Pusha T and No Malice of Clipse perform during Roots Picnic 2025 at The Mann at Fairmount Park on June 01, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Photo by Taylor Hill/Getty Images for Live Nation Urban.
The Listening: New Clipse, Cardi B is Back “Outside,” Halle Gets Brave and More
This week’s new music Friday also features Offset, Public Enemy, Wale and Che Noir.
The temperatures are high and the days are long – there’s nothing like the summer. And mid-June is delivering some scorching new music from a wide variety of noteworthy artists.
Let’s get into it.
Anyone with a pulse and a love of hip-hop is eagerly anticipating the new Clipse album, so No Malice and Pusha T have graced us with their new Pharrell-produced single “So Be It.” Cardi B drops her first single of 2025 and she sounds like a woman enjoying her divorce on “Outside.” In recognition of Juneteenth, Public Enemy brings the noise on a new track tackling crooked politicians.
Keke Palmer delivers her new album, Just Keke. New heat from Memphis Bleek, and Bruno Mars gets to show off his Portuguese. Meanwhile, Offset teams with J.I.D for the kinetic “Bodies”— which revisits one of the 2000s most beloved metal tunes and reimagines it for today.
Each week, Okayplayer will deliver a roundup of all the latest new heat from some of our favorite artists. Check out the latest offerings below.NEW SONGS
Anticipation for the new Clipse album is nearing fever pitch–and their latest single is only priming the public for Let God Sort Em Out. Travis Scott may be the only person not waiting with bated breath.
WALE - “WHERE TO START”
The veteran emcee outta D.C. is refocusing his purpose by reaching back. The new single should definitely build anticipation for his upcoming album.
HALLE - “BRAVEFACE”
Co-written with RAYE, who also appears in the accompanying video, ‘Braveface’ is the singer-songwriter delivering some of her most introspective and soul-baring lyrics. Over a mellow guitar, she opens about postpartum struggles.
PUBLIC ENEMY - “MARCH MADNESS”
P.E. drops this topical track in honor of Juneteenth. The latest from Chuck, Flav and Co. is described as “a powerful rebuke against crooked politicians and the ongoing crisis of gun violence.”
SMOKE DZA FEAT. WIZ KHALIFA AND PRIA - “CHAMPAGNE CAMPAIGN”
Everybody brings their A-game from this trifecta on this impressive single that will make you want a longform collab from the trio.
KELS - “GONE”
Her music covers so much stylistic ground. The singer-songwriter drops her latest single—the perfect showcase of her ever-evolving artistry.
CENTRAL CEE FEAT. SEXYY RED - “GUILT TRIPPIN’”
The perfect yin/yang. A mellow rhythm leaves so much space for vulnerability, and Sexyy Red shows up with boundless energy.
RAHEEM DEVAUGHN W/YAHZARAH AND THE CRANK CRUSADERS - “SUMMERTIME”
It’s only right that some brave artist takes it upon themselves every summer to lean into the season. Thank you, Raheem DeVaughn, for taking up that mantle with this ode to the warmer months.
CARDI B - “OUTSIDE”
Just because the world was waiting on her to drop a bonafide divorce anthem. The Bronx diva delivers the party song, which sounds like a woman who is happy to celebrate her liberation.
THE KID LAROI - “HOW DOES IT FEEL”
With an assist from Thundercat himself, and following an appearance on ONEFOUR's single, “Distant Strangers,” alongside Imogen Heap, the L.A. based singer-songwriter drops infectious bop.
AMI TAF RA AND KAMASI WASHINGTON -”HOW I BECAME A MADMAN”
The Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter teams up with Washington for her new single, her first for Brainfeeder.
JASON DERULO - “YOU DJ, I’LL DRIVE”
The chart-topping singer is back with a new track that shows he’s still got a way with a hook and can develop a groove better than most.
OFFSET AND J.I.D - “BODIES”
Teaming up with fellow Atlanta product J.I.D, the latest from Offset is a reimagining of the classic early 2000s nu metal hit from Drowning Pool – and it comes with a surreal yet stylish new video from Mikey Rare.
TEDDY SWIMS - “ALL GAS NO BRAKES”
The Grammy nominee returns with multiplatinum Dallas native, BigXthaPlug. It’s the latest tease in anticipation of his forthcoming album.
LIL DOUBLE 0 AND LUCKI - “ACE V2”
The dynamic duo is linking up for a third time for their new single, a song that is pure Memphis. And the pair’s chemistry remains off the charts.
