The Listening: New Music From Erykah Badu & The Alchemist, Nipsey Hussle, Shabazz Palaces, Arya Starr, October London, Flo Milli and More

It does seem like August is just flying by. The middle of the month is here, and temperatures are still hot–and the nights are even hotter, but lots of students are back to school and you can feel fall waiting around the corner. As we continue through these last days of summer, there are a lot of major releases to choose from as the lazy days wind down. 

Bino Rideaux drops his highly anticipated collaborative Nipsey Hussle album, honoring the legacy of the West Coast legend. Arya Starr delivers her much-anticipated third album, and we get the new October London project.

Erykah Badu and The Alchemist drop a taste of what we can expect from their long-gestating collab album; and there are hot new singles from Flo Milli and Tinashe. 

Busta Rhymes drops a heater with the late, great J Dilla; while super lyricists Rakim, Kurupt, and Masta Killa team up for their new album. 

Denzel Curry delivers some new heat, plus we have the latest from Kash Doll. We get Quavo’s second single from his upcoming album; new Shabazz Palaces, plus a trifecta of releases from the inimitable Jon Batiste.

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

QUAVO - “TRANCE (WALK IT DOWN)”

The second single from his upcoming album, QRÖMELIFE, is entirely produced by Pharrell. The duo crafted a party anthem with the intention of creating music that's fun again and something that would make all the girls in the club start dancing. 

TINASHE - “MELATONIN”

The latest track from the chanteuse is a hyperpop and EDM-driven heater. It serves as a single from her upcoming eighth studio album, Popstar. 

BUSTA RHYMES & J DILLA FEAT. LIL WAYNE - “TALK YA S**T” 

The second single from Busta Rhymes' posthumous J Dilla collaboration album, Dillagence 2, which drops later in August. Fun fact: this marks the first time Lil Wayne has rapped over a J Dilla production.

ERYKAH BADU & THE ALCHEMIST - “WITCH DOCTOR”

The album was originally expected last summer, but momentum seems to now officially be building for the upcoming project from Erkah and Alc. This new single serves as an indicator that we may be getting close to release. 

RAKIM, KURUPT & MASTA KILLA FEAT. KOKANE - “GOIN’ DOWN”

With West Coast rider Kokane dropping in, this single serves as a glimpse into what three of hip-hop’s most acclaimed lyricists have been cooking. The upcoming collaborative album, The GodBody is due in September. 

DENZEL CURRY & KENNYBEATS FEAT. YEBBA - “DIFFERENCE”

The track features soulful vocals from Yebba over energetic boom-bap production and it serves as the lead single from their collaborative album, ii.

MOLLY SANTANA - “LIVE YOUR LIFE”

Fresh off her breakout feature alongside Drake and Future, she’s moving between rap, punk and pop. The starlet continues to push her sound with this euphoric, pop-influenced release.

JORJA SMITH - “I LIED, YOU LIED”

An upbeat, house-influenced track exploring reciprocal deceptions in a relationship. It serves as track seven on her upcoming third studio album, What Are The Odds.

KASH DOLL - “NWM”

The new single from Kash features Alex Vaughn and the subject matter centers on financial independence, privacy, and rejecting men who use money as leverage.

SIR - “BACK TO FRIENDS”

The acclaimed R&B singer drops this soulful cover of sombr's viral indie-pop hit. Produced by Amaire Johnson with guitar by Julian Sintonia, the R&B rendition serves as a lead-in teaser to his next musical era. 

HONEY BXBY and JID - "A THOUSAND TIMES" 

A new sharp-tongued single that turns love, conflict, and perspective into an irresistible back and forth. The two go head-to-head on the soulful record plays out like a relationship argument set to music.

TIANA MAJOR9 - “HEAVEN”

Written by Tiana, the latest single from the super talented British R&B artist is a  soulful track that uses "heaven" as a metaphor for a pure, fast-falling, and overwhelming romantic connection.

