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

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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.

Are You Ever Too Old to Rap? Hip-Hop Legends Prove Age Is Just a Number in 2024

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By: Eddy “Precise” Lamarre

Common at Millennium Park 20 year celebration (Photo credit: Eddy “Precise” Lamarre)

2024 is undoubtedly the year of the rap OG, returning the genre to its essence. At the year’s start, Killer Mike swept the rap category, winning Best Rap Album, Best Rap Song and Best Rap Performance. That accomplishment opened a portal to rap’s golden age. In a time dominated by auto-tune and vibes, younger artists like Travis Scott, Future and Lil Yachty have stamped their distinct styles onto the genre, helping redefine global perceptions of hip-hop culture. The storytelling and lyricism that defined rap in the ’90s seemed lost to history.

2024 has brought a resurgence of what many call “real rap,” and many of rap’s elder statesmen are drawing a line in the sand, reminding the world of their capabilities. Artists who have lived and grown with the genre have delivered projects showcasing their experience and skills. Killer Mike’s “Michael” set the stage, while Masta Ace and DJ Marco Polo followed with “Richmond Hill.” Common and Pete Rock released “The Auditorium Vol. 1,” earning Grammy nominations for Rap Song of the Year and Rap Album of the Year. LL Cool J teamed with Q-Tip for “The Force,” proving hip-hop legends can still innovate.

Other notable releases include Rakim’s “G.O.D’s Network (REB7RTH),” Ghostface Killah’s “Set the Tone (Guns & Roses)” and Ice Cube’s “Man Down.” These projects represent offerings from legends who have spent decades perfecting their craft.

Age and the Evolution of Hip-Hop

This OG takeover has inspired others from the same generation to continue following their dreams and creating new projects. All of this has sparked online debates about whether anyone should be rapping well into their 40s and 50s. Some argue older rappers should step aside and become mentors. Others see no reason for rappers to “age out” of creating their art.

Imagine if the Rolling Stones felt they aged out of rock ‘n’ roll. Rock legends perform and record well into their 70s and are celebrated. Why should rap be different? “Our storytelling gets better with age,” LL Cool J said. Storytelling has always been rap’s core. Who better to reflect on life’s challenges than those who have lived it? Styles have changed, new styles emerged and there’s always space for styles that were popular 20 or 30 years ago.

Hip-hop at 50 points to the culture’s endurance and relevance. Creativity has no expiration date. As Killer Mike said, “I’m going to do this until I physically can’t do it anymore. What you’re hearing now is the perspective of a 48-year-old Black man who has lived enough life to actually have something to say.”

Follow your dream, create your art no matter how old you are. What you have to offer matters, and the world is better for it. Whether you’re a 20-year-old newcomer or a 50-year-old veteran, your voice is valid. Hip-hop, like life, is an ever-evolving journey. These seasoned artists aren’t just making music; they’re showing us how to grow, adapt and stay true to ourselves.

Notable 2024 Releases:

  • Masta Ace and DJ Marco Polo – “Richmond Hill”
  • Common and Pete Rock – “The Auditorium Vol. 1”
  • Rakim – “G.O.D’s Network (REB7RTH)”
  • LL Cool J and Q-Tip – “The Force”
  • Ghostface Killah – “Set the Tone (Guns & Roses)”
  • Eminem – “The Death of Slim Shady”
  • The Dogg Pound – “W.A.W.G. (We All We Got)”
  • MC Lyte – “1 of 1”
  • Ice Cube – “Man Down”

2024 is proving to be a pivotal year for hip-hop, reminding us that age isn’t a limitation but a superpower. These artists are living proof that rapping at 50 is not only possible but essential to the culture they helped build.


Kendrick Lamar Dominates 2024 With Surprise Album ‘GNX’

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Credit; Dave Free

By: Eddy “Precise” Lamarre

Kendrick Lamar has put an exclamation mark on his domination of 2024 with the surprise release of his latest album “GNX.” This release emerges as a seismic cultural moment, quickly becoming the talk of the internet. Inspired by the Buick Grand National he leans on in the cover art, Lamar embraces his “villain era” with unwavering confidence.