JAYDON FEAT. ZEDDY - “BOUJEE BABY”
The rising R&B star drops a catchy summer anthem that showcases his versatile vocals – as he croons to the object of his affection.
STYLISTIC MURDER FEAT. ODDISEE - “FEELINGS”
This is the kind of inward-looking track that should connect with anyone. A moody, vibey look at how your feelings can shape so much, while also getting in your way.
SHOKA SUNFLOWER - “TWO STEP”
A significant evolution in his artistry. Produced, engineered, and arranged by acclaimed producer Moo Latte, with appearances from G-Eazy, Method Man, Jadakiss, Freddie Gibbs, and Cordae.
BRUNO MARS - “BONDE DO BRUNÃO”
The superstar gets to showcase how well he’s learned Portuguese during his visits to Brazil with the release of his new funk song. The video features images recorded on the streets of Brazil during his tour.
CITY JAMES - “ALL THINGS”
Produced by Ru AREYOU, the new track from James is a thumping ode to perseverance and remaining dope through it all.
ERYKAH BADU W/ALCHEMIST - “NEXT TO YOU”
The pairing of Badu and Alchemist has had fans giddy since it was announced in early 2025. This smoky, soulful head nodder reaches back to an Alchemist classic–and doesn’t disappoint.
New ALBUMS
After dropping the Wizkid-assisted“Kai!,” Olamide delivers this 17-track set with appearances from Seyi Vibez, Young Jonn, Asake, Dr. Dre, Muyeez.
YHUNG T.O., ‘Trust Issues 2’
T.O. p on his most polished release to date. Growth is apparent, as T.O. expands his repertoire — both sonically and as an artist overall.FASHAWN AND MARC SPANO, ‘Capital’
This streamlined, cohesive set showcases Fashawn’s writing and heady themes of power, legacy, and self-definition. Every track examines capital — financial, emotional, cultural — and how it defines so much of our lives.
KENNY MUNEY, ‘Kenjamin Franklin’ EP
The South Memphis rhymer drops his follow-up to last year's The Blue Seasons Super Deluxe. A set of trap songs that showcase the Paper Route Empire rapper's low-key versatility.
MEMPHIS BLEEK, ‘Apt. 3D’
The bet is doing his thing. The former Roc-A-Fella rhymer and Brooklyn representer shows he’s never lost a step and he still has an underrated pen game.
ANKITH WOODS AND RJ LAMONT, ‘Ankith Always Trippin’
The Michigan rap star teams with producer RJ Lamont for this set of Midwest swagger, complete with the kind of stream-of-consciousness lyricism Woods has become known for.
KEKE PALMER, ‘Just Keke’
A beautifully crafted album that showcases just how gifted Ms. Palmer is as an artist. The multitalented entertainer just somehow makes it all look so easy.
DAVE EAST AND YOUNG CHRIS, ‘Fine Dining’ EP
Putting in work. After recently finishing his 24-city From The Dirt Tour, the BK native links with Young Chris for their new collaborative project.
DAZ DILLINGER, ‘Retaliation, Revenge and Get Back 2’
The West Coast godfather is returning with an accomplished set of gangsta boogie anthems. G Funk is forever.
LUKAH AND STATIK SELEKTAH, ‘A Lost Language Found’
Statik Selektah is one of the hardest-working men in music. And his hot streak continues with this new collab with Lukah.
BIZZLE, ‘Nobody’s Mascot’
Bizzle is reclaiming his career—and his destiny. This is the artist’s Declaration of Independence — a project dedicated to his refusal to be anyone’s puppet.
TERRACE MARTIN AND KENYON DIXON, ‘Come As You Are’
Martin and Dixon are center stage on this strong set. A collaborative album that sounds purposeful, with guest appearances from Rapsody and Ogi.
KWN, ‘With All Due Respect’ EP
Her new nine-track EP feels both nostalgic and distinguishably current – with appearances from Kehlani and FLO alongside kwn’s signature soulful vocals, lyricism, and production.
CHE NOIR, ‘The Color Chocolate 2’
The Buffalo rapper/producer is back with her latest. And it includes features from Slum Village’s eLZhi, 7xvethegenius, Son Little, and Evidence.
SAMARA CYN - 'Backroads' EP
With appearances from Smino and Sherwyn, and the production bonafides of D’Mile, Two Fresh, and Malik Ninety Five, Cyn gets to shine on this topical EP.
