The Listening: Ari Lennox, Bruno Mars, Max B & French Montana, A$AP Rocky and More

January is flying by pretty quickly and the new year has brought with it some big music announcements and some dope new music — and it’s only getting started. But if the beginning of 2026 is any indication, the first quarter of this year is going to be seriously crazy with hot albums and singles. 

Ari Lennox is getting you prepared for her upcoming album with “Twin Flame,” another new single, and Bruno Mars is making his (solo) comeback official after dropping his latest track “I Just Might.” And don’t forget: A$AP Rocky is coming for everybody — with an album dropping this month. 

Max B and French Montana deliver a new mixtape that feels like old times, and Jill Scott’s latest single is yet another glimpse at what she’s got cooking (album coming in February). IDK and Pusha T get together for a killer new single, as well as Danny Brown and Wesley Joseph. 

Speaking of collabs, Kodak Black and Diplo drop off something new. 

Each week, Okayplayer will deliver a roundup of all the latest new heat from some of our favorite artists. Check out the latest offerings in our playlist below: 

NEW SONGS

BRUNO MARS - “I JUST MIGHT”

The hitmaker is back and doing what he does best: classic soul with a glossy pop sheen. The music video showcases Mars as guitarist, bassist, drummer, and percussionist on a retro studio set.

A$AP ROCKY - “PUNK ROCKY”

The Harlem rapper includes a nod to Blink-182 on this pop-punk-inspired single, and Rocky is rapping. Gotta love a bold new direction as the first single for his first album in years.

ARI LENNOX - “TWIN FLAME”

She's the gold standard. Fans are buzzing for her upcoming album with good reason — and this new single is the perfect reminder of her strong vocals and emotive songwriting. A gorgeous track.

IDK FEAT. PUSHA T - “LIFE 4 A LIFE”

Gritty rhymes about survival and insight, the track echoes IDK’s own hardscrabble background. But he’s not bemoaning his past nor offering a cautionary tale. As real as it gets. 

JILL SCOTT - “PRESSHA”

Co-produced by Scott, Vincent “VT” Tolan, and Adam Blackstone, it follows the release of her album’s first single, “Beautiful People.” An examination of broken love and beauty standards. 

KODAK BLACK - “CHRISTMAS EVE”

The Florida rapper is back with a new YouTube-released track that has nothing to do with decking the halls. But some verbal shots are gift wrapped for Boosie Badazz.

LIL GOTIT & LIL KEED - “CAT GOT HIS TONGUE”

Lil Gotit again pairs up with his brother, the late Lil Keed, for a chest-thumping trap anthem. Their chemistry has always been effortless, and that musical band is still tangible. This never feels artificial or forced. 

NUBIYAN TWIST FEAT. BOOTIE BROWN - “RED HERRING”

Moody production that channels a classic hip-hop feel, it’s an indicator of what Twist has made his distinct vibe — and it’s blessed with Bootie Brown's iconic delivery and lyrics that explore personal betrayal.

WESLEY JOSEPH W/DANNY BROWN - “PEACE OF MIND”

He just announced it: Joseph’s debut album is due in April. With some intense production featuring throbbing deep bass and electronic elements, creating a volatile atmosphere.

LOGIC - “IT’S ALL YOUR FAULT”

The introspective rhymer delivers a reflective song about emotional intelligence. He breaks down where he’s gone wrong — in a study of self-examination that many other artists — and people, in general — won’t touch.

MIAMI XO - “BAZOOKA”

A melodically mellow slice of laid back trap about a grandma getting killed by a bazooka. The production has a feel that wouldn’t have sounded out of place a decade ago. That’s not a diss. 

LARRY JUNE - “WHO COPPIN’”

The West Coast native is a vivid, evocative emcee who took the long way to get where he is. This stellar single is a great reminder of both of those truths. 

DIPLO W/KODAK BLACK - “LOITERING”

Name-dropping Langston Hughes over a skittering beat and some always-present paranoia. When Black says he loves the streets though they don’t love him back — you believe every word of it.

ALKALINE - “NO EMOTIONS”

A sharp indicator of where he is heading next. A dark and personal track, hinting at restraint and reflection. His album is coming soon. 

ELIJAH CONNOR - “MORE THAN A FRIEND”

Produced by Dreek Beatz and co-written by STANLEY (Phillip Stanley Cunningham Jr.), the single reflects on the emotional imprint left behind when relationships evolve but feelings remain unresolved. 

MOONCHILD FEAT. D SMOKE AND ROBERT GLASPER - “UP FROM HERE” 

A reflective slice of progressive soul-forward about hitting bottoming out and finding a sense of purpose when you get there. Celebrating the strength that can come when you’re hit the hardest. 

NEW ALBUMS

THE KID LAROI - ‘BEFORE I FORGET’

The Australian singer-songwriter and rapper delivers 15 tracks of his most personal music. On the heels of a high-profile split with Tate McRae, his heart is on his sleeve. 

FRENCH MONTANA AND MAX B - ‘COKE WAVE 3.5: NARCOS’

Their chemistry is a highlight, of course — but beyond their brotherly bonds, both rappers get to shine here. And it’s the perfect showcase for French’s slick approach paired with Max’s zany side.

UNOTHEACTIVIST - ‘ADVENTURETIME 2’ EP

An underground fixture, Uno has built a dedicated fanbase the old fashioned way. This five-track EP showcases his knack for infectious, catchy music with fun vibes. Sometimes, that’s all you need. 

MON RIVIA - ‘BLOODLINES’

Gorgeous melodies and rhythms carry this dazzling debut album. The Liberian American singer breaks down his coming-of-age in various locales across 16 songs. A search for belonging that anyone can relate to. 

FASHAWN & SIR VETERANO - ‘ALL HAIL THE KING 2’ 

The pair team up again for this sequel to their fan-favorite project. The album initially dropped exclusively on the Fresh Yard Records website in November but has finally made it to streaming.

THA GOD FAHIM & NICHOLAS CRAVEN - ‘ULTIMATE DUMP GAWD 2’ (MIXTAPE)

A compilation of tracks curated from volumes five through eight of Tha God Fahim & Nicholas Craven’s popular Dump Gawd: Hyperbolic Time Chamber Rap series.