The Listening: Lil Baby, Max B, Mavi, Ferg and More

This week is all about giving thanks, and as you enjoy family, friends and loved ones around the dinner table, there are some cool new releases that can provide the soundtrack to your holiday weekend. 

Max B is finally free and he wasted no time getting back to what he does best, dropping a new single just in time for the holiday, and we get a new EP from Lil Baby, to boot. And on his new project, Mavi is showcasing the power of sobriety. 

Ferg drops his new mixtape for the fans; and none other than superproducer 9th Wonder delivers the newest in his acclaimed instrumental series. If you’re feeling especially thankful, Lil Uzi Vert is in a giving mood — dropping no less than two new singles this week. We also got the new heat from Esham and a blazing new single by Central Cee. Singer-songwriter Spree Wilson makes his return with a heartfelt look at life and loss. 

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

LIL UZI VERT - “RELEVANT”

A throwback to the sound that made them famous. The Atlanta rap star drops two surprise tracks in conjunction with news that he’s signed with Jay-Z's music management and distribution company.

MAX B - “No More Tricks” 

After announcing that he had a new project coming, Max B unloads “No More Tricks,” a track that’s stylish and ruthless at the same time. 

LIL UZI VERT - “CHANEL BOY”

Another track that suggests that Uzi is trying to recapture the vibes of his earlier days, it sounds like the ATL superstar is fully in his bag. Experimental production with infectious, free-wheeling rhymes. 

FATTMACK - “5 MINUTES”

The Alabama product is on the rise, and his newest track is a midtempo banger that sounds inspired by a weekend in Cabo. The slow-rolling production leaves plenty of room for Mack’s autotuned vocalizing. A standout. 

LIL BABY - “MIDDLE OF THE SUMMER”

His WHAM Wednesdays have been going well and he has a new project coming in early December. Until then, Baby is in a nostalgic mood, reminiscing about his life’s journey and recalling when he felt like a “lost soul.”

CENTRAL CEE - “BOOGA”

The rapper out of West London drops his latest, with production from Roddy Beats, Arthur Bean, Young Chencs and Smokey Jam. The kind of grimy energy he does better than most. 

TERRY DEXTER - “TOUGH LOVE”

A perfect slice of hip-hop soul. This soulful, dreamy R&B single is produced by Duke Williams, and Dexter’s gorgeous vocals and lyrics offer a hypnotic, head-nodding journey – a heartfelt tribute to the bond and resilience of love.

DANICA HART - “AMAZING GRACE”

The country star delivers a powerful take on the gospel standard, after previewing several snippets of new music across social media. Hart says the song is a testament to “all I’ve been through.”

SONDAE - “LOVER”

The British multi-instrumentalist shares this rumination on when love turns into a burden. It’s a heavy-hearted ode to a bond that seemed unbreakable but has become weighty both spiritually and romantically.

RACHEL CHINOURIRI – “LITTLE HOUSE”

After releasing her acclaimed Little House EP back in April, Chinouriri has finally dropped the track that inspired the entire project. The British pop singer now feels the project is “complete” as she preps for her tour with Florence+The Machine next year. 

STOVE GOD COOKS – “GOAT STAMP”

Stove God Cooks is back, and it’s clear he never left that kitchen.

NEW ALBUMS

9TH WONDER - ‘ZION XI’

The legend out of North Carolina drops the latest in his acclaimed instrumental series. There are features sprinkled throughout the project, as the superproducer leans into his '90s boom bap lane and flexes a bit. 

THE ROOTS -  ‘THE ROOTS COME ALIVE TOO: DYWM30 LIVE AT BLUE NOTE NYC’

It’s the perfect release for Record Store Day, so treat yourself! The legendary Philly crew in full flight during stellar performances, recorded in March of this year and featuring longtime collaborators like Rahzel, Ursula Rucker and Dice Raw. 

CHOCLAIR - ‘TRANSIT MUSIC’

The Canadian hip-hop legend returns with his first release in two decades. Delving into classic hip-hop sounds, the project serves as a tribute to the city of Toronto and a testament to growth, survival, and perseverance. 

CRIMEAPPLE - ‘HANZAI’

The New Jersey rapper has dropped no less than five projects this year alone. He’s previewed it with a couple of new tracks with Loman handling production, but this is unfiltered, unapologetic and raw. 

YOUR OLD DROOG - ‘ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE’ (EP)

The rapper out of New York has been a force of nature for years, becoming one of the underground’s most consistent and acclaimed artists. With production from Roper Williams, Khrysis, and J-es, it is a bit of a break from his ongoing work with Madlib. 

PINK SIIFU - ‘ONYX'!’

The rapper out of Alabama drops the deluxe edition of the acclaimed 2025 album, an ambitious, genre-blending masterwork that examines the Black experience with sharp perspective. It’s a tour de force. 

MAVI - ‘THE PILOT’ (MIXTAPE)

On his new project, the North Carolina native cuts through the chaos with the clarity of sobriety. He revealed that the tracks were recorded throughout his first year of being clean and sober. 

FERG - ‘FLIP PHONE SHORTY - STRICTLY FOR DA STREETZ VOL. 1’

This is relentless, F-U music. Grit, menace and a consistent feel throughout, FERG reminds everyone that he’s still one of the best when it comes to unadulterated, East Coast street rap. 

ESHAM - ‘THE GOLDEN AGE’

When he’s locked in, there aren’t many who can touch him–and the shock rap vet sounds inspired. The Detroit rap legend has already said don’t get it twisted; the album’s title isn’t about reaching paradise — it’s about surviving through hell. 

SPREE WILSON - ‘THESE DAYS DON’T LAST LONG’ (EP)

The acclaimed singer-songwriter returns with this extended player inspired by the loss of his grandmother. A soulful project that explores themes of pain, joy, and how life can be so fleeting.

KWAKU ASANTE - ‘BYGONE’

The London-based singer-songwriter has always embraced his Ghanaian roots, and on his latest, his passion and those connections are brought to the fore.

YOUNG JONN - ‘BLUE DISCO’

His evolution from producer to recording artist has been interesting to watch. He’s helped to shape the sound of Nigerian popular music, and his new album he embraces a myriad of sounds in what could be his most eclectic set yet.