As we prep for spring, music releases are starting to heat up. After a long and drawn-out rollout, Lil Uzi Vert finally released his Eternal Atake album, and it lives up to the hype. Drake also treated the industry to another two-pack. Megan Thee Stallion had a rough week with label drama, but was able to persevere and serve up her new EP, Suga. Meanwhile, Jhene Aiko is giving us all the vibes on her third studio album, Chilombo. And that doesn’t even cover half of the new music you should be paying attention this week.
So you’re not out of the loop, check out the best new songs of the week below. Follow our accompanying Best New Music playlist on Spotify here!
Lil Uzi Vert, “Baby Pluto”
Days before his highly anticipated album Eternal Atake dropped, Lil Uzi Vert teased a new persona on Twitter. “Baby Pluto hit so hard,” he said. The opening record, appropriately titled “Baby Pluto,” introduces this side of him to fans, and he doesn’t disappoint. “Baby Pluto” is a big flex that puts Uzi in trap mode. As the beat drops, heunleashes hard-hitting verses without hesitation. It’s been long road to this moment, but Uzi’s confidence on “Baby Pluto” suggests the worst is behind him. What a triumphant way to begin an album!
Drake, “When to Say When”
“When to Say When” is a contemplative record from Drake that mulls over his legacy in rap and life. While it’s clear by now that Drake can make any type of song, it’s cool to hear him slow things down and have a real heart-to-heart with himself. Most of the track is braggadocious, as he lists his wealth and material possessions as a reason for why he is the greatest. But what really stands out is the gems about his mother and son that are sprinkled in when you least expect them. “I will split heads and break necks for my little man,” he spits. “When to Say When” won’t be a chart-topper, but it’s a record real Drake fans will appreciate.
Gunna, “SKYBOX”
Gunna has something called Wunna on the way and it seems our first taste is a new track called “SKYBOX.” It’s a luxurious trap song that finds Gunna making bold declarations like “I am a G.O.A.T.” and “This really rap, this ain’t a gimmick.” The single is accompanied by a colorful music video that includes Moroccan art shots and claymation. The single is proof that Gunna’s 2019 album, Drip or Drown 2, was no fluke. He’s got it.
Drakeo the Ruler f/ 03 Greedo & Bambino, “Let’s Go”
Drakeo the Ruler and Bambino recruited 03 Greedo for Free Drakeo standout “Let’s Go,” a song that’s almost haunting on first listen. Bambino’s chorus, which he delivers in a raspy whisper, is particularly spooky. “Let go, let’s go shawty, let go/Yeah, seein’ bread, we gettin’ bankrolls,” he spits. But that eerie feeling soon fades as the song progresses and the record becomes danceable. If you like this, make sure to listen to the rest of the project. It’s great from top to bottom. Free Drakeo!!
Megan Thee Stallion f/ Kehlani, “Hit My Phone”
After what has turned out to be quite an eventful and controversial week for Megan Thee Stallion, the Houston hottie has returned with new music. Meg dropped her new EP, Suga, on March 6, and one of its best tracks happens to be a feature with Kehlani. “Hit My Phone” is a laid back banger that will prep the girls for another hot summer. It might be a little too raunchy for the typical family cookout, but the texture of Megan’s southern twang against Kehlani’s syrupy chorus makes this the perfect record to blast through the speakers at sunset.
Bad Bunny, “Pero Ya No”
“Pero Ya No” is a new single from Bad Bunny’s latest album, Yo Hago Lo Que Me Da La Gana (translated as I Do What I Want in English). On the track, the latin trap artist unleashes a bouncy melody. And the music video depicts the early stages of two kids’ love story depicting dates at the beach, arcade, and movie theater, making it the perfect visual for the record, which is already fun and kiddish. What’s not to like?
$not, “Fall In Love”
$not loosens up and shows his vulnerability on his moody new track, “Fall In Love.” On the song, the Florida rapper pleads with the one who broke his heart to come back to him. “The reason for my tragedies/I spilled my blood all on the ground/You hear it in my melodies,” he sings. The track isn’t the most uplifting record on $not’s new album, Tragedy, but that’s not the point. This is the perfect tune to drown out your sorrows with.
Jadakiss f/ 2 Chainz, “Angels Getting Pedicured”
Five years after releasing his last solo project, Jadakiss has returned with his new album, Ignatius. In preparation for the project’s release, Jada dropped several impressive singles, but another cut worth mentioning is “Angels Getting Pedicured.” The new track is a collaboration between Jada and 2 Chainz. On the record, the vets lay down sharp and introspective verses about their come-ups over a luxurious beat. “Said I’d never make it, now my cake different/Way I’m pullin’ up, boy, you can’t miss it,” Jadakiss raps. “Angels Getting Pedicured” as well as the rest of Jadakiss’s 13-track album is definitely for the pure rap fans.
Jhene Aiko f/ H.E.R., “B.S.”
“B.S.” is a track to flex on your ex with. On the song, which is a new collaboration with H.E.R., Jhene Aiko declares that she is “back on her bullshit.” With sweet and unapologetic vocals, the Slauson songstress outlines her new lifestyle now that she is single. “Touch down in my hometown, got nothing to lose/I am on my own now, I am in control now,” she sings. H.E.R. fits right in the mix, using a saucy delivery to brush off relationships for the single life. “I’m done bein’ exclusive and you know the truth is these niggas is useless,” he sings. “B.S.” appears on Aiko’s third studio album, Chilombo, which dropped March 6. There are a lot of different vibes on the 20-track project, but “B.S.” is definitely one of its standouts.
