We are now two weeks into December, and while the rest of the world is beginning to close its doors and shutter its windows, Hip Hop continues to churn out heat.
There’s plenty to explore on this week’s edition of HipHopDX‘s New Music Friday albums coverage, but none are more important than Young Dolph’s Paper Route Frank, the first posthumous album released by the late rapper’s estate since he was tragically killed in November 2021.
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Meanwhile, on the West Coast, Ab-Soul has returned with Herbert, his first full-length LP since 2016’s Do What Thou Wilt, and The Alchemist adds to his prolific catalog with The Alchemist Sandwich.
Of course, those two projects are just the beginning. Keep reading for the complete list of new albums released the week ending December 16 below.
Young Dolph – Paper Route Frank
The late Memphis rapper Young Dolph’s legacy looms large over the South and Hip Hop at large. After making his imprint through his label Paper Route Empire with his cousin and frequent collaborator Key Glock. His murder in 2021 sent ripples through the Hip Hop community which are still felt today.
In honor of his legacy and the troves of music and skill he had left to offer, Paper Route Frank, his debut posthumous album.
Ab-Soul – Herbert
For years, Ab-Soul was one of the frontrunners of Los Angeles record label imprint Top Dawg Entertainment. Alongside Kendrick Lamar, ScHoolboy Q and Jay Rock, TDE dominated the early and mid 2010s. Then he disappeared, only occasionally appearing for a guest feature or appearance.
That changes today as the LA-born rapper debuts his brand-new album HERBERT. The Control System MC’s latest is ripe with features including verses from Joey Bada$$, Russ, Big Sean, Zacari and more.
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Lil Durk & Only The Family – Loyal Bros 2
The resurgence of Lil Durk is to be studied in future history books. One of the original founders of Drill music, the Chicago legend could have easily gotten lost in the shuffle of rap’s changing tides. But Durk was smart enough to adapt, making records not just for the streets but for radio too (all without sacrificing his original intent).
His surrounding team of Only The Family consists of rappers including the late King Von, Booka600, Doodie Lo and many more have now reunited to a follow-up of last year’s Loyal Bros.
The Alchemist – The Alchemist Sandwich
Nobody knows how The Alchemist has enough hours in the day to complete all of the various project he regularly embarks on. Since 2020 The Alchemist has worked with Conway the Machine, Freddie Gibbs, Armand Hammer, Boldy James, Roc Marciano and many more.
Apparently he’s still hungry, as the LA-based producer just released his personal project The Alchemist Sandwich which features a collection of old characters and new faces alike.
Jacquees – Sincerely For You
Singer Jacquees could be called an R&B purist, his styles often evoking the sounds of the late 80s and 90s, but he always puts such a remarkable twist on his music that it refutes all boxes and categorizations.
His latest project titled Sincerely For You arrives after a long hiatus; you’d have to go back to 2019’s Christmas In Decatur to find the last project from the Georgia artist. Sincerely For You, which was executive-produced by Future, is not to be missed.
Ka$hdami – 18
Las Vegas-born, Maryland-raised rapper Ka$hdami has been on a tear over the last few years. 18 marks his sixth album since 2020, an impressive feat given the fact that he is only just turning 18-years-old.
18, the latest album from the “Reparations!” rapper is a bite-sized EP which features with only feature from fellow young rapper Matt Ox.
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Chief Keef – Finally Rich (Complete Edition)
Jim Jones – 12 Days of Xmas
Little Simz – No Thank You
NoCap – The Main Bird
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$uicideboy$ & Germ – DIRTIESTNASTIEST$UICIDE
Boldy James & Cuns – Be That As It May
Ransom & V Don – Chaos Is My Ladder
G Perico – South Central
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Your Old Droog – YOD Presents: The Shining
Zack Fox – wood tip (EP)
Also be sure to check out this week’s New Music Friday singles coverage featuring new songs from Juice WRLD, The Weeknd, Cardi B and Rosalía, Tyga and Chris Brown, Latto and more.
Stay up-to-date with the latest Hip Hop and R&B releases here, and peep HipHopDX’s2022 Rising Stars update, highlighting the achievements of Doechii, Nardo Wick, Coi Leray and others.
