This week’s New Music Friday is proving to be a significant date in the hip-hop calendar, marking the return of several prominent artists after extended periods away from the studio and the release of highly anticipated projects. The landscape of new releases is varied, featuring a long-awaited comeback from a TDE staple, a star-studded offering from a legendary DJ, and a confrontational diss track that has sent shockwaves through the industry. Beyond these headline-grabbing releases, emerging artists and established figures alike are contributing to a rich tapestry of new sounds, showcasing the genre’s continued evolution and its capacity for unexpected collaborations.
Isaiah Rashad Returns with "Same Sh!t," Teasing New Album
After a considerable five-year hiatus, Isaiah Rashad, a key figure in Top Dawg Entertainment’s roster, has officially kicked off the rollout for his forthcoming album with the release of the single "Same Sh!t." The track, described as a "southern-fried trunk-rattler," encapsulates a feeling of stagnation and cyclical repetition, a theme that resonates with listeners who have also experienced lengthy pauses in their own lives or careers. This single serves as the first taste of Rashad’s third studio LP, tentatively titled It’s Been Awful, which is slated for release on May 1. The anticipation for this project is high, given Rashad’s unique lyrical style and his consistent ability to deliver introspective and sonically rich narratives that have garnered him a dedicated fanbase. His previous album, The Sun’s Tirade, released in 2016, was critically acclaimed and cemented his position as a distinctive voice in contemporary hip-hop. The extended break has only amplified the demand for new material, making "Same Sh!t" a crucial marker in his artistic journey.
DJ Khaled Recruits Future and Lil Baby for "One of Them," Building Anticipation for God of God
DJ Khaled, a maestro of assembling star-studded collaborations, is also ending a significant gap between album releases. His latest single, "One of Them," features trap titans Future and Lil Baby, a pairing that immediately signals a high-energy, commercially potent offering. This track is the lead single from Khaled’s much-delayed fourteenth studio album, God of God. While Khaled has built a career on his ability to unite A-list talent, the efficacy of his signature formula on this particular track is a subject of ongoing discussion among fans and critics. The album’s title itself, God of God, suggests a grand ambition, and the inclusion of Future and Lil Baby, two artists who have consistently dominated the charts and streaming platforms, indicates Khaled’s intent to deliver another impactful project. The album’s protracted development period has fueled considerable speculation, with "One of Them" now tasked with setting the tone and generating momentum for the full release.
Snoop Dogg Continues His Prolific Output with 10 Til’ Midnight
Snoop Dogg remains an enduring force in the music industry, and his recent acquisition of Death Row Records appears to have further fueled his creative output. His new album, 10 Til’ Midnight, arrives as a companion piece to a recently released film of the same name. This project sees Snoop reuniting with a constellation of influential collaborators, including Pharrell Williams, Swizz Beatz, Erick Sermon, Rick Rock, and Soopafly. This assembly of producers and artists represents a significant portion of the sonic landscape that has defined hip-hop over the past few decades, hinting at an album that could be a nostalgic yet forward-looking exploration of Snoop’s legacy. The synergy between Snoop and these collaborators, many of whom have been instrumental in his career, suggests an album rich with the characteristic G-funk flavor and innovative production that have become his hallmarks. The film’s release alongside the album creates a multi-faceted narrative, allowing fans to engage with Snoop’s vision through both auditory and visual mediums.
Gucci Mane Unleashes "Crash Dummy," a Fiery Diss Track Targeting Pooh Shiesty and Big30
Perhaps the most explosive release of the week comes from Gucci Mane, who has dropped a defiant diss track titled "Crash Dummy." The song directly targets fellow artists Pooh Shiesty and Big30, both of whom are currently facing federal charges related to an alleged kidnapping and robbery incident involving Gucci Mane earlier this year. This confrontation marks a significant escalation in the ongoing tensions within the 1017 Records label and the broader Atlanta rap scene. The lyrical content of "Crash Dummy" is expected to be particularly scathing, reflecting the gravity of the alleged offenses and Gucci Mane’s response to them. The production, handled by Zaytoven, a long-time collaborator and architect of many of Atlanta’s most iconic trap anthems, promises a hard-hitting sonic backdrop for Gucci Mane’s aggressive delivery. The implications of this diss track extend beyond a simple musical feud; it brings renewed public attention to the ongoing legal proceedings and could have lasting repercussions for the careers of all involved.
Yasiin Bey Delivers Rare Freestyle, While Star-Studded Projects Abound
Beyond the major headlines, New Music Friday also features a diverse array of other significant releases. Yasiin Bey, formerly known as Mos Def, has surprised fans with a rare freestyle over the viral hit "Like That" by Future, Metro Boomin, and Kendrick Lamar. This freestyle, shared via his Substack channel, demonstrates Bey’s enduring lyrical prowess and his ability to engage with contemporary hip-hop trends while maintaining his distinctive artistic integrity.
Emerging artists are also making their mark. BossMan Dlow and Joyner Lucas have both released projects featuring extensive guest lists, signaling their growing influence and their ability to attract high-profile collaborators. BossMan Dlow’s Chicken Talkin Bastard includes appearances from artists like G Herbo and DaBaby, while Joyner Lucas’s ADHD 2 Reloaded boasts features from a similarly impressive roster including Big Sean, Chris Brown, and NBA YoungBoy. These projects highlight the continued vibrancy of the mixtape and album circuit, providing platforms for artists to showcase their versatility and connect with a broad audience.
The week also saw unexpected and exciting collaborations. Doechii teamed up with pop superstar Lady Gaga for the track "Runway," reportedly from the soundtrack of The Devil Wears Prada 2. This cross-genre pairing suggests a creative venture that could appeal to a wider demographic. Similarly, Kehlani joined forces with hip-hop icon Missy Elliott for the song "Back and Forth." These collaborations underscore the blurring lines between musical genres and the increasing willingness of artists to experiment with new sonic territories and audience bases.
