We’re closing out the last Friday in February with a bang. Kanye West is back with Donda 2 (or, at least, an in-progress version of it). Conway the Machine dropped his highly-anticipated album, God Don’t Make Mistakes, featuring the standout song “Stressed.” And EarthGang linked up with JID and J. Cole for the dizzying anthem “WATERBOYZ.” This list also includes new songs from Kehlani, Denzel Curry, Flo Milli, and more.
Check out the best new music of the week below. You can also follow our playlist on Spotify for more of the latest music drops here.
Kanye West f/ Baby Keem & Migos, “We Did It Kid”
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“We Did It Kid” is a triumphant record that unites Kanye West with Baby Keem and the Migos. Keem’s signature vocals ring over a loop of horns, as he raps about the obstacles he overcame to reach his current level of success. The Migos deliver their sharpest verses of late, as they discuss similar topics. “Remember we kicked that door down because they didn’t let us in/ Born to win, I committed a sin with a see-through lens,” Quavo raps over the beat. You can stream a (possibly unfinished) version of the song on Kanye’s Stem Player now.
Conway the Machine f/ Wallo267, “Stressed”
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On “Stressed,” Conway gets vulnerable as he discusses his deteriorating mental health, brought on by stress, death, and other obstacles. As he pours his heart out, he questions if anyone is listening. “And not too long’ after my cousin hung his self/ I never told nobody, but I lost a son myself/ Imagine bein’ in the hospital, holdin’ your dead baby/ And he look just like you, you tryna keep from goin’ crazy,” he spits. Wallo267 is equally compelling on the outro as he preaches about loneliness. “Stressed” appears on Conway the Machine’s new album, God Don’t Make Mistakes.
EarthGang, JID, & J. Cole, “WATERBOYZ”
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“WATERBOYZ” is a fun and bouncy record that finds duo EarthGang linking up with JID and Dreamville boss J. Cole. On the track, EarthGang’s Johnny Venus delivers a catchy chorus, spitting, “Yeah, what’s up man?/ What’s up gang? We gettin’ this money/ And fuckin’ this fame.” JID slides on the track with a slick verse, while Doctur Dot comes out with intoxicating bars. Then J. Cole finishes the track with dizzying bars, spitting, “Please don’t get it fucked up from this homeless aesthetic/ Whole lot of homes/ And I ain’t even put up the tour but it sold out already/ I’m General Tso how a nigga is breaded/ I’m gettin’ it now and shit is pathetic.” “WATERBOYZ” appears on EarthGang’s latest project, Ghetto Gods.
Doja Cat & Tyga, “Freaky Deaky”
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“Freaky Deaky” is a sensual and romantic track that reunites Doja Cat and Tyga. Doja shares her desire to get freaky with her partner, singing with soft pop vocals, “I’ve been feelin’ freaky deaky/ You’re on your way to see me/ Got the mirror on the ceiling.” Tyga also swerves into the pop lane, singing about his luxurious lifestyle and late-night hookups. “Meet my jeweler, put icе on that/ Ayy, two diamond chains, what’s the price on that?” he sings. “Freaky Deaky” is the second collaboration between Doja Cat and Tyga, following 2016’s “Juicy.”
Kehlani, “Little Story”
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Kehlani is back with her first musical release of 2022, “Little Story,” a gentle record that finds her showing her vulnerable side. Accompanied by an electric guitar, the R&B singer discusses her flaws and thoughts about love. “Oh, yeah, I want you to do it again/ I want you to love me again and complete our little story/ We got one hell of a story, you’re a hell of an author,” she sings. “Little Story” is the second single from Kehlani’s third studio album, Blue Water Road, expected to drop sometime this year.
Flo Milli, “PBC”
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“PBC” is a hypnotic dance track that finds Flo Milli bringing lots of energy. “PBC” is an acronym for “Pretty Black Cute.” The song is a pro-Black anthem that finds the Alabama native celebrating her beauty as a Black woman. “Pretty, black, cute/ Flower tattoo/ Vintage on bag/ YSL shoes/ She B-I-G-M-A-D I know/ He B-R-O-K-A-E/ I know, it shows,” she spits over an energetic beat, courtesy of Young Fyre. This is Flo Milli’s first single release of 2022.
Denzel Curry f/ slowthai, “Zatoichi”
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“Zatoichi” is a slow-burning track that unfolds into an exciting, uptempo beat. On the track, Curry unites with UK rapper slowthai as they reflect on their life journeys. Curry also incorporates religious references in his lyrics, rapping, “Don’t let the three-six hypnotize minds, so God is my guide/ This pen’s a mighty sword on my side, my voice could crack skies/ Create a code amongst the black lives, make sure it’s archived.” Slowthai provides an energetic chorus, chanting, “Life is short like a dwarf, fuck the world, intercourse/ Life’s a bitch, no remorse, God forbid we get divorced.” “Zatoichi” is the second single from Curry’s fifth album, Melt My Eyez.
Kodak Black, “I Wish”
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“I Wish” explores Kodak Black’s softer side. Interpolating Ray J’s 2005 single “One Wish,” Kodak gets candid as he shares his desires to leave his rough lifestyle behind and focus on the positive things in his life. “I wish I could stop thuggin’ for real/ Leave the streets without me bein’ killed,” he raps. “I Wish” is an intimate track that gives a glimpse of Kodak’s inner thoughts, and potentially paints a different side of his character. The track appears on his latest project, Back for Everything.
