4/14/25
AJ Tracey, Headie One, and Aitch Link Up for Motivational New Single “Friday Prayer”
AJ Tracey teams up with fellow UK heavyweights Headie One and Aitch on the powerful new single “Friday Prayer,” a track rooted in resilience, ambition, and brotherhood. The trio uses this moment not just to reflect on their individual journeys, but to emphasize the importance of surrounding yourself with real ones who’ve been there from the start.
With emotionally-charged verses and an atmospheric beat, “Friday Prayer” captures the mental toughness and drive required to break barriers in the industry. “Look where the mandem came from, look where the mandem started,” AJ opens, setting the tone for a track that celebrates progress while acknowledging the struggle.
Each artist brings their own flavor to the track—AJ’s introspective energy, Headie’s raw delivery, and Aitch’s sharp wit—making “Friday Prayer” not just an anthem, but a reminder that real success is built on foundation, focus, and faith.
Tory Lanez Expands His Twitch Tapes Catalog with New Tracks "Rather You Than Me" & "So Drunk I Forgot You"
Tory Lanez continues to keep his momentum going strong, even while incarcerated, by adding new entries to his Twitch Tapes series. Following a recent Instagram Story where he announced he would be dropping all of his Twitch Tapes, Tory has unleashed two fresh tracks: “Rather You Than Me” and “So Drunk I Forgot You.”
Lanez’s commitment to his Free Tory Playlist, which he launched nearly a year ago, remains evident as he consistently provides fans with new content. The rapper has also kept his fans engaged with his latest album PETERSON, which has been met with appreciation for its quality production and Lanez’s vivid storytelling, all done while behind bars.
Over the past couple of months, Tory has settled into a steady release schedule, dropping new tapes every week. His recent drops, “Dear Kai” and “Passport,” were both from his Prison and Twitch Tapes collections, with more to come. Lanez has also begun releasing his Lost Tapes, a collection of previously unreleased tracks, giving fans a deeper look into his catalog.
Snoop Dogg and ERNEST Fuse Country and Hip-Hop on “Gettin’ Gone”
Snoop Dogg is the latest hip-hop icon to step outside his genre’s boundaries, teaming up with country artist ERNEST for the new single “Gettin’ Gone.” The track marks an exciting crossover, blending Snoop’s signature flow with ERNEST’s country roots, showcasing how genre lines are becoming increasingly blurred in the modern music landscape.
The single arrives ahead of ERNEST’s upcoming compilation album, Cadillac Sessions, set for release on May 9. The album will also feature contributions from fellow country talents like Rhys Rutherford, Cody Lohden, and Chandler Walters, offering listeners a mix of country tracks perfect for those laid-back road trips.
According to ERNEST, “Gettin' Gone” came together after an impromptu meeting the night before a Jelly Roll concert, marking a spontaneous collaboration between two artists from different worlds. Fans of both genres will find this unexpected partnership an exciting development in the ongoing fusion of hip-hop and country music.
Jim Legxacy Brings Vibe with New Single "Stick" Ahead of Upcoming Tape
UK-based artist Jim Legxacy continues to rise with the release of his latest single, "Stick." As he gears up for his upcoming mixtape, still set to drop this year after a slight delay, Legxacy delivers a bouncy, infectious track that further cements his growing presence in the music scene.
Known for his versatility and unique fusion of rap and singing, Legxacy has steadily built a loyal following, garnering over 500k monthly listeners on Spotify. His distinct style draws from a wide range of influences, and "Stick" feels like a fresh take on the sounds of artists like Drake and Frank Ocean, while still showcasing his individual flair. The track's catchy beat and smooth flow prove that Jim Legxacy is ready to make a bigger impact in the months ahead.
"Lostboys Bring Raw Energy with 'RVD'
Lostboys, a UK rap collective hailing from Nottingham, is making waves with their latest single "RVD," featuring Len, S5, and omgronin. This high-energy track marks the first official release from the group, which has been crafting its presence since the late 2010s. Known for its hard-hitting rap style, "RVD" channels the spirit of WWE legend Rob Van Dam, bringing raw intensity and unrelenting energy to the forefront.
S5, one of the founding members of Lostboys, expresses a deep loyalty to the collective. In an interview with Hypebeast, he shared just how integral the group is to his life, saying, "If I actually fell out with these men, I don’t have a clue where I’d go. This is all I know – I wake up, eat, sleep Lostboys. This is all tatted on us – if I fall out with these guys, I’d have to chop my arm off." His dedication is clear, and it’s evident in the fierce flow that he and the crew bring to the track.
