The Listening: Hit-Boy Teams Up With Alchemist, Chloe’s “Nightlife,” New Leon Thomas, Bryson Tiller and More

October is upon us — and for lotsa people, that means the unofficial start of Spooky Season. Whether you’re getting into the ghoulish swing of things or waiting until we’re a little deeper into the month, one thing that’s truly scary is how much dope music is dropping this week. 

Hit-Boy and The Alchemist drop a collab that reminds you these two guys have been running rap production over the past decade-plus. R&B is truly shining, as we get new music from Leon Thomas and Bryson Tiller drops his new project, Solace and The Vices. And Ledisi comes through with a glorious tribute to the legendary Dinah Washington. 

And she isn’t alone–believe that the ladies are putting on this week! Justine Skye releases a dancefloor anthem for the ages; as Chloe teams with Honey Dijon to experience the “Nightlife.”

East Coast emcees are bringing the goods, as Dave East gives fans another track to prime them for his upcoming album; while Cam’ron reminds you that nobody is as “Petty” on the mic. 

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

HIT-BOY W/THE ALCHEMIST - “BUSINESS MERGER”

Two of the hottest superproducers in the game teaming up is always a win. They’ve got years of hits between them and both set a standard for hip-hop production. You already know the chemistry is off the charts. 

CAM’RON - “PETTY (WHISTLE)”

Cam gets back in his bag on his latest track, an off-kilter production with lyrics that live up to the title. He regularly delivers freestyles on It Is What It Is, and Cam makes sure you never forget his bonafides as an artist. 

RAS KASS FEAT. SMIF-N-WESSUN - “42”

This is a showcase of classic hip-hop lyricism. Ras has long been one of the West Coast’s premiere emcees, and Tek and Steele never, ever disappoint when it comes to bars. The bicoast connection is something serious here. 

SKIP MARLEY - “CRY WOLF”

Skip announced the track with a mission statement: “Unifying against all odds, against injustice, against propaganda — bringing to light how we must take a stand and do what is right: the fall of Babylon.”

BUBBA SPARXXX - “LIL OLE ME”

This guy was one of the most slept on of the early 2000s. But he’s back with new heat. Produced By Jayson "Koko" Bridges, the latest track from the rapper out of rural Georgia is a reminder of what he can do when he’s inspired. 

DAVE EAST FEAT. STOVE GOD COOKS - “BOTTEGA TRUNKS” 

The latest single from his upcoming album, Karma 4, wistful, melodic, and dusty new single "Bottega Trunks." Produced by Nicholas Craven, this cut features gruff vocals and soaring proclamations 

BUN B FEAT. YOUNG DRO AND KILLA KYLEON - “CAN’T STOP MY HUSTLE”

The Houston legend teams up with fellow H-Town product Kyleon and Dro out of ATL for this new track, which is co-produced by Cory Mo and Organized Noize. Houston and Atlanta coming together and crossing generations? Yes, please. 

MURDA BEATZ FEAT. BABYFACE RAY AND BIG SEAN - “HOOD POLITICS”

Everybody gets down on this one. This is straight up Detroit swagger and style, with Sean and Ray doing their thing over Murda’s rich and infectious production. Sometimes you’ve just gotta love it when it all works. 

TRIPPIE REDD - “SKETCHY”

Redd is going inward. He’s prepping his new album called NDA and he sounds like an artist intent on baring his soul. The track has an intensely emotional feel, and the production leans into the moodiness. 

MAVIS STAPLES - “SAD AND BEAUTIFUL WORLD”

She’s one of the most revered artists in the history of music and an icon of soul. Momma Mavis is set to drop her upcoming 15th solo studio album, and she’s kicking things off with this timely slice of classic, rootsy R&B. 

HONEY DIJON FEAT. CHLOE BAILEY - “THE NIGHTLIFE”

The DJ teamed up with Chlöe for their first collaboration–the title track of her upcoming album due out later this year. Produced by Honey Redmond, Luke Solomon, and Chris Penny, the track’s music video is set to premiere on October 9.

JUSTINE SKYE - “YAP”

She’s embracing dance music wholeheartedly on this single produced by Channel Tres and Baby Tate. A smoldering house-lite track that makes you want to move. This is a ready-made anthem for dancefloors. 

MIGUEL - “R.I.P.”

The club feel belies some heavy lyrics. The title may seem morbid, but it seems like the Grammy-winning singer-songwriter is more interested in holding himself together than being fatalistic on the track. 

LEON THOMAS - “JUST HOW YOU ARE”

The man is putting in the work. On the heels of Mutt–and his well-received performance at this year’s BET Awards–Thomas is making the most of the moment. He’s already announced his new album, PHOLKS, is set to drop in late October. 

CEE-LO GREEN – "REST OF YOUR LIFE"

Flipping Paul Hardcastle's "Rainforest" instrumental as only he can, Cee-Lo makes his return with this slice of ATL nostalgia. On the heels of the announced end of Goodie Mob earlier this year, it’s interesting to see where Green goes next. 

YADOGG AND CARDO GOT WINGS - “HOW YA GANG”

The duo has got a good sense of each other’s strengths. The latest single from their collaborative run, the track arrives with a new video–and it is building momentum toward their upcoming project Raised By Wolves 2.

