In some ways, the start of the new year has been slow. Sure, there have been a number of memorable albums including Lil Yachty’s Let’s Start Here, YoungBoy Never Broke Again’s I Rest My Case and Mansion Musik by Trippie Redd, but there have been far from a surplus of new music. Until now.
The dry spell is over on this week’s edition of New Music Friday as the Hip Hop and R&B stars emerged and provided a weekend’s worth of new listening.
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NAV breaks the ice with his latest single “Lately,” his first release since the deluxe edition to Demons Protected By Angels. Meanwhile, two of Hip Hop’s leading ladies, SZA and Lizzo, join forces for the latter’s most recent offering “Special.”
Also dropping this week are Lucky Daye, the U.K.’s Central Cee, The Kid LAROI and so many more.
Keep reading for the complete list, below.
NAV – “Lately”
Love him or hate him, nobody can deny the cultural and musical force that is Canadian rapper NAV. Beginning in 2017 with his self-titled LP, NAV went on a ballistic run, releasing critically acclaimed projects such as Bad Habits, Good Intentions and his latest Demons Protected By Angels.
After a short break, the “Turks” MC is back with his latest single “Lately.”
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Lizzo f. SZA – “Special”
Lizzo and SZA have a number of things in common. They both have plenty of experience with life on the top of Billboard charts. Both women are keen on blending Hip Hop, R&B and pop. Now they have a single together in “Special.”
Originally released by the “About Damn Time” artist as a part of her 2020 album with the same name, Lizzo has now recruited the help of S.O.S. singer SZA for a hotly anticipated, star-studded collaboration.
Central Cee – “Me & You”
U.K. rapper Central Cee exploded onto the scene through his viral sensation “Doja.” Since then he’s proved that he’s much more than a one-hit-wonder, dropping tracks such as “LET GO,” and his four-song EP No More Leaks.
Valentine’s Day might still be a week away, but Central Cee is already in romantic spirits. His latest single “Me & You” is out now and the official music video will be released on February 14.
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Babyface Ray & 42 Dugg – “Ron Artest”
Babyface Ray and 42 Dugg are a testament to the fact that the Michigan rap scene is not just hot, but extremely sonically diverse as well.
The two rappers may hail from the same state, but their raps vary drastically. Where Babyface Ray takes a cool, calculated approach to Hip Hop, 42 Dugg’s exuberance bounces off the tracks. On “Ron Artest,” the two prove that’s a championship-winning recipe.
Lucky Daye – “Careful”
Talib Kweli & Madlib f. Amani – “After These Messages”
Sada Baby f. Wiz Khalifa – “Khalifa Mode”
Adding to this Michigan-heavy list is Sada Baby with his latest single “Khalifa Mode” featuring Taylor Gang CEO Wiz Khalifa.
The two rappers seem to be an unlikely pairing. Where Wiz’s melodic, hazy bars slide effortlessly across any beat he comes across, Sada Baby is explosive and reckless. Still, “Khalifa Mode” is proof that unexpected collaborations are far from unwelcome.
Smino – “Smi, Myself & I”
Logic f. Norah Jones – “Paradise II”
Daniel Caesar – “Let Me Go”
Zacari f. Ab-Soul – “Motions”
Masego – “Two Sides”
The Kid LAROI – “Kids Are Growing Up (Part 1)”
slowthai – “Feel Good”
Also be sure to check out this week’s New Music Friday albums list, featuring new projects from Eric Bellinger and Hitmaka, Lance Skiiiwalker, Kelela and more.
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Stay up-to-date with the latest Hip Hop and R&B releases here and get familiar with HipHopDX’s 2023 Rising Stars, including GloRilla, Ice Spice, redveil, Lola Brooke, Reuben Vincent and more.