APOLLO BROWN & SKYZOO - “GOD GIVEN”

The lead single from their collaborative reunion album, Luxury Tax, set for release in September. The new track marks a ten-year milestone since their 2016 classic The Easy Truth.

SHABAZZ PALACES - “AHH WORLD (I WON THE ALPHA BET)”

The album is a bold and expressive project. And throughout, legendary producer/rapper Ish Butler seems to meld his entire, storied career into one beautifully creative portrait of an artist who has never been one to stay in one lane or operate in any kind of box. 

ALA.NI & ADRIAN YOUNGE - “MIDDLE OF NOWHERE”

A gorgeous single from these two. It serves as the second single from their collaborative, decade-in-the-making album, Proud of Me, which is slated for release in October. 

DAVID BANNER FEAT. T.I., JUICY J & DUKE DEUCE - “WHERE YOU FROM?”

Some of the Dirty’s best get together for this, a heavy Southern hip-hop anthem. The track serves as a precursor to the project The God Box 2.

E-40 FEAT. BUSTA RHYMES - “PLAY IF YOU WANT”

A high-energy collaboration between two of the best: the Bay Area legend teams up with the East Coast icon. The track serves as a lead taste of E-40's massive upcoming studio project. 

OTIS KANE & AARON CHILDS - “MONDAY”

The singer/songwriter/producer out of Los Angeles has built a name for himself as an artist who does things his way, and his team-up with fellow Angeleno Childs is a perfect, soulful pairing. 

FLO MILLI - “TOO BO$$Y”

The latest from Flo is an energetic track characterized by her signature high-confidence persona, sharp delivery and themes of wealth, high standards, and independence.

BOBBY V - “NICK NACK”

The Southern boy taps into his background on this R&B/country-fusion single. Written and produced to blend southern country aesthetics with contemporary R&B vibes, the track highlights his Mississippi roots.

BUBBA SPARXXX FEAT. DUSTY LEIGH & BUN B - “POP IT”

This is that Dirty South that folks say doesn’t exist anymore in rap music. "Trill meets country," the track bridges the regional styles of Georgia, Kentucky, and Texas.

ROMEO MILLER FEAT. TREVOR JACKSON - “DOIN’ SOMETHING”

Miller's return to music after a lengthy hiatus serves as the lead track from his upcoming album New Lane. The project aims to recapture nostalgic early 2000s R&B and hip-hop vibes.

KARDINAL OFFISHALL FEAT. NESTA - “MY BROTHER’S KEEPER, PART 2”

Offishall’s new track serves as a reflective continuation of his earlier brotherhood-themed tracks. The single explores deep themes of chosen family, loyalty and collective survival within the diaspora.

JAY SEAN - “BODY”

His new track was performed live for the first time by Sean ahead of its official drop during a set in Cheyenne and it is an uptempo afrobeats-infused summer banger. 

DIAMOND* - “FERRARI”

THe latest from the Atlanta underground rap collective ØWay member. His new track is classic, melodic luxury trap, which features production by WhyCeg.

BIA FEAT. DJ SNAKE, STUNNA SANDY AND BAY SWAGG - "ROLLIN" (REMIX)

The multi-platinum star returns with this official remix to the standout from BIANCA (Deluxe). The new remix adds Stunna Sandy and Bay Swagg to the fan-favorite track, continuing the momentum behind BIA’s debut album and its deluxe edition.

HEADHUNCHO AMIR W/TYLER - "CONFIDENTIAL”

The track serves as a follow-up to Amir's acclaimed mixtape ALL MY INTENTIONS REAL, highlighting both artists' signature laid-back charisma, steady momentum, and street-focused hustle.

VORY - “SOBER”

On the stripped down track, the Kentucky-born, Houston-based talent showcases his vocals atop gently-plucked acoustic guitars. The song appears on his forthcoming album, DONDADA.

KAI THE MC - “LEAVE WITH YOU”

His new track showcases another dimension of his artistry while building upon the foundation established. While the record differs from much of his previous catalog, it’s an opportunity to introduce listeners to this side of his sound.