KENT JAMZ - “MI SOMBRA”

The R&B force returns with the newest single from his forthcoming FEAR EP– it’s a record that expands his range with this vulnerable, atmospheric cut released alongside a visualizer that mirrors its mood.

ISAIAH FALLS FEAT. ALEX ISLEY - “JUST A DREAM”

The lush ballad highlights Isaiah’s signature blend of soulful intimacy and modern R&B innovation, paired with Isley’s ethereal harmonies adding a timeless, dreamlike layer.

MICKEY GUYTON - “SUGAR COOKIE”

Halloween may be a few weeks away, but the country singer is already in a different seasonal spirit with this, the first track from her upcoming Christmas album, Feels Like Christmas. 

TAY MONEY - “REDNECK”

Genre-blending that never feels forced, this is a uniquely jammin’ track from the Texas girl. Taping into her country roots on a track that blends hard-hitting Dallas swagger with producer Bonnie Dymond’s unique acoustic-pop-folk sound.

DJ GUTTA BUTTA AND BIG BAD 1900 - “SALTY”

California cross-collaboration is always funky. It’s the Bay meets L.A. on this track, the lead single from their upcoming joint album Sad City. Produced by the Bay Area’s RobLo, this is the kind of raw street authenticity fans expect.

CHARLIE BEREAL - “TOGETHER”

The retro soul singer drops this track that echoes the classic sounds of icons like Earth WInd & Fire and Roy Ayers. A unity anthem from the Death Row Records artist–coming during one of the most divisive periods in recent memory.

NEW ALBUMS

LEDISI - ‘FOR DINAH’

She’s always showcased love for classic songs and legendary singers. Now the Grammy-winner with the powerhouse vocals is celebrating the great DInah Washington with this polished and sophisticated set. 

BRYSON TILLER - ‘SOLACE & THE VICES’

He comes through and brings the goods on his new project; a testament to both craftsmanship, intention, and vibe. This is an album that celebrates life while examining the pain and struggle inherent in living; offering meaning in the contradictions we all live with. 

RASHID ISAIAH - ‘100 NIGHTS’ (EP)

A project he says he’s taking directly to the people. The multifaceted producer, engineer, artist and songwriter announced on IG “I’ve gained supporters from all different walks of life and I’m beyond grateful for you guys. Now I want to give back to all my day ones who supported me through thick and thin.”

JUSSIE SMOLLETt - ‘BREAK OUT’

Seven years since he last released a musical project, the controversial singer/actor drops his newest, an album that melds soul, R&B, and raw storytelling. A joint release from his own Music of Sound label and Rowdy Records.

JALEESA - ‘ SOCIALITE’ 

One of the boldest young artists in music, she always delivers soulful music with a sense of perspective and purpose. Her latest has zero filler tunes, as she soars to life’s heights and plunges into the depths of the spirit. 

VERNON REID - ‘HOODOO TELEMETRY’ 

He originally conceived of the project during the claustrophobic height of the pandemic. It’s the first album he’s released entirely under his own name since 1996’s Mistaken Identity; and the guitar hero embraces a folky mysticism and showcases his virtuosic versatility.

DAME D.O.L.L.A. - ‘Y.A.G.I.’

Damian Lillard continues his run as the best hooper-turned-rhymer we’ve seen thus far. The title of his new project stands for “You Acquire Greatness Internally.”

KINDRED THE FAMILY SOUL - ‘GRANDLIFE’ 

The husband and wife duo (Fatin Dantzler and Aja Graydon-Dantzler), have recently celebrated their 27th wedding anniversary, and they describe the new album speaks to their togetherness through themes of love and life.

LA REEZY - ‘LAREEZYANA SHAKEDOWN’ (EP)

He announced that this EP was “born from a five-beats-a-day challenge—just me pushing myself to sharpen my skills. After the first week, my sound started to feel stagnant, so I had to break through and try something new.”

TREVOR JACKSON - ‘I LOVE YOU’ (EP)

After showcasing his knack for navigating covers, the actor/singer is delivering original songs about heartache, love and growth. This EP is a signifier of how well he channels raw, heartfelt lyrics about relationships and all that can come with them.

YHUNG T.O. - ‘YHUNG AND RICH’

The Vallejo, California-based rapper has found his footing as a solo act; and his artistry is starting to mature. On his latest, he stretches beyond his beginnings a bit, sounding less and less like simply a refugee from SOB x RBE. 

J.I. THE PRINCE OF N.Y. - ‘SEPTEMBER’S FINEST’

He’s always stayed true to his roots. And the Brooklyn native melds styles better than he gets credit for, switching effortlessly from cocky swagger to vulnerability in his vocalizing. 

JACKZEBRA - ‘HUNCHED JACK MIXTAPE’

Ahead of his highly anticipated and high profile debut shows in the States–he’s slated for November bicoastal performances in New York and Los Angeles–the Chinese rapper drops his followup to Above & Beyond.

ADEKUNLE GOLD - ‘FUJI’

He’s always pushed Nigerian popular music into dynamic and expressive directions. On his sixth album, he channels joy and pain through a lens of his cultural heritage, for one of the best releases of his career. 

MELLOW RACKZ - ‘NOTHING TO SOMETHING’ (EP)

The bombshell out of Broward, FL is a rising rap force known for her fearless energy, raw storytelling, and undeniable star power. She follows up her recent single “FUN” with NBA YoungBoy, with a new EP.