"RVD" is a testament to the unity and bond that defines Lostboys, and it's just the beginning for the collective as they continue to carve out their place in the rap scene.
Ken Carson Kicks Off New LP with "Lord of Chaos" Track
Ken Carson's latest album More Chaos dives deep into a world of dark energy, and the opener, "Lord of Chaos," sets the tone perfectly. As an Opium signee, Carson taps into his aggressive, almost sinister persona, crafting one of his most intense tracks to date. The production is menacing, with heavy bass and eerie synths that complement his chaotic delivery.
However, the reception to More Chaos has been mixed, with some fans praising it as his best work yet, while others feel it's a step down from his previous project, A Great Chaos. The early streaming numbers from Spotify reflect this divide. While A Great Chaos racked up 14 million streams on its debut, More Chaos saw a slightly lower 10.9 million—indicating a polarized response from listeners.
Despite the mixed feedback, Carson’s approach to blending high-energy chaos with introspective themes makes for a compelling listen, and "Lord of Chaos" is a strong starting point for the album.
Too Short Is "Still Mackin'" With His Latest Single
The rap legend Too Short is back, and he's showing no signs of slowing down. With his new single "Still Mackin'," the Oakland icon reaffirms his unwavering presence in the game. Having made his mark in 1983 with Don't Stop Rappin', Too Short, now nearly 60 years old, has racked up an impressive 30 albums over his decades-long career.
With "Still Mackin'," Too Short is making it clear that he’s not stepping away from the mic anytime soon. The track serves as a bold reminder of his timeless relevance in the rap scene. His signature laid-back yet commanding flow takes center stage, echoing a message of longevity and resilience. As long as he’s got something to say, the legendary rapper isn’t going anywhere—he’s simply still mackin’.
Tobe Nwigwe & Sauce Walka Team Up for Gritty "Pain" Ahead of Godfather of Harlem Season 4
Ahead of Godfather of Harlem's much-anticipated fourth season, Tobe Nwigwe and Sauce Walka have dropped "Pain," a hard-hitting track that will feature in the show’s soundtrack. While their collaboration may seem an unconventional match for a series about New York’s crime world, the pair’s blend of intensity and grit fits perfectly within the show’s raw atmosphere.
Both Nwigwe and Sauce Walka bring their signature styles to the track, delivering powerful, emotionally charged lyrics. The song embodies the themes of struggle and survival, much like the central figures in Godfather of Harlem. With its ominous tone and heavy beats, "Pain" is likely to soundtrack one of the show’s most intense moments, possibly at the culmination of a dramatic episode.
The series premieres on Sunday, April 13, and fans are eager to see where the track will play into the storylines of season 4.
HoodTrophy Bino Honors Chris King in Posthumous Track “Runnin’ Up A Bag”
HoodTrophy Bino pays homage to his fallen friend Chris King on “Runnin’ Up A Bag,” a heartfelt release that transforms grief into gritty, determined art. The collaboration—one of King’s final recordings before his tragic passing in April 2024—serves as both a tribute and a testament to their bond.
Over weighty production laced with emotion, Bino delivers bars that reflect the hustle, pain, and perseverance that defined their shared come-up. Chris King’s verse, recorded before his death, cuts through with raw clarity, giving the track a ghostly weight. It’s not just a song—it’s a goodbye, a celebration, and a statement of loyalty wrapped in one.
“Runnin’ Up A Bag” doesn’t shy away from the darkness, but it pushes forward with purpose—embodying the grind they lived by and the legacy they built together.
YMF Lil E Paints A Bleak But Honest Picture On “Know How We Ride”
YMF Lil E is carving out his own lane in Southern rap, bringing raw vulnerability to the forefront with “Know How We Ride.” Taken from his project Chosen One, the track is steeped in emotion and grounded in real-life experience.
From Orangeburg, South Carolina, the 22-year-old is a leading voice in the emerging “pain music” wave—a sound defined by struggle and perseverance. His voice aches over moody 808s, turning hardship into melody. The lyrics don’t flex—they reflect. In a genre often filled with bravado, YMF Lil E offers something more gripping: truth.
Kota the Friend & Big Sean Deliver Purposeful Cool on “MICHIGAN”
Kota the Friend and Big Sean make an impactful debut collaboration with “MICHIGAN,” a sharp, motivational anthem that blends lyrical clarity with crisp production. As a lead-up to Kota’s next album No Rap on Sunday, the track sets the tone for introspective yet focused storytelling.
