The Listening: New Music From Denzel Curry & The Scythe, Gnarls Barkley, Ty Dolla $ign, Jorja Smith, Flying Lotus and More

Spring is on the way and Daylight Saving Time is back this weekend–so that means the days get longer and warmer. It also means we get a fresh round of new releases to provide a soundtrack for your March, and this week there’s a pretty cool mix. 

First up–we’ve got the first album from Gnarls Barkley in almost 20 years. And Flying Lotus swoops in with a brand new EP. This is a week full of new joints from some of the most outside-the-box creatives, so you also get new stuff from Jorja Smith and Terrace Martin. 

Meanwhile, the new supergroup Denzel Curry & The Scythe drops their hotly-anticipated debut. And we get some stuff from veterans like Ty Dolla $ign, who drops his latest EP, and a hot new single from Omarion. Stoner rap godfathers Cypress Hill team up with Aleman for an anthem about resistance. 

Plus a new track from Ayra Starr, Omarion delivers his latest, and Kevin Gates collabs with Jeremih for a lil grown folks music. 

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

OMARION - “FANTASY”

The R&B star and former boy band member drops his new single. It’s the first track offering a sense of what to expect on his upcoming album..

DANILEIGH - “G.O.D”

She makes her return after a two-year hiatus–and a return to her classic hip-hop sound. This is a high-energy record centered on growth, spirituality, and confidence. Stepping back into the space fans have been waiting for.

BRUISER WOLF FEAT. PAYROLL GIOVANNI AND SHEEFY MCFLY - “HATER NOT AN OPP”

Wolf has teamed up with some top-shelf collaborators for this barn-burner of a new single. His unique sound has earned him a truly devoted audience and his work ethic has made him a musical folk hero to many, but his new album is undoubtedly one of the most anticipated projects of the year. 

CYPRESS HILL FEAT. ALEMÁN - “WACHA TRUCHA”

The hip hop legends make their high-octane return with this new single that also features Mexican rap heavyweight Alemán. It’s a celebration of the group’s Latino roots and serves as an anthem of strength and resistance.

SAUCE WALKA - “STREETS AIN’T THE SAME NO MORE”

He’s an artist who has always valued authenticity and unflinching honesty. His latest builds on those cornerstones of his musical persona; delivering a raw track that speaks for and to the streets of Houston. 

JEREMIH W/KEVIN GATES - “STROKE U UP”

This collaboration expertly showcases Jeremih’s undeniable songcraft and artistry, alongside the always engaging musical force that is Gates. Paired with the production from the HitMakers Madd Maxx and Retro Future, this is a musical journey that combines nostalgia with modern flavor. 

ADRIAN YOUNGE - “VISUAL ASSAULT”

The second single fromthe uber-talented musician’s upcoming Linear Labs album, the bombastic track begins like a burning argument, before looping into a brisk, syncopated introduction. It all sets a sinister soundscape, before dissolving into an even more intense groove.

KARRAHBOOO - “NO HOOK” 

The Atlanta rapper returns with a brand new single–her first solo release in two years. Produced by True Making Noise, it features a synth-driven, hypnotic beat–and captures the same unapologetic energy that has defined some of her best work.

MIKE WILL MADE-IT FEAT. TRAVIS PORTER AND MONALEO - “STANDING O”

The hitmaking superproducer turns up the energy ahead of his highly anticipated album, which is set to arrive on March 20. 

CASH COBAIN - “WISH”

The innovator of “sexy drill” takes his trippy party music into classic territory: namely, channeling the downcast auto-tune of '90s Memphis. Flipping a Three-Six classic for a decidedly modern twist. 

JUICE WRLD & MARSHMELLO - “WE DON’T GET ALONG”

An examination of emotional duality. this long‑rumored collaboration finally steps out of the vault. A fully realized single that serves as a reminder of why they work so well together.

AYRA STARR - “WHERE DID WE GO”

A standout single. Deep into her signature Afrobeats sound, her latest is a highlight in what has been a busy few months for the Nigerian star. 

JORJA SMITH - “BLUE LIGHTS” (HAVOC REMIX)

Havoc described himself as a “forever fan” of the vocalist for what she contributed to “Down For You,” among other things and this remix brims with their signature musical chemistry. A sequel to her classic “Blue Lights.”

ISAIAH FALLS - “TABOO”

A slow-burning track, with the singer-songwriter leaning deeper into sensual vulnerability, tenderness with quiet confidence. A late-night anthem dedicated to desire and intimacy–with no limits.

AKLESSO - "OUTTA TIME (O.T.)" 

A high-energy collaboration–pulsing with rhythm. For the late bloomers, the dreamers in the middle of the grind, and anyone who has ever looked at the calendar with a heavy heart. 