A Deeper Dive into the Week’s Notable Releases:
Isaiah Rashad – "Same Sh!t"
Produced by Don Oskar, Mario Luciano, and Nate Hobden, this track serves as the vanguard for It’s Been Awful. The single’s melancholic yet head-nodding beat, characteristic of Rashad’s sound, is layered with his signature introspective and often stream-of-consciousness lyricism. The theme of being caught in a loop is palpable, a sentiment that many listeners can connect with, especially after periods of societal or personal upheaval. The anticipation for the full album is amplified by the raw honesty and relatable narrative woven into "Same Sh!t," suggesting a project that will delve deep into personal experiences and societal observations.
Gucci Mane – "Crash Dummy" (Pooh Shiesty & Big30 Diss)
Produced by Zaytoven, this track is not merely a musical release but a direct response to a serious alleged incident. The aggressive nature of diss tracks often involves sharp wordplay and a confrontational tone, and "Crash Dummy" is expected to deliver this in abundance. The legal ramifications of the alleged kidnapping and robbery are significant, and Gucci Mane’s public address through music adds a layer of drama to the unfolding situation. The involvement of Zaytoven, known for his hard-hitting trap beats, ensures the track possesses the sonic intensity required for such a confrontational release. This single is likely to dominate discussions within the hip-hop community, raising questions about accountability and the dynamics of loyalty within the industry.
DJ Khaled feat. Future & Lil Baby – "One of Them"
With production credits from DJ Khaled himself, TM88, Rozay Knockin, Marko Lenz, and Concentracia, this collaboration aims to be an anthem. The combination of Future’s melodic trap stylings and Lil Baby’s energetic flow over a potentially anthemic beat from Khaled and his production team positions "One of Them" as a strong contender for radio play and club rotation. The success of this single will be a key indicator of the overall appeal of DJ Khaled’s upcoming album, God of God, which has been in development for an extended period. The album’s release date remains a point of interest, with this lead single aiming to build substantial hype.
Snoop Dogg – 10 Til’ Midnight
This album features a formidable lineup of guests including Pharrell, Swizz Beatz, Erick Sermon, Nottz, Soopafly, Rick Rock, October London, Peezy, Trindad James, and MyGuyMars. The breadth of talent involved suggests a project that traverses various eras and styles of hip-hop, all filtered through Snoop Dogg’s inimitable West Coast lens. The connection to the film of the same name adds a cinematic quality to the release, hinting at a cohesive artistic vision that extends beyond just the music. Snoop’s continued reinvigoration of the Death Row Records catalog adds another layer of significance to this release, positioning it as a potential cornerstone of his revitalized legacy.
Doechii feat. Lady Gaga – "Runway"
Produced by a team including Bruno Mars, Andrew Watt, Cirkut, and D’Mile, this collaboration is a testament to Doechii’s rapidly ascending career and her ability to attract A-list talent. The inclusion of Lady Gaga, a global pop icon known for her eclectic musical ventures, suggests a track that will likely blend hip-hop sensibilities with pop flair. The potential soundtrack placement for The Devil Wears Prada 2 indicates a high-profile release with significant promotional backing, aiming to reach a broad audience.
Yasiin Bey – "LikeZ" ("Like That" Freestyle)
The production by Metro Boomin for the original "Like That" track provides a contemporary backdrop for Yasiin Bey’s classic lyrical approach. This freestyle serves as a reminder of Bey’s formidable skills as an MC, demonstrating his ability to adapt to current trends while retaining his unique voice and perspective. The release via his Substack channel highlights a growing trend of artists leveraging alternative platforms to connect directly with their fanbase, bypassing traditional media gatekeepers.
BossMan Dlow – Chicken Talkin Bastard
This project features an impressive list of collaborators including G Herbo, DaBaby, Trey Songz, OJ Da Juiceman, YKNIECE, BossMan Pac, and Goldenboy Countup. The diverse range of featured artists suggests an album that explores various facets of contemporary hip-hop, from street narratives to more melodic explorations. BossMan Dlow’s ability to curate such a lineup indicates his growing influence and his commitment to delivering a project with broad appeal.
Joyner Lucas – ADHD 2 Reloaded
The sequel to his debut album, ADHD 2 Reloaded, boasts an extensive list of features including Big Sean, Chris Brown, NBA YoungBoy, Kodak Black, Ty Dolla $ign, T-Pain, DaBaby, Fireboy DML, and Ava Max. This star-studded project signifies Lucas’s ambition to build on the success of his previous work, offering a comprehensive showcase of his lyrical abilities and his capacity to collaborate with a wide spectrum of artists across different genres. The album’s thematic depth, hinted at by its title, suggests a continuation of the personal and social commentary that characterized his debut.
Kehlani feat. Missy Elliott – "Back and Forth"
Produced by Khris Riddick-Tynes and The Stereotypes, this collaboration between Kehlani and Missy Elliott is a highly anticipated fusion of R&B and hip-hop. Kehlani, known for her smooth vocals and relatable songwriting, paired with the iconic and innovative Missy Elliott, promises a track that is both soulful and rhythmically compelling. This partnership highlights the enduring influence of Missy Elliott and her continued ability to inspire and collaborate with the next generation of artists.
The sheer volume and diversity of releases this New Music Friday underscore the dynamic and ever-evolving nature of the hip-hop genre. From the introspective return of Isaiah Rashad to the hard-hitting diss track from Gucci Mane, and the unexpected collaborations that bridge genre divides, this week offers something for every hip-hop enthusiast. As these new tracks and albums find their audience, their impact on the industry’s current trajectory will undoubtedly be a subject of ongoing analysis and discussion.
