February is Black History Month, so there’s already plenty of love for the culture already in the air, but if you need more to love, this month is kicking off with no shortage of very cool releases from some big names in music.
Of course, we finally get J. Cole’s new album — and allegedly his final album — The Fall-Off, and RZA reunites one of hip-hop’s most revered collectives in The Juice Crew, whose surviving members team up for a new compilation. Ransom, Boldy James and Nicholas Craven drop off the first single from their upcoming collaborative album. And Fredo Bang and Ariel J both bring the heat on their latest efforts.
Public Enemy reworks one of their classic tunes as a new anthem for women with a little help from Flau’jae, Retina MC and more. R&B is not quiet this week, either, as Ella Mai drops her third album, while Raahiim delivers a highly personal new project.
Each week, Okayplayer will deliver a roundup of all the latest heat from some of our favorite artists. Check out the latest offerings in our playlist below:
NEW SONGS
FREDO BANG - “BABY PLEASE”
The Baton Rouge rapper drops this very Valentine's Day-friendly single, offering fans a softer, more vulnerable side. In a melodic, more confessional mode, pleading for another chance as he owns his past mistakes.
RANSOM, BOLDY JAMES & NICHOLAS CRAVEN - “OFFERINGS”
A stark and unflinching track that features these three at their sharpest — two emcees delivering measured, high-stakes verses over Craven’s signature production: minimalist, ominous, and immaculately paced.
YNG MARTYR - “SINCE YOU BEEN GONE”
Flipping Kelly Clarkson’s anthem of female empowerment on its head, he’s feeling liberated from the bounds of toxic relationships in his life. He sounds free over buoyant trap drums as he leaves the past in his rear-view window.
MOZZY & EST GEE - “WOULDN’T HOLD YOU UP”
You may not have anticipated a pairing of Mozzy and EST Gee, but they clearly create something special when they collaborate. The pair delivers this standout track that could be one of the best so far this year.
STOVE GOD COOKS - “WELCOME TO MY GARDEN”
The rapper out of Syracuse flips a Minnie Riperton sample, setting a celebratory tone with the bombastic sonic backdrop. Teaming up with GRAMMY-winning producer and mogul Swizz Beatz was a stroke of genius.
ESDEEKID - “OMENS”
The anonymous rapper has rapidly risen from the underground U.K. rap scene to international attention. He returns with this new track produced by Cppo, Toom & Wasa – and a new video.
NLE CHOPPA - “SHOTTA FLOW 8”
The rapper delivers this frenetic new single, a slice of pure chaotic energy. Sinister bars over intense, booming production.
RAS KASS - “HIT LIST”
With his new album, Leopard Eats Face, due to drop next week, the West Coast legend delivers a moody, intense track that showcases what he does best: lyricism. Part announcement, part manifesto.
AKTHESAVIOR - “CULTURE VULTURES"
It’s a downtempo instant classic that speaks to the power of Blackness. A track that sounds like an anthem of purpose, it’s a battle cry and a rumination.
ZIGGY MARLEY - “MANY MOURN FOR BOB”
The reggae superstar honors his iconic father on what would have been Bob Marley’s 81st birthday. It’s a track he says, “is a reflection on my father from the deepest parts of my heart and subconscious mind."
PAUL WALL & DJ.FRESH - “YOU CAN’T SEE US”
They’ve been on one for a while now. This sounds like slow-rolling Cadillacs and gold grills. In other words, this is the vibe of that old school Texas 'ish.
KEM & BONEY JAMES - “GIVE MY LOVE (BONEY JAMES JOY & PAIN REMIX)”
Vibes for days. A gorgeous remix for one of Kem’s most acclaimed recent tracks, bolstered by an inspired pairing.
MARQUES HOUSTON - “HER SIDE OF THE BED”
An intimate, modern R&B song. It reflects his continued evolution while staying true to the emotion his fans have connected with for years.
ARIEL J & DJ MISS MILAN - “WE STILL DANCE”
The Atlanta-based, multi-disciplinary musician, vocalist, and poet teams with Miss Milan for this melding of jazz and house. With a message rooted in imagination and community.
JAYCO BEATZ & KAMAIYAH - “FEEL GOOD SONG”
When you’re feeling yourself–this is the soundtrack. Yes, that title is appropriate. It’s a fun track that evokes upbeat vibes of the early 2000s without ever sounding like it’s nostalgia-baiting.
