This week’s New Music Friday has arrived, ushering in a significant wave of new material from a diverse roster of artists, marking a pivotal moment for several careers and the broader hip-hop landscape. From triumphant returns after extended hiatuses to fiery diss tracks and star-studded collaborations, the sonic offerings are as varied as they are impactful. The releases span established titans and rising talents, collectively demonstrating the genre’s continued evolution and its ability to generate both critical acclaim and commercial buzz.
Isaiah Rashad Returns with "Same Sh!t," Teasing New Album
After a five-year hiatus that left fans eagerly awaiting new material, Isaiah Rashad has made a powerful return. The Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE) artist has dropped "Same Sh!t," the lead single from his forthcoming third studio album, It’s Been Awful. The track is described as a "southern-fried trunk-rattler," a sonic embodiment of the pervasive feeling of being caught in a loop, a sentiment that resonates with the album’s title. This release signifies a crucial step in Rashad’s career, potentially reigniting the momentum built by his critically acclaimed previous works, such as The Sun’s Tirade (2016) and Cilvia Demo (2014), which garnered widespread praise for their introspective lyricism and unique Southern rap aesthetic. The album, It’s Been Awful, is slated for release on May 1st, a date that has become a focal point for the artist’s dedicated fanbase. The prolonged absence has only amplified the anticipation, with many expecting Rashad to deliver another deeply personal and sonically rich project.
DJ Khaled Revives His Signature Formula with "One of Them"
DJ Khaled, a consistent purveyor of star-studded anthems, is back with "One of Them," the lead single from his long-delayed 14th studio album, God of God. The track features trap titans Future and Lil Baby, a pairing that embodies Khaled’s knack for assembling commercially potent collaborations. This release marks the end of a significant break between albums for the prolific producer and mogul, who is known for his ability to create massive hits by uniting the genre’s most sought-after artists. While Khaled’s formula is well-established, the question of whether "One of Them" truly lives up to the hype and delivers the impactful banger fans expect remains a subject of ongoing discussion within the music community. The album’s protracted development suggests a careful curation of features and production, hinting at a project designed to make a significant statement in the current hip-hop climate.
Snoop Dogg Continues His Death Row Reign with 10 Til’ Midnight
Snoop Dogg, in his role as the owner of Death Row Records, continues to be a formidable force in the music industry. His latest offering, the album 10 Til’ Midnight, serves as a sonic companion to his recently released film of the same name. This project sees Snoop reuniting with a constellation of legendary collaborators, including Pharrell, Swizz Beatz, Erick Sermon, Rick Rock, and Soopafly. This reunion with such influential producers and artists not only taps into a rich history of successful collaborations but also underscores Snoop Dogg’s commitment to revitalizing the Death Row legacy. The album’s release, closely following his acquisition of the iconic label, signifies a period of renewed creative output and strategic vision for the West Coast icon. The presence of these seasoned hitmakers suggests a project that aims to blend nostalgia with contemporary relevance, further solidifying Snoop’s enduring influence.
Gucci Mane Ignites Controversy with "Crash Dummy" Diss Track
Perhaps the most incendiary release of the week comes from Gucci Mane with his new track, "Crash Dummy." This defiant diss song is explicitly aimed at fellow Atlanta rappers Pooh Shiesty and Big30. The feud stems from a serious legal situation, as both Pooh Shiesty and Big30 are currently facing federal charges related to an alleged kidnapping and robbery of the 1017 Records boss earlier this year. Gucci Mane’s decision to address the situation through a diss track highlights the raw and often confrontational nature of hip-hop rivalries, especially when intertwined with real-world legal entanglements. The production, handled by the esteemed Zaytoven, adds an extra layer of gravitas to the aggressive lyrical content. This release has immediately become a focal point of discussion, raising questions about the legal ramifications and the evolving dynamics within the Atlanta rap scene. The alleged incident, which occurred in July 2021, involved a dispute over a firearm and a subsequent robbery, leading to federal indictments for both artists.