The album opener “wacced out murals” sets the tone with production that feels like a stripped-down, bass-driven reimagining of Whodini’s classic “Friends.” Lamar embraces the darker side of that memorable hit and weaponizes the track while highlighting haters, betrayal and self-preservation. “It used to be fuck that nigga, but now it’s plural, fuck everybody,” he raps, sparing no one. He even has a words for Snoop Dogg, whom he called out for sharing Drake’s AI-generated diss track “Taylor Made” during the height of the Drake vs. Kendrick battle.

One of the standout tracks, “reincarnated,” showcases Lamar’s strength as an artist. He demonstrates his keen ability to blend storytelling and introspection. Lyrically, he takes listeners on a journey through three lives experiencing reincarnation. The track is reminiscent of 2Pac’s “All Eyez on Me.” In the first two verses, he adopts Tupac’s cadence before closing the song with his distinctive delivery. The track is layered, as the three people described are reincarnated into different lives, while Lamar’s masterful delivery suggesting that he is the reincarnation of Tupac.

The production across “GNX” captures a minimalist, bass-heavy sound of L.A. and provides space for Lamar’s verses. This is most evident on “tv off,” produced by DJ Mustard and reminiscent of 2024’s culturally relevant anthem “Not Like US.”

The album features Mexican singer Deyra Barrera and rappers, Peyso, AzChike, Dody 6, Hitta J3, Peysoh, Siete, Wallie The Sensei and Young Threat. SZA joined her former TDE labelmate on “Luther” and “Gloria.” SZA’s performance on “Gloria” is hypnotic, her voice floating with ease through the verses before building into a luxuriant guitar solo.

Another standout track, “man at the garden,” evokes the haunting tension of Phil Collins’ “In the Air Tonight” along with “One Mic” by Nas and delivers an introspective Lamar. He examines his worthiness, boldly stating “I deserve it all” when discussing his accolades, accomplishments and the work behind them.

“GNX” is a statement during a year when Lamar made it his mission to fully separate himself from his peers. He delivers his honesty with a boldness that compels listeners to dig deeper into their own identity.

Tyler, The Creator Returns With His Most Personal Album Yet on ‘CHROMAKOPIA’

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By Eddy “Precise” Lamarre

In an era where music drops like confetti on New Year’s Eve, Tyler, The Creator chose a Monday morning to gift the world “CHROMAKOPIA”, his most introspective and sonically ambitious project to date. The unconventional release time – reminiscent of the bygone Super Tuesday era – proved strategic, allowing fans to live with the music rather than rush through it during the weekend chaos. The strategy paid off; the album currently sits at No. 1 across all genres on Apple Music.

From the opening notes, it’s clear Tyler hasn’t just evolved – he’s ascended. The production on “CHROMAKOPIA” is nothing short of masterful, with layered instrumentation that rewards repeated listens. In an age where the bridge has become a lost art in music composition, Tyler deliberately weaves them throughout the project, creating textural depth that’s been sorely missed in contemporary hip-hop.

On “Thought I Was Dead,” Tyler channels Kendrick Lamar’s delivery while maintaining his distinctive voice, showcasing a technical prowess that proves he’s still pushing his boundaries as an MC. His flow switches are calculated and purposeful, each one serving the narrative rather than showing off for sport.

But it’s the personal revelations that make “CHROMAKOPIA” a watershed moment in Tyler’s discography. His mother appears throughout the album via interludes, dropping wisdom like bread crumbs leading to the album’s emotional core. On the gut-wrenching “Like Him,” Tyler confronts the void left by his absent father, while his mother offers an unprecedented apology for keeping his father at arm’s length. It’s a rare moment of vulnerability from an artist who’s typically guarded about this particular pain point, despite his well-documented close relationship with his mother.

