This week, Lil Baby is back with his highly-anticipated album, It’s Only Me, which features a standout collaboration between him and Young Thug, entitled, “Never Hating.” Stormzy also came out with new heat with his single “Hide and Seek,” which captures the perfect vibe as we get further into the fall season.
Check out those and more in this week’s best new music, below. And follow our playlist on Spotify to stay updated on the latest musical releases here.
Lil Baby f/ Young Thug, “Never Hating”
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Lil Baby is back. The ATL rapper just dropped his highly-anticipated album, It’s Only Me, and this is the standout single. This isn’t your typical trap record, though. On the track, Lil Baby floats over an addictive beat, courtesy of co-production from Wheezy, as he raps about the luxuries his new money has been able to afford him over the years. Lil Baby sounds both confident and at ease as he raps, “Never been a hater, I don’t care enough/ This shit ain’t gon’ stop until they bury us.” This is also a moment for Young Thug, who provides a different type of energy with his scratchy, high-pitched voice, rapping about luxury cars and wealth. Lil Baby and Young Thug are an unbeatable duo.
Stormzy, “Hide & Seek”
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“Hide and Seek” is a solid record from Stormzy that captures the transition from the summer to fall season. It’s so smooth and lowkey, but still manages to make listeners feel like dancing. Nigerian singers Oxlade and Teni provided vocals on the track, and although they are not credited as features, their soft background vocals played a large role in setting the tone and vibe of the track. Stormzy is also slick and captivating as he weaves in and out verses, rapping in a pensive tone about love and relationships. “Hide & Seek” is a great jumping off point for Stormzy’s upcoming album, This What I Mean, which drops on November 25.
Central Cee, “One Up”
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Don’t sleep on London rapper Central Cee. His latest track, “One Up” is an electric drill single that finds the rapper dancing over a sliding bass. On the track, the rapper exercises control in his breath and flow as he raps about his come-up and his reputation. At the start of the first verse he sets the record straight on who he is, spitting, “The fake do a good job blending in with the real these days, but I still tell the difference/Realness get recognition, I recognized that from a distance.” “One Up” is one of four singles from Central Cee’s EP, No More Links and is bringing a bigger spotlight back to the UK drill scene.
MAVI, “High John”
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MAVI is perhaps the most underrated artist on this list this week. “High John” is the perfect record to get into his new project, Laughing So Hard, it Hurts. As the opening track on the project, MAVI does a great job of helping listeners get acquainted with his sound. The single has a smooth and funky beat that is still entertaining enough to hold your attention. On the track, MAVI delivers a gentle, yet commanding flow that finds him dishing out exciting stories. MAVI is definitely worth paying attention to.
Juice WRLD & Marshmello, “Bye Bye”
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“Bye Bye” is a trap-filled and melodic record produced by Marshmello that also includes posthumous vocals from Juice WRLD. On the track, Juice sounds torn as he talks about leaving an ex behind. His voice sounds like he’s in pain over the heartbreak, but is trying to find the strength to move on. The track is short, but provides just enough to keep fans satisfied. “Bye Bye” is somewhat of a sad record, but it’s nice to hear Juice’s voice again.
$NOT, “Simple”
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“Simple” is a cool and funky track that finds $NOT two-stepping over a mellow feel-good production, courtesy of Saturn and Wick Katana. The best way to describe the track is that it is simply a vibe. On the single, $NOT delivers fun quotables about going after money, rapping, “When I wake up, all I think about is gettin’ paid.” Lyrics aside, this is the perfect song to zone out to and just enjoy with the homies.
Pink Sweat$ f/ A Boogie wit da Hoodie, “Lay Up N’ Chill”
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“Lay Up N’ Chill” is a slow-burning record that finds Pink Sweat$ pleading to get close and personal with a special someone. His high-pitched vocals over the sensual beat set the perfect vibe for a late-night record. The track didn’t necessarily need a rap feature, but A Boogie was a smart addition. His melodic, auto-tuned vocals fit smoothly. “Lay Up N’ Chill” is a must-add to those late-night playlists.
STANY f/ Rema & Offset, “Only You”
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The summer may be over, but Afro-French producer STANY’s new single “Only You” still gives off a very light and warm vibe. Over the lighthearted and uplifting beat, Nigerian singer Rema delivers glassy vocals about relationships and romance. This isn’t a song that you’d expect Offset to hop on, but he actually complements the song quite nicely. The texture of his vocals sits in great contrast to Rema’s. Offset also exercises a fun flow as he raps about finding his other half.
