New Music Roundup (August 18th - August 22nd)

1. VisionPlay Entertainment ft. Rain 910, Cozz, Twayne Towns & Landstrip Chip – Lies That Came True

VisionPlay Entertainment flips the script with its latest release, “Lies That Came True,” produced by and featuring Rain 910 alongside Cozz, Twayne Towns, and Landstrip Chip. Out now via MNRK Music Group, the single is a lyrical collision of ambition, grit, and transformation, proving that sometimes the wildest dreams and the boldest lies are just a verse away from reality.

Built on Rain 910’s layered, hard-hitting production, “Lies That Came True” moves between raw street reflections and aspirational highs, with each artist delivering verses that blur the line between past struggles and present victories. The release is accompanied by a bold new music video that mirrors the track’s cinematic energy. Shot with a sharp, performance-driven style, it captures the collaborative chemistry of Rain 910, Cozz, Twayne Towns, and Landstrip Chip, offering a visual that matches the record’s urgency and ambition.

Founded with a focus on uniting elite lyricists and producers, VisionPlay Entertainment has built a reputation for bringing together voices from across the hip-hop landscape. Its catalog includes collaborations with Maliibu Miitch, Jeremih, Rick Ross, and K Carbon, earning support from top radio stations, digital platforms, and tastemakers who value authenticity and craft.

With “Lies That Came True,” the label reinforces its reputation for pairing razor-sharp lyricism with beats that stick, setting the stage for more explosive drops in the months ahead.

2. Tiana Major9 – Shook One

UK R&B singer-songwriter Tiana Major9 makes her long-awaited return with the powerful new single “Shook One.” After a two-year hiatus, Tiana reclaims her space in music with a bold reinterpretation of one of hip-hop’s most iconic tracks, Mobb Deep’s “Shook Ones Pt II.”

With her signature blend of soulful vocals and raw honesty, Tiana transforms the classic into a modern R&B confessional—exploring heartbreak, vulnerability, and the frustration of loving someone too afraid to reciprocate. The single finds her weaving piercing lines like: “I just wanted you to say when I say that ‘I love you’ / But you run / Like a shook one”—delivered with the emotional depth that has become her trademark.

Accompanied by a Benji Allen-directed video shot in black and white across New York City, “Shook One” captures the timeless spirit of the original while showcasing Tiana’s own artistry. From subway rides to summer streets and a powerful mural tribute to Mobb Deep, the visual grounds her homage in the city where the classic was born.

“Shook One” follows her acclaimed singles “Money” and “Alone”—earning praise from The Guardian, Billboard, CLASH, Essence, COLORS, and more. Earlier this year, Tiana also held an NTS Radio residency and delivered a standout BBC Radio 1Xtra Live Lounge performance, highlighting her vocal precision and range.

With over 200M streams, collaborations alongside Stormzy, EARTHGANG, Bryson Tiller, and Unknown T, and a GRAMMY nomination for “Collide” from the Queen & Slim soundtrack, Tiana Major9 has already cemented herself as one of the UK’s most compelling voices. Now, with “Shook One” and a debut album on the way in 2025, she begins a confident new chapter—blending her love of R&B, jazz, and hip-hop while staying true to the vulnerability and honesty that set her apart.

3. Twelve'Len ft. Phabo – Just Me And You

4. BJRNCK – Safety

Today, GRAMMY-nominated R&B singer / songwriter BJRNCK returns with her new single and music video for “Safety,” out now via Geffen Records. The music video, directed by Austin “Salty” Simkins, immerses her fans into her intimate world as she leads a sultry dance sequence through a moody, aqua-blue themed room. The record continues to showcase BJRNCK’s heartfelt storytelling with her melodic and fearless vocals as she sings about loyalty, consistency and what she is looking for when feeling secure in her love life.

This new confident, soulful anthem comes off the heels of her recently released singles, “Crazy” and “Club,” which set the tone of her highly anticipated forthcoming project that is set to be released in a few months. BJRNCK continues to push her breakout year forward, as she unapologetically remains her true and raw self. Over the last few years, BJRNCK has pushed deeper into the spotlight after being recognized as Future & Metro Boomin’s video star in their “Drink N Dance” music video, and was featured on Omarion single, “Sunny Dayz” which led BJRNCK to her first Grammy nomination. While staying true to her mission of raw honesty, the Chicago-born artist pulls back the curtain on the messy, beautiful reality of modern love and woman-hood. With lyrics that feel like a conversation and production that pulls you in, BJRNCK’s music is a reflection of the real, unfiltered moments that anybody can relate to in their own way. More music and surprises are on the way, and it’s clear this will be the year she truly makes her mark.

5. Phil Adé – M.I.A.

Today, Maryland (DMV) rapper, songwriter, producer, and multi-hyphenate, Phil Adé (Philip Adetumbi) returns after a five year hiatus with his new single “M.I.A.” from his upcoming independent eponymous album, philip, slated for release October 1st via Seenic/UnitedMasters.

“M.I.A.” sets the tone for philip, ushering in a bold new chapter as Adé intentionally steps into himself, creatively and personally. The track introduces a laser-focused Phil Adé, delivering laid-back bars with a seamless flow that spotlight the everyday choices shaping his evolution—protecting his business, moving with confidence, and no longer seeking outside validation. The accompanying cinematic visual captures Adé cruising through Los Angeles with nostalgic ease, flanked by a tight circle, carrying himself with intention at every turn. 

Phil Adé shares, “I recorded ‘M.I.A.’ in the middle of the pandemic at a time when being out of the way felt like the theme of my life—but I wanted it to still be high energy and motivational”. He adds “I’m back, fully in control of my career, and there’s nothing or no one stopping me now but me.”

Now fully independent, philip isn’t just a comeback—it’s a reclamation. The project captures Adé’s resilience and growth, showcasing his sharpest and most authentic storytelling to date as he embraces full creative autonomy. “I have complete confidence that who I am and what I create is enough,” he says. “I no longer seek outside validation, nor do I answer to anyone but myself when it comes to the business of my music. I’m free in more ways than one. This album is about me stepping into my own as a person and as an artist—my art is enough.”

6. KAIRO & Amelia Moore – PLACEHOLDER

Nigerian born, Texas-raised duo KAIRO share their new single “PLACEHOLDER” featuring buzzing alt-pop artist Amelia Moore. The track is a genre-bending collision of KAIRO’s heartfelt storytelling and signature harmonies with Moore’s fearless wit and edge. 
 
Speaking of the song, KAIRO shares: “This song is a milestone for us in every way – it’s our first-ever feature, our first single since our debut album dropped last year, and the lead single from our upcoming EP. From the moment we wrote it, we knew it needed a female perspective to bring it to life – and there was only one person we had in mind: Amelia. We texted her the demo, and she hit us back immediately with, ‘just ran it back 6 times in the whip…so fire…YES!’ We’ve been longtime fans of her work, but over the last year in LA, we’ve also become real friends – which made this collaboration feel even more special. To say we’re honored to have her join us on this record is an understatement.”
 
When asked about her experience working with KAIRO, Amelia shares: “This is my first time featuring on another artist’s song and I couldn’t be more proud of how “PLACEHOLDER” turned out! I think it’s sonically and visually the perfect combination of our two worlds and I’m just grateful to be a part of their project.”
 
KAIRO is an alt-pop/R&B duo composed of identical twin brothers EJ and AK Odijighoro. Born in Lagos, Nigeria, and raised in Houston, Texas, the brothers honed their musical talents in their father’s church – EJ on piano, AK on drums – where they began shaping the harmonies and emotional depth that fuel their sound today. After gaining viral traction on TikTok in 2021, they officially debuted as KAIRO in 2022 with Love Letters From Houston, earning millions of streams and praise from Billboard and GRAMMY.com. Their follow-up EP, Return To Sender, featured the breakout single “Movie Star,” which surpassed 10 million global streams.
 
Newly signed to Def Jam Recordings, KAIRO released their debut album ARE WE THERE YET? — a 13-track odyssey chronicling their journey as Nigerian-American immigrants carving their place in music. With their kaleidoscopic blend of alt-pop urgency, R&B soul, and cinematic vocal layering, KAIRO are redefining what the next wave of pop looks and sounds like.

7. Jean Dawson – Rock A Bye Baby

One of today’s most essential artists, the enigmatic polymath Jean Dawson returns with his electrifying new track “Rock A Bye Baby” that debuted as Zane Lowe’s Apple New Music Daily earlier today. Honoring the greats before him, the track sees Jean doing pop on his own terms through his singular “ghetto pop” sound and breaking new ground as they once did. In this signature fashion, he unearths deeply palpable and dire themes, tackling the duality innate to the human experience that straddles fragility and strength through a captivating lens. Jean reveals a new chapter in his shapeshifting, one that is fueled by his personal evolution and liberation, and nevertheless thrilling. The track features production by his longtime collaborators Hoskins (Khalid, PARTYNEXTDOOR, Don Toliver, Wiz Khalifa), Lecx Stacy, Johnny May (Sam Short, Che Lingo), and Jesse Shuster (Dua Saleh).

The track arrives as Jean is revealed as the cover star for HYPEBEAST’s music magazine HYPETRAK that has returned to print. As its second issue, Jean is the immediate follow up cover star to Kendrick Lamar who was the magazine’s inaugural cover talent. The cover, which is on newsstands now, thrusts Jean into a line of artistic visionaries whose impact surpasses the parameters of music with a deep cultural impact. The single also follows Jean’s most recent critically acclaimed album Glimmer of God, composed of fifteen breathtaking tracks in which Jean made an immeasurable mark on the larger pop arena, firmly continuing his reign of music’s foremost visionaries today. 

Additionally, Jean is currently on the road supporting Linkin Park on their US headlining From Zero Tour and his own headlining The Miracle Mile Tour – see complete tour dates below. Purchase tickets HERE.

More to come from Jean very soon.

