You can feel the summer energy starting to wind down, and many of us will be sad to see Summer 2026 end. But fret not–we’ve still got a few weeks before the unofficial/official goodbye to the season, so lean back and dive into some of hottest tracks as we speed towards the fall.
Beyoncé drops her new track, evoking everything from the Isleys to Goodie Mob–with an assist from her famous hubby. The famed British soul trio FLO drops their new sophomore project, and we get a glorious new single from none other than the inimitable Lalah Hathaway.
Hip-hop isn’t slowing down this week, either. With the latest from heavyweights like Pooh Shiesty. There’s also a killer new freestyle from T.I. and his famous family and friends. Benny The Butcher delivers a late summer anthem, and the Wu veteran Inspectah Deck reminds us why he’s always been one of the Clan’s sharpest lyricists.
But wait–there’s more.
Meshell Ndegeocello reimagines a 1980s synth pop classic, as Busta Rhymes gives a taste of what he’s been sitting on featuring the late J Dilla. Oh and Jay Worthy teams up with the funk god George Clinton and a certain West Coast rap icon for his new track.
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
BEYONCÉ FEAT. JAY-Z - “MORNING DEW (DONK)” (REMIX)
Hov hops on his wife’s new single, with interpolations of Sheck Wes, Goodie Mob, Soulja Boy, and the Isley Brothers. The track is set to appear on a 20th anniversary reissue of B’Day.
T.I., KILLER MIKE & DOMANI - “RED BULL SPIRAL FREESTYLE”
The three Atlanta emcees get to showcase their skills while also highlighting their deep bonds. And Domani reminds anyone who needed it that your nepo baby criticisms don’t belong over here.
03 GREEDO FEAT. TY DOLLA $IGN - “IF I, PT. 3”
After years of anticipation from fans across social media, the acclaimed Watts rapper has finally delivered the highly requested track listeners have been waiting nearly a decade to hear.
BUSTA RHYMES & J DILLA - “SPAZZZ”
A taste of what Busta has cooking on the sequel to his 2007 Mick Boogie mixtape. He’s already said he’s reinvigorating classic boom bap.
LALAH HATHAWAY FEAT. J. IVY - “47TH STREET”
A gorgeous slice of classic soul that serves as a love letter to Chicago’s glorious cultural history. It also evokes a sense of Black pride, over punchy horns and smooth harmonies that evoke the late 60s/early 70s sound the city made famous.
ALEMEDA FEAT. FOUSHEÉ - “THE WORLD KEEPS SPINNING”
An emotionally charged song about finding direction after pain. The collaboration finds the two exploring the sense of loss and confusion that often follows grief, but reminding us that the world keeps going even when you feel lost in the haze.
SAM POUNDS - ‘ONE IN A MILLION”
This could be an instant classic. The singer’s distinctly raspy vocal style floats over the 60s-style guitars that evoke the sound of classic Stax and feels as vintage as your uncle’s record collection.
VEDO & LADY LONDON - “PUT UP”
The ghostly production and silky guitar lines provide the perfect backdrop for this unapologetically romantic track from one of R&B’s most underrated and the sassy emcee. A stellar showcase for both artists–and evidence of some serious musical chemistry.
MESHELL NDEGEOCELLO & CAT POWER - “DON’T YOU WANT ME”
Two of the most acclaimed singer-songwriters of their generation, Meshell and Cat team up to reimagine one of the 1980s most beloved pop classics and the results are sublime.
EST GEE - “SOMETIMES”
Sometimes you don’t want to talk. Sometimes you’re just really, really horny. That’s the theme of the latest from EST, a trap ode to just wanting to get it in.
JAY WORTHY & GEORGE CLINTON FEAT. SNOOP DOGG - “KNEE DEEP”
Clinton is the godfather of classic West Coast hip-hop, so it’s only right that two stars of the West Coast channel his sound directly. LNDN DRGS is handling production on this all-star reinterpretation of a P-Funk classic.
BONEY JAMES FEAT. LEDISI - “I BELONG TO YOU”
The legendary saxophonist has announced his upcoming album A Simple Man, his first album in two years. And James has unveiled the first single with esteemed singer-songwriter Ledisi.
TASHA COBBS LEONARD & ISRAEL HOUGHTON - “GRACEFULLY BROKEN/WHO THE SON SETS FREE”
A powerful, soaring live gospel collaboration, released as a lead preview track for Tasha's live album, Tasha Unscripted, the medley reimagines her modern worship classic with rich vocal synergy.
CZARFACE & FRANKIE PULITZER - “ALL IT TAKES IS ONE BAD DAY”
The rap supergroup Czarface has merged with none other than actor Tom Hardy for this new incarnation. The collaborative album Czarface Meets Frankie Pulitzer is dropping later in August.
YOUR OLD DROOG FEAT. A-REECE AND MASTA ACE - “PAVLOVIAN EFFECT”
The trio is taking aim at the idiocracy of modern life on this Ohbliv production. For the record: you can’t go wrong on any track featuring a keyboard solo by DJ Harrison.
DEVOUR - "MIND ONNA MILLION"
He continues his breakout run with a confident, mid-tempo West Coast anthem about ambition, discipline, and earning every win. The record captures the mindset of betting on yourself, staying focused, and chasing something bigger.
BENNY THE BUTCHER - "SUMMER ‘26"
The third installment in his celebrated and fan-favorite “Summer” series is produced by frequent collaborator Harry Fraud, whose signature sound has become a backdrop for some of Benny's most memorable records.
OVRKAST. FEAT. SELF PROCLAIMED NARCISSIST - “PANE”
He carries the hook before switching into verses he delivers with the assurance of an MC in full command of his voice. The writing runs from the private to the political, moving through anxiety clouding the brain, ICE and where they put their aim.
