As we say farewell to July, it’s also getting close to back to school season for so many young people. But if you’re preparing to get back to the books, you’ve still got about another month before summer officially comes to a close. And this week, we’ve got plenty of music to soundtrack the dog days.
Meek Mill revisits one of his most iconic musical moments with a brand new spin; and Cardi B drops off her most unapologetically Cardi single. We finally get that long-hyped country concept album from Shaboozey; and the “King of Afrobeats” Davido delivers his much-anticipated new project.
We get something truly sweet from Rapsody; and Ari Lennox lets us get a glimpse of what’s coming on her forthcoming deluxe release. October London gifts us his breezy new track, as Wale teams up with Elmiene for his latest. We get some new heat from Storm Reid that goes super chill.
Veteran rhymers E-40 and Juvenile team up on a heater; and the always-entertaining Juicy J drops his new long player. Too $hort delivers the newest entry in his Sir Too $hort series; and Jacquees releases the sequel to one of his most beloved albums.
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
CARDI B - “AH HA”
The Bronx diva returns with her first new single since last year’s Am I the Drama? Produced by DJ SwanQo who she previously collaborated with on “Up!,” it’s as brash as Cardi gets.
ROD WAVE - “HUSTLE”
The rapper out of Florida drops this upbeat, infectious new track as a single from his upcoming full-length project. The kind of motivational anthem that makes you wonder what he’s got cooking this time.
TRIPPIE REDD - “SWAGGER”
He’s already let you know where his next project is heading. After Redd officially announced his highly anticipated new album, NDA, which is set for release on August 14, he drops this first single.
FIVIO FOREIGN FEAT. THE FIRE CHOIR - “CHASIN’”
The Fire Choir helps turn this into a moment. With this spiritually-themed anthem, the veteran rhymer drops a theme song for anyone who has had to work through their own pain and made it to the other side of redemption.
E-40 & JUVENILE - “SUMN AIN’T RIGHT”
Two of the most distinct rappers and two of the greatest ambassadors for the culture in their respective cities, these two veterans have undeniable chemistry. A glimpse of what’s coming on 40’s upcoming album Turning My Money Over.
OCTOBER LONDON - “YOUR GIRL”
He’s one of the best at blending timeless soul with contemporary R&B. Through vivid storytelling and his signature smooth vocals, London explores the tension between temptation and loyalty as he resists the advances of a woman despite their respective commitments.
JORDYN SIMONE - “GONE GIRL”
Truly inspired and engaging. Simone explains that this song was written after re-watching the film of the same name. The monologue that Rosamund Pike's character delivers directly inspired the songwriting.
ARI LENNOX - “HOOKAH BABY”
After rumors that she was planning a forthcoming deluxe edition of her most recent album, Vacancy, Ari has confirmed the news. And she hopped on social media to announce this new single.
WALE & ELMIENE - “OVERTHINK”
Wale first teased a snippet of his verse back in March. Elmiene’s vocals are a sped-up, soulful interpolation of 702’s 90s hit "Get It Together.”
MEEK MILL - “NIGHTMARES TO DREAMS”
The Philly rap superstar taps into one of his most iconic tracks. Can’t expect it to equal that classic, but it’s a nice full circle moment and a more than satisfying sequel to one of the 2010s most definitive songs.
RAPSODY - “APPLE JUICE”
A soulful, summery R&B-infused single that serves as a lead preview for her upcoming album God Gotta Afro & Gold Hoops. And she gets to showcase that singing voice.
DESTIN CONRAD - “I LOVE YOUR BODY”
His exploration of Caribbean-inspired sounds continues. A genre-blending anthem that fuses dancehall, reggae, and R&B into a bold, flirtatious celebration of rhythm, confidence, and desire.
NATANYA - “PLAY WITH A KISS!”
The London-based singer-songwriter and producer has emerged as one of the most compelling new voices in R&B. Her new single is a bubbly slice of 80s radio R&B, as she perfectly channels the giddy melodicism of classic dance pop from Janet Jackson and Paula Abdul.
TAYLENTED, QUEEN LEE, TOYA LOVE, LEE VASI, PORSHA LOVE, ADIA, CHILDLIKE CICI & ANIKE - “FOCUSED” (REMIX)
There has never been a moment like this. This remix brings together an elite, powerhouse collaboration of women in Christian urban music. A powerhouse posse cut with an infectious viral hook.
LECRAE, HILLARI & TAYLOR HILL - “SOLID GROUND”
Hillari’s melodic vocal style melds well with Lecrae's signature rhymes. An uplifting track that emphasizes staying grounded, blessed, and focused on faith amidst worldly distractions.