8. LUDMILLA & Victoria Monét – CAM GIRL

Today, Brazilian superstar Ludmilla and R&B powerhouse Victoria Monét unveil their highly anticipated collaborative single, “CAM GIRLl.” The bilingual track is a bold summer anthem celebrating unapologetic sensuality, the influence of the digital era, and confidence in identity. Merging Ludmilla’s dynamic Brazilian funk sound with Monét’s signature R&B sophistication, “CAM GIRL” delivers an electrifying blend of infectious rhythms and smooth, captivating vocals from two GRAMMY Award–winning artists.

Seamlessly weaving Portuguese and English, “Cam Girl” delivers a striking portrait of a modern femme fatale, confident, alluring, and unapologetically in control. The track underscores both artists’ star power, showcasing their dynamic vocals and undeniable musical chemistry. Read the full lyrics, HERE.

“Working with Victoria on ‘CAM GIRL’ was such an incredible experience. We are friends and we have been planning this for so long, and finally we did,” Ludmilla said. “We wanted to create a song that’s bold and empowering, while bringing together two different worlds, Brazilian funk and R&B. The energy felt so natural, and I’m so proud of how we fused our styles into something fresh, fun, and truly global.”

Beyond the song’s catchiness and viral appeal, it represents a blending of international fan bases and musical influences across cultures. Ludmilla and Monét also bonded over their shared Black and bisexual identities and wanted “Cam Girl” to express a sense of pride in identity and the joy of being freely yourself.

“There’s an unspoken understanding when you share certain life experiences, and that definitely showed up in the music,” Monét said. “We both know what it’s like to carve out space for ourselves in industries that haven’t always made room for our full identities,” Monét said. “That gave the collaboration an extra layer of freedom, and we didn’t have to explain ourselves, we could just create from a place of authenticity. I think you can hear that confidence and joy in the record. It’s two women fully owning who we are and having fun with it.”

9. Ghostface Killah – Supreme Clientele 2

First released in 2000, Supreme Clientele changed everything.  It wasn’t just an album, it was a movement.  A coded language.  A wild, soulful, off-kilter symphony of slang and emotion that rewired our thoughts on what hip-hop could, and should aspire to be.

At its core, Supreme Clientele is both timeless and enduring. Serving as a window into Ghost’s soul, its wildly creative and a conduit of old and new; and his stream-of-consciousness style became the definition of fresh, not only holding a privileged place in the history of hip hop music, but significantly influencing the subsequent generation of artists that followed.

Now, a quarter century later, Supreme Clientele 2 lands like a time capsule that has been cracked open.  It’s both a homecoming and a new chapter for Tony Starks, as he picks up the legacy with a new, but familiar lens.  Ghost, as vintage and sharp as ever, but also looser and freer.  Supreme Clientele 2 is not about Ghost chasing the past; it’s about living in the moment and having fun while doing so.  Real Rap–No gimmicks–Just quintessential Ghost.  Exactly the way fans would want!

Ghostface Killah is the last of a certain breed of artist, and Supreme Clientele 2 is the last of a breed of rap album.  No trends.  No pandering.  Just layers of refined loops, blistering bars, and the unmistakable rasp of a legendary and iconic storyteller who has seen it all, lived twice and still discovers new ways to flip the script. 

Meticulously crafted over the last decade, Supreme Clientele 2 features guest appearances from Nas, Raekwon, Method Man, GZA, Redman, Conway The Machine, Styles P and M.O.P. 

“Supreme Clientele 2 represents originality,” Ghostface asserts.  “It’s a moment in time brought to you by a Supreme mind.”

Supreme Clientele 2 is a part of Mass Appeal’s Legend Has It campaign, celebrating 7 iconic artists all releasing new music, including: Slick Rick, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Mobb Deep, Big L, De La Soul and Nas/DJ Premier. 

There is no beginning or ending…Ghostface is forever. 

10. 2BYG – Twin

Primed to pop off as a force of nature in the culture, rising Texas R&B group2BYG unveil a brand new single entitled “That’s My Twin” out now via Waystar Records/Def Jam Recordings. Listen HERE.
 
Moreover, it sets the stage for the release of their highly anticipated debut project, The Yearbook, out October 3, 2025.

“That’s My Twin” grooves on a slick electric guitar loop and bouncy drum rhythm. This backdrop gives the boys space to flaunt and flex their signature vocals, passing the mic back-and-forth with ease. The momentum only culminates on the chantable chorus, “Best friend, that’s my twin,” which they punctuate with a promise, “I’ll take you all the places you ain’t ever been.”
 
Ultimately, it’s got all the makings of an anthem, and it’s a dynamic showcase of 2BYG’s talents at the same time.
 
Get ready for the accompanying music video to drop soon.
 
It also lands in the wake of “Anything.” The latter has generated 250K-plus Spotify streams and received critical praise. It scored plugs from Global Grind, Shatter The Standards, IMPRINT, and Lipstick Alley who affirmed, “2BYG is keeping the momentum going.”

2BYG made their proper introduction with debut single “Karma” written by GRAMMY® Award-winning songwriter Talay Riley [Usher, H.E.R.]. Beyond picking up traction on DSPs, it incited widespread acclaim. VIBE raved, “The record merges old-school R&B with vibrant Gen Z aura and has us in a chokehold.” REMIXD Magazine professed, “With a smooth, infectious debut like ‘Karma,’ 2BYG is clearly just getting started. And if this first single is any indication, they’re about to have a major moment.”

The quartet—Matt Brown, Tourè, Nixx, and KD —have taken flight out of Dallas-Fort Worth and achieved “Up Next” status for R&B. They’ve quietly attracted over 1 million followers on TikTok thanks to a series of viral covers and posts.
 
It’s just the beginning, though. Stay tuned for a whole lot more from 2BYG coming soon.

11. Jae Stephens – SELLOUT II

Jae Stephens delivers bubbly pop-R&B confections with an impish charm, injecting energy and personality into the modern scene. Returning with her second dose of radio-ready bangers, the rising pop star shares SELLOUT II, a new EP, available on all platforms via Raedio / Def Jam.  The follow-up to last September’s SELLOUT EP, the new EP builds upon Jae’s effortless blend of old and new sounds, each brimming with clever turns of phrase and effervescent hooks. Spanning six tracks, the EP is a showcase for Jae’s melodic inventiveness, as she plays with her cadence to fit as much innuendo and cheeky humor as she can.

“SELLOUT 2 is SELLOUT’s younger, badass sister who gets away with a lot more,” Stephens explains. “This EP is me being even more like, ‘F*ck it. I don’t care about the box that anyone wants to put me in.’”

The new EP is home to recent singles like “SMH,” a bouncy and uptempo heater that earned praise from Billboard, Clash, Rated R&B, and more, the sultry ballad “That’s My Baby,” covered by NOTION, Clash, Out Magazine, and the charming, 8-bit banger “Kiss It.” SELLOUT II adds three more inventive pop-R&B jams to the mix, notably “Afterbody,” which combines 80s electrofunk synths, with 00s R&B rhythms, and modern melodies and vernacular; “Choosy” recalls vintage Neptunes with percolating 808s and chilly electric keys; and the closer “10/10,” a uber-confident anthem for the baddies. 

Along with the EP, Jae Stephens shares the new music video for “Afterbody.” An intoxicating blend of vintage and modern, the song evokes strobe lights and sparkler smoke, narrating a heated encounter between Jae and her chosen partner. In the video, Jae does calisthenics in preparation for a long night at the club, where she nails an intricately choreographed dance that combines group and partner dancing to create one of the year’s steamiest music vids. 

SELLOUT II is the worthy follow-up to the acclaimed 2024 effort SELLOUT, home to “WET,” recognized by Elle as one of the Best Songs of April 2024, “Girls Don’t Cheat,” co-written by Chxrry22 and covered by BET and Rated R&B, and fan-favorite “Body Favors,” which has 1.5 million streams on Spotify. In the fall, SELLOUT and Jae Stephens earned coverage in PAPER Mag, who called her “the Internet’s Black pop star.” SELLOUT  turned heads across the industry, leading to a recent stin opening for FLO on their “AAA Tour.”

“My message is always, just because it’s fun doesn’t mean it’s dumb,” Jae Stephens says. “I want to encourage people to think outside the box with their musical choices, and find ways to have fun and keep the innovation going and keep finding new ways to keep people’s interest throughout the song. I want to be part of this group of Black girls occupying this space where we don’t see ourselves as much. We can be feminine and pop stars without it feeling like we’re corny or we’re selling out. I want us to be global superstars again.”

With SELLOUT II, Jae Stephens aims to satisfy her JaeBaes and win over a legion of new fans. Watch your step…it’s Stephens season. 

12. ABIR – Love Ain't Blind

Moroccan-American r&b and pop powerhouse ABIR returns with her latest offering “Love Ain’t Blind,” the final glimpse into  her highly anticipated debut album The Game out September 10 via EMPIRE and available now for pre-save. 

Following her recent single “Nothing New,” where she wrestled with the idea of staying in a toxic relationship simply because the familiar can feel safer than starting over, “Love Ain’t Blind” flips that narrative. Over bright, infectious production, ABIR confronts a toxic lover with eyes wide open, cutting through false promises and declaring a newfound clarity. She’s done mistaking empty words for love.

On the single ABIR shares, “So often you hear people say ‘love is blind’ but I really don’t believe that. I think love should see everything. This song is me reminding myself not to ignore the issues that are right in front of me just to hold onto a fantasy. It’s about taking things at face value and making decisions based on reality.”

“Love Ain’t Blind” joins a string of recent singles including “Nothing New,” “Butterflies,” “Made For You,” and “Something Real” all leading into her forthcoming full-length album The Game. A bold and emotionally layered body of work, the project explores love as a mirror of self-reflection. Across the album, ABIR unpacks the idea that in the game of love, your true opponent is yourself. It’s a journey that demands honesty, self-awareness, and the courage to face your ego, your fears, and the patterns that no longer serve you. With The Game, ABIR reveals what it really means to show up for someone else by first learning to show up for yourself.