PUBLIC ENEMY FEAT. FLAU’JAE, RETINA MC, CINDY BLACKMAN SANTANA, BLU DETIGER, GRACE BOWERS AND ELIZABETH BEISEL - “SHE GOT GAME”
With an opening from feminist leader Gloria Steinem’s Address to the Women of America speech, PE flips their classic 1998 tune into an empowerment anthem for women.
ROBB BANK$ - “HURTING”
Musically, it’s an intense track that evokes the out-of-sorts mindstate of a man spiraling. But the lyrics speak to confidence — it’s an interesting contrast that speaks to something deeper. Keep listening.
WALLIE THE SENSEI - “FED UP”
The Compton product drops a soulful, stripped-back song that serves as a showcase for his uniquely melodic approach. It captures his lived experiences while proving relatable even beyond the world it embodies.
TKANDZ & LIL BABY - “NOW OR NEVER II”
London rapper TKandz broke through in the States last year with the original version, as it made him more visible outside the U.K. Now on this new remix, he links with Lil Baby in a team-up that could cement him on both sides of the pond.
NEW ALBUMS
J. COLE - ‘THE FALL-OFF’
He’s still one of the best. The wait is over as the icon out of North Carolina finally releases what is being billed as his final album. With spots from Erykah Badu, Tems, Westside Gunn, Future and Burna Boy
ELLA MAI - ‘DO YOU STILL LOVE ME?’
She continues to evolve as an artist. Her third album is 14-tracks of contemporary R&B production (courtesy of Mustard), setting a backdrop for some of her most intimate, emotionally honest lyrics.
RAAHIIM - ‘PRAY FOR ME’
Vulnerability, reflection, and emotional honesty sit front-and-center on his new album, a project filled with grooves that can go from pensive to steamy – and always melodic. Tension and longing never sounded so good.
VARIOUS ARTISTS - ‘BOBBY DIGITAL PRESENTS: THE JUICE CREW’
The legendary Juice Crew reconvenes for this star-studded compilation from Wu-Tang Clan’s RZA. Crew mainstays like Big Daddy Kane, Roxanne Shante and Masta Ace are legendary for a reason.
BLACK FORTUNE - ‘ROAD TO OSSHLAND III’ EP
He’s quietly become one of the more creatively ambitious artists in his lane. The DMV star drops the third installment in his popular Road to Osshland series.
JAYMIN - ‘SWEET NOTHINGS’ EP
The rising R&B star drops his first full project after the success of his breakout single “Something Real.” He sounds assured and has a strong sense of who he is as an artist, proven by a set of tracks that showcase his unique musicality.
XAVIERSOBASED - ‘XAVIER’
His sound and style are so distinctly him, but on his latest effort you can hear him getting a bit closer to mainstream sensibilities. That doesn’t mean he’s following the crowd, but it does mean that he’s becoming accessible enough for the crowd to start following him.
THA GOD FAHIM - ‘THA DARK SHOGUNN SAGA, VOL. 3’
He drops his second album over the past year. The 11 track project from the Atlanta MC/producer features tracks with production from Nicholas Craven, Cookin Soul, Fortes, and Fahim himself.
RON CARTER & RICKY DILLARD - ‘SWEET, SWEET SPIRIT’
The jazz legend and the gospel icon may seem like a musical odd couple on paper, but their creative chemistry is undeniable. Definitely a musical moment, the album is a first-of-its-kind fusion of gospel’s sacred power and jazz’s masterful improvisation.
AJ SUEDE - ‘PSYDEYE’
He is nothing if not prolific, after releasing four albums that all push his sound forward. Experimenting with different producers gives him a different palette to work with, and he takes advantage.
LECRAE - ‘RECONSTRUCTION SECOND STORY’
The deluxe version of his latest album features seven new tracks. He dedicated it to the fans as “a reflection of your support and your willingness to stay with me through every chapter.”
KAYLA BRIANNA - ‘LOVER GIRL’
So many are going to feel seen. She goes intensely personal on the album and it serves her well. Her musings on the ups, the downs, and the inbetweens of dating in the 2020s.
HXNCHO - ‘NOT ONE OF THEM’
Delving into street tales and hustlenomics, there are no signs of stopping at all after dropping a third project in under a year. Twelve tracks with production from OZ, Murda Beatz, GoGrizz and more.
