Music releases continue to pick up as we head into the summer. This week, Polo G and Lil Wayne teamed up for a melodic new record “Gang Gang.” Roddy Ricch has returned, dropping “Stunnaman” with some help from Birdman. And Kirk Franklin and Lil Baby joined forces for the gospel-infused anthem “We Win.” Latto, 42 Dugg, City Girls, and more also dropped some new heat.
Check out the best new music this week below. And follow our playlist on Spotify here.
Polo G f/ Lil Wayne, “Gang Gang”
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“Gang Gang” is a mid-tempo, melodic record where Polo G unites with Lil Wayne. On the track, Polo brags about his come-up and fame, rapping, “Young nigga up now, member back then niggas clowned on me/ Now from the Heaven gates only way a nigga lookin’ down on me.” Lil Wayne is even more cocky as he spits, “I’m leadin’ my team, yeah, right to the finals/ That money talking and we talkin’ private.” “Gang Gang” marks the first collaboration between the two rappers. The record is particularly special for Polo G, who has cited Lil Wayne as one of his biggest influences.
Birdman & Roddy Ricch f/ Lil Wayne, “Stunnaman”
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“Stunnaman” is a smooth and braggadocious record where Roddy Ricch takes the leads and raps about his cars and money. The track also reunites Birdman and Lil Wayne. Birdman lays down a short verse about building an empire and his designer jewels. “Do it big, that label shit/ Created shit but stayed hood rich,” he raps. Lil Wayne closes the song with a rapid-fire verse and high-pitch vocals. Anyone else notice Wayne has been on fire this year so far?
42 Dugg f/ Future, “Maybach”
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“Maybach” is a braggadocious record that finds 42 Dugg boasting about his wealth and fame, while also laying down sleazy bars about one-night stands with various women. Future matches 42 Dugg’s energy as he raps about partying and summer flings. He also appears to take a shot at ex-girlfriend Lori Harvey, spitting, “Tell Steve Harvey I don’t want her.” “Maybach” is a standout record from 42 Dugg’s newly-released project Free Dem Boyz.
Latto, “The Biggest”
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“The Biggest” is Latto’s first record since she changed her stage name. On the track, the ATL rapper addresses the controversy over her past name, spitting, “Fuck it, I’ll change me name, but I bet they gon’ find something.” Drama aside, the track takes a freestyle approach as Latto lays down punchy and boastful bars about her achievements thus far. “Only bitch from my city went platinum/ Y’all know who the biggest is, quit cappin’.” “The Biggest” is expected to appear on Latto’s next album.
Kirk Franklin & Lil Baby, “We Win”
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Kirk Franklin and Lil Baby make an unlikely pair on their new track. “We Win” is a triumphant record that begins with a gospel choir before Lil Baby comes in with motivational bars about perseverance and prayer. “We will be better than ever/ Made a promise, we can do it together/ And I ain’t breakin’ my word,” he raps. On his second verse, he raps about “striving for greatness” and having patience. Kirk Franklin is the all-encompassing voice on the track, shouting motivational mantras in the background. “We Win” is the lead single from the upcoming soundtrack for Space Jam: A New Legacy.
Lil Nas X, “Sun Goes Down”
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Lil Nas X is back with “Sun Goes Down,” a soft and melodic record where he reflects on his childhood. On the song, the rapper goes back to when he was 10 years old and insecure about his appearance, skin complexion, and sexuality. “These gay thoughts would always haunt me/ I prayed God would take it from me,” he sings. Although his verse recalls dark thoughts, Lil Nas X leaves fans with an encouraging message on the chorus. “I know that you want to cry/ But it’s much more to life than dying,” he sings. “Sun Goes Down” is the third single from Nas X’s forthcoming album.
A Boogie f/ Lil Durk, “24 Hours”
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“24 Hours” is a late-night record that unites A Boogie with Lil Durk, as the two rap about their respective relationships. “You love me when I was bummy, now I got money/ Baby, let me freeze you,” A Boogie sings. Lil Durk is even more of a romantic, singing, “Tell you, ‘I love you’ before I take off, ain’t no Wi-Fi/ Soon as I land, I check my texts and the reply.” Elsewhere on the track, the duo brag about their lavish lifestyle, name-dropping a few luxury brands.
Olivia Rodrigo, “Traitor”
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“Traitor” is a gloomy ballad that finds a heartbroken Olivia Rodrigo reflecting on her past relationship and the feeling of being betrayed. “You betrayed me/ And I know that you’ll never feel sorry/ For the way I hurt, yeah/ You talked to her when we were together/ Loved you at your worst but that didn’t matter,” she sings, sounding tormented. “Traitor,” which appears on Olivia Rodrigo’s debut studio album SOUR, is yet another indicator that Rodrigo is the freshest new voice in pop.
City Girls, “Twerkulator”
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After going viral on TikTok this past March, City Girls finally released the full version of “Twerkulator.” The track uses a sample of Afrika Bambaataa and Soulsonic Force’s 1982 record “Planet Rock.” While the single does have a retro feel, JT and Yung Miami bring a fresh and bouncy attitude as they rap about getting money while dancing. “Twerkulator” is a twerkable anthem that was supposed to be on City Girls’ album City On Lock, but was held due to clearance issues.