The featured artists on “CHROMAKOPIA” feel less like guests and more like carefully chosen collaborators in Tyler’s vision. Daniel Caesar, Teezo Touchdown, Childish Gambino, GloRilla, Sexyy Red, Lil Wayne, ScHoolboy Q, and Doechii each bring their unique flavors to the table. The standout collaboration comes from Doechii on “Balloon,” where she delivers what can only be described as beautiful aggression, her energy perfectly complementing the track’s ambitious production.

“Take Your Mask Off” emerges as an early fan favorite, while “Judge Judy” showcases Tyler’s signature wit and wordplay. “Sticky,” featuring the powerhouse combination of GloRilla, Sexyy Red, and Lil Wayne, demonstrates Tyler’s ability to curate unexpected yet perfect collaborations.

The album’s title, “CHROMAKOPIA”, seems to reflect its nature – a spectrum of emotions, sounds, and experiences that paint a complete picture of an artist at his peak. The meticulous attention to storytelling, coupled with moments of raw vulnerability, positions this album not just as one of Tyler’s best works but as one of 2024’s strongest musical offerings.

When Tyler, The Creator first emerged as the wild-eyed leader of Odd Future, few could have predicted this level of artistic maturity. “CHROMAKOPIA” isn’t just an album; it’s a testament to growth, both personal and artistic. It’s the work of someone who’s mastered their craft while remaining unafraid to expose their scars.

What Tyler has created here isn’t just music – it’s a masterclass in vulnerability, production, and artistic evolution. As 2024 draws to a close, “CHROMAKOPIA” stands as a monumental achievement from an artist who continues to push himself and his art form forward.

Common and Pete Rock speak wise words on new single ‘Wise Up’

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Real rap is making a comeback. Off the heels of what might be the greatest rap battle ever between Drake and Kendrick Lamar (Kendrick took the win), super producer Pete Rock and the Grammy, Oscar, and Emmy award-winning Common have dropped a video for their single “Wise Up.” This track is the lead-up to a highly anticipated album from these hip-hop legends. Common has publicly said this project could be some of his best work yet.

“‘Wise Up’ represents the union of a New York producer and a Chicago MC doing the hip-hop we love. It embodies the spirit of where we come from—the boom bap, the basement—but it also feels fresh and new. We chose this as the first joint because it captures a new sound and a new light while speaking directly to our hip-hop family,” says Common.

To launch “Wise Up,” Common and Pete Rock teamed up with director Marleaux Desiré to create an inspiring and creative visual presentation. Many of the shots are in Harlem, in front of Allah School in Mecca, home of the 5% Nation. This setting strengthens the release’s message, as “Wise Up” is a mantra that brings about understanding, the best part of life.

The video captures the street-level community stories they represent in their new single, visually depicting the themes of the song. It features visual ideations from ILLIMITÉWORLD and still photography by creative director Alonzo Hellerbach.

Pete Rock says, “Working with Common was a breath of fresh air. We both connected to a higher power, which helped us tap into our greatest level of creativity. We constructed an amazing project! Common has an incredible soul, so it was easy to connect with someone on the same page as me.”

The Sounds of “Water & Garri”: Tiwa Savage’s Journey from Music Icon to Film Producer

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Tiwa Savage, the anointed queen of Afrobeats, unveils her latest artistic venture with the release of “Water & Garri,” a feature film accompanied by a soundtrack that she personally curated. Premiering on Amazon Prime Video, the film’s release is perfectly synchronized with the soundtrack, available through EMPIRE, highlighting Savage’s meticulous approach to her craft.

“Water & Garri” transcends the traditional boundaries of film and music, offering a lush, auditory experience comprised of ten original tracks. Tiwa Savage collaborates with a dynamic roster of artists across genres, including Grammy-nominated Olamide and Ayra Starr, respected Nigerian singer-songwriter ASA, Cameroonian multi-instrumentalist Richard Bona, gospel sensation Zacardi Cortez, and emerging talents such as Black Sherif, Young Jonn, MystroSugar, and The Cavemen.

The soundtrack is a rich tapestry of Afrobeat, Afropop, amapiano, R&B, gospel, and even elements of mainstream trap and pop. Variety magazine praises the soundtrack for its “heavy use of live instrumentation and ambient sound effects,” which enhance the immersive experience, while Savage’s signature overtone-singing adds a unique texture.