NEW ALBUMS

ARYA STARR - ‘STARRGIRL’

The Nigerian superstar has stated that the project is the most free she’s felt as an artist. Her third album arrives as the Afropop artist melds R&B, Afrobeats and pop into her own distinct sound. 

NIPSEY HUSSLE & BINO RIDEAUX - ‘PROLIFIC’ 

Released just one day before what would’ve been Hussle’s 41st birthday. The album was created by Nipsey and Bino nearly a decade before its long-awaited release, capturing the two Los Angeles artists at full stride.

OCTOBER LONDON - ‘LOVE ME FOR ME’

Expanding on the soulful foundation that built his audience while introducing a broader sound designed to reach new listeners, the new album is produced entirely by Snoop Dogg and Soopafly, and it showcases October’s ability to bridge generations of R&B.

ROCHELLE JORDAN - ‘DISC 1’

The critically acclaimed British-Canadian singer, songwriter and producer releases the first in a series of five EPs. This introductory disc houses a collection of tracks that were reimagined by some of music’s most beloved and acclaimed artists.

PAUL WALL & TERMANOLOGY - ‘REPEAT, REPEAT, REPEAT’

After teasing the project over the past several months, and some real glimpses of a heater in the making, the duo drops this 12-track project with features from Mia Jae, Ea$y Money, Kim Davis, Le$, and many more.

DAME D.O.L.L.A. - ‘HOUSTON, WE HAVE A PROBLEM’ (EP)

The longtime baller and rapper returns with his newest extended player. Dame once again proves that music isn’t just an occasional hobby, his passion for the artform is palatable. 

BECKY G - ‘BARAJA BENDITA’

Her fifth studio album is a 17-track project with zero features and no outside collaborations. Becky blends genres while effortless and fluidly mixing English and Spanish. 

YTB FATT - ‘VERA VOLPE’

Fatt creates visceral West Memphis street rap, pairing menacing trap beats with his classic Southern drawl and multifaceted punchlines that can move between pain and excess. The title translates from Italian as “true fox.”

OPEN MIKE EAGLE AND KENNY SEGAL - ‘DOOMED!’

A breakup album unlike any you’ve ever heard before. Eagle decides to channel his heartbreak into a variety of tracks that showcase his skills as a lyricist and Segal’s backdrop is the perfect soundscape on which to paint. 

THE WOMACK SISTERS - ‘THE WOMACK SISTERS’

Their impressive lineage notwithstanding, their self-titled debut album is a musical culmination. This beautifully soulful collection of tunes encapsulates the sound and vibe that comes from their DNA, while cultivating an energy that is distinctly their own. 

MASICKA - ‘FOREVER REIGN’

The album feels like a study in what happens when you get what it is that you’ve fought for. The highly-anticipated 17-track project features appearances from Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley, Kraff Gad, Blaqbonez and Lila Iké.  

TRIPPIE REDD - ‘NDA’

Redd’s first full-length project since 2023’s Mansion Musik. The 25-track record is hosted by DJ Drama and produced by ATL Jacob, blending melodic emo-rap, rage beats, and classic mixtape energy. 

THE MUSALINI & 9TH WONDER - ‘THE DON & EYE 3: THE TRILOGY’

The 19-track project closes the series the two opened in 2022, with 9th chopping soul across the full run and Mu$ holding a cinematic, luxury-minded register over it. Smoke DZA, Jae Won, Le$, Heather Victoria, King Draft, Swank, Eli Tha Don and Silent Snipers make guest appearances.

BENNY BLANCO - ‘HERMOSO’

The Latin superstar’s first Spanish language album, the project is an ode to Latin music with collaborations with Selena Gomez, Becky G, Myke Towers, The Marías, BB Trickz, Neton Vega, and Ovy On The Drums and more. 

JON BATISTE - ‘BLACK MOZART’

This collection serves as volume two of his solo piano series. It reinterprets Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s classical melodies through Black American music traditions — like jazz, blues, stride and ragtime. 