On her album ABIR shares, “My forthcoming album ‘The Game’ is a collection of stories I’ve lived and others I’ve watched unfold either through friends, relationships, and honestly even some of my favorite films. The album’s throughline is really about how love tends to mirror a game that’s not just with someone else, but with yourself. It’s ego, fear, and patterns that keep playing out until you learn what needs to change to break them. Each song represents a different quarter and what it takes to stick it out through every phase to hopefully come out winning.”

Recognized by Billboard as one of the “most exciting new voices” in contemporary music, ABIR, the Morocco-born, Los Angeles-based artist, has become a standout figure in pop, praised for her blend of R&B and dance grooves. She first garnered global attention with her RIAA gold-certified hit “Finest Hour,” a collaboration with electronic trio Cash Cash, which topped iTunes’ Dance Songs chart for eight weeks and became a Top 40 staple. Following that success, ABIR released her debut EP MINT (RIAA platinum certified), featuring tracks like “Tango” and “Young & Rude,” earning over half a billion streams and acclaim from outlets like Idolator and Complex. Known for infusing traditional Arab music into her pop/R&B sound, ABIR’s artistry has evolved with her latest EP, HEAT, reflecting her more profound connection to her roots. With her recent release of THE TIP OFF and her future release of The Game, her first project in nearly four years, ABIR continues to break boundaries and inspire as she reshapes the narrative for Arab women in modern music. 

Stay tuned for the final reveal of her journey through The Game of love. 

13. Kid Cudi – Free

GRAMMY® Award-winning multi-platinum sonic visionary, artist, producer, actor, director and New York Times Best-Selling author, Kid Cudi releases his 13th studio album Free – available everywhere HERE.
 
Earlier this week, Cudi released “Mr. Miracle,” the third offering off the project. Alongside the release, he sat down for an interview with Zane Lowe on Apple’s New Music Daily Radio. Cudi kicked off this new chapter with “Neverland,” the first single off ‘Free’ and premiered his short film of the same title, directed by Ti West and produced by Monkeypaw Productions, at Tribeca Film Festival.
 
“Grave” became the second single from the new era for Cudi and was accompanied by an official music video shot by award-winning director Samuel Bayer who has worked with and shot iconic videos for the likes of Nirvana, Blind Melon, The Rolling Stones, The Cranberries, and more – watch the video for “Grave” HERE.

Free follows the record breaking 2024 that saw “Day ‘N’ Nite (nightmare)” officially earn its RIAA Diamond Certification, marking his groundbreaking debut Man on the Moon: The End of Day as “the first 2000s hip-hop album to earn multiple RIAA Diamond singles.” Last year, Cudi released his ninth studio album, INSANO and its epic Deluxe Version, NITRO MEGA. Hailed by Clash as “a lavish return,” and logging his seventh Top 20 debut on the Billboard 200 with INSANO.

14. Earl Sweatshirt – Live Laugh Love

Earl Sweatshirt releases new album Live Laugh Love out now via Warner Records and Tan Cressida. Announced only in the past week, LLL, presents a different side of Earl than fans have grown accustomed to and represents a notable evolution from the place he was in personally on albums like I Don’t Like Shit, I Don’t Go Outside. Arriving with the album is a music video for the tender, romantic “Tourmaline,” a song like no other in the artist’s catalogue to date.

Earl Sweatshirt is also releasing a unique capsule collection inspired by the album, including onesies for your little ones, a baby bib, a blanket, a puzzle, an incense burner, as well as children and adult tees. Live Laugh Love is for the whole family. Scroll down for images and shop the full collection here.

For over a decade, the rapper Earl Sweatshirt has galvanized fans with his virtuosic storytelling, generous vulnerability, and lyrical gift. A wunderkind that emerged at just 16 from the raw and incendiary Odd Future collective, Earl quickly set himself apart with his dense introspection, off-kilter cadences, and a brooding intellect that belied his youth. Across a number of albums and widespread critical acclaim, Earl has cemented himself as a definitive poet chronicling growth, self-discovery, and the resonant moods of a generation. His live shows embody the intimacy of a cipher with the volume of a stadium, creating a space where fans don’t just listen, they testify.

In 2024, Earl celebrated 10 years since the release of his debut album Doris, a cerebral and emotionally layered record that marked the arrival of a singular voice in hip-hop. With the seminal I Don’t Like Shit, I Don’t Go Outside (2015), he turned inward to reclaim himself. Earl’s 2018 album Some Rap Songs saw him explode traditional form and embrace sonic imperfection, layering thick samples, short verses, and abstract poetics into a textured collage of grief and transformation. Sick! (2022) captured the tumult of the pandemic era with quiet urgency and collaborative contributions from artists and producers like Zelooperz, Nak-el Smith, Armand Hammer, Black Noi$e, and The Alchemist. The 2023 collaborative project with The Alchemist, Voir Dire is a cryptic, soulful self-excavation—marked by murky loops, fragmented memories, and Earl’s signature elliptical lyricism.

His new album, Live Laugh Love, is as thoughtful and surrealist, and embarks on a contemplation of the chaos of existence. A work that began before it began, LLL was initially named in satire and social commentary. What started as a tongue-in-cheek critique of the irony in the phrase developed into a genuine examination of the nostalgia of joy and the simplicity of genuine connection. LLL charts Earl’s path to growth, one that demands a constant wrestling with the past and aspires to return to such moments. “I named it before I wrote it,” he says. “And then everything started clicking.” 

With LLL, Earl deepens a long-standing fascination with language, structure, and synchronicity. “Constrictions breed creativity,” he says. “There are rules to reality. It reminds me of Ifá—how spirits operate within that system. I need rules. I need assignments.” For Earl, those rules often begin with a word, a phrase, or a symbol. They give shape to his intuition. Take “Tourmaline”, the title of a track where Earl sing-raps about spiritual protection, love, and his responsibility as a father with hazy, cinematic flair over a looped melancholic melody. It was a word that simply came to him before he knew its spiritual significance. “I had to see why. When I looked it up, it made perfect sense. Tourmaline is a receptive stone. It is celebrated by its ability to inspire enlightenment and balance.” 

Across the record on “Gamma (need the Love)”, lyrics reference the late Dave Trugoy (Plug 2) of De La Soul, whose passing Earl says frames the album in its timing and his intentions as an artist—to be self aware and comfortable in his cis black masculinity, but also to be creative, funny, and to strive for greatness. A prophetic line about Roy Ayers follows with uncanny foresight. Tarot imagery—like the Eight of Cups—entered his writing before he consciously understood its spiritual meaning, only to find later that the card’s symbolism carried his intended message: the importance of walking away from what’s no longer serving you, moving on, and being grounded in the mundane. “That’s what growth is,” he reflects. “You can get woo-woo and heady about things, but you still have to change diapers.”

This is the tension Earl thrives in: the poetic and the practical, the sacred and the routine, the heavy and the hilarious. LLL reflects on the alchemy of those layers as an album steeped in allegory but rooted in an artist’s everyday life (the track “INFATUATION”, a love letter to food, chronicles the very real challenge of obtaining sustenance while on tour). This careful balancing act manifests as deceptively effortless, off-the-dome delivery. And yet, his true process is one of endurance and consistency: “If I’m not putting in military hours, sleeping at the studio, waking up at 6:45 and rapping, then making beats all day, and then rapping again at night, and then doing that for four days, then I feel like I’m really behind,” he admits.

Earl’s intensity isn’t about ego. It’s about legacy and contribution. “Music is the thing I’m the most leave it cleaner than you found it about,” he explains. He’s critical of the complacency that can come with success: the yes-men, the perks, the comfort. “If you’re not hard on yourself as an established artist, it atrophies you. If you’re not resilient about the play of this shit—the core essence—your art becomes what it is: widely accepted but not challenging.”

Standout track “CRISCO” embodies the balance he’s constantly navigating. It starts out with the energy of a Saturday night before landing in a moment of sobering Sunday morning vulnerability. “It’s the most human verse I’ve written,” he says, reflecting on lines like, “I got the failure beaten out of me. It wasn’t even an option.” This honesty cuts through the album’s dream logic, giving listeners not just a window into Earl’s mind but also into the context that surrounds his life lessons.

The end result of Earl’s latest work is a prophetic, spiritually guided, and celebratory exploration of narrative as a means of surviving life’s confusions, constraints, and change. As the music came, so did signs that Earl was channeling something beyond himself. LLL reflects both a profound inner shift and is also a generous snapshot and meditative processing of where Earl is now: a father, an artist in his 30s, and a person who has spent half of his life making art in public. LLL boldly confirms Earl’s evolution without fanfare—it is steady, palpable growth that marks the joy in embracing the journey, however imperfect.

15. A2P Fred – Legendary Run

Today, LLC4, the label built by legendary music executive Orlando Wharton, is kicking the door wide open with the release of ‘Legendary Run,’ the new album from Florida’s own A2P Fred. With 2025 XXL Freshmans Nino Paid and 1900Rugrat as well as street heavyweight Lil Tony in the mix, the 25-track project is stacked with the kind of records that move the streets and cut through the noise.

The album’s lead single, “Pom Poms” featuring Nino Paid, sets the tone for Legendary Run, pairing Fred’s direct, lived-in delivery with Nino’s precise flow. Fred’s collaboration with Lil Tony on “Generous” brings a steady, commanding presence to the track, while “Wrist Up” with 1900Rugrat shows his ability to connect naturally with other rising voices and still keep the spotlight on his own story.

From high-energy anthems like “Foreva Thuggin” and “Heavy Motion” to introspective standouts like “More Than A Rapper,” ‘Legendary Run’ is exactly what the title says — a victory lap for the grind Fred’s been on since day one.

