Joey Bada$$, Key Glock, Rakim, And More Hip-Hop

Joey Bada$$ – ‘Lonely At The Top’

On Lonely At The Top, Joey Bada$$ returns with the poise of a seasoned heavyweight, opting for precision over bravado after his recent coast-to-coast sparring in the name of rap supremacy.

The album is a welcome return from one of hip-hop’s more formidable lyricists, who sounds reinvigorated yet contemplative. He makes a grand entrance on “Dark Aura,” his lyrical command riding effortlessly over a plush Chuck Strangers and Moo Latte production.

Standouts like “Highroller,” featuring A$AP Ferg and Kelz2busy, sharpen Joey’s edge (“Every day is a dice roll, might get his head cracked”), while “Swank White” finds the Pro Era rep revealing the burden behind success: “Nobody ever told me that the top would be this lonely.”

“BK’s Finest” brings it home, a mellow Medina-rooted posse cut with Rome Streetz, Kai Ca$h, and CJ Fly. Tracks like “Speedin’ In The Rain” and “Still” (with Ab-Soul and Rapsody) further solidify Joey’s focused, refined return. – Preezy Brown

Key Glock – ‘Glockaveli: All Eyez On Key’

With All Eyez On Key, Key Glock cements his status as Memphis rap royalty, extending Glockaveli (Deluxe) with eleven new tracks that feel less like leftovers and more like a victory lap.

The Paper Route Empire boss moves with the confidence of a man who knows the throne is his—“I move like Trump when I’m in Memphis,” he raps on “Set In Stone,” a bold declaration of power and presence.

From the thunderous bounce of “Fabo,” a pounding homage to the D4L legend, to the homegrown pride of “South Memphis Patriot,” Glock flexes both roots and reach. “Fashion Killa” and “Bottega Bag” drip with swagger, proving his style matches his grit.

All Eyez On Key isn’t just a glorified extendo—it’s Glizzock doubling down on dominance, which doesn’t appear to be tapering off anytime soon. – PB

Rakim – ‘The Re-Up’

The Re-Up finds Rakim revisiting God’s Network: Reb7rth with surgical precision, delivering a remix project that elevates the original into new territory without losing its core essence.

Swapping out beats and weaving in fresh verses from a deep bench of lyrical assassins—including Method Man, the late Prodigy, Eddie Kaine, and 38 Spesh—the album feels less like a retread and more like a refined cipher.

Veterans like Kool G Rap, Planet Asia, and Ras Kass trade bars with underground standouts like Hus KingPin and Sally Green, bridging eras through sharp wordplay and grit.

It’s the perfect companion piece to Reb7rth—a reimagined, reinforced version that further affirms Rakim’s role as both architect and active participant in hip-hop’s continued evolution. – PB

Offset – ‘KIARI:Offset (Deluxe Album)’

Offset continued the momentum of his third studio album KIARI by sharing the deluxe version. He added five new tracks to the LP, including an alternative remix of “Bodies” featuring fast-rising producer BNYX and rock band Drowning Pool.”

“Athlete” is a strong standout track as well. “Swing My Way” was a record fans wanted for a long time, so it is good to see this get added to what was already an immaculate listening experience.

Offset is primed to have one of his biggest years ever as a solo artist, and this deluxe album was a great way to keep the attention on him after a stacked release weekend. – Armon Sadler

DJ Khaled Featuring Post Malone, YoungBoy Never Broke Again – “Brother”

DJ Khaled is a man of many surprises. This week, he popped out with two releases: a Reggae posse cut and a pop-rap effort “Brother” featuring Post Malone and YoungBoy Never Broke Again.

YoungBoy skates over the drums, hi-hats, and synths. Posty also sounds great here, but the biggest question is the longevity of this record. The music space seemingly moved past Khaled a few albums ago.

