Mid-October is bringing with it a spirit of return and renewal. And it’s obvious in the music — because this week is all about welcome returns. There’s some hot new ish from established folks — and a few of them we haven’t heard from in a while.
First off, there’s new music from one of our fallen greats, as we get a new single from the late Big L and Nas. Plus, Ty Dolla $ign finally drops his long-awaited new album, TYCOON.
Gucci Mane drops his new album and memoir Episodes. And RZA announces that he’s working with the legendary Juice Crew and drops a new single with none other than Big Daddy Kane.
Bun B drops off “Better Believe It,” his new track with LaRussell; and we get new heat from Bone-Thugs-N-Harmony alongside Lil Eazy-E.
And Muni Long has a gorgeous new track called “Delulu” that will remind you why she’s one of the most accomplished songwriters working today. Meanwhile, Jay Worthy and Casey Veggies show that their musical chemistry is off the charts.
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
BIG L W/NAS - “U AIN’T GOTTA CHANCE”
It’s quite a moment for hip-hop. Two lyrical titans giving an early glimpse of the forthcoming posthumous Big L album, Harlem’s Finest: Return Of The King.
BUN B FEAT. LARUSSELL - “BETTER BELIEVE IT”
The Texas rap godfather collabs with Vallejo, CA’s own for this slice of Southern soul-driven perfection. Produced by Cory Mo and DJ Troop, these two work well together, with Bun’s lived-in verses and LaRussell’s soaring hook.
BIG DADDY KANE W/RZA - “OPEN YA EYES”
The first glimpse of the brand-new project: Bobby Digital Presents: Juice Crew All Stars features co-production from Mathematics. Kane’s lyricism and RZA production? Yes, please.
ARMAND HAMMER W/ALCHEMIST - “SUPER NINTENDO”
The new single from Mercy, the album due out in November that features appearances from Earl Sweatshirt, Quelle Chris, Cleo Reed, Pink Siifu, Kapwani, and Silka.
SHORDIE SHORDIE - “PASSAWAY”
A tone-setter for the forthcoming album, Love Lost, features melodic flows over gorgeous piano keys. Immaculate production, as the lyrics explore love, loss, and vulnerability with raw honesty.
HIT-BOY AND THE ALCHEMIST W/HAVOC - “CELEBRATION MOMENTS”
This track comes ahead of their new collab album and short film, Goldfish, dropping in late October. It's another triumphant offering from the pair, a second single following the recent release of "Business Merger.”
1SKI OG – “RATATATA”
The Jamaican dancehall artist fires off his latest single. Produced by Dxntemadeit, the record blends trap intensity with dancehall pulse, capturing the raw edge and rhythm that define his sound.
BONE THUGS-N-HARMONY FEAT. LIL EAZY-E - “EASY”
The legendary rap group follows their reunion single “Aww S–t” with this inspired Commodores flip. It marks another big chapter for the group – ahead of their upcoming Hollywood Walk of Fame star.
MARCO PLUS W/ SWAVAY - “JUICY CRAB”
The track blends sharp wordplay with a hard-hitting, high-energy beat, packed with clever Atlanta references and chest-thumping bars. Pure energy with a precise, polished flow. A standout collaboration.
CHRIS BROWN FEAT. BRYSON TILLER AND USHER - “IT DEPENDS”
Two of the most celebrated performers in contemporary R&B team up for this cool midtempo banger that flips one of Usher’s most iconic hits.
MUNI LONG - “DELULU”
This atmospheric single has all the drama of a classic 1980s power ballad; with Muni’s vocalizing standing out over airy, twinkling synths. She does this better than pretty much anyone.
WALE AND BNYX - "MIRRORONNABENZ”
This smooth urban contemporary banger is a great reminder of what Wale has always done well; effortlessly catchy with an assist from BYNX.
ALIYAH’S INTERLUDE - “KRYPTONITE”
For the last couple of years, she’s been a force. She’s proven herself beyond her TikTok beginnings and her latest showcases how much she’s continuing to grow as an artist.
