This Week’s Best New Hip-Hop Tracks

This week’s best hip-hop releases include fresh albums, videos, and songs from artists like Cash Cobain, Heems, and Travis Scott.

Let’s address the elephant in the room: Travis Scott’s “new” release isn’t exactly new. However, for the sake of this roundup, we’ll treat the reissue/streaming debut of Days Before Rodeo as a fresh offering. Despite a relatively slow week in new releases, the hip-hop world saw some significant developments. ASAP Rocky delayed his album Don’t Be Dumb, Big Sean released his surprisingly controversial “Yes” video, and NBA star Jaylen Brown made his rap debut with the Nike-slandering track “Just Do It.”

Here’s a look at the best hip-hop releases this week, ending Friday, August 23.

The New Yorker Cash Cobain has released his debut album Play Cash Cobain, which showcases his “sexy drill” style, a sound that has been declared the “sound of the summer.” This album marks Cobain as one of hip-hop’s most celebrated sample selectors, proving he can keep things fresh throughout the project’s duration.

From the DMV area, duo Free Party has been quietly making waves with a string of exemplary, experimental EPs. Their latest release, Cut Your Teeth, is dedicated to the craft of perfecting one’s art, reflecting on the blood, sweat, tears, and sacrifices that come along with pursuing greatness.

Following up on his collaborator Denzel Curry’s release, Carol City, Florida rapper PlayThatBoiZay introduces his new album VIP. This album operates in a similar lane to Curry’s earlier work, featuring distorted, often shouted vocals, thundering bass, and neck-cracking trap drums. The thrash rap aesthetics are bolstered by a guest list that includes ASAP Rocky, Jpegmafia, Kenny Mason, Mike Dimes, and of course, Denzel Curry.

Travis Scott’s 2014 project Days Before Rodeo has finally arrived on streaming platforms, mostly intact. While it might not convert any new fans or even surprise his hardcore base, it offers an opportunity to explore Scott’s early work alongside his more recent hits.

Finesse2tymes collaborates with GloRilla and Rob49 for “Show Dat Work,” a throwback strip club anthem. The track serves as an antidote to the slower, moodier sound that Southern rap has been cycling through. GloRilla stands out, but the high-energy posse cut is a refreshing departure from the norm.

In a surprising turn, MC Lyte returns with a new project slated for 2024. The new track “Thank You,” featuring Mary Mary and Muni Long, hints at what’s to come. With LL Cool J also gearing up for a new project this year, it’s clear that hip-hop pioneers can still produce engaging music.

Detroit’s Tee Grizzley and 42 Dugg release “Detroit,” a high-energy hometown anthem. In a time when hip-hop has blurred many regional distinctions, it’s refreshing to hear a track that embodies the local lingo and spirit, especially from a certified street soldier like Tee Grizzley.

Source: Various