Since his debut in August 2024, Fred has been carving out his own lane, racking up more than 1.3 million streams with tracks like “Wrist Up” and “Take It Dea.” The Fort Pierce native is hands-on with every detail, from the bars to the visuals, making music that’s rooted in his life and built for repeat plays.

“Fred’s hunger is unmatched. He lives in the studio, crafting every record like it’s the one. What makes him special is the way he turns his story into something everybody can feel,” shares Orlando Wharton, Founder and CEO of LLC4. “‘Legendary Run’ is exactly that — legendary. I’m proud to have him on LLC4 and proud to be part of where he’s headed.” 

16. Teyana Taylor – Escape Room

Expanding her visionary universe, Teyana Taylor makes a bold statement with the release of her highly-anticipated album and short film visual experience, Escape Room, out now via Def Jam Recordings.

Listen to the album HERE. Watch the short film HERE.

Blurring the boundaries between music, film, and storytelling, Escape Room is an immersive, multi-sensory journey that embodies freedom, heartbreak, and healing. The project collides sound and cinema into an unforgettable experience.

For this bold statement, Teyana brought together an all-star ensemble of collaborators from across music, film, and culture. The album and film feature contributions from Jill Scott, Tyla, Lucky Daye, and Kaytranada, alongside narration from Taraji P. Henson, Sarah Paulson, Kerry Washington, Issa Rae, Regina King, Niecy Nash, Jodie Turner-Smith, La La, and Tash Smith. Her daughters Rue Rose and Junie also make special appearances, grounding the work in family and legacy.

About Escape Room, Teyana shared, “Escape Room isn’t just a film or an album, it’s a world I built to live in, bleed in, and heal in. I poured my heart into every layer, from the story to the sound, to capture that journey we all take through the shadows of heartbreak, whether that’s love lost, friendships broken, dreams deferred and guide you toward the lightness of healing. It’s the visual representation of my scars, the picture of my healing, and a mirror for anyone ready to face their own truth. This is more than a story… it’s a place to break free.”

Stream the short film on the Amazon Music app and Twitch.

Escape Room features previous released “Long Time,” which Teyana performed at the 2025 BET Awards, to widespread acclaim and called one of the best performances of the night. Elevating her space-age R&B to unparalleled heights, she released the visual for “Long Time” which is a continuation from the trailer for the respective short film, which has gathered over 10 million views and upon release was trending on X/Twitter. Watch HERE. In addition, Escape Room notably boasts the seductive fan favorite “Bed Of Roses,” check out the sensual visual HERE.

Teyana not only stars in this enigmatic post-apocalyptic/futuristic, noir romance thriller, but she also wrote, directed, and produced it under the banner of her all-female production company The Aunties. The accompanying album stands out as her first new music in five years. She has stretched her vision across dimensions; key songs will notably provide the soundscape for the film. The short film acts as a visual representation of the album exploring the ombré effects of life’s journey from the darkness of all aspects of heartbreak (i.e. friendships, career, family, etc.) to the lightness of healing. This multi-faceted body of work traces the entire human experience delivering both a relatable and universal piece of art that audiences can make their own. Escape Room ultimately creates a safe space to break free from whatever we need to escape, leaving hurt behind, and reaching healing.

Teyana recently celebrated the fifth anniversary of her widely acclaimed third full-length record, The Album, which arrived on June 19, 2020. Upon release, the LP bowed in the Top 10 of the Billboard 200 and the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums Chart while amassing hundreds of millions of streams. It also just received a GOLD certification from the RIAA.

Five years ago, Teyana pivoted from music and ignited her film and television career. She has emerged as a superstar with a full slate of high-profile projects on the horizon. These include Tyler Perry’s Straw which catapulted to #1 on NETFLIX, Academy® Award-nominated iconic filmmaker Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another with Academy® Award winners Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Penn, and Benicio Del Toro in theaters September 26, and Joe Carnahan’s The Rip with Academy® Award winners Matt Damon and Ben Affleck coming soon on NETFLIX. Plus, she joins the cast of Ryan Murphy’s All’s Fair alongside Kim Kardashian, 2x-Academy® Award nominee Naomi Watts, 8x-Academy® Award nominee Glenn Close, and Sarah Paulson.

Through her production company, The Aunties, she has notably acted as creative director for big brands like Victoria Secret, Jordan Brand, as well as artists like Summer Walker, Skilla Baby, Lil Baby, Glorilla, Latto. They have also directed commercials for Old Spice and Jordan Brand as well as music videos for Macy Gray, Bryson Tiller, Coco Jones, Monica, Neyo and more.

17. Kalan.FrFr – California Player

18. Bankrol Hayden – Obvious

Pop artist Bankrol Hayden officially launches the pre-order for his upcoming album Middle of Somewhere, arriving September 26 via The Orchard, with the release of his brand-new single “Obvious” out today.

“Obvious” delivers Hayden’s signature melodic energy, setting the stage for his most complete body of work yet. The single follows the success of recent drops like “NoseBleeds” (with honestav), which has surpassed 1.65M streams worldwide, and “2AM Somewhere” (with charlieonnafriday), now at over 6.2M streams. Together, the tracks highlight Hayden’s momentum leading into Middle of Somewhere.

With over a billion career streams to date and a fanbase that stretches from Modesto to Tokyo, Hayden steps confidently into a new era with Middle of Somewhere. The 12-track project captures his evolution, balancing the raw energy that first put him on the map with a more polished, emotionally driven sound that reflects where he’s headed.

Speaking on the release, Hayden says, “When ‘Obvious’ came on during a playback session, everyone in the room gravitated toward it. Every time I play it for someone new, it’s always the track they bring up first. It just has that energy.”

“Obvious” is available now on all platforms. Middle of Somewhere arrives September 26.

19. ODUMODUBLVCK & Stormzy ft. Zlatan – PAY ME

Gaining traction across the globe, Nigerian rap trailblazer ODUMODUBLVCK tags in UK MC Stormzy and fellow Nigerian rapper Zlatan for a blockbuster brand new single and music video entitled “Pay Me” out now. The first single of the highly anticipated album INDUSTRY MACHINE.

The track hinges on a silky and slick beat propelled by head-nodding drums and airy keyboard loops. ODUMODUBLVCK confidently balances an effortless and engaging flow with the confident and chantable chorus, “Pay me my money.” Stormzy and Zlatan boss up on the same level, passing punchy bars back-and-forth. Helmed by director This Was Needed, the accompanying visual embodies this spirit. In the clip, the all-star trio pulls off a robbery like you’ve never seen! It’s equally hilarious, hard-hitting and hypnotic.
 
“Pay Me” lands in the wake of “Pity This Boy” featuring Victony. The latter has surged with over 39.9 million Spotify streams and 1.9 million YouTube views on the music video. Right out of the gate, it picked up plugs from New Wave Magazine and GRUNGECAKE who christened it “an incredibly smooth danceable track.” OKAYAFRICA touted it among “Best African Songs of 2025 so Far,” professing, “‘PITY THIS BOY’ achieves stellar social commentary in that regard, vibing with the newly realized demand on his finances while asking to be pitied.” Mixtape Madness raved, “ODUMODUBLVCK continues his meteoric rise with this track, blending Afro-fusion and hip-hop effortlessly. The song delivers catchy rhythms, melodic hooks, and introspective lyrics, showcasing the unique styles of both artists.”
 
 “Pity This Boy” peaked at No. 2 on the UK Official Afrobeats Chart and features on his new mixtape The Machine Is Coming, which debuted at No. 1 in Nigeria and climbed to No. 6 on the UK Hip-Hop Top Albums Chart on Apple Music.

ODUMODUBVLCK closed out last year with a string of high-profile international collaborations, appearing on Pa Salieu’s “Big Smile (Pose for Me),” Tobe Nwigwe’s “Can You Imagine” (alongside Jay Electronica and BJ the Chicago Kid), and Afrobeat superstar Davido’s “Funds.” These followed earlier 2024 collabs, including “100 Million” (feat. Tiwa Savage), Rema’s “WAR MACHINE,” and Headie One’s “Purposeful.”

Beyond the studio, ODUMODUBVLCK shut down debut nationwide tours across the US, UK, and Canada, collaborated with Slawn, Soldier Boyfriend, and Ciesay (Places+Faces), and delivered high-energy performances at Skepta’s Big SmokeFestival, Afro Nation Portugal, Germany’s Splash! Festival, and Burna Boy’s historic London Stadium show.

20. RAAHiiM ft. BEAM – WiiCKEDEST

Rising R&B soul artist RAAHiiM releases his new single “WiiCKEDEST,” featuring GRAMMY Award-winning Jamaican rapper BEAM, today, via MNRK Music Group. Written by RAAHiiM and BEAM and produced by Supa Dups and Jordon Manswell, “WiiCKEDEST,” is a laid-back, reggae-tinged track that blends soulful melodies with dancehall rhythm and warmth, channeling RAAHiiM’s Jamaican heritage and long family legacy of artists and DJs, while building on the emotional depth that has defined his sound.

Featured on the track is BEAM, celebrated for his ability to fuse trap, dancehall, reggae, and hip-hop, with collaborations alongside some of the biggest names in music, including Justin Bieber, 21 Savage, and Beyoncé. His sharp lyricism, genre-blending style, and GRAMMY win bring an added layer of depth and energy to “WiiCKEDEST,” making the single a standout moment for both artists.

With “WiiCKEDEST,” RAAHiiM and BEAM invite listeners into a warm, reflective moment that honors cultural identity and personal growth, wrapped in an irresistible, smooth reggae vibe.

“WiiCKEDEST” arrives as the follow-up to his vulnerable fan-favorite “Falling Off” featuring Bay Swag, and signals a fiery, confident new chapter for the rising star. It’s a celebration track made for movement, equal parts party starter and cultural homage.

RAAHiiM just wrapped a successful run as the opening act on Jessie Reyez’s “Paid in Memories Tour,” performing to sold-out crowds across the U.S. this summer.  He will resume the second leg of the tour in Canada starting in November. 

