Jeezy, Megan Thee Stallion, Lloyd Banks, And More New Music Friday Releases You Need In Rotation
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.
Jeezy – I Might Forgive…But I Don’t Forget
The past few years have come with some major changes for Jeezy, both personally and professionally. Marriage and the family addition of his daughter were big adjustments in the rapper’s life. These plus his increased focus on building an empire beyond Hip-Hop and bolstering his portfolio as an entrepreneur. Change can be sudden and fleeting, which makes the arrival of I Might Forgive…But I Don’t Forget rather timely. This time around, Jeezy has switched gears, bucking retirement plans to bear his soul on the first double album of his career.
On “I Might Forgive,” the ATL rep addresses whispers about his creative demise, which he defiantly deems premature. “This dedicated to the ni**as talking sh*t/ They say he falling off, he need another hit/ His rap career is done, he need another brick,” he raps atop the anthemic production. The rapper does a great job of presenting wrinkles of the old Jeezy while expanding on that template, flexing his storytelling skills on tracks like “This Too Shall Pass” and “Shine On Me.” A robust offering, I Might Forgive…But I Don’t Forget marks the most vulnerable effort of Jeezy’s music career and makes it clear he still has plenty to offer his fan base. – Preezy Brown
Megan Thee Stallion – “Cobra”
Megan Thee Stallion’s “Cobra” is one of the most vulnerable records of her career. It mirrors the honesty of her Good News opener “Shots Fired” but focuses more on self than sending jabs at Tory Lanez. Over the electric guitar riffs and drums, the Texas Hottie spits with fervor about having suicidal thoughts, people not truly caring about her as long as they can profit off of her, alcoholism, and being cheated on. It is some of the most inspiring lyricism ever heard from her and rightfully so; Meg has been through a lot over the last few years, but this feels like her rising anew. – Armon Sadler
Lloyd Banks – Halloween Havoc IV: The 72nd Hr
Lloyd Banks is in the holiday spirit with the fourth installment of his Halloween Havoc series and The 72nd Hr leaves listeners spellbound with 15 tracks of lyrical firepower. “I’ma shock the world,” Banks declares on “Above The Law.” He verbally prancing atop jittery piano keys and thudding percussion as he strings together grisly musings about revenue and warfare. The Queens, N.Y. native’s rhyme spills are devoid of relent on highlight offerings like “Familiar Scars,” “Dangerous Minds,” and “Diamond Heist.” The latter half of the album captures Banks getting contemplative and analytical, providing added balance. FeaturIng guest spots by Vado and Sy Ari Da Kid, Halloween Havoc IV: The 72nd Hr picks up where the last edition left off and continues Banks’ succession of praiseworthy bodies of work. – PB
Turbo x Gunna – “Bachelor”
Gunna has spent the year reflecting about being in jail and losing friends after taking a plea deal in the YSL Rico case, but on “Bachelor,” we find him confronting a difficult relationship. Turbo laces him with the perfect downtempo and spacy beat with a somber vocal sample of James Blake’s “Do You Ever,” and the Atlanta rapper opts to use a higher-pitched, almost yell-like delivery. He and his lady “f**k and make up, f**k and break up” in a continuous cycle, and it drives him crazy. It’s clear through his passionate vocals that he cares but considers whether their pattern is healthy for both of them. While many men enjoy the benefits of being a bachelor, Gunna knows deep down there is someone he truly wants to take that title away from him. Sadly, it may not be meant to be. – AS
Kodak Black – “2’CY”
Kodak Black’s “2’CY” is one of his most unique records. He blends his unpleasant crooning vocals with a distorted filter all over a mid-tempo beat with EDM and house elements. The drums thump just enough to be felt, but not too hard to where they overpower the vocals. He spends his time singing to a woman but also praising drugs. Conceptually, it is very Yak, but sonically it is a sign of his efforts to evolve his repertoire as an artist. Kodak is one of the most controversial figures in Hip-Hop today, but his mettle as a song maker cannot be denied. “2’CY” is fun once you figure out what he is going for. – AS
Mach Hommy – “No Golden Calf”
Mach-Hommy drops off his latest single “No Golden Calf,” which finds him teaming up with frequent collaborator Tha God Fahim and is from Mach’s Triz 9 EP. Volleying lyrics back and forth, the duo impresses yet again with a chemistry that’s seemingly innate as it is effortless. If you’re into no frills lyricism and dope beats that sound like they’re fresh out the crates, this loosie should be right up your alley. – PB
Clintn lord – GOD MADE US
Rapper Clintn lord delivers his new album GOD MADE US, a collection of songs that find him exploring the breadth of his artistry, from lyrical exploits to more experimental. The rising star comes strong out the gate with “Gucci Loafers,” a bombastic number that captures him basking in the luxury of his high-end lifestyle. Other joints on GOD MADE US that are likely to capture your attention are “Clintn Clinton,” “Still Born,” and “Im A Dope Fiend.” “Hard to be humble when you sending sh*t to Jigga,” Clintn raps on “Top 5,” further indicating that his stock is rising gradually, but surely, and he’s one name to keep an eye on heading into 2024. – PB
Benny The Butcher & Lil Wayne – “Big Dog”
Benny The Butcher and Lil Wayne assert that they are pit bulls among Maltese dogs on their new record “Big Dog.” It follows the standard Griselda-like production, a slower beat with some cool synths. The Buffalo, N.Y. rapper gets off some bars about his drug-dealing past and prosperous present, but much like the last decade and some change, Weezy F Baby is the true standout here. He takes the song to another level revealing that he felt like a big dog even when he was a puppy, references Kevin Durant and Devin Booker, and overall just says things that make you wonder how he is still so good after all this time. “Big Dog” is a true showcase for both rappers, but a reminder that there is a shortlist of people who can hang with Lil Wayne in the lyrical ring. Whether Benny is one of them is up to you to decide. – AS
RoccStar – Savage Behavior
RoccStar has built a strong reputation behind the scenes for crafting hits for the likes of Chris Brown, Cardi B, J. Lo, Post Malone, Usher, and more. Now, he’s stepping to the forefront with his new album Strange Behavior, which finds him proving that he’s equally adept behind the mic as he is behind the boards. “Balling on these ni**as like Charles, Bark/ Ni**as got bark, no bite, broads/ I spin the block like Mike/ New Maybach like Ross,” he wittily raps on “Prayer Hands,” which sets the tone for the heat on the rest of the album. Selections that are primed to catch listeners’ attention include “Tobago,” “Games With You,” “Don’t Repeat It,” “Keep Going Off,” and “Pop It.” – PB
NAV – “Baller”
NAV keeps things very simple on “Baller.” How, you might ask? Well, he repeats “I’m a baller” over and over on the hook to drive the point home. This is another instance of the Toronto artist sticking to his tried, true, and proven song-making format; strong production, mostly one linear flow, and a chorus that is easy to remember. He gets off some fun flex bars but there aren’t any punchlines to truly write home about. If you ever wanted to introduce someone to NAV, you could play this song or something from his early days because he hasn’t strayed too far from the style that has gotten him popular. It ain’t broken, so no need to fix it. – AS
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