Posted by It’s been an eventful week in Hip Hop. Drake broke streaming records for Certified Lover Boy, Ja Rule roasted Fat Joe in the most recent Verzuz battle and Nicki Minaj’s cousin’s friend’s testicles have taken the world by storm.
Even with the wild news cycles, there’s still a bounty of music included on this edition of New Music Friday. To start, songstress H.E.R. recruited Lil Baby and Lil Durk for “Find My Way.”
Meanwhile, 2021 HipHopDX Rising Star DDG dropped “Rucci,” Russ came forward with “When This Was All New” and New York rapper Wiki worked with MIKE and Navy Blue on “Promised.”
With new singles from whiterosemoxie, Oranj Goodman, Lakeyah, Kehlani and more, this roundup is not to be missed.
H.E.R. f. Lil Baby & Lil Durk – “Find My Way”
Following-up Back of My Mind, H.E.R.’s masterful project from earlier this year, the California songstress has teamed up with Lil Baby and Lil Durk for “Find My Way.” Her latest album, which peaked in the sixth position on the Billboard 200, leaned fully into the sounds of R&B, exploring sweeping ballads of love and relationships.
“Find My Way” continues those same sentiments, but adds The Voice and The Hero, two artists who are pretty familiar with the Billboard charts, themselves.
DDG – “Rucci”
Mac Miller – “Colors and Shapes”
Fans of late Pittsburgh rapper Mac Miller will be thrilled to hear that Faces, Mac’s legendary 2014 mixtape, is headed to DSPs. While awaiting the project’s full DSP release, “Colors and Shapes” was released this week.
The psychedelic sounds of “Colors and Shapes” largely surmise the enigmatic ethos of Faces at large. Self-produced under his Larry Fisherman alias (with some assistance from Thundercat), Mac takes a trip and shares all the beautiful things he saw.
Russ – “When This Was All New”
Squale – “OUTTABODY”
iann dior f. Lil Uzi Vert – “V12”
Post-SoundCloud rapper iann dior has been remarkably prolific all summer, and as the weather starts to change, it appears he’s going full throttle through autumn as well. “V12” featuring Lil Uzi Vert showcases the two rappers going head to head over a playful beat from Internet Money producers Taz Taylor, Nick Mira and Cxdy.
Uzi adds his own touch to the track, crooning about his stature in Hip Hop and all the money his success has brought him.
Kehlani – “Altar”
Just days after Kehlani stole the show at the MET Gala’s red carpet, the singer has come forward with a brand new track, “Altar.” Over a set of driving drums Kehlani sings about a tumultuous relationship, pleading with her lover to stay just a bit longer.
Last year Kehlani dropped It Was Good Until It Wasn’t, her most critically acclaimed project to date. Given the slew of features and steady release of singles, it appears Kehlani may be getting ready for the release of a new full-length project.
Lakeyah f. Tee Grizzley – “313-414”
Wiki f. MIKE – “Promised”
From start to finish, each second of “Promised,” the latest single from Wiki, is a joy to hear. One of New York City’s leading figures of underground Hip Hop, Wiki has scores of songs and years of experience under his belt. His rapping style reflects that: Wiki’s put in his ten-thousand hours, and he’s reaping the benefits.
With assistance from MIKE and a stunning beat from Navy Blue, “Promised” is easily among this week’s best tracks.
whiterosemoxie – “luck ain’t real”
Throughout the year, Detroit rapper whiterosemoxie has quietly assembled a complete EP. Double singles were dropped consecutively for months, which each track seemingly improving off its predecessor. The EP is now complete with the release of “luck ain’t real,” and moxie is primed for the next chapter of his career.
Powered by a diverse range of sounds from Hip Hop, R&B and alternative, moxie’s latest is just more proof that the 300 Entertainment artist can thrive in any genre.
Majid Jordan – “Summer Rain”
StaySolidRocky – “Lucky”
StaySolidRocky still hasn’t come down from the meteoric highs of “Party Girl,” the explosively viral 2020 single which catapulted the Virginia rapper to stardom. Although he may be most known for “Party Girl,” Rocky also has a loaded discography to explore, led by his latest track “Lucky.”
A simple piano ballad and delicate, moody singing make “Lucky” perfect for late night thoughts.
Oranj Goodman – “Midnight Sun”
If that’s still not enough music, be sure to check out DX‘s Honorable Mentions, consisting of Jon Bellion’s “I FEEL IT” with Burna Boy, Comethazine’s “Spinback” and “Blow Her Back Out” by Yung Bans and Ka$hdami.