The Listening: New Music From 6LACK, Tyla, Benny The Butcher, Ludacris and More

This week’s new music Friday also features 50 Cent, The Kid Laroi, Teedra Moses, Red Cafe, Adrian Younge and Honey Dijon.

6lack performs with microphone amid bright stage lights at an indoor concert.
6lack performs during 6LACK Since I Have A Lover Tour at State Farm Arena on November 24, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia.

So much new music dropping this week – in particular, a bevy of booming singles for you to bump on your break or during your commute – no shortage of bangers. And, as has been the case as of late, it’s a pretty varied release slate this week. It’s a little bit of everything: smooth R&B, classic boom-bap, some party songs and some left-leaning alternative sounds. 

Saturday, April 18 is Record Store Day, and in recognition, Chuck D and John Densmore of The Doors (teaming up as Dope), are dropping their exclusive vinyl album, No Country For Old Men. It’s as good a reason as any to hit up your favorite music spot and give that record a spin. 

6LACK links up with none other than 2 Chainz for his new single, and another hot collab this week is Tyla and Zara Larsson. Benny The Butcher drops “Warehouse 4” with a little help from his friends, as vets like Ludacris and 50 Cent deliver new music, as well, and The Kid Laroi holds it down on his latest. 

Teedra Moses drops her sultry new “Single” (semi-pun intended) and on the album front, we get the new full-length from Sexxy Red and a highly anticipated drop from Red Cafe. Meanwhile, Honey Dijon delivers the goods on her new album, as Adrian Younge once again shows he’s one of the most prolific artists recording today. 

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

6LACK FEAT. 2 CHAINZ - “SUNDAY AGAIN”

His new single captures the striking sonic universe at the center of his upcoming album, reveling in the euphoria and healing of love through fierce transparency. The track features vocal contributions from a series of artists and close friends, including Serayah, Jordan Ward, Dos Dias and more.

TYLA FEAT. ZARA LARSSON - “SHE DID IT AGAIN”

The lead single from Tyla's upcoming sophomore album A-Pop, plays as a tribute to pop superstars of an earlier era–namely the 2000s. The pair trade verses on what is a deliciously irresistible, sultry single. 

NICK GRANT FEAT. PUNCH - “SAME SONG” 

The first release from Nick’s forthcoming project, Smile, it’s a track that signals evolution — precise, thoughtful and unafraid to challenge both himself and the listener. He's building on his legacy with renewed focus and intention.

BLACK ROB & G. DEP - “COUNT ON IT”

The first offering from the duo’s forthcoming collaborative album, Black & Depper, which is set for release later this year. Built on the chemistry that defined their early work, the track reflects the authenticity that made both artists essential voices during the golden era of Bad Boy Records.

SPINALL FEAT. MAVO & DETO BLACK – “SHABA”

Built on a laid-back, jazz-inflected backdrop, the track leans into warm textures and subtle bounce, allowing the vocals to carry a sleek, late-night energy. Known for blending global influences into his sound, SPINALL continues to expand his reach while setting the tone for the upcoming season. 

21 LIL HAROLD FEAT. BABYDRILL – “SPIN”

A high-energy, moshpit-ready anthem produced by Pi’erre Bourne. Driven by sharp beat switches and relentless delivery, the Atlanta duo lean into their chemistry across multiple flows, building a record that feels both chaotic and controlled. 

THE KID LAROI - “I CONDEMN”

The kid from Sydney is on a roll. Fresh from his Coachella appearance alongside Justin Bieber, and he teased a new album earlier this year, but there’s no clear indication that his new track is an indicator of what’s coming. 

LUDACRIS - “PULL OVER”

Obviously, 2026 has been a year when countless Y2K era hip-hop stars have experienced a resurgence, and Luda is set to drop a new project–his first album in more than a decade. If this new DJ Toomp-produced track is any indication, he sounds happy to be back. 

TEEDRA MOSES - “SINGLE”

The GRAMMY-nominated R&B songstress delivers the first track from her upcoming album. And she drops the PJ Morton–produced release as she’s joining Floetry on their Say Yes tour.

KIRBY - “LOSE MYSELF”

The soul singer from Mississippi is one of the most deeply rooted songwriters in contemporary music. From the artist herself: “I can’t call this one a single – it’s a testimony! I hope it touches who it needs to and that it can be a soundtrack to your healing journey. Love y’all down fr fr.” 

50 CENT W/LEON THOMAS & FETTY WAP - “NO ONE TOLD US” (EXTENDED VERSION)

50 Cent brings on Fetty Wap for this extended version of his track with Leon Thomas, which also comes from the upcoming POWER: Origins soundtrack 

TERMANOLOGY & ROYAL FLUSH FEAT. TEK & UFO FEV - “LEGENDARY BLOCKS”

Their chemistry is so perfect and undeniable, you know that they’re going to come with something stellar. Teaming with Tek of Smif-N-Wessun and UFO Fev makes this a homerun for anyone who loves classic hip-hop. 

MGK, SAUCE WALKA & SYMBA - “WHAT WE ON”

The trio teams up for this chest-thumper. MGK and Walka bring that Houston energy, as Symba’s West Coast flavor helps keep things varied. It’s a winning combination. 

JAY WORTHY & 9TH WONDER - “I CAN’T RELATE”

Cali swagger meets 9th’s richly musical, crate-digging sound and it makes for one of the strongest singles to drop this week. Dropped to build anticipation for a documentary and accompanying soundtrack.

MARQUES ANTHONY - “TWIN”

The singer-songwriter and onetime Jamie Foxx protege has become one of the more underrated acts over the last few years, and his new single showcases his enduring talents as a vocalist and performer with infectious ease. 