FRENCH MONTANA & MAX B- “CHEAT CODE (FOLLOW ME)”
It follows their major reunion and streaming success with "Ever Since U Left Me (I Went Deaf)" and serves as an early track from French Montana's disco-leaning project Night to Remember.
PAUL WALL & TERMANOLOGY FEAT. BUN B - “FEELING”
Paul and Term have done some great things together, and this laid-back, sleepy, horn-driven track is the latest evidence that they bring out the best in each other. And shoutout to the Houston rap legend, Bun.
OPEN EAGLE MIKE & KENNY SEGAL FEAT. BILLY WOODS - “SHE SWEAR I’M COLORBLIND”
Their collaborative and creative chemistry is well-documented–and well showcased on this track with the one and only Woods. Doomed!, the full-length album from the longtime friends and collaborators drops August 14.
YG HOOTIE - “NOT NO RAPPER”
The Compton rapper wears his bonafides on his sleeve, and on this unapologetically Cali track, he challenges anyone who is rapping about a life they don’t actually live. A laid-back track made to ride to.
DJ CHOSE - “PRETTY AF”
The Houston rapper delivers a track that serves as both an ode to those good looking ladies in the hood – but it also serves as an homage to classic rap sounds of the late 1980s.
THE MUSALINI & 9TH WONDER - “POCKET FULL”
It’s about to go down! Musalini brings his slickest rhymes to this killer track–we’ll let you figure out what he’s got a “pocket full” of–and his flow goes perfectly with 9th’s always-amazing production.
ANDY MINEO & NOBIGDYL - “ROTATION”
They both brought their A game on this one. The duo teased this track with an inventive rollout: they created a game that lets fans literally play their way through the rollout.
RON E - “PRIVATE”
The emerging R&B out of Long Island, New York has a well-documented love for classic R&B and soul, and it serves his musical style well. His songwriting is only getting strong.
KHALIL & SNOOZE GOD - “UNFAIR”
The R&B singer-songwriters team up for this tune that many people will consider country, but it feels just as much part of the tradition of acoustic R&B in the Babyface mold. A pensive, guitar-driven track that shimmers with feeling.
NESTA - “1 THING”
A contemporary lovers rock/reggae and R&B-infused single that explores relationship vulnerability and resilience, capturing the internal debate of deciding how many chances real love deserves.
STORM REID - “SHOTTY”
The track follows her debut song "Clean Sweep" and showcases a more personal, relaxed side of the 23-year-old artist
RAY VAUGHN - “LOOK DON’T TOUCH”
Sometimes you just gotta talk yo ish. The rhymer out of Long Beach is known for his skills as a writer and relentless work ethic, and on this latest track, he laces the trap-lite production with some of his most braggadocious rhymes.
NICK BRUNO & BOLDY JAMES - “JIMMY JAM & TERRY LEWIS”
It's almost embarrassing how easy they make it all seem. The production by Nicholas Craven is perfection on this, the lead single from the upcoming album Brutality.
JON KEITH & CHANCE THE RAPPER - “YOU CAN ALWAYS COME BACK HOME”
From the forthcoming album, AND FLY, once again produced by in-house producer Enzo Gran, the song is a triumphant anthem for every prodigal child who has ever wondered if they've wandered too far from grace.
FRANK NITT, ILLA j & DER BRXWNSXN - “DONUTS”
The Detroit underground veteran teams with Illa J, over production by German beatmaker Der Brxwnsxn. The track serves as the lead single for Frank Nitt's collaborative EP titled Legal High.
JON BATISTE - “REFLECTIONS”
An instrumental piano track from his project Monk Meditations (Batiste Piano Series, Vol. 3), released via Naht Jona, LLC / Verve Records. The song reimagines and expands an introspective short-form composition by legendary jazz pianist Thelonious Monk.
BLU & SNDTRAK - “LA”
The joint album is due September 4 on Nature Sounds. In the meantime, you can’t help but vibe to this smooth, unhurried West Coast cut that features Blu’s relaxed and conversational flow, as it all details life in Los Angeles.
CHINO XL - “TIMELESS”
This posthumous collaborative single features Chino’s own recorded spoken vocals blended with contributions from no less than nine underground and West Coast artists from Somaya Reece to Scarub.
N3WYRKLA - “CRIME”
On her first new release since 2025, she uses her heartfelt vocals to describe the longing she feels for a past lover. You can feel the despair in her voice and the production from Hitmaka allows her angst to fill the space.
ZO TRAPALOT - "LIGHT SHOW"
Fresh off the release of "Renegade," the Memphis rapper Zo Trapalot returns with this showcase of his sharp lyricism, slick punchlines, and effortless confidence. It sets the stage for Zo’s much-anticipated project.