NEW ALBUMS

SCYTHE - ‘STRICTLY 4 THE SCYTHE’

Denzel Curry’s supergroup features A$AP Ferg, Bktherula, TiaCorine, and Key Nyata. They’re doing something bold here. This is beyond anyone’s idea of trap music. 

GNARLS BARKLEY - ‘ATLANTA’

Cee-Lo Green and DJ Danger Mouse are two legends of music and two Atlanta icons. So who better to drop a (final) project dedicated to the city that made them–and gave the world of music so much? 

TY DOLLA $IGN - ‘GIRL MUSIC, VOL. 1’ (EP)

He branches out across these six tracks, with exquisite songwriting and some truly inspired guest appearances from the likes of Ronald Isley and Brandy. You’re going to like what he’s got cookin’.

FLYING LOTUS - ‘BIG MAMA’ (EP)

The EP is a showcase for his more experimental side, with synth-heavy sounds, inspired drum programming throughout the densely packed project. If this is an indicator of where things are going, we should all be very excited. 

TRAE THA TRUTH - ‘FAREWELL’ (EP)

The Screwed Up Click legend returns with what could be something of a goodbye. Considering the personal tragedies he’s faced, it would be understandable that he’s now hinting at retirement. 

PAUL RUSSELL - ‘MIRACLE MILE’

Named after the neighborhood in Los Angeles he calls home, he’s already released a couple of these tracks. But he’s made sure to keep things fresh here, showcasing his knack for musicality and impressive sense of how to put a project together. 

SHELAILAI - ‘LITTLE MISS CRAZY B!TCH’ (EP)

Across the six-track project, change becomes momentum. Mostly created during a self-chosen relocation and amid her own personal reset, she converts life’s instability into rhythm-driven forward motion.

ICEWEAR VEZZO - ‘LADIES FREE TIL MIDNIGHT’ (EP)

He hasn't dropped a project since 2024, but he's definitely back. This extended play may not be the album fans wanted, but it could be a forerunner to one. Is this just a preview of something bigger?

AKEEM ALI - ‘HOLD PLEASE’ (EP)

The rising Mississippi artist has made a name for himself by flaunting and embracing his down-home southern roots. The result is an artist who’s tied to yesteryear without ever sounding like he’s forcing it. 

DJ PAUL - ‘GOAT OF ALL GOATS’

The Three Six Mafia legend has earned the right to pop a little noise. And his production bona fides and established track record are well-served by his new project. 

DJ DMG & OCTOBER LONDON - ‘MIDNIGHT IN HOUSTON’ 

London is the breakout star of Snoop Dogg’s Death Row and he just spent nine consecutive weeks sitting on Billboard Adult R&B number one with “Back to Your Place.” This is the record where he’s wholly himself, examining gambling and sex in a city that accommodates both when the lights go down. 

LARUSSELL & LIL JON - ‘SOMETHING’S IN THE WATER’

LaRussell is betting on himself. With his new project produced by Atlanta’s King of Crunk, he’s hoping to rise to the top through sheer work ethic and consistency. What a thought. 

RASHAD - ‘I WAS TOLD THERE’D BE GOLD’

This album concludes a trilogy and culminates the artist’s own deeply personal journey. Prepare for a profound reflection–inspired by a desire for an authentic and one-of-a-kind piece of work.

TERRACE MARTIN - ‘PURPOSE’

Martin himself has said this particular project was created with one of his favorite artists and musicians in NYC’s Marcus Gilmore. The drummer inspired Martin to push himself to new creative heights. 

VOICES OF FIRE & PHARRELL WILLIAMS - ‘OPHANIM’

The Virginia-based collective returns with a visionary full-length album that boasts guest appearances from John Legend, Teddy Swims, Quavo, Tori Kelly, CeeLo Green, and Zacardi Cortez. The project captures the explosive spirit of the “Rhythm + Praise” movement — a fearless collision of faith, culture, hip-hop, soul, and choral power. 

FREDO BANG - ‘MOST HATED 2’

Baton Rouge’s own drops this 17-track project that serves as the highly anticipated follow-up to his 2020 Billboard-charting breakout. It arrives as one of his most focused and fully realized bodies of work to date –with appearances from G Herbo, Loe Shimmy, Hotboii and Joe Scott. 

DJ WHOO KID, RAEKWON AND MORE- ‘RESHAPING THE CULTURE VOL. 1’

Empowerment Music Group pulls up with an electric compilation tape featuring Raekwon, Fabolous, Juelz Santana, Dave East and more. 

GMO STAX - ‘NO SAFETY 2’

He knows where his strengths are and he sticks to them, so if nothing else, you can’t knock the man’s consistency. Detroit native has released his new project, which features guest appearances from Rob 49 and YBN Lil Bro.