BigXThaPlug

Offset – ‘KIARI’

If there were any questions about Offset’s ability to put together a strong, full-length solo album, KIARI puts them all to rest. In the past, his offerings have been bloated and a bit directionless, but this in-depth personal look at his life post-divorce has yielded some of his best solo music in his career.

There is turnup galore, but it is records like “Prada Myself” with Teezo Touchdown, “Enemies,” and “Move On” that shine the brightest. He catered to the women with “Love You Down” and “All Of My Hoes,” and paid homage to Takeoff on “Never Let Go” powered by a soulful John Legend hook.

It is every side of the Atlanta rapper that fans grew to love over the last decade, and a sign that he is as fortified as ever by himself. – Armon Sadler

Ghostface Killah – ‘Supreme Clientele 2’

As part of Mass Appeal’s Legend Has It campaign, Supreme Clientele 2 arrives with heavy expectations—and while it doesn’t eclipse the original, it stands tall as one of the week’s strongest releases.

Ghostface crafts a worthy follow-up soaked in classic Shaolin grit and vivid storytelling. With appearances from Nas, Raekwon, Method Man, and production from Sean C & LV, 4th Disciple, and more, tracks like “Sample 420,” “Curtis May,” “Love Me,” and “The Trial” prove GFK hasn’t lost his touch.

This isn’t nostalgia—it’s a reminder of why his name still rings bells. – Preezy Brown

BigXthaPlug – ‘I Hope That You’re Happy’

BigXthaPlug levels up with I Hope You’re Happy, an 11-track genre-blending statement that bridges gritty Southern rap with country soul in a way that feels bold, fresh, and entirely his own.

Featuring standout collaborations with Darius Rucker on the heartfelt title track, Jelly Roll on the raucous “Box Me Up,” and Luke Combs on the introspective “Pray Hard,” the album effortlessly shifts between raw emotion and swagger.

It’s a testament to BigX’s versatility and vision, and a successful crossover moment that’s sure to intrigue longtime fans and new listeners alike. – PB

Doja Cat – “Jealous Type”

Doja Cat keeps the momentum sky-high with “Jealous Type,” a slick, moody single produced by Jack Antonoff and Y2K that effortlessly blends her signature bite with pop polish.

First teased in her Marc Jacobs Summer ’25 campaign, the track doubles as a stylish preview of Vie, her upcoming fifth studio album dropping September 26th.

With a glossy LA-set video directed by Boni Mata and her massive Ma Vie World Tour on the horizon, “Jealous Type” only amplifies the anticipation—Doja’s next era is shaping up to be her boldest yet. – PB

Lupe Fiasco – ‘Samurai DX’

Lupe Fiasco refuses to let the heat die down with Samurai DX, a sharp, five-track refresh of his stellar 2024 album Samurai.

Breathing new life into highlights like “Samurai,” “Palaces,” and “Bigfoot” with remixes—and adding fresh sparks with “High Note” featuring Luv Moore and a Troy Tyler-assisted “Bigfoot”—the Chicago wordsmith proves his pen remains as precise as ever.

With Side B offering instrumentals on vinyl, Samurai DX isn’t just a companion piece—it’s a reimagined victory lap that fans of lyricism and innovation will devour. – PB

Flo Milli Featuring Coop – “Perfect Person”

Flo Milli excels at energetic trap bops and slow sensual ballads, but “Perfect Person” featuring Coop displays her continual evolution as an artist.

This one is for the booty shakers, though there are slower dance breaks that lean more toward pop or alternative music. All of these elements come together for an anthem reflecting on the difficulties in love. No, we aren’t perfect, but we can be worth it.

They get their flexes off too, reveling in the fact men can’t leave them alone. It’s good to hear more from Flo, and hopefully an LP is on the way over the next year. – AS

Joey Bada$$ – “Dark Aura”

Joey Bada$$ “Dark Aura” perfectly encapsulates the year that he has had, though it contrasts the bright star he has become.

This record is just shy of three minutes, yet loaded with lush, polished production and animated bars. He has truly been rapping like the rent is due and he needs to win a talent show to get the money.

Of course, he is a veteran and been doing this for a while, but something about 2025 feels like he is on his best run ever. That’s the beauty of rap; the people who commit to the craft and have something to work toward get better. – AS

French Montana & Cash Cobain – “Pack U Up”

Who could have predicted they would hear French Montana and Cash Cobain on a flip of Pete Rock and CL Smooth’s “T.R.O.Y.”?

Expect the unexpected with these two, and “Pack U Up” is the quintessential energy needed as the “summer” winds down. Their chemistry is seamless, and this intergenerational linkup blends two artists who crafted sounds catered to women.

Hip-Hop lately is trying to revert to having fun and activating the ladies, and it is much needed. “Pack U Up” has the bounce, bop, lines, and perfect artists to do so. It is a loaded release weekend, but this track is a standout. – AS

Chef Boy, E-40 – “Show Out”

Chef Boy and E-40’s “Show Out” feels like 2025’s version of “Tell Me When To Go” in all of the best ways. It is a bass-heavy, car-rattling, hyphy anthem.

Chef Boy ascends, and E-40 reminds us that there is no West Coast without the E. Of course, that region has been on a tear for the last year, but it has primarily been one guy and one sound.

It is refreshing to hear this sound have a resurgence and E-40 remind people he is just as capable as ever of making a strong record. “Show Out” is a mantra and a lifestyle. – AS

Kid Cudi – ‘Free’

2 Chainz – ‘Red Clay Soundtrack’

Earl Sweatshirt – ‘Live, Laugh, Love’

Kalan.FrFr – ‘California Player’

Bun B, Cory Mo Featuring Scotty ATL, Monaleo – “I Can’t Lie”

PlaqueBoyMax, Concrete Boys – ‘FiveStarCrete’

Danny Towers – ‘Sinners Club’ EP

OMB Peezy – “Magic”

Soulja Boy – ‘Draco Season’

3n33c3 – “Copy-Paste”

J.I the Prince of N.Y – “Love Story”

Kent Jamz – “Patience”

Niko Is, J. Rawls – “Satisfied Mind & Body”

A2P Fred – ‘Legendary Run’

FBLMANNY – ‘Kool-Aid Jammerz’

Kairo Keyz – ‘NEW JAZZ’

Casablanca the Gawd, Cotola – ‘Sip Tea In The Trap’