Welp. February is coming to a close — and it looks like Black History Month 2026 is going out with a bang! We’ve got a ton of new music this week — the usual mix of savvy vets and eager newbies. But it’s also quite an eclectic hodgepodge of sounds being released. Let’s get to the best stuff.
Fans rejoice as Grammy-winning superstar Bruno Mars drops his long-awaited new album, and we also get Megan Thee Stallion making an appearance on the remix of Juvenile’s latest single. Speaking of singles, T.I. drops no less than four as his feud with 50 Cent really gets interesting. And we get Freddie Gibbs with an unexpected team-up that works better than you might think.
Two beloved acts on the more “alternative” side of things make their return this week. We’ve got the first new music from Gnarls Barkley in a super long time; plus Gorillaz is back with their new album — that’s number nine if you’re counting.
We also get new heat from Fredo Bang, some cool pairings for both Sean Paul and Coi Leray. And Brother Ali offers his take on the madness happening in the U.S. today.
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
JUVENILE & MEGAN THEE STALLION - “B.B.B.”
After the original set the internet on fire, Juvie returns and brings Tina Snow with him. It all sets the stage for the forthcoming release of Juvie's first new solo album in a decade, Boiling Point.
T.I. - “WAR”
T.I. and 50 Cent have gone from a possible Verzuz, to full on rap beef. And “The King of the South” has come out swinging. He’s clearly ready to go bar-for-bar with 50.
T.I. - “THE RIGHT ONE”
His feud with 50 Cent has the internet buzzing, and Tip is making the most of the moment. Dropping a series of rapid-fire disses aimed at the Queens superstar, over confrontational production and with a nod to Ray Charles.
T.I. - "LESSONS"
Tip announced this track on Instagram–while also making it clear that he’d rather engage in lyrical battle than extended back-and-forths on social media. A fourth track called “What Bully” has yet to see an official release.
GNARLS BARKLEY - “PICTURES”
The GRAMMY-winning duo of Danger Mouse and Cee-Lo Green returns with their first new music in more than 18 years. The third and final Gnarls Barkley album, Atlanta, is due out March 6.
FREDDIE GIBBS W/DJ PAUL - “FIND OUT”
Gibbs teams up with the Memphis legend for this track, a standout that amplifies both Gibbs’ talents as an artist, and the fact that DJ Paul’s distinctly Memphis production can work in unexpected ways.
FREDO BANG - “UP IN HEA”
A catchy, turn-up anthem. Bold, brash, and unapologetic, it carries an energy packed with swagger and relentless confidence. This is a tone-setter for what is being billed as his most commanding chapter yet.
MYA FEAT. 21 SAVAGE - “ASAP” (remix)
The veteran songbird and the trap superstar team up for this new spin. The smooth, mid-tempo foundation of the original gets flipped into a dynamic, back-and-forth exchange.
MELLY MIKE - “THE SAME”
His Epic Records debut. This new single is inspired by personal growth and elevation. The decorated military veteran brings a motivational edge and booming delivery to his reflections on staying true while everything around him changes.
FETTY P. FRANKLIN FEAT. BIG MOOCHIE GRAPE – "BOWS AND BRICKS”
Charlotte and Memphis connect. Produced by prolific Michigan producer Honorable C.N.O.T.E., it represents a long-overdue link-up between two artists from distinct regional scenes.
MILES MINNICK - "WAY I LIVE"
A bold, high-energy anthem about connection, faith, and reaching out in moments of need. The Bay Area standout is continuing to prove that faith and bars can coexist at the highest level of the culture.
NALI FEAT. COI LERAY - “MAYBE”
Leray teams up with the R&B songbird for this song modern romance, sharing an undeniable connection with someone who is playing games. Her second single of 2026, this is an appetizer for her upcoming EP.
NDOTZ W/NLE CHOPPA - “WATCH ME NOW!”
He’s flipped it in so many ways and dropped so many different takes of it. The original song was already a heater, but Ndotz has teamed up with Choppa for the latest remix.
SEAN PAUL W/STALK ASHLEY - “READY FOR THE RIDE”
They first paired up on “Stay With Me” in 2024, now this is the more adult sequel. Not “adult” as in sex, but maturity. And the track is rooted in reggaeton, with touches of dancehall and Afrobeats.
LOE SHIMMY - “NO MILEAGE”
He knows how to drop a seductive, late-night anthem. Shimmy indulges in loverman come-ons, as he lists the ways he can make his dream girl’s dreams come true.
BUNNA B - “NOT MY PROBLEM”
She’s been building momentum steadily as of late. And it’s the result of her taking her on craft to higher levels. She’s become accomplished as a writer and with production, and you can feel her coming into her own.
