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.
Lil Yachty x J. Cole – “The Secret Recipe”
2023 Quality Control Music, LLC, under exclusive license to UMG Recordings, Inc.
Lil Yachty continues his exploration of different sounds with “The Secret Recipe.” The downtempo, trombone-heavy beat is full of space for the Atlanta rapper to get off stream-of-consciousness bars. He sticks to one flow throughout his verse but has no real theme. Yet, it further allows him to show off how well he can rap when he locks in. The true gem of this song comes in the long-running feature killer J. Cole’s appearance. The Dreamville leader raps for over a minute and a half and gives the fans what they want from him: flex bars. There’s a fun “A Milli” flip in there where he gives a nod to producer Bangladesh and admits that his jumping on someone’s song does a lot for them, even if it’s not to the extent of a Drake feature. This is simply a strong rap record and a major look for Lil Boat. – Armon Sadler
Lil Wayne – Tha Fix Before Tha VI
2023 Young Money Records, Inc., distributed by Republic Records, a division of UMG Recordings, Inc.
If Tha Carter VI is Lil Wayne’s Super Bowl, then Tha Fix Before Tha VI is the practice leading up to it. The 10-song project stays true to Weezy F Baby’s musical nature, loaded with impressive lyrical exhibitions and introspective lyricism. On the production side, it features a buffet of beats dabbling in varied musical elements, stadium-like production, and even alternative rock. Jon Batiste, Cool & Dre, Fousheé, Euro, and TheNightAftr all appear in this project which can be added to the popular run Wayne has been on over the last few years. If this is indicative of what will be heard on Tha Carter VI, then some serious conversations about his greatness at this stage of his career ought to be had. – AS
Rick Ross X Meek Mill – “Kobe & Shaq”
2023 Maybach Music Group under exclusive license to gamma.
Rick Ross and Meek Mill brought it back to their essence with “Shaq & Kobe.” The production is uptempo but menacing, allowing both to brand their boss-like rap tones as they discuss money, luxury, and power. It’s been a while since fans heard these two on a track together, and while it may not be reminiscent of classic records like “Imma Boss” or “Bag Of Money,” it shows that they haven’t missed a beat. You can’t really go wrong with Meek’s voluminous delivery and Rozay’s signature grunt. Meek and Ross announced that they plan to release a collaborative album with this track. Given the fact that neither has released an album since 2021, this is a great way to set things in motion. – AS
CMG – Gangsta Art 2
CMG drops Gangsta Art 2, their latest effort featuring the label’s vast roster of talent. The follow-up comes a year after the first installment of their compilation series, which showed that the Memphis-based label had plenty of capable pens on deck. Nothing has changed in that time, aside from the increase in star power—Glo Rilla has established herself as one of the leading women in rap today. Yet, the CMG lineup is formidable beyond its stars. Lil Poppa, 42 Dugg, Mozzy, EST, Black Youngsta, and more make appearances on the project. – PB
Latto Feat. BabyDrill – “Issa Party”
2023 Streamcut & RCA Records
Latto revels in flexing on everyone else on “Issa Party.” She reflects on the major summer she’s had and how no one can compare to her over bass-rattling production. The Atlanta rapper also pays homage to Waka Flocka Flame by utilizing the hook on “Grove St. Party.” BabyDrill jumps in next and matches her energy, opening with a whisper before bringing full energy into his verse. Drill has a lot of fun flows and catchy punchlines here, making the record a true party for all listeners. Men and women can relate to celebrating the downfalls of their opponents. – AS
YG and Tyga – Hit Me When U Leave The Klub: The Playlist
2023 Last Kings Music / 4Hunnid Records / EMPIRE
YG and Tyga bring the party to the people with their new album Hit Me When U Leave The Klub: The Playlist. After presenting his sixth studio album I Got Issues last year, YG links up with his fellow Cali native, who’s more than two years removed from his last body of work, Well Done Fever. Keeping the features to a minimum, the pair connect with Lil Wayne (“Brand New”), Busta Rhymes (“Big One”), and Blxst (“West Coast Weekend”) on this long-player. Their chemistry reaches a zenith on joints like “Time For That” and “FWU,” which finds YG and Tyga closing the proceedings with defiant flair. – Preezy Brown
Rome Streetz – Noise Kandy 5
2023 The Influenyce Enterprise
After making his Griselda debut with his Kiss The Ring album, Rome Streetz circles the block with Noise Kandy 5. According to the rapper, the project marks the fifth and final installment in the series. “I have chosen to end the series here at 5 because that number signifies, power; and the series was made to display how dangerous I am with the pen,” Rome explains. “We’re going out with a bang!”
The lyricist stays true to that promise, putting forth a succession of explosive offerings that speak to his adeptness in the art of rhyme. Standouts like “Second Seizure,” “Hell Backwards,” “Go Raw,” and “Clutchin” capture him pummeling instrumentals with aggression. Costars Joey Bada$$, Curren$y, Boldy James, Rigz, Conductor Williams, Evidence, and Wavy Da Ghawd also contribute sterling efforts. Arriving in the midst of his European trek in support of the album, Noise Kandy 5 continues Rome’s ascension to the underground’s forefront. – PB
Jharrel Jerome – Trip Pack
Jharrel Jerome
Jharrel Jerome looks to build his reputation as an emcee to equal the heights of his regard as a thespian. He does this with the four-part rollout of his Someone I’m Not project. After releasing Rap Pack in August, the award-winning actor doubles back with Trip Pack, a four-track EP that includes a few gems worth hearing. While the opening song, “Blow Out The Candles,” was a bit jarring, Trip Pack regains and retains its footing from that juncture and the rising rap prospect shines on the remaining cuts “Look,” Zombie,” and the Carter Ace-assisted “Hourglass Body.” – PB
4L Javi – “Face Card”
4L Javi’s “Face Card” is a melodic ode to the love he desires. He croons about the life he lives and the life he truly wants over the vintage West Coast-type beat. “Even though I never get right, I try to/ You know I got no one else to cry to,” he admits. This is the type of record a lot of men may not want to hear, but they need to. As confident and swaggy as the SoCal artist is, deep down he’s got a yearning for that one person who can make him feel whole. “Face Card” doubles as a record you can party to but also one that evokes deep thought. It’s painfully beautiful. – AS
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