crop. – Armon Sadler
Lil Baby – “Crazy” / “350”
2023 Quality Control Music, LLC, under exclusive license to UMG Recordings, Inc.
Lil Baby dropped off a new two-pack and both records, “350” and “Crazy,” sound like tracks he could have put out at any point in his career. The Atlanta rapper has undeniably honed his ability to blend melody with bars, find his pockets, and get off the occasionally impressive lines. However, the shtick is starting to get boring. For the last few years, it has felt like he has nothing to talk about, zero interest in testing out other types of production, or any hunger to get better. I’m sure these tracks are enjoyable for those not seeking more from him. But these songs will have a short shelf life for people who saw the potential years ago and feel like he has plateaued. There are only so many trap drums, synths, and linear flows that one person can deal with. And the Gunna jabs are just flat-out lame. – AS
Playboi Carti – “2024”
Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images
Playboi Carti is getting the gas rolling for his forthcoming album with his new single “2024.” The record, produced by Kanye West, Earlonthebeat, and Ojivolta captures his “vamp” energy and flexes how versatile he can be vocally. The second verse sounds like a completely different person, which is jarring but also sonically pleasing. There isn’t much to dissect lyrically as he utilizes his baby voice and unintelligible delivery through most of the song, but it’s a bop. Carti isn’t meant to be understood; his music is simply meant to be felt. “2024” is fun, hype, and provides an adrenaline rush. We might be in for a big moment from him come next year. – AS
Pardison Fontaine – Sext8pe
Section 8 Format
The past few years have been a whirlwind for Pardison Fontaine. After a near-engagement with one of rap’s biggest stars and finding himself defending his character against said lover, Pardi finds solace in the music on SEXTA8E, the renowned hitmaker’s new EP. While the title suggests a compilation of sex-driven rompers, it’s quickly discovered that the implied raunch is countered with more affectionate numbers.
“Show Me Love” finds the New Yorker yearning for companionship, while “Complainin” showcases his versatility, as he delivers silky vocals atop a languid backdrop. Bolstered by the lead single “That’s Cute” and the Sexxy Redd-assisted duet “Sexyy & Conceited,” SEXT8PE ends Pardi’s hiatus, as he puts his talents to the forefront while attempting to leave the drama behind. – PB
Luh Tyler & Latto – “The Grinch Freestyle”
2023 Luh Tyler under exclusive license to Motion Music, LLC and Atlantic Recording Corporation
Holiday cheer and hot bars. Luh Tyler and Latto linked up for the high-energy “The Grinch Freestyle” and displayed a chemistry many may have not expected between the two. They weave in and out of each other’s verses seamlessly, boasting about themselves and the gifts they can buy with ease. Latto is seemingly willing to make every man’s dream come true by offering to sit on their lap like Santa. Luh Tyler brags about spitting his verses off the dome and correcting a woman who calls him a dog by saying he’s the GOAT. The Grinch won’t be able to steal their joy or their bands, so he ought to take the year off. – AS
Big K.R.I.T. – Regardless It’s Still Timeless
Multi Alumni
Mississippi titan Big K.R.I.T. returns from a year-long layoff with Regardless It’s Still Timeless, a four-track EP on which the rapper and producer revisits multiple fan favorites from his catalog. On “KING PT 5,” K.R.I.T. holds court with his cohorts over Mediterranean cuisine while rhyming riddles around his peers, while “MY SUB PT 6” finds the audiophile waxing poetic over his tricked-out audio system. Regardless It’s Still Timeless hits a high mark with “SET ‘EM Free,” a thumper powered by 808s and synths, as K.R.I.T. switches from lyricist to vocalist in seamless fashion. As his listenership awaits another full-bodied collection of trunk rattlers and soulful compositions, K.R.I.T. looks to tide fans over with this offering in the interim. – PB
Young M.A – “Open Scars”
Young M.A. tackles a lot of subjects on “Open Scars.” The mid-tempo, soul sample-laced record is right in her wheelhouse to get off haymaker bars that go beyond the surface. The Brooklyn rapper labels her mother the GOAT from the moment she gave birth to her, questions the current state of music, and confronts personal battles that no one knows she is enduring. Records like these make one wish Young M.A. released more often, but the content of the record shows that music hasn’t been her priority of late. The effort feels as gripping as it is cathartic, and you can’t ask for more from music than to sound good and be relatable. – AS
Maino – K.O.B. 4
Maino
Maino drops off the first installment in his K.O.B. album series, as the Brooklyn bruiser compiles 14 songs and a bonus selection that speak to his stature as street royalty. Recounting his journey from felon to rap star, Maino gives a play-by-play of the road traveled, from pivotal career highlights to fallouts and all in between. The “Hi Hater” rapper comes correct individually on heaters like “Violence” and “Forgive Me,” but is joined by a list of collaborators on K.O.B. 4, including Jim Jones, Fabolous, Giggs, Connie Diiamond, and more. – PB
Karriem Riggins and Madlib – “Stompin Gamay”
Law Of Rhythm
Karriem Riggins and Madlib reunite under the Jahari Massamba Unit banner on “Stomping Gamay,” the first single from the pair’s forthcoming album YHWH is LOVE. Featuring measured instrumentation, this jazzy delight comes more than three years since Jahari Massamba Unit’s 2020 debut, Pardon My French, with YHWH is LOVE slated to drop on March 1st via Law of Rhythm. – PB
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