This week’s New Music Friday has arrived with a significant impact, marking the return of several prominent artists after considerable hiatuses, the unveiling of highly anticipated projects, and the emergence of fiery diss records. The musical landscape has been reshaped by a diverse array of releases, from introspective journeys to confrontational anthems, demonstrating the dynamic nature of the contemporary music industry.
Isaiah Rashad Ends Hiatus with "Same Sh!t," Announces New Album
After a five-year absence from the recording studio, Chattanooga’s own Isaiah Rashad has officially begun the rollout for his upcoming album, It’s Been Awful, with the release of his new single, "Same Sh!t." The track, produced by Don Oskar, Mario Luciano, and Nate Hobden, is described as a "southern-fried trunk-rattler" that encapsulates a feeling of being trapped in a repetitive cycle, a theme that resonates with the artist’s extended break from releasing new material. This single serves as the first taste of his third studio LP, slated for release on May 1. Rashad’s previous album, The House Is Burning, released in July 2021, was met with critical acclaim and commercial success, further solidifying his position as a significant voice in contemporary hip-hop. His return is expected to generate considerable interest among his dedicated fanbase, who have eagerly awaited new music since his last project.
DJ Khaled Revives Formula with "One of Them," Featuring Future and Lil Baby
DJ Khaled continues his tradition of assembling star-studded collaborations with the release of "One of Them," the lead single from his long-anticipated 14th studio album, God of God. The track features trap titans Future and Lil Baby, whose distinct styles are expected to blend seamlessly with Khaled’s signature bombastic production. The single, produced by DJ Khaled himself, alongside TM88, Rozay Knockin, Marko Lenz, and Concentracia, aims to recapture the magic of Khaled’s previous hit-making singles that have defined his career. While the album’s release date has been subject to delays, this collaboration signals a renewed push for God of God, with Khaled aiming to replicate the success of previous installments of his album series, which have consistently topped charts and produced numerous hit singles. The reception to "One of Them" will be a key indicator of the album’s potential impact.
Snoop Dogg’s 10 Til’ Midnight Bridges Music and Film
Extending his prolific output since acquiring Death Row Records, Snoop Dogg has unveiled his new album, 10 Til’ Midnight. This project is intrinsically linked to his recently released film of the same name, suggesting a narrative and thematic synergy between the auditory and visual experiences. The album features a roster of established collaborators and influential producers, including Pharrell, Swizz Beatz, Erick Sermon, Rick Rock, and Soopafly, all of whom have played significant roles in Snoop Dogg’s career and the broader hip-hop landscape. The inclusion of these artists suggests a project that will likely draw on nostalgia while also pushing forward, reflecting Snoop’s enduring influence. The film, which explores themes relevant to the album, is expected to provide a deeper context for the music, further integrating Snoop Dogg’s ventures across different entertainment mediums.
Gucci Mane Ignites Controversy with "Crash Dummy" Diss Track
The most explosive release of the week comes from Gucci Mane with his defiant diss track, "Crash Dummy." The song is a direct lyrical assault aimed at fellow Atlanta rappers Pooh Shiesty and Big30. This confrontation is rooted in a highly publicized incident earlier this year, where both Pooh Shiesty and Big30 were arrested and subsequently faced federal charges for allegedly kidnapping and robbing Gucci Mane. Produced by Zaytoven, a frequent collaborator and integral figure in Atlanta’s trap music scene, "Crash Dummy" is positioned not just as a musical statement but as a forceful response to a perceived betrayal. The incident itself has cast a shadow over the careers of the accused artists, and Gucci Mane’s public denouncement via a diss track amplifies the drama, potentially influencing public perception and the trajectory of all parties involved. The legal proceedings against Pooh Shiesty and Big30 are ongoing, adding a layer of real-world consequence to the lyrical warfare.