BROTHER ALI - “ANOTHER COUNTRY”
The Midwest rapper offers commentary and perspective on what’s happening across America today. Being from Minneapolis, he has an up-close viewpoint of the recent tragedies that have unfolded there.
STRESSGODS - “WHAT IS THIS?”
Collaborating with Romano, this is a record that is intentionally direct and rhythm-driven, allowing the simplicity of its core idea to carry the weight of the message. The duo drew inspiration from traveling and immersing themselves in different cultures and soundscapes.
NEW ALBUMS
BRUNO MARS - ‘THE ROMANTIC’
The superstar singer-songwriter returns with his first album in a decade. After years of collaborations, it’s great to hear the Grammy-winner in his own element, showcasing his knack for polished throwback pop soul.
GORILLAZ - ‘THE MOUNTAIN’
The animated “virtual band” has never not been ambitious. Damon Albarn has recruited the expected list of eclectic collaborators–some living, some dead–for the band’s ninth album. He sounds like he’s having fun.
GOGO MORROW - ‘SET’ EP
Executive produced by Grammy Award-winning hitmaker Harmony “H-Money” Samuels, this collection finds the Philadelphia native leaning fully into emotional honesty, creative control, and unapologetic self-preservation.
MICHELLE DAVID & THE TRUE-TONES - ‘SOUL WOMAN’
The New York vocalist teams with her Dutch backing band, to guide the listener through a collection of gospel-infused classic soul. The singer gets personal as she explores her sense of self in a world that can’t stand still. But the infectious joy remains consistent throughout.
KIDWILD - ‘JOB’S NOT DONE’
His debut is reflective of a young artist who seemed to be cast aside and counted out, but who pulled himself back into the fray and came out winning. He’s got guests like Era, Blanco, and Nemzzz, but this is his show. He’s earned it.
RJD2 & SUPASTITION - ACCORDING TO…
Supa gives you some of his most personal and inward-looking lyrics to date, examining himself in a way most rappers refuse to–or just can’t do. And RJD2 gives him the perfect sonic backdrop to bare his soul.
LE$ - ‘BUSINESS AS USUAL’
Carried by inspired and inventive samples, and benefiting from a brief runtime, this nine-track release confirms the Houston product is adept at balancing flow, complexity and tunefulness.
CONCRETE BOYS - ‘IT’S US, VOL. 2’
This 17-track compilation showcases the collective’s ever-growing presence, and Lil Yachty, Camo!, Draft Day, Dc2trill, and Honest benefit from having obviously great chemistry on the tracks.
VONOFF1700 - ‘4EVA TOSSING FA THA GANG’
The young rapper out of Chicago can blend tough talk with infectious ear-candy and that is a growing strength. And his off-the-cuff approach to recording also works to his benefit.
CHASE B - ‘BE VERY AFRAID’
He’s steps out of the background into the spotlight on this collection. With Travis Scott, Don Toliver, Big Sean, Quavo and many more, he showcases his body of work with stars as well as upstarts.
BABY MONEY - ‘L.I.E. (LOYALTY IS EVERYTHING)’
You can’t deny his work ethic, his ability or craft. This album sounds like a culmination of work put in and paying off. He’s solidifying his position in the Detroit scene and beyond.
BOLDY JAMES & ROME STREETZ - ‘MANHUNT’ (EP)
The Griselda Records artists have collaborated before, but this marks their first extended release together. Gritty, hard-nosed street rap, with emotional, soulful production. Two of their camp’s most elite talents.
MYSHAAN - ‘MY LOVE’ (EP)
The rising Pacific-soul sensation has dropped a project paying tribute to his wife. This is a love letter that explores the intensity of true love married to the pain of sustaining that love through distance.
LUCK - ‘IT WASN’T LUCK: THE R&B FILES’ (EP)
Her debut EP and album were both named It Wasn’t Luck, but her latest release isn’t a rehash – it’s a sequel that steps boldly into new territory. And she’s giving some of her strongest material to date.
GERALD ALBRIGHT - ‘HOT CHOCOLATE’ (EP)
The saxophonist has always earned his own kudos, and his latest EP (originally released in January, limited) is a great intro for anyone who isn’t familiar with his talents. A brief listen, but a good one.
MARIJUANAXO - ‘ME VS. ME’ (EP)
He definitely does things his own way. But Milwaukee’s rap scene is undeniably unique, and on his new EP, the artist showcases how that hotbed continues to inform his sound.
POLO SAUCY & MASERATI MARV - ‘FLY MOVEMENT’ (EP)
Perfect weekend music. The Sauce Family rhymer out of Houston and Marv out of Kansas City have a strong sense of each other and that chemistry is evident on their new EP. A great showcase for both.