Both emcees bring their signature strengths—Kota’s grounded realism and Big Sean’s seasoned confidence—to verses that explore mental peace, ambition, and staying locked in on the mission. The phrase “cold like Michigan” becomes a metaphor for resilience: staying calm under pressure while continuing to build.
Kota handles the beat with finesse, laying down a smooth, mid-tempo instrumental that lets the rhymes breathe without losing momentum. The chemistry between the two is natural, and the message lands without overreach. “MICHIGAN” is a reminder that growth is quiet, discipline is cool, and success is built one bar at a time.
Awich & A$AP Ferg Cut Up On Ruthless “Butcher Shop” Produced By RZA
Awich and A$AP Ferg team up for a no-nonsense lyrical onslaught with “Butcher Shop,” the first single from Awich’s upcoming project co-produced with RZA. The track lives up to its name—razor-sharp bars, bloodstained metaphors, and a cold, cutting beat straight from the Wu-Tang legend himself.
Awich, a veteran in Japan’s hip-hop scene, showcases her sharpened craft here with unapologetic precision. Having spent time in Atlanta absorbing the roots of American rap before returning to Tokyo, she blends global influences with commanding poise. This record is proof of her evolution: multilingual, multi-dimensional, and militant.
Ferg slides in effortlessly with his trademark intensity, matching Awich’s grit bar for bar. There’s no fluff here—just fire verses and a surgical instrumental that sets the tone for the rest of the album. If “Butcher Shop” is any indication, Awich’s next chapter will be as bold as it is brutal.
4/7/25
Mac Mikes Assembles a West Coast Dream Team on Street Heater “TURNAROUND”
Mac Mikes is putting the game on notice with his latest drop, “TURNAROUND,” a hard-hitting street anthem that brings serious energy. Teaming up with fellow spitters ZayBang, Lil Yee, and Baby Money, the Euro Step artist makes it clear he’s here to stay — and he’s coming with backup.
The track dives headfirst into themes of street life, hustle, and survival, with each rapper bringing their own flavor to the gritty beat. Everyone on the lineup delivers with precision, proving this isn’t just another posse cut — it’s a warning shot.
As Mac Mikes continues developing his platform and presence in the scene, “TURNAROUND” marks another confident step forward. The bars are tight, the chemistry is real, and the streets are listening.
El Snappo Talks Big Pockets on Bold New Single “Dave Blunts”
El Snappo is riding a wave of momentum with his latest drop, “Dave Blunts,” a track that cleverly taps into the viral fame of the titular rapper. With a hook that hits hard — “Tryna run that chicken up, my pockets bigger than Dave Blunts” — Snappo flexes both his wordplay and charisma, proving he knows how to grab attention and keep it.
The track is paired with a flashy visual where Snappo spells out the song title using stacks of $100 bills — a literal and lyrical flex that fans are eating up. In the YouTube comments, the love is real: “First time listening and I ain’t gone lie, you really Snapped, Snappo!” one user writes, while another hypes him up as “puttin' on for Florida” and their “new favorite rapper.”
“Dave Blunts” arrives hot on the heels of Snappo’s recent run of shows with 1900 Rugrat, signaling he’s not just a one-track wonder but an artist with serious staying power. If he keeps this energy going, El Snappo could be Florida’s next breakout.
By Storm Make a Triumphant Return With Expansive New Single “Double Trio 2”
By Storm — the new project from former Injury Reserve members RiTchie With a T and Parker Corey — returns with another genre-defying statement in the form of “Double Trio 2.” The track is a sprawling, emotional sequel to their debut single under the By Storm name, and it further cements their reputation as two of the most forward-thinking minds in music right now.
RiTchie delivers a gripping, introspective performance, weaving themes of self-growth, resilience, and clarity through dense, poetic bars. The production — helmed by Corey — is dizzying and masterfully layered, blending skittering percussion with soaring synths. To top it off, saxophonist Patrick Shiroishi closes the song with a stunning, bittersweet flourish, giving the track a cinematic final breath.
“Double Trio 2” follows their previous single “Zig Zag” and continues a strong run of work from both artists, including RiTchie’s acclaimed Triple Digits [112] and the Quiet Warp Xpress EP with FearDorian. With each release, By Storm isn’t just pushing boundaries — they’re redrawing them.
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