Fire Friday: New music from JID, Jessie Reyez, JT and more

Fire Friday: The Must-Hear Rap & R&B Releases (July 1–4, 2025)

This week’s lineup brought serious heat across rap, R&B, and beyond. From standout lyricism and fiery mixtapes to bold visuals and emotional albums, these new drops are setting the pace for summer playlists everywhere. Here’s your full breakdown of the freshest releases from the past four days.

JID – GDLU: The Preluxe (Mixtape)

JID kicked off July 4 with GDLU: The Preluxe, a sharp, four-track teaser mixtape leading into his upcoming full-length album God Does Like Ugly. Known for his rapid-fire flow and intricate wordplay, JID doesn’t disappoint here. The project features Eminem, Lil Yachty, and 6LACK, pairing clever rhymes with slick production, making it a must-listen for hip-hop heads.

Listen to the full mixtape here:

JT – “Ran Out” (Official Music Video)

JT shines in her latest solo release, “Ran Out,” a bold track packed with swagger, attitude, and confident bars. The music video matches the energy, showing off high-end visuals, fast cars, and no shortage of luxury. It’s an anthem for anyone who loves a flashy, unapologetic flex.

Watch the video here

DDG – “That’s My Ball” (Official Visualizer)

DDG keeps the momentum going with “That’s My Ball,” an upbeat track accompanied by an animated visualizer. The fun, sports-inspired video features popular creators like Kai Cenat, Ludwig, ImDontai, and Valkyrae, adding an extra layer of entertainment to the playful, competitive song.

Watch the visualizer here:

DJ Snake & J Balvin – “Noventa” (Official Music Video)

DJ Snake and J Balvin link up once again for “Noventa,” an infectious reggaeton track filled with retro charm. The video takes it back to the ‘90s with VHS effects, throwback dance moves, and summery street party vibes, making it a certified warm-weather anthem.

Watch the video here:

Jessie Reyez – Paid in Memories (Album)

Jessie Reyez delivers raw emotion on Paid in Memories, released July 2. Her powerful vocals and deeply personal songwriting take center stage as she explores themes of heartbreak, self-reflection, family, and healing. From stripped-down ballads to upbeat tracks, Reyez proves her versatility while staying true to her vulnerable sound.

Stream the full album here:

This week’s releases bring a range of vibes—from emotional R&B and fierce lyricism to flashy visuals and dance-ready beats. Jessie Reyez and JID deliver standout projects for listeners looking for depth and skill, while JT, DDG, DJ Snake, and J Balvin keep the energy high with vibrant visuals and catchy hooks.

No matter your mood, these releases deserve a spot in your playlist rotation.

“When The Sun Shines Again”: The Visual Masterpiece Behind Common and Pete Rock’s Latest Hit

Hip-hop heavyweights Common and Pete Rock are riding high on the success of their first full-length collaboration, “The Auditorium, Vol. 1.” The duo recently dropped a fresh video for “When The Sun Shines Again,” a standout track from the album released this summer to critical acclaim.

The visually striking clip, helmed by directors Marleaux Desire and ILLIMITEWORD, features guest appearances from neo-soul crooner Bilal and De La Soul’s Posdnuos. It’s the latest in a series of videos showcasing the album’s artistic vision, with Pete Rock’s signature boom-bap production providing the sonic backdrop.

Common and Rock wrapped up their 19-stop “The Auditorium Tour” last Friday with a bang, packing New York City’s Webster Hall. The tour’s finale capped off a whirlwind week in the Big Apple, which included a sold-out three-night, six-show residency at the iconic Blue Note Jazz Club.

The pair’s creative synergy hasn’t gone unnoticed by the industry. They recently snagged four BET Hip Hop Awards nominations, including nods for “Best Duo Group” and “Impact Track” for their socially conscious joint “Fortunate.” Common’s razor-sharp wordplay earned him a “Lyricist of the Year” nomination, while Pete Rock’s masterful beats landed him in the running for “Producer of the Year.”

“The Auditorium, Vol. 1,” out now on Loma Vista Recordings, marks a high point in both artists’ storied careers. Common’s introspective rhymes and Pete Rock’s soul-drenched production create a perfect storm of old-school authenticity and contemporary relevance.

Two of the genre’s most respected veterans serves as a potent reminder of rap’s enduring power. With “The Auditorium, Vol. 1,” Common and Pete Rock aren’t just nodding to hip-hop’s past – they’re carving out its future.