RAAHiiM is one of the most exciting voices emerging in modern R&B, known for blending soulful melodies with global influences that push genre boundaries. Recognized for his breakout hit “Peak (Fed Up),” which has earned over 50 million streams and a catalog surpassing 100 million streams, RAAHiiM’s ascent has been powered by his mix of heartfelt songwriting and a fresh, global-minded sound. His critically acclaimed LP BUT IF iiM HONEST, featuring production from Nineteen85 and Yogi the Producer, charted on Apple Music’s Top 200 R&B Albums in both the U.S. and Canada. In addition to his solo work, RAAHiiM has contributed to hits for major artists including Drake and DVSN, cementing himself as a sought-after songwriter and performer.

21. Toian – Freak

Rising Reggae R&B sensation Toian, proudly part of Grammy Award-winning producer Hitmaka’s MakaSound/MNRK Music Group roster, is turning heads and tuning ears with her latest single, “Freak.” This sizzling track reinvents the iconic ‘90s dancehall hit “Freaks” by Little Vicious, delivering a fresh, modern twist that effortlessly blends classic reggae rhythms with smooth R&B melodies.

With her velvet-smooth vocals layered over hypnotic riddims and sleek production, Toian brings a powerful, feminine vibe to this timeless anthem — making it feel brand new yet instantly familiar. The single perfectly captures the laid-back island spirit while injecting a seductive energy that’s impossible to resist.

“Freak” is a celebration of confidence, freedom, and owning your unique style, making it the perfect soundtrack for summer nights, dance floors, and viral social media moments alike. With its infectious groove and catchy chorus, this track is designed to dominate playlists and radios everywhere.

22. Offset – KIARI

Today, GRAMMY® Award-nominated, multi-platinum superstar Offset releases his highly anticipated third solo album, KIARI, out now on Motown Records. With his birth name as its title, the 18-song set finds the Atlanta icon at the top of his game, as open and vulnerable as ever, flexing and reflecting on his journey thus far over immersive production fit for an arena. Befitting his status as a culture-moving force, Offset is joined by an incredible array of guest artists bringing their A-game, including JID, Gunna, YoungBoy Never Broke Again, John Legend, Ty Dolla $ign, Key Glock, YFN Lucci, and Teezo Touchdown. Listen to KIARI HERE. KIARI explores the different sides of Offset and shows his diversity as an artist that’s able to seamlessly weave between records for the club and thought-provoking introspective cuts from his life.

“KIARI is me. I challenged myself as an artist and really put it all into the music. I took my time putting this project together,” said Offset, “I know who I am, and I hope the world gets to understand who KIARI is through this album.”

Alongside the album, Offset dropped the music video for “Never Let Go” with John Legend. KIARI also includes the new track “Different Species” with Gunna. This continues the Atlanta duo’s celebrated history of collaboration — see Offset’s “Style Rare” and Gunna’s “prada dem.” “Different Species” is a lush cut about sharing the good life with someone special. With aqueous tones, finger-picked guitar, and skittering drums, “Different Species” feels like a fantasy unfolding as Offset describes the object of his affection.

Ahead of KIARI, Offset unveiled a mind-bending cinematic trailer of a therapy session alluding to the different sides of KIARI that make the artist Offset. The trailer and the upcoming videos to be released for each track are directed by SheShe Pendleton and Mikey Rare. Earlier this week, Offset hosted an intimate yet wild Boiler Room party previewing KIARI tracks at New York hotspot Jean’s for his fans and had Key Glock and Fanum in attendance.

KIARI sounds as luxe as Offset’s lifestyle thanks to majestic production from the Honorable C.N.O.T.E., London on da Track, London Jae, Fridayy, FNZ, Oz, and BoogzDaBeast, among others. With orchestral flourishes, mood-setting melodies, unexpected instrumentation, and distinctive samples ranging from Nina Simone to INOJ to Drowning Pool, the beats are big enough to support his dynamic bars — the vision of a man, father, and son, who came from nothing, walked through fire, and isn’t wasting another moment of the life he’s made for himself.

Offset announced KIARI earlier this month with a raucous Times Square takeover where doppelgangers dressed in suits re-created one of the album’s artwork variants. The new era was kicked off with the scorching lead single “Bodies” featuring JID, which debuted on the Billboard Hot 100, became the #1 added song at Urban Radio, and racked up universal praise — including from The Source (“a bold summer return”), BET (“smash single”), UPROXX (“Offset and J.I.D. go hard”), HotNewHipHop (“urgent, reflective, and necessary”), and Complex, who ranked J.I.D.’s verse the sixth best of the year. Vibe called the cut — which samples Drowning Pool’s “Bodies” — an “earth-shattering lyrical clinic [where Offset] brought his hard-nosed, aggressive flow, which matches the 808s and drums, and fellow ATLien J.I.D. dropped one of his best guest verses ever.” Offset and JID have since sat down with Variety, Genius, and AP News to explain the record’s origin stemming from recording it in China.

Along with dropping KIARI’s second single “Professional” — a celebratory post-trap anthem that came with a high-class video filmed at the exclusive celebrity-filled New York eatery Lucien — Offset’s been making waves elsewhere too. He’s discussed the new album and more in recent appearances on Apple Music 1’s The Ebro Show, 7PM in Brooklyn with Carmelo Anthony, and The Shop among other platforms. He also made a triumphant return to Hot Ones, featured on the premiere episode of Complex’s “Interview with a Magician,” and stole the show at Milwaukee’s Summerfest in late June when he brought a fan onstage for an unforgettable performance of Migos hit “Walk It Talk It” — watch HERE.

With KIARI now out in the world, watch closely as Offset continues to build his larger-than-life legacy.

23. UMI – people stories

Ascendant young R&B star UMI has released a new single and music video “RIGHT WRONG,” the focus track from her new album people stories, out on EPIC today. UMI does what she does best on “RIGHT WRONG”: delivering smooth, velvety vocals with an elegant and understated sensuality. Her gift for drawing listeners in with atmospheric restraint is on full display. The swooning love song is accompanied by a nostalgia-inducing music video reminiscent of the 2000s MTV era.

“This song was freestyle written about a conversation between me and my higher self inspired by my mom,” says UMI about “RIGHT WRONG.” “My mom has taught me how to hear my inner voice by teaching me that there is no right or wrong in life – rather there is what feels good and what doesn’t. When I feel lost on my path I ask my mom for guidance. She guides me without judgement the same way my inner voice does for me when I’m alone. This song is like a conversation between me and her – as she teaches me how to trust myself. “RIGHT WRONG” is a reminder to follow the heart & to lean on those you love.”

Inspired by the stories of fans and loved ones, people stories explores the depth of the human experience and the surprising inner connectedness of our life stories. On the album, UMI’s debut project on Epic Records, she sings about ego, healing, identity, and connection—all filtered through her signature tranquil songwriting and seamless ability to weave across genres like soul, R&B, folk, and pop.

people stories is UMI’s most personal and expansive to date, showcasing an even wider range of soundscapes and feelings. Along with outros from her therapist during the writing process, the songs weave narratives together and the album’s recorded-as-live performances pay tribute to life’s beautiful messiness.

“I wanted to be the storyteller, the vessel to express everyone’s stories,” UMI says of crafting the record. “We all live very similar lives, same colors, slightly different hues. I find that to be very comforting. While writing this album, I found myself in every story I was expressing. I was reminded of how colorful the human experience is. For me, learning to accept even the darkest colors of life was deeply healing and possible through relating to others.”

With people stories, UMI reminds us that our experiences—no matter how specific, tender, or difficult—are never just ours alone. Each story she tells, each emotion she unearths, becomes a mirror in which others can see themselves. By laying bare her own vulnerability, she creates space, not just for herself, but for anyone who’s ever felt unseen or unheard. It’s in this honesty, this refusal to hide the messiness of being human, that UMI offers something rare: the reassurance that we are not alone in what we carry, and that through shared stories, even the most fragmented parts of us can begin to feel whole.

24. Khamari – To Dry a Tear

Today, R&B sensation and multi-instrumentalist Khamari released his highly anticipated sophomore album, To Dry A Tear. Khamari’s latest project arrives following his highly-praised, heartfelt singles released this summer via Encore Recordings.

With more than two years in the making, To Dry A Tear finds Khamari navigating themes of grief, hope, love, and self-discovery with a sharpened pen and an expanded sonic palette. Across eleven soulful tracks, he threads together delicate piano arrangements, raw guitar riffs, lush strings, and hypnotic percussion, with each production choice serving the emotional core of the song. From the smoky intimacy of “I Love Lucy” to the crescendo of “Apollo Eighteen,” the album unfolds like a diary of late-night reflections and early-morning realizations.

Fully produced by Khamari himself, the rising R&B star approached this record with an almost cinematic mindset, crafting scenes within each song. When speaking about the creative processes of the album, Khamari says, “To Dry a Tear is an evolution of my storytelling and musicality since A Brief Nirvana. In my last two projects I was searching for something, but in this project, I allowed myself to sit in the discomfort and build something more narrative driven.” 

As the sole voice on the project, Khamari’s To Dry A Tear portrays his authenticity and delivers his distinct, unbroken perspective. The result is a cohesive body of work that invites listeners into Khamari’s inner world, offering an intimate connection through his sonic landscape. “Every song is a vignette of the last two years of my life,” Khamari says. “From ‘I Love Lucy’ to ‘Lord, Forgive Me’ to ‘Euphoria’, I tried to take the things that inspired me and dug deeper until I found the truth in them.”

Rather than simply meeting the expectations set by his debut album A Brief Nirvana in 2023, Khamari uses To Dry A Tear to broaden his vision and refine his voice. The album bridges the timeless warmth of classic R&B and soul with the restless experimentation of modern alternative music, all anchored by his unique voice and heartfelt lyricism. The result is a body of work that feels both deeply personal and universally resonant, solidifying Khamari’s position as one of today’s most exciting and emotionally honest artists.

