Drake

PARTYNEXTDOOR, Drake, Cash Cobain – “Somebody Loves Me Pt. 2”

As if a great song couldn’t get better, Cash Cobain put his Slizzy essence into one of the sleeper hits of the year, Drake and PARTYNEXTDOOR’s “Somebody Loves Me.”

Part two of the record is more sensual than the yearning first iteration, but the feelings are their just the same. Cash croons about a woman who lied to him and his emotional state, meanwhile Drake reflects on partying in Brooklyn and the various drugs women around him take.

PND jumps in at the end and takes the listener to church, recalling the original song’s earworm hook. This is a truly satisfying remix. – Armon Sadler

Latto & Ice Spice – “Gyatt”

By God, we’ve got a surprising reconciliation in the rap space. Latto and Ice Spice set aside their differences and subliminals in honor of making a banger for the rap space that was desperately needed.

“Gyatt” is a tribute to the big booties and the people who like to shake them. Who better than two of Hip-Hop’s perennial twerkers to make this anthem? It is hands down one of Spice’s best songs in a long time, and Latto did what she does best.

New York, Atlanta, and the country at large can get jiggy with this. And that’s what good music is all about. – AS

Ice Cube – “Before Hip Hop”

With “Before Hip Hop,” Ice Cube delivers a booming, no-nonsense statement that not only sets the tone for his forthcoming album Man Up, but also reaffirms his status as one of rap’s most consistent veterans.

Over thunderous production, Cube scoffs at the notion that Hip-Hop is to blame for the struggles within the Black community, spitting lines like “My pronouns will throw rounds/ Heartbeats will slow down/ Where’s the showdown?/ Your hood is a ghost town.”

His pen remains razor-sharp, and his presence is just as commanding as it was decades ago. On “Before Hip Hop,” Cube shines while showing he’s still speaking truth to power—with grit, clarity, and purpose. – PB

Don Toliver – “Tiramisu”

Don Toliver’s “Tiramisu” is smooth. The mid-tempo beat is characterized by its use of hi-hats, drums, and synths.

The highlight, per usual, is his smooth autotune-powered vocals and a pleasantly surprising falsetto. He also employs a nice flow in his verses, displaying a continual refinement in his delivery in a time where people are questioning how Don can hit that next level.

He has put out great music for years, but seems to have hit a ceiling. “Tiramisu” isn’t necessarily an “Attitude” type banger that will take over airwaves, but it is one of his better records in the last few years. – AS

Buddah Bless, Kodak Black – “Owe Me”

South Florida meets Atlanta on “Owe Me,” a slick new collab between Kodak Black and Buddah Bless that’s built for repeat spins.

Kodak floats over Buddah’s catchy, bass-heavy production with lines like “Still getting paper in the pen, just made an M off the jack”—a reminder of his hustle and self-made status.

The track follows Buddah’s star-studded debut single “See The World,” and further showcases his evolution from hit-making producer to full-fledged curator.

“Owe Me” is a strong, replay-worthy entry from both that’s ready-made for the summer winddown and builds anticipation for Buddah Bless’ forthcoming debut album. – PB

Trippie Redd – “World Boss”

Trippie Redd’s “World Boss” opens with a nice flip of Ashanti’s “Rock Wit U (Awww Baby)” before transitioning into his type rage rap.

Admittedly, it is a bit of a jarring shift; initially, we expected him to go for some thing more melodic but the latter part of the song got chaotic. It certainly isn’t bad, but it is pretty standard for him.

Nonetheless, he sounds good and the production is great. The hook is pretty simple and his verses are fine. The outro is also especially nice. In terms of progression, the song is well-structured, even if it is a bit disjointed. – AS

Veeze – “L.O.A.T”

Veeze is back with his signature rasp and off-kilter rap. “L.O.A.T.” is high energy despite his lower tone. The beat is great, one of the better production efforts he has rapped on.

He matches the movement of the production with his flow, switching cadences seamlessly. Like many rappers, he makes a reference to professional wrestling when describing to big women fighting with him – sensually, of course.

Hip-Hop fans love acronyms, so learning the song title stands for “lamest of all time” ought to be pretty funny for them. Overall, very good song and a sign of Veeze moving in the right direction if a new album is on the way. – AS

Statik Selektah, Wais P, The Musalini – ‘Choose Or Lose’

Statik Selektah’s Choose or Lose is a tightly curated dose of vintage boom-bap luxury, and the opening cut “Can A Player Live” draws listeners in for a smoothed-out sonic voyage.

With The Musalini and Wais P at the helm, the track delivers razor-sharp verses steeped in street reportage and fly talk, elevated by Selektah’s jazzy, soul-laced production.

Wais P’s slick declaration—“You’re with the Pimp King of New York/ Get off the porch, let’s pop corks/ Lubricate your thoughts”—is pure audio charisma.

Add in standout cuts like “How to Knocka,” “Cashmere Coats,” and the Pimpin’ Ken-assisted “Pimpin Saved,” and this project cements itself among the week’s most compelling releases. If style, confidence, and craftsmanship are your vices, Choose or Lose is a no-brainer. – PB

Reuben Vincent, 9th Wonder – ‘Gotta Get It’

Reuben Vincent and 9th Wonder‘s Gotta Get It maxi-single is a refreshing rarity in today’s Hip-Hop landscape—a two-sided release that balances soul, substance, and style.

On the title track, Vincent raps with hunger and heart, dropping lines like “I gots to get paid/ Got family to feed, ain’t no time to be afraid,” painting the portrait of a young man driven by duty and ambition. Sampling Al B. Sure!’s “Nite N Day,” the track pairs nostalgic warmth with lyrical urgency.

The B-side, “Queen City,” built on Donell Jones’ “Where I Wanna Be,” showcases Vincent’s roots and gives further insight into his foundation and mindset. With 9th Wonder’s seasoned production steering the ship, this solid effort is sure to elevate Vincent’s profile even more. – PB

Joyner Lucas – “NVM”

Fredo Bang – ‘Traumatized Child’

Ro$ama, Monaleo – “Bolaji”

Fred again.., Skepta, PlaqueBoyMax – “Victory Lap Five”

Rich Amiri – “In & Out”

Belly Gang Kushington Featuring YKNIECE – “Friend Do (Remix)”

Cappadonna – “Another Dose”

Dess Dior Featuring BJRNCK – “IDC”

Big Moochie Grape – “Raww Dawwg”

MESSIAH! – “Cartier Regrets”

Grxwn Fxlks, DJ Qbert, Daru Jones – “Get To Work”