Before you head out for the weekend, you should know about some of the biggest music releases this week. Benny the Butcher and Conway the Machine connected on “Fly With Me,” which is a standout on Benny’s new album Pyrex Picasso. Denzel Curry is back with his bar-heavy track “The Game.” And YNW Melly and Lil Uzi Vert joined forces on “Mind of Melvin” from Melly’s new album Just a Matter of Slime. This week’s list also includes new collaborations from Lizzo and Cardi B, WizKid and Justin Bieber, and more.
Check out the best new music this week below. You can also follow our playlist on Spotify for more updates here.
Denzel Curry, “The Game”
View this video on YouTube
“The Game” is a bar-heavy track where Denzel Curry lays down hard-hitting verses over a Charlie Heat-produced beat. On the song, Denzel takes aim at the petty debate that goes on in rap when artists are pitted against one another. “Sabotaging other Black men, bruh, all that shit lame I got love for Megan but also got love for Noname/ And I won’t stop speaking to y’all until I change,” he raps. At the end of the track, Curry clarifies, “This ain’t a motherfucking diss/ This the motherfucking truth.” Denzel made it clear the song is for the Madden soundtrack, and will not be on his next project.
Benny the Butcher f/ Conway the Machine, “Fly With Me”
View this video on YouTube
“Fly With Me” is a soulful rap record that finds Griselda’s Benny the Butcher and Conway the Machine rapping over a bumping soul-infused beat, courtesy of Chop-La-Rock & Rare Scrilla. On the track, Benny the Butcher kicks it off as he raps about the money he has and the luxurious things it’s afforded him. “Five deep at the game, three grand a seat/ This mornin’, I woke up what I always claimed to be/ That nigga,” he spits. Conway begins reflecting on life before fame before celebrating his come-up, rapping, “Remember wakin’ up being broke, I hated the feeling/ My sacrifice and dedication just made a few million.” The song appears on Benny’s new album Pyrex Picasso.
Lizzo f/ Cardi B, “Rumors”
View this video on YouTube
On “Rumors,” Lizzo joins forces with Cardi B to address the long list of complaints that have been made about them in the media. “Say I’m turnin big girls into hoes, oh, goddamn/ They say I get groupies at my shows, oh goddamn… All the rumors are true, yeah,” Lizzo sings. Elsewhere, Lizzo debunks rumors that she’s been involved with Drake. Cardi B turns up the heat on her verse, acknowledging her past plastic surgery and the critics who say she is no longer relevant. “Y’all be runnin’ with fake news, yeah/ Cardi ain’t poppin’, no, that’s a machine (Huh?)/ Nobody listen, they buyin’ them streams (Hmm),” she raps.
YNW Melly f/ Lil Uzi Vert, “Mind of Melvin”
View this video on YouTube
“Mind of Melvin” finds YNW Melly speaking from the perspective of his Melvin personality throughout his verse. Melly connected with Lil Uzi Vert on the song, who also discusses his wealth and lethal tendencies. “Lil Uzi Vert, yeah, I’m all about gain/ Even if I gotta bring the pain,” he adds. “Mind of Melvin” appears on YNW Mell’s album Just a Matter of Slime
Swae Lee f/ Jack Harlow, “Ball is Life”
View this video on YouTube
“Ball is Life” is a motivational song that finds Swae Lee and Jack Harlow rapping about perseverance, despite the many obstacles that stand in their way. “Ain’t nobody helped when I was hungry/ Fake friends, they just slipping away/ But now I got it, so I ball, man, like every day,” Swae Lee sings. Jack Harlow reflects on the days he was burning CDs and emailing music venues to see if he could be an opening act. “Truthfully, back then, I couldn’t imagine a life where I never made it/Go ‘head and let ‘em hate it,” Harlow spits. “Ball is Life” appears on the Madden NFL 22 soundtrack.
Boldy James & The Alchemist f/ Roc Marciano & Earl Sweatshirt, “Photographic Memories”
View this video on YouTube
“Photographic Memories” finds Boldy James connecting with Earl Sweatshirt and Roc Marciano as they rap over a soulful sample, courtesy of The Alchemist. On the track, Boldly James raps, “Born convicted, brave heart, same armored defenses,” while Earl Sweatshirt brags about his come-up, spitting, “Niggas winnin’ Grammys now, five star livin.’” Roc Marciano closes the track, celebrating the end of generational curses and his new lifestyle. “Photographic Memories” appears on Boldy James and The Alchemist’s joint project, Bo Jackson.
WizKid f/ Justin Bieber & Tems, “Essence (Remix)”
View this video on YouTube
On the remix of WizKid’s summer anthem “Essence,” the Nigerian singer taps pop star Justin Bieber. Much of the track is the same as the original. It’s just as smooth as it was before, but also includes a new verse from Bieber. On the track, Justin Bieber sings with syrupy vocals, “I love the rhythm of your heartbeat/ The way you pushin’ up on me/ I can tell that you want me/ Let me show you how it’s gon’ be.” The “Essence (Remix)” will appear on the deluxe edition of WizKid’s album Made In Lagos.
Wale, Yella Beezy, & Maxo Kream, “Down South”
View this video on YouTube
“Down South” unites Wale, Yella Beezy, and Maxo Kream. On the song, Wale seems critical of today’s culture that breeds imposters. “Art imitation’ life, now y’all just saying lies/ Got these suburbanites, thinkin’ y’all ain’t afraid to fight,” he spits. Then Yella Beezy and Maxo Kream represent for Texas as they rap about street mentality. “I got the cocaine lady, white lady, by the key (Key)/ Ayy, cup full of Texas, poured by the three,” Yella Beezy raps.
Flee Lord & Roc Marciano f/ Stove God Cooks, “Trim the Fat”
View this video on YouTube
On “Trim the Fat,” rising New York rapper Flee Lord connects with Roc Marciano and Stove Gods Cooks. On the track, the trio showcase their skill while rapping about drug and street activities over a beat produced by Roc Marciano. “Trim the Fat” was released in preparation for Flee Lord’s album, Delgado, which the rapper says will also include some big features.
PinkPantheress, “Just For Me”
View this video on YouTube
“Just For Me” is a fun and mid-tempo single. On the track, PinkPanthress lays down whimsical vocals as she sings about her infatuation with a lost love. “I’m obsessed with you in a way I can’t believe/ When you wipe your tears do you wipe them just for me?” she sings over Mura Musa production. There’s something off-kilter about PinkPanthress’ devotion to this love, but that only makes it more relatable.
