It’s the final month of 2020, and there’s still a lot of great music coming in. Kid Cudi is back with the third and final installment of his Man on the Moon series, featuring the standout record “The Pale Moonlight.” Jack Harlow just dropped his debut studio album, That’s What They All Say, which includes the Lil Baby-assisted banger “Face of My City.” And Mulatto has returned with the deluxe edition of Queen of Da Souf, with the dizzying track “Spend It.” This week’s list also includes new songs from Benny the Butcher, Taylor Swift, CHIKA, King Von, and more.
Check out the best new music of the week below. Follow our playlist on Spotify for the latest drops in music right here.
Kid Cudi, “The Pale Moonlight”
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On “The Pale Moonlight,” Kid Cudi rides an uptempo beat effortlessly, demonstrating control as he flaunts his carefree attitude. “Hear me out, give no fucks/ Gettin’ busy out the cut,” he raps. While Cudi sounds hopeful and excited about the future, he recognizes the ongoing struggles that he’s coping with. “In the mirror, I used to hate what I’d see/ Healing but I’m dealing with some things, shit’ll never stop,” he adds. “The Pale Moonlight,” which is produced by Dot Da Geniuus, E*Vax, and Rami Beatz, appears on the fourth act of Kid Cudi’s new album, Man on the Moon III: The Chosen.
Jack Harlow f/ Lil Baby, “Face of My City”
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On “Face of My City,” Jack Harlow is confident, pointing out his co-sign from Diddy and other notable accomplishments. He’s cocky without being arrogant, noting a time in which his life wasn’t so luxurious. “You changed, no kidding/ Wasn’t always this pretty,” the Kentucky rapper spits. Lil Baby’s guest verse is impressive, as he claims to be among ATL royalty. “I’m the man in my city/ Niggas can’t fuck with me/ Bookbag three fifty/ Got my hand on my blicky,” he raps. “Face of My City” is a standout collaboration that appears on Jack Harlow’s debut studio album, That’s What They All Say. Read more about it in our interview with Harlow here.
Taylor Swift, “Willow”
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“Willow” is a whimsical record that finds Taylor Swift using a willow tree as a symbol for her life and romantic relationship. On the track, T. Swift acknowledges that she’s been swayed or hypnotized by her lover. “Life was a willow and it bent right to your wind/ Head on the pillow, I can feel you sneakin’ in,” she sings over sweet-sounding guitar strings. “Willow” is the lead single on Taylor Swift’s surprise album, evermore, which dropped five months after folklore.
Mulatto, “Spend It”
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Big Latto is back with the deluxe edition of her debut album, Queen of Da Souf. On the deluxe’s standout, “Spend It,” Mulatto flexes a dizzying flow, ripping through the trap-infused beat anchored in violin strings. On the track, the ATL rappers raps about her hefty bank account, luxurious lifestyle, and material possessions. “Remember they were hatin’ when I’d pull up in the Benz/ Now them bitches gon’ be sick when I pull up in the Bentley/ Bout the brand new money, countin’ hundreds,” she raps. “Spend It” is a fiery record that shows Mulatto is nothing to play with.
Benny the Butcher, “3:30 in Houston”
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On “3:30 in Houston,” Benny the Butcher reflects on his recent attempted robbery in Houston, which ultimately resulted in him being shot in the leg. On the track, Benny talks about the consequences of fame and the target that’s been on his back since his come-up. He also takes aim at many of his detractors. “Meetings with Hov and kickin’ it with E, I put my team in a room with them billions/ Fuck all the bloggers, the niggas who shot me, fuck all the opps, and fuck Wendy Williams,” he raps. “3:30 in Houston” is Benny’s first single since Burden of Proof, and it will appear on the soundtrack of Griselda’s upcoming film, Conflicted.
CHIKA, “FWB”
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On “FWB,” CHIKA shows her romantic side. On the track, the Alabama rapper flaunts her singing vocals as she sings about her search for the perfect companion. “I’m here for the benefits/ Roll it up and we can catch a vibe/ I just need a lover and a friends to pass the time,” she sings. In each verse, CHIKA outlines the type of lover she’s looking for, noting that she’s interested in finding a temporary situationship rather than an eternal love. “I ain’t here for love, so promise not to fall for me,” she raps. “FWB” succeeds at showing CHIKA’s versatility.
King Von & Funkmaster Flex, “Lurkin”
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Funk Flex has released his collaboration with King Von a month after the rapper’s untimely death. On “Lurkin,” Von raps about keeping his enemies at bay. While he knows they are watching him, Von doesn’t sound worried or alarmed. “Damn, you know we ain’t squashin’ no beef/ My dawg got dumped in the middle of the road/ We leavin’ this shit in the streets,” he spits. Of the record, Funk Flex revealed it was finished in four weeks, and the video was shot two days before Von’s passing on November 6.
Westside Boogie f/ Joey Badass, “Outside”
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On “Outside,” Boogie brags about his relentless hustle and status. “Shit, I’m the greatest on the coast and niggas thought I knew the Pope, mm/ Blessed me with the hands that’s catchin’ all these niggas’ fans,” he raps. Joey Badass soon chimes in, spitting, “Eight years later, nigga, I deserve to boast/ Still burnin’ bread, nigga, I deserve a toast/ Champagne spillin’, bug pimpin off the coast.” “Outside” marks Westside Boogie’s first release of 2020 and follows the rapper's 2019 debut studio album, Everything’s for Sale.