CASEY VEGGIES W/ JAY WORTHY - “AIN’T MY B**CH”
Jay Worthy drops his follow-up to the summer’s Burnout 5. With production from Ashton McCreight, Veggies and Jay team up for this banger that sounds perfect for a bad weekend.
RUEBEN VINCENT - “HOMECOMING”
With 9th Wonder helming his upcoming album, Welcome Home, Vincent is looking to embrace his musical heritage.
DJ PREMIER & RANSOM - “AMAZING GRACES”
Their joint project, The Reinvention, is set to be released at the end of October. In the meantime, their new single offers a glimpse — and it also appears on NBA 2K26 Beats Official Soundtrack.
NEW ALBUMS
GUCCI MANE - ‘EPISODES’
Gucci season has returned! Guwop is a contemporary trap legend, and he adds to that legacy with his ambitious new release — which doubles as his latest album and heralds his new memoir of the same name.
PARTYOF2 - ‘AMERIKA'S NEXT TOP PARTY!’
The duo has been dropping some inspired singles all year, showcasing both their unique chemistry and a surprising versatility that can work to their advantage. Now we get their full artistic statement. They sound like they’re ready.
TY DOLLA $IGN - ‘TYCOON’
He makes his triumphant return – alongside some excellent features and the kind of production consistency you’ve come to expect. The fans have been patiently waiting, and the multi-talented Ty finally delivers one of the year’s most anticipated releases.
WHATMORE - ‘WHATMORE’
A musical collective that taps into beloved sounds of the late 1990s/early 2000s, the crew of Cisco Swank, Yoshi T, Jackson August, Sebastiano, and Elijah Judah has been doing their thing since their days at LaGuardia High in NYC.
BLACK FORTUNE - ‘ROAD TO OSSHLAND’ EP
The rising rapper out of the DMV rapper returns with his new EP. The four track project proves he’s committed to pushing his sharp, high-energy sound forward.
K CAMP - 'KISS 6’ (DELUXE)
After dropping Kiss 6, the latest in his Kiss series, this summer, Camp is re-releasing a deluxe version of the project. This release comes with four new tracks.
MONALEO - ‘WHO DID THE BODY’
If you don’t know, this is your intro. But at this point, nobody should be still sleeping. She got the web buzzing over “Sexy Soulaan," and now it’s her time to shine. Judging from the sound of things, this is setting the stage for something special.
HEADHUNCHO AMIR - ‘50 YEAR RUN’ (MIXTAPE)
The newcomer is doing a masterful job of announcing himself. It’s obvious the Dallas product is committing to climbing to the highest levels of music, but ambition isn’t much without the goods. Luckily, he’s got the talent and the charisma to make it happen.
DAVE EAST - ‘KARMA 4’
He drops an album steeped in classic New York sounds without ever sounding hamstrung by them; a project that continues his ongoing artistry while also showcasing a rich musicality. An awesome combo of samples and live instrumentation.
ISAIAH FALLS - ‘LUCKY YOU’ (EP)
The surprise EP is a six-track project that is a personal exploration of emotional intimacy. This is the kind of classic R&B that melds with modern, cinematic production and can reach everybody. Featuring collaborations with SiR, Alex Isley, Chase Shakur, and Joyce Wrice.
SHERWYN - 'SPIN CITY' EP
The LA-based singer-songwriter and producer builds on his core sonic trademarks — genre-blending, groove-heavy, and emotionally charged. But he’s also leaning into a pop-forward sensibility: hooks for days, polished sonics and always evocative and vibrant storytelling.
SUUBI - ‘CASA’S JOURNAL’ EP
The young Ugandan singer-songwriter delivers Afrobeats steeped in the richness of contemporary R&B. A strong showcase for the 22 year old.
RON E - ‘LET ME EXPLAIN’
Long Island native infuses his New York roots with soul. The rising R&B singer drops an assured and polished debut, with appearances from Fabolous, Tink, Honey Bxby, and Bay Swag.