Yasiin Bey Delivers a Rare Freestyle, Showcasing Timeless Skill
In a rare display of his lyrical prowess, Yasiin Bey, formerly known as Mos Def, has dropped a freestyle over the instrumental of Future, Metro Boomin, and Kendrick Lamar’s hit track "Like That." This freestyle, shared via his Substack channel, offers a potent reminder of Bey’s enduring skill and his ability to captivate audiences with his intricate wordplay and distinctive flow. While a full snippet is available, the release is a significant moment for fans who have long admired his contributions to the genre. Yasiin Bey, a pivotal figure in conscious hip-hop, has maintained a more reclusive presence in recent years, making this freestyle a particularly noteworthy event. The choice of "Like That" as the backdrop for his freestyle is also significant, given the track’s own impact on the current rap discourse, particularly its perceived jabs at Drake.
A Multifaceted New Music Friday: Star-Studded Projects and Surprise Collaborations
Beyond these headline-grabbing releases, New Music Friday has delivered a wealth of other compelling projects and tracks. BossMan Dlow and Joyner Lucas have both unveiled star-studded projects, showcasing their respective artistic visions and their ability to attract high-profile features. BossMan Dlow’s Chicken Talkin Bastard includes contributions from G Herbo, DaBaby, and Trey Songz, among others, signaling a significant push for the artist. Similarly, Joyner Lucas’s ADHD 2 Reloaded is packed with notable names such as Big Sean, Chris Brown, and NBA YoungBoy, indicating a project poised for broad appeal.
The week has also been marked by surprising and exciting collaborations. Doechii has teamed up with global pop superstar Lady Gaga for the track "Runway," featured on the soundtrack for The Devil Wears Prada 2. This unlikely pairing suggests a creative exploration beyond genre boundaries, with the production helmed by a team including Bruno Mars, Andrew Watt, Cirkut, and D’Mile. Meanwhile, Kehlani has joined forces with hip-hop legend Missy Elliott for "Back and Forth," a collaboration that promises a blend of Kehlani’s R&B sensibilities with Elliott’s innovative production and unique vocal style. These unexpected pairings underscore the interconnectedness of the music industry and the potential for cross-genre pollination.
Other notable releases include Lupe Fiasco’s "Crash Out," Fergie Baby featuring Cameron on "Harlem River Drive (Remix)," Marco Plus’s "Windows 98," and Buddy’s Simmie Sims III, which features Jay Rock and Guapdad 4000. Nelly Furtado and Boi-1da have released "Electric Circus," the official anthem for the Canada Soccer 2026 World Cup, highlighting a significant cultural moment. Lil Tjay’s "First Time," Ovrkast. featuring Niontay on "Wata," and Skrilla featuring NBA YoungBoy on "Free 40" further diversify the week’s sonic landscape. The veteran AZ, alongside Mume Fresh, delivers "So High" produced by Bink!, while REASON and CUZZOS drop "Humble’Em_PINK." Blxst & Big Sad 1900 featuring Lori Perry present "Day After Day," and the prolific duo Your Old Droog & Tha God Fahim offer "MESHUGENA." BunnaB’s "We Back Outside," Sir Michael Rocks featuring Valee on "In Solace," and H3adband & DaBaby’s "She Can Get It" round out a substantial list of singles.
In album releases, Tink’s Fuck, Marry, Kill features G Herbo, Tee Grizzley, Bryson Tiller, and Rob49, promising a robust collection of R&B and hip-hop collaborations. DJ Muggs & T.F.’s Don’t Call Me Lucky boasts an impressive lineup including Ghostface Killah, Roc Marciano, and Boldy James, solidifying its place as a project for hardcore hip-hop enthusiasts. The supergroup Serial Killers (Xzibit, B-Real, and Demrick) have released This Thing of Ours, featuring Chuck D and Scoop Deville. Blade Brown & Benny The Butcher deliver "Blue Marlin," a collaboration that brings together two respected figures in the street rap scene. Jason Derulo and Kevin Gates offer a remix of "Sexy For Me," while Fetty P Franklin’s "Zelle Money" and Deante’ Hitchcock’s "Electric Revival" also contribute to the week’s offerings. El Costeau closes out the extensive list with "F U."
The sheer volume and diversity of releases this New Music Friday underscore the dynamism of the current music scene. From the return of established artists to the emergence of new sounds and unexpected collaborations, the week has provided ample material for fans to dissect and enjoy, setting a high bar for the weeks to come. The interplay between major label releases, independent projects, and even artist-driven platforms like Substack highlights the multifaceted nature of music distribution and consumption in the digital age. This continuous influx of new music ensures that the conversation surrounding hip-hop and its related genres remains vibrant and ever-evolving.
