This week’s best new hip hop includes albums, videos and songs from City Girls, Drake and more.
There was a lot of new music this week, if not a lot from the big names in hip-hop. It’s hard to ignore every time Drake drops something, but even if it’s just a feature, like British rapper J. Huss (“Who Told You”), other rappers are slammed for the summer. It didn’t stop me from participating in the fun. City Girls dropped a sample of LL Cool J’s “I Need A Thug,” while Tyga and YG geared up fans for his “West Coast Weekend” with Blxst. Meanwhile, the rest of the week’s releases are from some arguably notable underground talent and rising stars as the weather finally warms in Los Angeles, the skies finally clear in New York, and summer seems to be in full swing. It was from
Here’s this week’s best of hip-hop through June 9, 2023.
Babytron — 6
First comes Detroit punchline critic Babytron. It can usually be said that he is rapidly becoming one of the most prolific figures in his city, but he was already. It’s hard to catch up. Still, it’s worth the effort, especially if you’re a fan of his hilariously over-the-top gag lines, investable beats, and sample-sprinkling personality for his Babytron projects. family guysong titles that reference DC Comics, and more NBA names than episodes of . sports Center.
Doughboy — veezy
Doe Boy is an automatic listen for straight street rap fans, and his latest release lives up to the standards he’s set for his last few releases. 56 Birds, oh reallyand Demons the Wrath. Rather, his wordplay has grown more proficient, and his choice of beats has become more understandable. The album opens with “Rhude Boy,” which not only samples Shine, but also vows to protect the future in the same way Shine did to Diddy (hopefully with better results). deaf) but). What else stood out? On “Dumb” he goes back and forth with Laura Brooke.
Fat Trell — nightmare on e street 2
After several legal setbacks, the DC rapper has bounced back and is back in earnest with a new moody mixtape. In fact, he references his own legal troubles on the single “Kill,” warning others not to follow his example while threatening to return to his old ways.
Kenny Mason — 6
look. I don’t know what it means to have two rappers with the same album title today. Maybe kids value efficiency. But don’t let your laziness fool you and miss your chance. It’s Kenny’s most straightforward-sounding rap work to date (although “Side II Side” still delves into grunge), and while brief, it’s worth a replay on its own. Project Pat appears, with a cameo from the chef’s kiss.
Rob 49 — 4 God II
The name Rob49 is a name I see a lot these days, and I fully expect this New Orleans rapper to explode sooner or later unless he gets into trouble (these days street rappers crazy). What he’s doing isn’t really to my liking (think of an artist like Phu Siesti who hits the piano and stops ops, you’re on the right track), but he Highly recommended by my colleague Cherries and she is generally right about these things.
sexy red — hood hot test princess
A few months ago, I declared that Sexy Red is perfectly positioned to become rap’s new it girl. People around the Slack office and his Twitter followers were also skeptical. One day you will find that I am quite good in this area too. Sure, the raunchy “Pound Town” has all the hallmarks of a gimmick track, but Sexy Red has the hallmarks of a wiser star with far more insight and planning than she thinks. A lot. With her co-sign with Nicki Minaj and a willfully raunchy sense of humor, Red is on track to prove me right. again.
Vic Mensah— ’93-’23: Victor
It’s more of a “biggest blockbuster” of sorts than a brand new project. ’93-’23: Victor A compilation of fan-favorite material spanning most of the Chicago rapper’s solo releases over the past six years. lots of things going on To autobiography To V tape And the latest single released earlier this year. It’s a great primer for an artist who (fairly or not) probably deserves more recognition than he’s received over the years, and it sets up an interesting look at an unpredictable future.
Babyface Ray – “All-Star Team”
The Detroit Sound has proven to be incredibly versatile and adaptable. The “All-Star Team” is a great example. Half jock jam, half easy-listening summer cruiser, it’s a short, sweet jab of what Babyface Ray does best these days. Ray’s relaxed flow is deceptive because it sneaks in a few bars worth rewinding, but it also makes you wish the song was a little longer so you can get the most out of that beat.
Bold James x Chan Hayes — ‘I Tried’
Just months after a near-death car accident, Boldy James’ relentless work ethic has churned out the Detroit rapper’s third joint EP of the year. prisoner of the situation With producer Chan Hayes. While much of Detroit’s vibrant underground scene focuses on pushing the boundaries of the city’s homegrown techno sound, Boldy sticks to the more traditional formulas to great effect. I’m here.
Central Sea & Dave — “Splinter”
The only downside is split decision, the joint EP that ‘Sprinter’ was based on, but it’s an EP – which means it’s too short. Two of UK rap’s most exciting young talents came together to produce a joint project, but you’re saying we only ended up with four songs? [Extremely bad Top Boy accent]Are you pissing, Bruff? No, Bruda, it’s long. Mandem has to go back to the studio, lock it up, and not come out until the full-length is done. Yet… as far as samplers are concerned, split decision Not half bad.
City Girls — “Piñata”
Despite releasing another (mostly excellent) single this week already, JT and Yung Miami aren’t going to deter them from working on hardware at all. Given that their overwhelming entry into the industry came with a flurry of activity ahead of JT’s prison sentence for credit card fraud, it’s not surprising that they’ll be adopting this strategy for their long-awaited comeback as well. Of course. “Piñata” is a lot of fun, even if “I Need A Thug” is a more catchy piece.
Femdot. — “2003”
chi town femdot. He’s part of his Pivot Gang and Savemoney, so you’ll probably enjoy his new EP if that’s your bag. Free Sample Vol. 1. At seven songs, it’s a good entry point for newcomers and a delicious collection for longtime fans to keep them entertained until he’s done the full course.
Skilla Baby — “B’Cuz” feat. G Harbo
Another Cherries selection, Skila Baby’s unconventional flow appeals to me, especially when paired with a collaborator known for putting big swings into his expression. Skilla Baby is another of his creations in Detroit (had a meeting this week?). It’s ready to take the big break among hardcore and Guns N’ Butter rap fans this year. Even if this wasn’t my favourite, I still understand why he’s getting so much attention these days.
Some of the artists featured here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.