JON BATISTE - ‘MONK MOVEMENTS’

Volume 4 of Batiste's solo piano series reimagines Thelonious Monk standards into contemporary classical compositions, expanding on the majestic and contemplative beauty of Monk’s iconic work.

JON BATISTE - ‘MONK MEDITATIONS’

This 8-track solo piano record expands Thelonious Monk’s introspective short-form melodies into reflective, longer-form pieces combining classical structures and quiet grandeur.

HIT-BOY - ‘HITSTORY’ (MIXTAPE)

After a string of well-received singles and collab projects, this is the latest full mixtape/project by the star producer. The project serves as a strong collection showcasing his dual talent as both a rapper and a beatmaker. 

ANDRÉ CYMONE - ‘THE RESURRECTION OF FUNK’

The Minneapolis funk legend drops this five-track album as a bold, independent return to core groove. Inspired by a desire to bring funk back into the cultural spotlight.

WAKKO THE KIDD - ‘INFINITY’

The Hollywood, CA rapper delivers his sophomore project; and the production from MIKE SUMMERS a.k.a. Seven pushes Wakko’s overall sound up a few notches, with this being a good example of Wakko’s evolution when he’s got a producer who pushes him to higher heights. 

RON E - ‘PRIVATE NIGHTS, VOL. 1’ (EP)

After he gained recognition as a member of the group Exit21, he launched his solo career in 2019. The new EP from the R&B crooner features five new tracks and an appearance from Capella Grey.

MORGAN FREEMAN - ‘MORGAN FREEMAN’S SYMPHONIC BLUES EXPERIENCE’

A 12 song celebration of Mississippi and Delta blues; with the Oscar winning actor as narrator. Featured on this one-of-a-kind project are blues luminaries Taj Mahal, Keb’ Mo’, Lawrence “Boo” Mitchell and Shemekia Copeland.

FRIDAYY - ‘TENSION’

The four-time GRAMMY-nominated singer, songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist releases his highly anticipated third studio album, offering fans a glimpse into his world, emotions, and evolution on the 12-track project, which marks the latest chapter in his signature sound.

DYLVINCI - ‘REPOSITORY’

A self-released collection. The Grammy–winning producer has made a name for himself in the underground hip-hop space with his jazzy, soulful chords and expressive piano playing.

NECHAZZ - ‘PIECES OF A DREAM’

Recorded between 1988 and 1989 in a small eight-track home studio in Amman, the project captures a side of the Arab music scene rarely documented: a group of musicians deeply inspired by jazz, soul, yacht rock and city pop.

ELUCID & FATBOI SHARIF - ‘INVASION BODY CAMERA’

Two of experimental music’s most prolific artists are bringing their respective sounds together for one unique release. The murky production and dense effects only serve to accent just how outside-the-box these creatives continue to be their newest track. 

P-LO - ‘OUT THE BOX’

The Bay Area rapper and producer drops a project centered on a creative philosophy of breaking boundaries. Even the rollout was highlighted by NFL legend Marshawn Lynch and a hometown announcement at a Golden State Valkyries game.

SK8STAR - ‘THE BEAUTIFUL REBELLION’ (EP)

The Georgia rapper drops his new EP, produced by Pi’erre Bourne. Choppy and often melodic, Sk8star carries the Atlanta torch through the track list. 

ARIN RAY - ‘LIMBO’ (EP)

The acclaimed R&B singer-songwriter releases his highly anticipated new EP. The six-track project finds Ray at his most self-assured, blending warmth, vulnerability, and effortless songwriting into a body of work that reflects both personal growth and creative freedom. 

JACKBOY - ‘I CAN’T DO NO WRONG’

The 17-track LP embodies the spirit of the Haitian-American rapper's revolutionary hero Toussaint L'Ouverture, who appears on the album artwork.

GENIA - ‘INTENSE LOVER’ (EP)

The rising R&B sensation drops her latest EP. Moving past the emotional detachment frequently dominating today's music landscape, the project stands as a bold, unapologetic celebration of loving fiercely, passionately, and completely all in.