25. Ron E & Honey Bxby ft. Bay Swag – Just Us

Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter Ron E is back with “Just Us,” a hip-hop soul track that hits like a late-night walk through the city—gritty, smooth, and full of heart. Produced by Grammy Award-winning producer Hitmaka and dropping via MakaSound/MNRK Music Group, the single captures the essence of New York love, weaving through boroughs, bridges, and tolls with undeniable swagger. 

Joining Ron are tri-state standouts Honey Bxby and Bay Swag, bringing their heat to this sultry anthem that blends old-school vibes with a fresh, modern edge. It’s a song for the real ones, the couples holding it down through the hustle and grind, where it’s just love, just loyalty, just “Just Us.” The song creatively samples Isaac Hayes’ classic “Make a Little Love to Me,” familiar to most ’90s R&B lovers from Faith Evans’ iconic “I Love You.”

“Just Us” will be on Ron’s upcoming project, slated for release this fall.

Ron E is not only making waves as a performer but also as a Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter whose pen game continues to turn heads in the industry. Fresh off winning his first Grammy for his work on Chris Brown’s acclaimed 11:11 (Deluxe) album, Ron’s songwriting is also showcased on Bryson Tiller’s new album, The Vices, with the standout track “Last Call.” As Billboard describes, the song “balances manipulative inclinations with a genuine need for love,” boasting “the strongest chorus on the album” and “emotional depth beyond the simplicity of a final booty call.” Known for crafting hits for Bow Wow, Tink, Summer Walker, and more, Ron has mastered the art of blending vulnerability with swagger, a signature style that’s fueling his undeniable talent. With “Just Us,” he’s proving he’s only getting started.

26. Daniel Caesar – Call On Me

Daniel Caesar announces his new album Son Of Spergy will be released on October 24th via Republic Records. Alongside the announcement, Daniel shares “Call On Me” as the second offering from the forthcoming LP. Closely following his previously released single “Have A Baby (With Me),” this latest single sees the Grammy Award-winning artist pick up the tempo, incorporating vocals that point to his Jamaican heritage and lyrics that invoke the album’s religious references. 
 
His first project since 2023, Son Of Spergy was first teased with a video letter shared on socials and further discussed in Daniel’s Billboard cover story. In conversation with Tyler, The Creator, the two discuss Daniel’s career to date, their creative relationship (especially as it pertains to Daniel’s work across Tyler’s 2024 album CHROMAKOPIA), what fans can expect from Son Of Spergy, and more.
 
Ahead of the album’s formal announcement, he joined forces with close friend and collaborator Rex Orange County for a special two-track bundle, Rearrange My World / There’s A Field (That’s Only Yours). More recently, Daniel was featured on “The Field,” from Blood Orange’s forthcoming album Essex Honey, alongside Caroline Polachek, Tariq Al-Sabir, and The Durutti Column, and contributed songwriting, backing vocals, and production to “DEVOTION” featuring Dijon on Justin Bieber’s critically acclaimed new album, SWAG.
 
Pre-save/order Son Of Spergy and listen to “Call On Me” above and stay tuned for more from Daniel Caesar coming soon.

27. MexikoDro – Height

On the fast track towards an impactful breakthrough, Platinum-certified Atlanta producer, “plugg” pioneer, rapper, and artist MexikoDro releases his newest song “Height” out now. Listen HERE.
 
True to his reputation for unfiltered honesty and grounded storytelling, MexikoDro cuts straight to the core on “Height.” Opening lines like, “Record label called my phone saying they trying to take me far. Told my lil n***, I ain’t trying to be no star. I like to chill sometimes I hit the bar. I feel peace when I’m working on my car,” set the tone for a track rooted in everyday realism rather than rap clichés. Already inspiring over 20,000 TikTok creates, the song resonates with fans drawn to his refusal to trade authenticity for flexing—making his perspective feel both refreshing and relatable.
 
“Height” follows the release of “MARTA,” a song and video which channels the Golden Age of Atlanta trap with its vintage production anchored by thick 808s and a venomous bass line. Against this backdrop, he gets reflective as he throws it back to his days riding public transit—“MARTA” in Atlanta for those unfamiliar. He recalls, “Had to go harder ‘cause I ain’t tryna fuck around and be back on no Marta.” Upon its release, Pitchfork highlighted it as “the follow-up to his hype-stirring single ‘No Date,’” while artists like Yeat and Tyler, The Creator joined a growing wave of co-signs for his sound.
 
MexikoDro has already surged throughout the culture as an influential producer, cooking up tracks for everyone from Drake to Playboi Carti and Kodak Black. Along the way, he quietly unveiled his solo music, picking up the mic and introducing another side of his artistry. This March, he reached critical mass when he unleashed the rapidly rising banger “No Date.” It has already gathered north of 7 million Spotify streams and counting and climbed into the Top 10 on the US Shazam Chart. Not to mention, Lil Yachty shared a video of himself rapping to the song. Plus, he has claimed real estate on coveted playlists such as Spotify’s “Most Necessary,” “No Cap,” “Out The Mud,” and “Fresh Finds: Hip Hop,” to name a few.
 
Pitchfork gave a gleaming review of “No Date” stating, ““No Date,” produced by BapeBrazy, has been one of the breakout Atlanta underground rap songs of the year because MexikoDro feels like a throwback to a kind of heart-on-his-sleeve, blue-collar rapper who’s harder to come by in the performative internet era.”
 
It’s just the beginning though. He’s got a signature raspy flow and relatable lyrics about real life that proves just as unforgettable as his inventive production.
 
Stay tuned for his next single and more news very soon.
 
MexikoDro has arrived.

28. Dominic Fike – Rocket

Today, Dominic Fike returns from a personal hiatus with a new mixtape Rocket via Columbia Records. On the 12-track mixtape we find Fike as deeply personal as ever, reflecting on recent life events while showing personal growth and maturity.

Fike continues to find beauty in harrowing-but-tender emotional bloodletting. His own fusion of hip-hop and sun-damaged rock has captivated audiences around the world for his honesty and matter-of-fact lyrics. Rocket includes highlights like “Great Pretender,” which channels the mixtape’s trend of diaristic and forthright lyricism. Set to pulsating percussion and a woozy baseline, Dominic paints a vivid story of false pretenses.

Leading up to the release of Rocket, Dominic teased the mixtape with singles, “All Hands On Deck”, “Aftermath” and “Smile.” Again fusing his signature sonic palette, these songs are warm and confessional, with lyrics that capture where Fike is right now. He also shared a video for “All Hands on Deck,”an intimate performance with his son, shot live at main stage, Lollapalooza, and a traditional music video for “Aftermath/Smile” that captures him navigating a minefield. 

In addition to his solo work and festival performances, Fike recently put out music with friend and collaborator, Kevin Abstract, under the name Geezer. Watch the music video for their brilliant self-titled track “Geezer” HERE. 

Watch this space for more to come from Dominic Fike in 2025.

29. Bun B & Cory Mo ft. Monaleo & Scotty ATL – I Can't Lie

Houston rap legend Bun B is back with “I Can’t Lie” featuring Scotty ATL and Houston it-girl Monaleo, produced by Cory Mo and Ray Murray. The slow-rolling track bridges three generations of Southern hip hop, with Bun reflecting on family, perseverance, and staying true to the grind, Scotty ATL delivering a smooth hook, and Monaleo closing out the track with a raw verse repping her city and reflecting on her come up. The video captures Houston culture, from lowriders to gold grills, flashing through Bun B’s live performances and studio sessions with Monaleo as he champions Southern legacy. Shoutout to Dutch Masters for supporting CountryRapTunes.com.

30. OMB Peezy – Magic

OMB Peezy channels his inner Destiny’s Child on “Magic,” putting his own spin on the classic “Cater 2 U” while struggling to choose between his girl or the streets. The video finds Peezy at Atlanta’s iconic Magic City strip club, throwing money as he melodically questions whether women want to show him genuine or just want his lifestyle. “Magic” is Peezy’s newest single since the recent “Fall Down” ft. Kocky Ka and will appear on his upcoming project Diary Of a Crashout dropping August 29th, with additional features from Anycia and YFN Lucci.

31. Kairo Keyz – New Jazz

South London rapper Kairo Keyz shares his new EP New Jazz, marking a bold new chapter in his rising career. Known for his tumbling flows, sharp hooks, and eclectic beats, Kairo taps into the experimental trap subgenre “new jazz,” layering wonky melodies with his signature energy. Tracks like “Aura,” “How It Feels,” and the title track “New Jazz” showcase his range, from flex-heavy anthems to introspective vibes. The video for “New Jazz” brings the project to life, capturing Kairo turning up with fans at a New Jazz pop-up in London, recording new music in a luxe waterfront penthouse, and running through the London streets with his crew. 

32. FBLMANNY – Kool-Aid Jammerz

Atlanta’s own FBLMANNY returns with his new single “Kool-Aid Jammerz.” Over a bouncy, bass-heavy trap beat, an ethereal plucked melody weaves through, giving the track a hypnotic, unforgettable edge courtesy of producer Enzo Da$h. Manny delivers witty, hard-hitting bars comparing himself to infamous drug lords, warning his opps, and reminding his crew to move smart. The track follows his recent project AIRPLANE MODE, collab project OverKrash with OMB Peezy and recent co-signs from heavy hitters like Rio Da Yung Og.

33. Jdot Breezy – My Return (Deluxe)

Jacksonville, Florida riser Jdot Breezy drops My Return (Deluxe), a gritty, confident project that fuses boom-bap nostalgia with his signature hard-hitting drill delivery, now with three new tracks: “Polar,” “Capers, Killers, Waiters,” and “Harley Clan.” In the new video for standout track “Timmy Turner,” Jdot mobs in an abandoned warehouse as he compares his street magic to Fairly Odd Parents character Timmy Turner’s godparents, Cosmo and Wanda. He pushes the genre forward throughout the project through his sharp storytelling and streetwise presence. Following his first RIAA Gold plaque for “Shoot It Out,” My Return (Deluxe) further cements Jdot as one of Southern rap’s most promising artists to watch.