Even tapping a cult fave like YB and mainstream superstar like Posty doesn’t seem to be the boost he needs. He also lost his go-to guy in Drake. Nonetheless, this is a good song. – AS

Bossman Dlow – “Flood” & “Resurrect The Trap”

Bossman Dlow is incredibly talented, so we mean this with love. Even though the production on “Flood” and “Resurrect The Trap” is a bit different than his usual work.

Still, his great sound is getting a bit repetitive, overdone, and, thus, boring. He can rap well, but it is hard to distinguish his new music from his old music.

This may work for some people, and we don’t want to yuck their yum, but how does he hit the next level if he doesn’t try to do something different? Rap needs stars, but stars need to show and prove to be given the acclaim. – AS

Che Noir, The Other Guys – ‘No Validation’

With No Validation, Che Noir delivers yet another powerful statement, further solidifying her reputation as one of the most consistent and lyrically razor-sharp voices in Hip-Hop.

Produced entirely by The Other Guys, the album is both focused and fluid, a seamless blend of soulful textures and heavy bars.

From the reflective grit of “Incense Burning,” where Che reminds us, “Wasted time is the enemy of success,” to the hard-hitting “Smooth Jazz”—a misleading title for a track that barrels forward with 38 Spesh and the energy of a freight train—Che moves with clarity and conviction.

The project boasts a strong supporting cast, including Skyzoo, Ransom, Jae Skeese, Smoke DZA, and Jack Davey, each lending weight to a tracklist full of standouts like “Moroccan Mint” and “Dollar Tree.”

Che calls the collaboration one of her most memorable creative experiences this year, and it shows in the quality of the music presented. – PB

DJ Snake & Don Toliver – “Something Wrong”

There are very few people who bring the best out of artists like DJ Snake. “Something Wrong” is definitely Don Toliver’s signature sound, but there is something about this record compared to his previous releases that feels more inspired.

The production has a slight sexy drill influence, but blends trap, house, and rock into one of the most immersive beats Don has ever crooned over. This is one of the most satisfying two-minute and 22-second listens of the year, and has high replay value.

Selfishly, we wish this song came out sooner because it could have done real damage throughout the summer but beggars can’t be choosers. – AS

Skepta – ‘Skepta.. Fred’ EP

Skepta and Fred again.. continue what has been a strong year for London artists on Skepta .. Fred. The opener “Back 2 Back” interpolates Central Cee and Lil Baby’s “BAND4BAND,” but primarily lives within an EDM wheelhouse.

“London” is a bit darker, but Big Skep raps his arse off. Fred gave him the perfect canvas to shine bright. Overall, it is a strong five-song, 16-minute effort and Skepta in a different element.

Hate to sound selfish as we review his new EP, but it has been five years since a new album and it would be nice to get one between the way he’s been killing features and this new EP. – AS

Westside Gunn – ‘Heels Have Eyes 2’

OMB Peezy – ‘Diary Of A Crashout’

Duke Deuce – ‘Rebirth’

1900Rugrat Featuring Rio Da Yung Og – “Where Da Fine Shyt”

Pitbull, IAmChino – ‘Underdogs’

Bizzy Crook – “Locked TF In”

Vulgo FK Featuring Bay Swag – “Vulgo FK On The Radar Freestyle”

ProHoeZak Featuring Mount Westmore (Snoop Dogg, Ice Cube, Too $hort, E-40) – “The Introduction”

Miles Minnick – ‘Via Dolorosa’

D Smoke – ‘Wake Up Supa’

Jay Fizzle Featuring OJ Da Juiceman – “Twenty Three”

Peezy, Icewear Vezzo – “So Ghetto”

Pluto – “Party All Night”

Raq Baby Featuring FattMack – “Switch Crowd”

Flippa T Featuring 2 Chainz – “Affirmations (Remix)”

X-Raided, C-Bo – “Soldier”

Cory Gunz Featuring RMK Reese – “Bodies (Freestyle)”

Glokk40Spaz – ‘Baby Whoa 2’

Baby Gee – ‘PTSDreams’

Luhh Dyl Featuring Babyfxce E & 1UP Tee – “Nite N Day”