BARON VON ALIAS FEAT. ELZHI, BIG POOH, GUILTY SIMPSON - “RUN IT UP”
Produced under his production alias, Steesh, the track brings together acclaimed Detroit lyricists Elzhi and Guilty Simpson, alongside soulful vocalist Keisha Shontelle. Built around ominous strings, choir textures, forceful drums and a futuristic synth bassline.
BARON VON ALIAS FEAT. RAPPER BIG POOH AND DARIEN BROCKINGTON - “BETTER KNOW”
With production by Grammy Award-winning producer Khrysis, this soulful, hard-hitting record challenges listeners to understand who they are before pursuing money, recognition or social status.
ROCHELLE JORDAN - “I’M YOUR MUSE (RON TRENT REMIX)”
A reworking of the original song that first appeared on Jordan's house-oriented album Through the Wall, this is a deep and vibrant house re-imagining, created by legendary Chicago house producer Trent.
INSPECTAH DECK - “SHAOLIN REBEL 2”
The Wu-Tang Clan legend and Czarface co-founder returns with another new single and video from his forthcoming solo album, Dragons Breath, which will be released on August 8.
STOIC FEAT. DEANTÉ HITCHCOCK & NINA TAYLOR - "LOSING TIME"
The Grammy-winning producer out of New York City teams up with the acclaimed rhymer from Atlanta and the singer-songwriter from Chicago’s West Side for this standout collaboration.
BNXN & ASAKE - "EJA MEJA”
Warm, jazz-infused saxophone unfolds into rich percussion and hypnotic grooves on this gorgeous single. It showcases BNXN’s unmistakable melodic finesse and Asake's commanding charisma.
MAJOR LAZER, DIPLO, AMERICA FOSTER, SKILLIBENG & BEAM - “ROTATE”
This star-studded single is part of Major Lazer's highly anticipated rollout following their full-length mixtape project, Gyalgebra, which broke a 5-year hiatus.
SPRNGBRK FEAT. KEVIN GATES - “SWING”
The hitmaking producer and songwriter teams up with Louisiana’s most idiosyncratic street rapper. The result? Smooth contemporary R&B mixed with melodic southern rap.
NEW ALBUMS
SHABOOZEY - ‘THE OUTLAW CHERIE LEE & OTHER WESTERN TALES’
More than seven years in the making, it's a cinematic and diverse album. A classic American story of revenge and doomed love that pushes his trademark trail-blazing, genre-colliding style even further.
DAVIDO - ‘ORIADE’
The Afrobeats superstar drops his sixth studio album Across 13 tracks, he delivers a global lineup of talent including Leon Thomas, Black Sherif, Aya Nakamura, Mayorkun, Fola, Llona, NO11, JAZZWRLD, and GL_Ceejay.
TEE GRIZZLEY - “NO EFFORT 2”
The rapper out of Detroit delivers his latest. It's his first in a series of releases set to remind everyone that he can make music in his sleep and he's one of the best to do it from his city.
JUICY J - ‘THE CLOCK DON’T GO BACK’
The Memphis rap god drops his latest, which is a spoken word project with jazz instrumentals. Alongside appearances from the famed Georgia Anne Muldrow, it’s the most outside-the-box entry in J’s legendary catalog.
TYGA - ‘$TARFACE’
The former Young Money star is embracing a synth rock alter ego in the album’s namesake, and it mostly works as a retro project with a unique vibe carried by strong production flair.
PATCHWORK INC. - ‘MORE PATCHWORK’ (EP)
The Chicago-based neo-soul and R&B music collective led by guitarist and producer Blake Rhein is known for using vintage instruments including analog synthesizers, Fender Rhodes, and rich percussion.
CAUTIOUS CLAY - ‘THE HOURS: HIGH NOON’
Warm, playful and a little surreal, it explores being physically open to multiple people while remaining emotionally and spiritually aligned with one person, truly embracing the “spice of life.”
JACQUEES - ‘MOOD 2’
The project picks up where the original left off. Across 22 tracks, he explores the highs and lows of modern relationships, from attraction, to heartbreak to healing. And he questions whether we ever ultimately find the kind of love worth holding onto.
ISAIAH FALLS - ‘LVRS PARADISE: SIDE B’
Every moment is dedicated to a woman who he longs for. She could be gone, considering a stay or he’s asking her not to leave. It’s an interesting way to express how longing sounds and feels–in a variety of scenarios.
TOO $HORT - ‘SIR TOO $HORT, VOL. 2 - DRINK & SMOKE’
The Bay Area legend drops the latest entry in his Sir Too $hort series. The project finds the Oakland native continuing to celebrate the sound, culture and influence of the West Coast while bringing together an all-star lineup of collaborators.