34. Kee Nola – JEZEBEL

Kee Nola bridges the gap between melodic rap and hard-charging rock music with his emotional sensibility and expressive tenor. Pouring his heart out on his latest hybrid anthem, the New Orleans native shares “JEZEBEL,” his new single and music video. Sailing atop chugging alt rock guitars and thumping trap percussion, Kee directly confronts the woman who broke his heart, confessing his suicidal thoughts, even as he welcomes the pain. “JEZEBEL” is the first step on the road to a new EP by Kee Nola, which will arrive this fall via EUROVZN / NEWWRLD.

Kee Nola is breaking out in a big way this year, on the heels of the viral “Party Girl.” Released early this year, “Party Girl” has become one of the year’s buzziest underground hits, generating over 21 million streams to date, including 3 million on its YouTube video. “Party Girl” can be found on PARTYLAND, Kee’s latest mixtape, released in April, along with other buzzing singles like “NEXT BESTFRIEND” and “Late To The Party.” Spanning 11 tracks, the mixtape is a collection of anthems for parties and the moments that come after, dripping with regret and heartbreak, yet radiating a defiant will to power through life’s hardships. Kee has kept busy with rock-tinged singles like “At The Top,””Can’t Get Enough” and “Problematic,” and has recently sat for interviews with Okayplayer and Mundane Mag.

Earlier this summer, Kee Nola completed the “Welcome To Partyland Tour,” his first-ever headlining tour, with support from Kinfolk Jon. The “Welcome To Partyland” kicked off in Los Angeles on July 29th, passing through major markets like Atlanta before concluding on August 17th in Brooklyn at popular venue Baby’s All Right. 

With PARTYLAND out now and a new EP on the way, Kee Nola is preparing to hit the mainstream. Stay tuned for much more from the versatile artist very soon.

35. Casablanca the Gawd & Cotola – Sip Tea in the Trap

Casablanca the Gawd and Montreal-based producer Cotola present their collaborative EP Sip Tea in the Trap, a cinematic body of work blending razor-sharp lyricism with film-score-inspired production. The 5-track EP offers a raw, unapologetic take on street storytelling, proving that “Grown Man Music” can be both visceral and elevated. Each track unfolds like a scene, with Casablanca’s pen slicing through Cotola’s dark, immersive soundscapes. Stream Here.

Alongside the EP, they dropped a pulsing visual for “A Selfish Prayer,” the gripping opener that showcases their precision as stickup kids ready to loot your ears. The video picks up where Cas left off with “Larceny,” the official lead single from Sip Tea in the Trap. Praised for its commanding presence, the visual caught the attention of respected hip-hop outlets such as Montreal’s Magazine Hip-Hop, which noted, “Larceny immediately sets the tone.”

“Larceny” is just one of the five tracks delivering a punch strong enough to shake your eardrums. On “Grinder 120,” Cotola transforms a haunting sample into a bass-heavy wake-up call, while Cas demonstrates his lyrical prowess, rapping “astronaut position, ain’t no competition.” From the introspective “Opposite Snitching” to the relentless energy of “Run Wit Me,” Sip Tea in the Trap cements Casablanca the Gawd as a street poet operating on a higher plane. Together, Cas and Cotola prove that hip-hop can still be dangerous, cinematic, and purposeful. Recent interviews with The Fleet Magazine and iHeartRadio’s DJ Mad Max have only heightened anticipation, reinforcing Cas’s potential as the next force in underground hip-hop.

Cas also earned national recognition with his single “Readings on the Wall,” featuring Che Noir and produced by sought-after beatmaker V Don. The track was hailed as a “certified Rosenberg banger” on Hot 97’s Real Late and highlighted in VIBE’s New Music Friday alongside heavyweights like Key Glock, Kid Cudi, and Playboi Carti.

36. J.P. – Took A Turn

37. Danny Towers – Sinners Club

Danny Towers, the Florida rap mainstay, has united with Latin Grammy-winning trap star Eladio Carrión for Sinners Club, his new EP, executive-produced by Carrión. Resulting from a growing friendship and artistic kinship between Danny and Eladio, which started with their first collaboration in 2018 and has continued with many collaborations since, Sinners Club is the first Danny Towers project to predominantly feature lyrics in Spanish, the language of his heritage. The Puerto Rico-born, Orlando-raised rapper is a natural in his native tongue, stacking flex after flex over high-octane trap instrumentals, and experimenting with melody in his sonorous baritone. 

Sinners Club is home to the recent single “ASAP,” featuring Eladio Carrión and Midnvght, who each make two guest appearances on the 8-track EP. The new single earned coverage in VIBE, iHeartRadio, ReggaetonTV, and more. The affair kicks off with “Foreign,” a bilingual banger that sets the tone, proving that Danny doesn’t just dabble in Spanish, but is a true student of Latin trap. Other highlights include the minor-key relationship ballad “Rosita,” featuring a Spanglish verse from Brooklyn-born Latin trap riser NTG and a standout turn from Dominican singer Amenazzy, and “Satoshi,” a dreamlike collab with Midnvght. Sinners Club is available on all platforms via TC Music LLC / EMPIRE / Rimas Ent. 

Along with the EP, Danny shares the music video for “Crush,” an upbeat highlight from the album. Combining swelling synths and walking bass with tropical-flavored trap percussion, “Crush” is a radio-ready soundtrack to the sweltering Florida late-summer, as Danny shows off his melodic mastery before moving aside and letting Eladio talk his smack.

On August 27th, Danny Towers joins Eladio Carrion on his “DON KBRN Tour,” which spans 34 dates, with the first leg touring across the United States and the second leg hitting major markets in Central and South America. Tickets for the “DON KBRN Tour” are available now HERE

Danny Towers’ union with Eladio Carrion signals a new era for the rapper, whose most recently-released project was 2023’s Safe House, a full-length collaboration with DJ Scheme. Safe House was home to “Florida Water,” ft. Luh Tyler & Ski Mask The Slump God, which became a runaway viral hit, topping the TikTok Top 50 chart for multiple weeks, generating over 130k creates, and over 120 million streams. In 2024, Danny kept the momentum going with singles like “Hop In The V!,” and powerhouse collabs with the likes of BossMan Dlow and Tony Shhnow. A fixture in the Florida underground since the SoundCloud era, Danny Towers has earned a Platinum plaque for 2020’s “E-ER” and a Gold plaque for 2019’s “How You Feel,” each created in collaboration with Lil Yachty, DJ Scheme, and Ski Mask The Slump God.

With Sinners Club out now and his placement on Eladio’s tour coming up fast, Danny Towers is ready to make his biggest splash yet. Stay tuned. 

38. HaSizzle – Getcha Sum Culture

HaSizzle, the self-proclaimed “King of Bounce” from New Orleans, is back with his latest high-energy single, “Getcha Sum Culture”, a track available to stream HERE via Roc Nation Distribution.  

As part of the release, he also announced his upcoming project Brass and Ass now available for pre-order HERE. This high-octane, culture-rich ride through the streets of New Orleans where bounce meets live brass, turning everything all the way up.  

“Getcha Sum Culture” showcases HaSizzle’s signature bounce style, blending infectious hooks with call-and-response chants that demand movement. The track’s hook — “Everybody get you some — get, get you some” — becomes an instant anthem from booty-bopping verses to a club ready breakdown that will have fans moving from start to finish. This song is a lead up as an intro to the live brass band sound he’s ushering in on the new project. 

HaSizzle is also taking his music on the road, performing on the DTLR HBCU Tour, including stops at Florida A&M University in Tallahassee, FL, Alabama A&M University, and more campuses nationwide, bringing his signature energy directly to students and fans.  

With hits like “Bounce It Biggity Bounce It”, “She Rode That D*ck Like a Soulja,” and “Getcha Sum”, he has collaborated with top-tier artists including Drake, Lil Wayne, 2 Chainz, City Girls, Sexyy Red, DVSN, PJ Morton, to name a few, solidifying his status as one of Louisiana’s most electrifying artists.  

39. Flo Milli ft. Coop – Perfect Person

Today, Alabama’s princess of rap Flo Milli drops her new single “Perfect Person” featuring coop via RCA Records — click here to listen. Sampling the iconic song “The Reason” by Hoobastank, Flo and coop give a fresh new vibe to the renowned track with upbeat production and fiery bars. This new single follows the release of Flo’s single “Gripper” featuring T-Pain  (click here to listen) back in April, which sampled Pain’s iconic hit “I’m N Luv (Wit A Stripper),” and recent festival performances including Wiscansin Fest. 

Previously, Flo dropped her track “Wet Dreams” featuring coop & G G  (listen here) along with a LEFF-directed official video – watch the video here. Flo’s most recent album Fine Ho, Stay, was the third release from her trilogy – 2022’s You Still Here Ho? and 2020’s Ho, Why Is You Here?. The 14-track album Fine Ho, Stay, saw Flo Milli branching out – fusing more R&B and pop sounds while staying true to her roots with hard-hitting bars throughout. The album included her hit Platinum single “Never Lose Me” as well as a remix of the song featuring SZA & Cardi B – listen HERE. Overall, Flo’s garnered over 2 billion streams worldwide across all platforms since her career started in 2019.

2024 was a huge year for Flo as her original version of “Never Lose Me” blew up, reaching Platinum status and peaking the #15 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and #1 on Billboard’s TikTok Top 50. The track debuted at #22 on Billboard’s Hot Rap Songs and #26 on Hot R&B/Hip Hop Songs. It also earned her first top 10 on Billboard’s Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and at its peak the song had 300M views a day on TikTok, with 388k creations in its first 2 days on the platform. Notably, the song was added to Spotify’s coveted playlists Today’s Top Hits, Rap Caviar and more. Flo made her late-night debut in January performing “Never Lose Me” on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. She also had an outstanding NPR Tiny Desk performance that went live last June to give Black women in music their flowers in honor of Black Music Month.