Yasiin Bey Delivers Rare Freestyle, Showcasing Enduring Lyrical Prowess
In a notable moment for hip-hop purists, Yasiin Bey, formerly known as Mos Def, has shared a rare freestyle over the instrumental of Future, Metro Boomin, and Kendrick Lamar’s hit single "Like That." The freestyle, shared via his Substack channel, offers a glimpse into Bey’s continued lyrical agility and his ability to engage with contemporary beats. While only a snippet is publicly available, the release has generated significant buzz, highlighting the enduring respect and admiration for his artistry. Yasiin Bey’s discography is celebrated for its conscious lyricism and innovative approach to hip-hop, making any new vocal contribution a noteworthy event for fans and critics alike. The choice of "Like That" as the backdrop for his freestyle is particularly interesting, given the song’s own significant impact and its role in igniting widespread discussion within the hip-hop community.
Diverse Projects and Surprise Collaborations Round Out the Week
Beyond these headline releases, New Music Friday has delivered a wealth of other notable projects and collaborations. BossMan Dlow has released his project Chicken Talkin Bastard, featuring a lineup of artists including G Herbo, DaBaby, and Trey Songz. Joyner Lucas has dropped ADHD 2 Reloaded, a star-studded affair boasting features from Big Sean, Chris Brown, NBA YoungBoy, and Kodak Black, among others.
In the realm of unexpected pairings, Doechii has teamed up with pop superstar Lady Gaga for the track "Runway," featured on the soundtrack for The Devil Wears Prada 2. This collaboration bridges distinct genres and fanbases, signaling a potential for cross-over appeal. Similarly, Kehlani has joined forces with the legendary Missy Elliott for "Back and Forth," a collaboration that is sure to excite fans of both R&B and hip-hop. The production credits for these tracks suggest a high level of craftsmanship, with "Runway" produced by Bruno Mars, Andrew Watt, Cirkut, and D’Mile, and "Back and Forth" by Khris Riddick-Tynes and The Stereotypes.
Other significant releases include Lupe Fiasco’s "Crash Out," Fergie Baby’s remix of "Harlem River Drive" featuring Cameron, Marco Plus’s "Windows 98," and Buddy’s Simmie Sims III, which features Jay Rock and Kalan.FrFr. Nelly Furtado and Boi-1da have contributed "Electric Circus," the Canada Soccer 2026 World Cup Anthem, showcasing a blend of Furtado’s distinctive vocal style with Boi-1da’s acclaimed production.
Lil Tjay’s "First Time," Ovrkast.’s "Wata" featuring Niontay, Skrilla’s "Free 40" featuring NBA YoungBoy, and AZ’s "So High" featuring Mume Fresh, produced by the acclaimed Bink!, add further depth to the week’s offerings. REASON’s "Humble’Em_PINK" featuring CUZZOS, Blxst & Big Sad 1900’s "Day After Day" featuring Lori Perry, and Your Old Droog & Tha God Fahim’s "MESHUGENA" represent the continued output from artists consistently delivering new material.
BunnaB’s "We Back Outside," Sir Michael Rocks’s "In Solace" featuring Valee, and H3adband & DaBaby’s "She Can Get It" also contribute to the diverse soundscape of the week. Tink’s new project, Fuck, Marry, Kill, features a potent lineup including G Herbo, Tee Grizzley, and Bryson Tiller.
Further solidifying the week’s robust hip-hop offerings, DJ Muggs and T.F. present Don’t Call Me Lucky, a project featuring heavyweights like Ghostface Killah and Roc Marciano. Serial Killers (Xzibit, B-Real, & Demrick) have released This Thing of Ours, including a feature from Chuck D. Blade Brown & Benny The Butcher’s "Blue Marlin," Jason Derulo’s remix of "Sexy For Me" featuring Kevin Gates, Fetty P Franklin’s "Zelle Money," Deante’ Hitchcock’s "Electric Revival," and El Costeau’s "F U" complete the extensive list of new music available this week.
The sheer volume and variety of releases underscore the vibrant and ever-evolving nature of the music industry, providing listeners with a wide spectrum of sounds and lyrical themes to explore. From long-awaited returns to emerging collaborations, this New Music Friday has undoubtedly set a high bar for the weeks to come.