J.STONE - ‘MINOR SETBACC MAJOR COMEBACC’
After a lengthy absence, Stone drops a raw, unfiltered project that speaks directly to his circumstances. It’s a document of an artist who has kept his creativity intact despite incarceration.
BBYKOBE - ‘P***Y PINK’ (MIXTAPE)
The Detroit-born, L.A.-based rapper/singer/writer/producer drops his debut solo mixtape. With features from Cash Cobain and Ty Dolla $ign, he’s stepping out on his own as both a platinum producer and genre-bending rapper.
DARK LO & V DON - ‘MADE OF GOLD’
The Philadelphia street rap veteran Lo reunites with acclaimed producer V Don for their fifth collaborative project. The duo has established itself as one of underground hip-hop’s most consistent artist-producer partnerships.
KURUPT & DJ BATTLECAT - ‘TALES FROM MY HOOD’
Twenty-eight years after the release of Kuruption!, the legendary MC reunites with one of his most celebrated collaborators. Revisiting the sound, culture, and authenticity that helped define an era of West Coast hip-hop.
HOMEBOY SANDMAN & JACK SPLASH - ‘RESONANCE FREQUENCY’
A bold creative milestone for both artists. Sandman now steps into new sonic territory alongside Splash. The result is an uber hip, innovative, and avant-garde affair with features from Masta Ace and CeeLo Green.
MARQUES ANTHONY - ‘A-LIST LOVER’
The R&B singer has taken major steps as an artist since his days as a background singer, and he drops his latest project, an album dedicated to and steeped in classic bedroom soul.
DAVE EAST & HARRY FRAUD - ‘PRICE OF PAIN’
Mining classic sounds that feel pulled directly from the late 90s/early 00s, it’s a strong set. Reuniting with Fraud has undoubtedly reinvigorated East, who sounds the most inspired, engaged, and incendiary he has in years.
RAKIYAH - ‘MY COLLECTION OF BOY TEARS’
In this final chapter of her Cosmic Love Odyssey, the singer-songwriter from Jersey embraces her alter ego, the Cosmic Queen. It’s a collection of tunes steeped in imagination and empowerment–delivered by one of R&B’s most compelling artists.
LE$: ‘LE$ IS MORE 4…CURRENT AFFAIRS’
The indie rap star has always been known for his smooth, laid-back flow, car-culture themes, and deep roots; and on his latest, he furthers the acclaimed series while deepening his own production bag.
KOTA THE FRIEND - ‘JUST HAPPY TO BE HERE!’
The Brooklyn rapper delivers this 10 track project of concise and focused songcraft. With guest appearances limited to LOONY and Lisa Chiodo, he floats seamlessly between styles and even genres, always landing back on his own voice and melodicism. A stellar set.
MAD SKILLZ - ‘A HERO AND A VILLAIN’
The Virginia rap legend has forged a career unlike any other in hip-hop, and his latest release is a collection of poetry/spoken word pieces that showcase his wit, perspective and undeniable gift for wordplay.
OBN JAY - ‘GET ME DEA’
Operating independently has definitely been a boon to the 26-year old hailing from the Southside of Baton Rouge. He’s been building steady momentum since 2018, and on his latest, he builds on the thematic ambition of Me Against The World.
CAPPADONNA - ‘A WORK IN PROGRESS’
The legendary Wu lyricist drops his latest; a project that focuses on personal growth and life lessons. He offers the idea that evolution and progress as a person is something that has to be earned and diligently worked toward.
FATT MACC & LAUSANE - ‘SOUTHSIDE SUPERSTARS’
Macc is a perfect example of the DIY lineage of southern street rap hustlers; and when paired with the melodic grit of Livin’ Legend Lausane, delivers one of the year’s most listenable collaborative projects.
ISAIAH COLLIER - ‘JOY’ (EP)
The saxophonist and bandleader returns with this five-song collection. With Collier singing and playing piano and tenor sax on the album, it also features production flourishes like an 11-piece ensemble.
CRIMEAPPLE - ‘TOP 85 DEAD OR ALIVE’ (EP)
It’s the 20th extended play from Jersey emcee and he sounds like he’s reaching back to his roots. An excellent showcase for his lyricism and a good jumping off point for those who are just one getting familiar.
LIL PHILLY B & ZOE OSAMA - ‘THE SUITE LIFE OF ZOE & PHILLY’ (EP)
Keeping it all the way gangster and complementing each other’s styles effortlessly. The pair of Cali rhymers bring an undeniable swagger to the proceedings, over percolating production that soundtracks the summer perfectly with this trio of tracks.
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