40. Nettspend – gone too soon

Today, 18-year-old rap phenom Nettspend drops the surprise two-song pack gone too soon, featuring the gleefully chaotic new single “stressed” and the noisy slapper “her friends” — genre-blurring tracks that feel tailor-made to turn the party into a mosh pit. Listen HERE and watch the wild, New York-shot video for “stressed” HERE. (Once it’s live later today).

Though Nettspend’s last official drop was the grimy xaviersobased team-up “Impact” — a victory lap of a single that arrived on March 18, his birthday — he’s been teasing new music on multiple fronts: debuting songs on his recent EU/UK tour, leaking his own tracks on SoundCloud (“forever”) and YouTube (“HOPSCOTCH”), and launching a game on his website seemingly dubbed early life crisis. where fans can play to unlock unreleased audio and unseen footage.

Gone too soon will only feed his intense fandom’s fervor. Produced by GOLDIN and RiotUSA (Ice Spice, Central Cee), “stressed” rips out of the gate with Nettspend letting loose a slurry falsetto over a tense soundscape of busy trap drums, whirring tones, and guttural adlibs: “My lil’ bro stressed, I got some s— to get off my chest.” A teaser shared on X has already racked up 2.5 million views, while various versions of the song have amassed 25+ million views on TikTok.

Meanwhile, “her friends” plays like the lead track’s slightly less evil twin as Nettspend goes “on the hunt for bliss” between waves of buoyant bass and shout-along chants. The song, which is produced by ss3bby (PlaqueBoyMax, OsamaSon), feels ready for crowded clubs and late-night drives thanks in part to a heavily damaged sample of Dej Loaf’s suave 2015 hit “Back Up.”

The dust still hasn’t settled on Nettspend’s debut mixtape, BAD ASS F*CKING KID, which kicked off a headline-making streak for the Virginia-bred artist. Since then, he’s launched more than one rowdy North American tour; made his runway debut with Prada’s sister label Miu Miu at Paris Fashion Week; stepped out of a star-spangled limo directly into a riotous Rolling Loud California set; and arrived by helicopter to his 18th birthday party in a 17th floor penthouse.

GQ marked Nettspend’s coming-of-age with a lengthy profile that placed the young man in the center of a whirlwind of A-list activity and noted — as a positive — that, “Every generation makes music that their parents just don’t understand, but Nett’s music seems custom-designed to irritate and alienate anyone over, say, 19.” They also had him back for a 10 Essentials video.

Meanwhile, HIGHSNOBIETY attended the polarizing artist’s birthday spectacular in Los Angeles, following with both a fashion piece about Nettspend’s trendsetting fans and a rapturous on-the-ground report that declared: “Nett without a doubt has an obvious allure both musically and aesthetically. If you’re unfamiliar, picture Kurt Cobain’s hair, Justin Bieber’s boyish charm, and Lil Peep’s infamous slurring sad boy swagger. Whatever Nett’s formula is, it’s working.”

Earlier this year, Nettspend wrapped his headlining INVERT TOUR, which lit up mosh pits in major cities across North America. His New York City stop inspired an i-D photoshoot of his famously devoted followers, complete with footage of the surging crowd. Complex highlighted an onstage appearance by Pinkpantheress in L.A. and also interviewed kids LIVE FROM THE PIT in NYC. And MTV vet John Norris spoke with Nettspend backstage for Interview Magazine.

With energizing singles like “Shut Up” and “Tommy,” 2024’s BAD ASS F*CKING KID led Pitchfork’s “Albums You Should Listen to Now,” picked up love from Stereogum, and won a rave review from The FADER, who wrote, “Nettspend’s strongest traits are on clear display here: an ear for beats that can keep up with his manic flows, a melodic instinct that can suffuse even the most trite one-liners with moody pathos, and odd turns of phrase that poeticize boilerplate images and ideas […] He sounds tortured and ambitious and ecstatic and delirious all at once.”

Ranked among “the vanguard of underground rap” (Rolling Stone), Nettspend has been building a cult-like following since he was 16 years old. Working with a who’s who of internet rap — producers including Kenny Beats, EvilGiane, and OK; artists like OsamaSon; and kingmakers like Cole Bennett, who directed the video for October’s “F*CK SWAG” — he’s quickly emerging as an unpredictable generational force. Watch closely as Nettspend continues his wild rise.

41. Lecrae – Reconstruction

Lecrae is reconstructing his faith after a period of deconstruction with the official release of his tenth solo LP, and first full-length project in three years – Reconstruction. Listen HERE. Spanning 19 tracks, the highly anticipated LP includes features from T.I., Killer Mike, Jon Bellion, Fridayy, and respected voices from the faith-based community such as Madison Ryann Ward, Torey D’Shaun, Jackie Hill Perry, Propaganda, MEEZO!, Aklesso, and Hollyn. 

Reconstruction crystallizes the sound Lecrae has been honing across his prolific discography over the past two decades. In a conversation with Charlamagne tha God on Power 105.1’s The Breakfast Club earlier this month, Lecrae spoke about the meaning of Reconstruction as a transformative journey, and how he’s managed to stay grounded in his faith by rebuilding on the spiritual foundation of obedience to Christ. See HERE. 

Often lauded for his transparent takes on religion, and the roles he serves both professionally and personally, Lecrae steps into the next chapter of his career as an essential voice in hip-hop, with Charlamagne adding, “If Lecrae wasn’t a quote-unquote ‘Christian rapper,’ they would have to put [Reconstruction] in rap album of the year category.”

Lecrae caps off an unprecedented run of collaborations this year with Miles Minnick (Get Well Soon!), Jackie Hill Perry (“Tell No Lie”) and Torey D’Shaun (“Bless You”) with his latest offering. Reconstruction, out now, invites anyone wrestling with belief to rebuild a healthy version of faith, grounded in the writings of the scripture. Lecrae drives home the album’s central theme in a social post with the caption: “Broken things can be rebuilt. Broken people can be restored. Broken faith can be renewed. This is more than an album. It’s Reconstruction.” 

Ahead of the album’s release, Lecrae revealed the features on Reconstruction with a one-of-a-kind mailer that went out to over 1,200 of his most active supporters, offering exclusive access to an online community for early music, content, and engagement to earn points for other incentives. 

Beyond the music, Lecrae has fostered a direct relationship with local communities. Last month (July 21), the multi-platinum recording artist held a back-to-school drive in the heart of Atlanta alongside nonprofit City Takers. A similar activation in Dallas quickly followed, where both fans and residents alike joined Lecrae in assembling backpacks filled with essential school supplies for students across the city in partnership with The Human Impact.

As a special treat to fans, he parlayed that momentum into the announcement of his headlining ‘Reconstruction World Tour.’ The world tour will kick off in Harare, Zimbabwe on Thu, Sept. 4 and stretch until Dec. 6 in Brisbane, Queensland. Along the way, the 42-day run will make stops in Lecrae’s hometown of Atlanta, including nights in Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, and Nashville. The trek will also make landfall in many countries and territories throughout Africa and Australia. 

Special guests Miles Minnick, Gio, and Torey D’Shaun will join Lecrae on select dates throughout the tour. 

TICKETS: Tickets are now available for purchase at lecrae.com/tour. 

Making his anticipated return to the stage, the tour will mark one-year since Lecrae’s last outing in 2024 for ‘The Final Church Clothes Tour!’ The fan-favorite is slated to perform songs from his decorated catalog, as well as music from his new album. 

Reconstruction finds the 4X Grammy-winner looking inward and getting back to the core beliefs and practices that made him a believer in the first place. In a spiritual sense, Lecrae is reconstructing walls that are the Fruit of the Spirit, which can be seen as building blocks of faith: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, goodness, and self-control.

42. Leela James – 2B Honest

Platinum-selling R&B powerhouse Leela James returns with her most personal and unfiltered project yet: the EP 2B Honest, out now on all major streaming platforms. Known for her unmistakable voice, gritty soul, and fearless authenticity, James delivers an emotional gut punch with a 6-track collection that redefines what it means to keep it real in love, life, and music.

With 2B Honest, Leela James peels back the layers of persona and pretense, offering fans a refreshingly raw and deeply resonant body of work. From the smoldering opener “Where U Are”to the soul/ tinged closer “(My Love Ain’t) Easy,” the EP fuses vintage soul, modern R&B, and a hint of bluesy grit reminding the world why James remains a genre-defying force.

“This project is about freedom — the freedom to feel, to break down, to rebuild, and most importantly, to be honest with yourself,” says James. “We live in a time where image often outweighs truth. I wanted to flip that on its head.”

43. Kresnt – 911 Coupe

Rising hip-hop artist Kresnt is set to release his new single, “911 COUPE,” a bold, cinematic visual and sonic experience that released August 5. Shot in Paris and produced by Ken Lewis—the Grammy-winning mastermind behind hits for Eminem, Drake, BTS, and Taylor Swift—the track blends high-end aesthetics with cultural depth and spiritual nods, all signature to Kresnt’s genre-bending sound.

A Canadian native now residing in the U.S. with Muslim and Afghan roots, Kresnt has quickly become a distinctive voice in hip-hop. With over 60 million streams and 2.4 billion views on TikTok, his music resonates widely, both with mainstream listeners and a global audience hungry for authentic, culturally grounded narratives.

In “911 COUPE,” Kresnt taps into shared heritage by weaving the term “Nikah” the Islamic word for marriage—into a hard-hitting, aspirational anthem. It’s a rare and resonant moment in modern rap, where faith and lifestyle aren’t mutually exclusive but coexist powerfully.