Drake, Lil Wayne & 2 Chainz, Danny Brown And More New Music Friday Releases To Ride Out To
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.
Drake – For All The Dogs Scary Hours Edition
The world wanted Drake to rap, and rap is what he did. For All The Dogs Scary Hours Edition, he added six new records to his latest No. 1 album and displayed the inspiration he mentioned in the promotional trailer for the project. “The Shoe Fits” is six minutes of The Boy tearing into his naysayers who camp out in The Shade Room comments instead of forests. J. Cole joins him once again on “Evil Ways” for a fun back-and-forth lyrical exhibition between pals. “You Broke My Heart” is the quintessential Drake record, notably the only one to feature any melody or singing. With his tour on the way, one can expect the crowds to repeat “F**k my ex” with him as the anthemic record blares through venue speakers. Job well done, Drizzy. – Armon Sadler
Lil Wayne & 2 Chainz – Welcome 2 Collegrove
Several years after linking up for their first collaborative project ColleGrove, Lil Wayne and 2 Chainz are back at it again with Welcome 2 Collegrove, a project that finds the two southern emcees volleying lyrics back to back over the course of 21 tracks. Comprised of five interlude “scenes,” each narrated by 50 Cent,” the album includes standouts like “G6,” “Long Story Short,” “Millions From Now,” and “Bars,” as well as guest appearances from Usher, 21 Savage, Rick Ross, Fabolous, Benny The Butcher, Vory, and Marsha Ambrosius. – Preezy Brown.
42 Dugg – “SpinDatBac”
42 Dugg and his charming whistle return on “SpinDatBac” and the record falls comfortably in his musical wheelhouse, no pun intended. The Detroit rapper skates over the fast-paced, menacing production laced with haymaker drums and frantic synths. Dugg opts for a free verse approach to the track with no hook and gets off bars where he shouts out his crew, whether they’re roaming free or behind bars. Of course, he’s flexing his cars and bread as well. This is another solid track from 42 Dugg that creates a lot of excitement for a potentially forthcoming album. It’s time, Dugg. – AS
Danny Brown – Quaranta
The past year has been a lot for Danny Brown; rehab stints and mental clarity have led to the Detroit native gaining a new outlook on life. After teaming up with JPEGMAFIA for Scaring The Hoes earlier this year, Danny Brown returns with Quaranta, an album that finds the rapper baring his mental and emotional scars for mass consumption. “This rap sh*t done saved my life and f**ked it up at the same time,” Brown laments on the opening title track, as he gives a somber glimpse at life in the limelight. Featuring appearances by Bruiser Wolf, MIKE, and Kassa Overall, Quaranta‘s peak moments arrive on “Tantor,” “Dark Sword Angel,” and “Shakedown,” as Danny Brown looks at the man in the mirror with raw transparency. – PB
BabyDrill – “Express Myself”
BabyDrill wants people to get to know him on “Express Myself.” Describing himself as a killer and driller, he reflects on the trauma that has come from his family turmoil. Through it all, he asserts that he stands on business. The production is loaded with high-hats and synths that sound like they would play when aliens land on Earth. He states he’s got no heart or soul but puts both of those into his delivery on this record. It seems like he’s having trouble coming to grips with who he is versus the image he wants to project, and that internal conflict makes for a great track. – AS
E-40 – Rule of Thumb: Rule 1
After spending the past few years working on projects with Too $hort and the rest of his Mount Westmore brethren, E-40 delves into a zone of his own on Rule of Thumb: Rule 1. Throughout the album, the Bay Area statesman lays down game while recollecting lessons gleaned from his days on the turf but also keeps things light and hearty with a slew of his customary trunk-rattling jams. “Lift It,” “Does That Make Sense,” and “Pickin Up What I’m Puttin Down” find 40 riding solo, while costars like YoungBoy Never Broke Again, Gucci Mane, BG, Larry June, B-Legit, Trae the Truth, Mistah F.A.B. play complimentary roles alongside the veteran slangster. – PB
Mozzy – “FREE JUJU”
Mozzy has dedicated “FREE JUJU” to his incarcerated homie and there’s pain and emotion throughout the record. “The pack landed, he confirmed by texting, ‘All is well’/ And lil’ mama said she looking for a real ni**a,” the Sacramento rapper spits. “Shouldn’t be that hard to find ’cause they all in jail/ Free Lil Ju, that’s on the Woop, I wish they gave him bail/ I would’ve been grabbed him.” His anger and regret inform how he tries to move ahead with his life despite missing his homie. It’s a gripping track that displays how well Mozzy can rap and tell stories. – AS
Luh Tyler Feat. Skilla Baby – “Okay Bet Pt. 2”
Luh Tyler and Skilla Baby become the Hip-Hop tag team champions on “Okay Bet Pt. 2” Tyler has such a fun flow and Baby matches it to perfection. They have a great back-and-forth with croak-like voices. There are big flexes over the luxurious beat. “We be standing on that business like it’s a doormat,” Tyler says. It’s great to see that phrase used so often in music (Druski is very influential). “Okay Bet Pt. 2” is an enjoyable record that has the potential to be huge for both of these acts. – AS
Blockhead – The Aux
Producer Blockhead rounds up a mix of gifted wordsmiths for The Aux, the New Yorker’s latest album. With an expansive list of collaborators including Quelle Chris, Aesop Rock, Open Mike Eagle, billy woods, Bruiser Wolf, Brian Ennals and more, The Aux is scored by Blockhead in its entirety with the boardsman serving up a mix of canvases for lyricists to verbally paint over. Noteworthy selections such as “Mississippi,” “Lighthouse,” “Ponzu Sauce,” “Sad Vampire,” and “Gargamel” make The Aux worthy of inclusion on your music streamer. – PB
Playboy Fresh – H.I.M.
Playboy Fresh unleashes his debut project project H.I.M., a six-song EP that finds the upstart brandishing his confidence on his sleeve. An acronym for “Haters Irritate Me,” H.I.M. arrives after the release of visuals for “Extra” and the EP’s title track which opens the project on an explosive note. Highlights like “Ignorant” and “Just Me” only heighten Playboy Fresh’s odds of becoming a name rap fans will become privy to as the new year approaches. – PB
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