BLU & EXILE FEAT. BLACK THOUGHT & MACH-HOMMY - “TSOD”

Two highly anticipated projects on the horizon and an all-star lineup of collaborators. Evocative, inspired production and some absolutely elite rapping — it’s just hip-hop on a higher level. 

SMOKE DZA FEAT. PREMO RICE - “HARLEY RACE”

New material from DZA never disappoints and his streak remains intact. The highest one in charge has maintained a certain consistency that has led to one of the most rabid fan bases in indie hip-hop. He drops this new joint featuring Preemo Rice. 

RJ PAYNE FEAT. SKYZOO - “LSG (CONSISTENCY)”

Sometimes it’s an attention to craft, sometimes it’s as simple as just being really good after years of honing said craft. Produced by Cartune Beatz, the theme is perfect for these two, who have made sure to sustain themselves after years in the game. 

KEITH SWEAT, KING GEORGE, CALVIN RICHARDSON, CUPID & RON CHIP ANTHONY - “STILL GOT THAT GOOD LOVE”

For anyone still complaining about the state of R&B, these guys got together to remind you that that classic sound is still thriving. The veteran Sweat gets to connect with a younger generation on this groovy track. 

BENNY THE BUTCHER, FUEGO BASE & BLACK SOPRANO FAMILY FEAT. OT THE REAL & RICK HYDE - “WAREHOUSE 4”

When everybody’s in their bag, you can’t help but marvel at how well it all works. The new single and video prove that he’s definitely coming for everybody and everything. 

DJ MIRAGE & LOUIS MENACE FEAT. ETO, FLEE LORD & AZ - “BASE OUT THE FORTRESS” 

The French hip-hop DJ has never had to struggle to recruit a rogues gallery of collaborators, and his new single is no exception. 

FIEND - “LA-LA-LA”

He’s always been one of the most underrated emcees out of the Dirty South, and the NOLA representer has built a second act that’s stronger than most of his peers from the late 1990s. After 30 years, the Holly Grove product still sounds hungry. 

GLIZZY GLOW & BUNNAB - “THE BREAKUP SONG”

The South Side Chicago rapper connects with Atlanta’s own for this gloriously vindictive single. Produced by Thankutimmy, the track taps into classic trap sounds, and the duo gets to revel in some good old-fashioned, mean-spirited pettiness. 

FIVESTARDJAY & HEEMBEEZY - “TAO”

He’s built his name as one of the more consistent creators in alternative hip-hop, and this collab with Beezy is a sterling example of why he hasn’t been boxed in yet. Keeping the audience locked in with a steady stream of music ain’t a bad approach, either. 

LOSMOOTHE - “IN THIS LIFETIME”

A lush, trap-soul anthem built on massive vocal stacks and a compelling "self-first" narrative; and a grounded exploration of self-reclamation that originated from a raw acoustic guitar session, evolving into a track that fits perfectly into late-night links and introspective lifestyle moments to cherish.

NEW ALBUMS

ADRIAN YOUNGE - ‘YOUNGE’

It’s a staggering creative statement from a composer who keeps pushing himself. He’s also become one of the most prolific artists in music. 

RED CAFE - ‘ONCE IN A RED MOON’

The accomplished rhyme veteran emerges from the underground to show you this thing is done. He delivers an ambitious, creative album that proves he’s still artistically hungry. 

M.I.A. - ‘M.I.7’ 

The controversial rapper drops her latest — a spiritual album that highlights her pivot to Christianity. The superstar's new music is genuinely moving, a set of tracks both cathartic and richly soulful. 

NARCY - ‘TO BE AN (ARAB)’

An ambitious double LP and multimedia art project that features Dave Chappelle, Talib Kweli, Redveil and more. He is described as an "emotional man in artificial times" and it shows in this epic project. 

SEXXY RED - ‘YO FAVORITE TRAPPA FAVORITE RAPPA’

The rap game’s favorite fire starter is back with another middle finger to her haters. And she still sounds like she’s having fun pissing people off. 

TEZZUS/DIAMOND - ‘UY SCUTI BOYZ’

A collaborative project that embraces sinister, moody production and a new surge of underground rap energy. It feels rooted in throwback sounds: dark beats, murky textures and a mix of melodic and aggressive delivery.

YAYA BEY - ‘FIDELITY’

The Brooklyn artist drops her latest. It’s an album that is a creative statement; as she moves through a suite of R&B, jazz and reggae tracks. It’s all a canvas for her to wax poetic on our mortality and the transient nature of human existence. 

HONEY DIJON - ‘THE NIGHTLIFE’

She drops a comprehensive and ultra-fresh collection. The project cements her vocal-forward productions – and she sounds in her bag as she brings together an array of genres drawn from dance music’s Black and underground roots. 

STU BANGAS & A.G. - ‘SELFY’

The full length album by AG is fully produced by Stu Bangas and it includes features from Diamond D, Sadat X, Corey Gunz and more. 

TONY YAYO - ‘THE 4:20 TAPE’

The Queens native has been doing this long enough to know what works and he sticks to what he’s known for. If you’re already a fan, you’ll be glad he’s in familiar territory. 

SANKOFA & BURNT BAKARAK - ‘BURNT & KOFA’S GARAGE’

The project was initially planned as a Kofa Card Club exclusive (thus the no JON?DOE appearance.) But the Bandvamp release served as a reminder that these guys really really know what they’re doing.

NENO BLACK - ‘THANKS, BUT NO THANKS’ (EP)

The indie rapper has always boasted a sleekly lyrical approach—the proverbial “emcee’s emcee.” His new EP showcases his knack for cerebral rhyming that always sounds inspired.