Tiwa Savage expressed her enthusiasm for the project, noting the creative freedom it afforded her. “People expect a certain sound from me, but in doing a soundtrack, I could experiment,” Savage says. She emphasizes her commitment to infusing African culture into her work, whether through fashion or music, celebrating the beauty of her heritage.

The film “Water & Garri” is a significant milestone in Savage’s career, marking her debut as both lead actress and Executive Producer. Set in the vibrant yet tumultuous environment of Cape Coast, Ghana, the film follows Aisha, an ambitious fashion designer who returns to her native Eastside after a decade in the United States. Confronted with escalated violence and unresolved tensions, Aisha navigates reconnecting with her past while confronting personal guilt.

Directed by Meji Alabi, the film features compelling performances by Mike Afolarin, Andrew Bunting, and Jemima Osunde, woven together with captivating cinematography that brings the story of “Water & Garri” to life.

Reflecting on her illustrious career, Tiwa Savage celebrated the 10th anniversary of her debut album “Once Upon A Time” in July 2023. Her journey since then has been marked by significant achievements including collaborations with global icons like Beyoncé, Chris Martin, and Nas, and a historic win at the MTV European Music Awards as the first female Best African Act. Her tours in North America and Europe were highly successful, and in 2023, she performed at the Coronation Concert for King Charles II, representing The Commonwealth. Looking ahead, Savage is set to headline a major concert at London’s Wembley Arena in 2025, continuing to elevate her status as a global music phenomenon.

Listen here

Andre 3000 remembers his mom with new music on soundcloud

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Andre 3000 blesses the Internet with new music to celebrate Mother’s day. Andre took to SoundCloud in the middle of the night to bless the world with his talents. He release 2 new songs “Me&My (To Bury Your Parents) and “Look Ma No Hands”.

The first of the two surprise releases is an emotional trip down memory lane as 3000 laments over memories he had with his mom when he was growing up. The second song is a somber jazz instrumental filled with melancholy and moodiness. A horn blares in every direction as a piano provides the solid foundation to the expression.

Andre 3000 has been pretty quiet as it relates to music lately. He resurfaced in 2017 to announce his partnership with Tretorn shoes. The always eclectic and artistic 3000 lent his artistic vision to the designer and added some of his sketch work to the brands shoes. Lets see if this art wave flows more into the music in 2018.

 

Take a listen to both of the songs below

Review: Solange earns her “Seat at the Table”

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Solange provides a beautiful melancholy an unapologetic strength on her latest release A Seat at the Table. Solange’s writing skills are not a secret to the music industry. Her ability to create pop and R&B hits with ease has established her as one of the most desirable artists in the industry. Her most recent project is an example of her skill. A Seat at the Table  is chock-full of lush vocal and musical arrangements. The depth of the project captures a vulnerability that gives the listener an opportunity to be drawn into the ethereal vibe.

“Cranes in the Sky” a standout track from the project finds Solange trying to make peace and find solace with life’s circumstance. She says “I tried to drink it away, I tried to to put on in the air, I tried to dance it away, I tried to change it with my hair.” Any of us who breathe air have found ourselves in moments where we can’t escape the circumstance no matter what we do. Sometimes we don’t want to feel. Solange attacks this head-on and it makes her relatable and expresses her humanity.

A Seat at the Table is a raw emotion floating in the ether through an angelic voice. It addresses everything from pain, love, independence and freedom. When listening to the project you find that you will be immersed in the mind of an individual who is on a constant journey of growth and spirituality. Production by Questlove, Raphael Saadiq and Solange combine to allow the spirit of R&B to be reborn.

On the interlude “The Moment” one of the features and executive producer Master P says “We have to show the evolution of where we come from, I’m bout to send a message to the world. A Seat at the Table is Solange’s message. The project is sprinkled with life lessons and experiences from both of her parents. You can feel the project mature from the first track to the last. 2016 has been a great year for music. Add A Seat at the Table to your list of must-haves.

-Precise

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