FATT SMAXK - “THOMASVILLE DAYS”
Named after the East Atlanta projects that raised him, finds Fatt flowing over a sinister, bass-heavy beat in the melodic, punched-in cadence he’s built his name on.
DAHI FEAT. FOUSHEÉ - “SQUARE UP”
The Grammy-winning producer shares his latest single, with a guest spot from the Grammy-nominated Fousheé. It gives fans another look into his long-awaited debut album, Black Boy (Alternative), due for release later this month.
ALABAMA SHAKES - “GARDEN”
A slow burner that sounds like it was recorded in a down home bar sometime around 1972 somewhere close to Memphis. A smoky signifier that evokes the richness and earthiness of classic Southern soul.
LIL PEEP - “BENZ TRUCK PT. 2”
It’s been almost a decade since the popular Soundcloud rapper’s untimely death. This latest posthumous track is the newest release from his estate, and is a perfect encapsulation of what made his fans love him.
NEW ALBUMS
FLO - ‘THERAPY AT THE CLUB’
No sophomore slump over here. The second album from the acclaimed British R&B trio serves as clear evidence that their rapidly-growing fanbase is no fluke. A strong set of songs.
KAROL G - ‘NO ME ARREPIENTO DE SENTIR TANTO’
She’s got the people buzzing. One of the most anticipated releases of the summer–that also boasts a new Drake track, and features from Bruno Mars, Greg Gonzalez and more.
RAVYN LENAE - ‘BLUE ISLAND’
The singer-songwriter out of Chicago returns. Her new album is executive-produced by DJ Dahi and their creative partnership has never sounded stronger. Their willingness to push each other makes this arguably one of their strongest collaborations to date.
POOH SHIESTY - ‘ALL EYES ON SHEIST’
The headline-grabbing rapper out of Memphis drops this 16-track album. The project features some heavy hitters –including GloRilla and Sexyy Red. The album comes as his federal case remains pending.
ADRIAN YOUNGE, JOYCE MORENO & TUTTY MORENO - ‘JOYCE & TUTTY MORENO JID 027’
The legendary architects of Brazilian sophisticated samba, have teamed with Younge to complete this project — a deeply emotional album dedicated to their late friend João Donato, following his sudden passing.
COMPTON AV & STEELZ - ‘SUMMER 26’
One of indie rap’s best duos. The rapper from Compton and the producer out of Long Beach have a strong history of collaboration and they deliver this long player that encapsulates what has been an eventful summer.
ROY WOODS - ‘X’
The new 10-track project highlights his smooth vocal melodies and personal songwriting, featuring minimal guest appearances and leaning into sensual, late-night R&B and hip-hop edge.
HURRICANE WISDOM - ‘WEATHERING THE WORLD’
The follow-up to 2025's Billboard 200-charting Perfect Storm, the latest from Wisdom is a 9-song album that allows the rhymer out of Florida to branch out into different sounds and explore a variety of emotions. He brings energy, honesty and versatility to every track.
NINO PAID - ‘SOMEWHERE OVER THE RAINBOW’
The 19-track project delivers some of his most introspective and creative work to date. He builds on his sense of vulnerability and knack for expansive storytelling. It’s evidence that his rising reputation is well-earned.
BRENT FAIYAZ - ‘ICON’ (DIRECTOR’S CUT)
Originally released independently via ISO Supremacy and UnitedMasters, the updated version brings the tracklist to 15 songs, featuring production from heavy hitters like Raphael Saadiq and Benny Blanco.
FANA HUES - ‘CATCH ‘N RELEASE’ (EP)
A powerful set of songs piercing with emotional instructions for navigating life, love and learning oneself. Hues has one of the most compelling backstories in music and her latest is an affirmation of growth, wisdom and the need to feel a connection.
Q - ‘DO YOU SEE ME?’
The sophomore studio album by South Florida-born singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist is mostly self-produced and it features an immaculate blending of soul, R&B, funk, jazz, and experimental pop.
JON KEITH - ‘AND FLY’
With features from Chance the Rapper, DaniLeigh, Eris Ford, Torey D'Shaun, Dell Mac, Aklesso, and Tenroc, the album is a celebration of God’s word and it’s power to restore, renew, and redefine a life-and an invitation to become beautiful again.
DJ KEVLAR - ‘TRANSITIONS & TRANSFORMATIONS’
A love child of classic hip-hop and neo-soul, the project marks the official full-length debut album of the Buffalo-born, Brooklyn-refined, LA-based DJ/producer/remixer.
INSPECTAH DECK - ‘DRAGON’S BREATH'
The Wu-Tang Clan legend and Czarface co-founder drops his latest—with collaborations with: Raekwon, Cappadonna, Czarface, Ransom, Skyzoo, Che Noir, and KXNG Crooked and others.
YTB FATT - ‘VERA VOLPE: THE PRELUDE' EP
The project caps a stretch that has kept YTB Fatt on other rappers’ records as often as his own. It features Lil Baby, Loe Shimmy and Fox BD (who is also his twin brother).
BABY BOY OF AG CLUB - ‘BUCK*’
He makes his solo debut wih this eight-song EP that blends melodic songwriting, reflective lyricism, and genre-blurring experimentation while continuing the creative approach that has become synonymous with AG Club.
DEREZ DE'SHON - 'I'M NOT OK BUT...'
It’s about embracing the reality that growth is rarely linear. Throughout the album, the lyrics confront betrayal, depression, self-doubt, and spiritual transformation, offering listeners an unfiltered look at what it means to rebuild while still carrying the weight of the past.
