The Listening: New Music From Meek Mill, MIKE & Earl Sweatshirt with Surf

If you made it through April Fools' Day without getting pranked, consider yourself lucky! This week’s new music is no joke, and you don’t have to worry about somebody trying to pull a fast one – your eyes are not deceiving you, these releases are all really dropping today. 

We’ve got POMPEII/UTILITY from MIKE, Earl Sweatshirt and Surf Gang, which is already one of 2026’s most talked-about releases; as well as a hot new single from Philly superstar Meek Mill. 2 Chainz and Statik Selektah team up for a new track, and so do YG and Ty Dolla $ign. Speaking of team-ups, we get a new full-on collaborative album from Curren$y and Wiz Khalifa. Going in the opposite direction, Rae Sremmurd’s Swae Lee drops his new solo effort, Same Difference. 

And Lil Yachty is hitting you with a brand new freestyle. 

R&B is showing up strong this week, as well as the diva and Queen of Hip-Hop Soul, Mary J. Blige, delivering her new single. Plus, following his showing at Verzuz, Tank drops his new track “Turtleneck.” We also get new music from none other than U.K. singer-songwriter-rapper Estelle. 

And two of the biggest album drops this week come from artists who are comfortably outside the box in everything that they do: Thundercat drops his long-awaited new album, and we get the brand new project from Arlo Parks. 

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

MEEK MILL - “600 RACKS”

The star out of Philly unleashes his inner underdog in a way that can only come out of PA. Meek sounds firmly in his bag, he’s comfortable but not complacent–because he’s channeling the kind of hunger we haven’t heard in years. 

MARY J. BLIGE - “WANT LOVE”

With her upcoming Vegas residency, the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul already has a big 2026. Her new single is classic R&B sentiment, and it bodes well for anything she has on the way. But is there a possible album? 

TANK - “TURTLENECK”

After his hilarious roast of Tyrese during Verzuz, the R&B crooner has taken things a step further by releasing an actual track of the joke. Clowning someone’s outfit could lead to inspiration. 

TRIPPIE REDD W/YOUNG THUG - “PAPERBAG BOY”

Redd is getting everyone ready for the release of his upcoming album, NDA, later in the year. Melodic trap flows crashing into booming 808s, it’s a track that remains definitively Trippie’s despite a strong showing from Thugger. 

LIL YACHTY - “CHILD BOY” (FREESTYLE)

Boat has figured out how to seem carefree while clearly planning his moves. On his new freestyle, he never sounds like he has anything to prove, even while you can feel him debunking the standard line of thinking surrounding his skills. 

KEY GLOCK - "LOCO”

Go with what works. On the first single from his upcoming album, Glock gets in some classic chest-thumping. Over a track produced by his ever-trusted collaborator King Wonka. Glizock comes through with bars about getting money and women. 

YG & TY DOLLA $IGN - “TEACH YOU HOW TO LUH ME”

Reimagining the snap era hit “Teach Me How to Dougie” by Cali Swag District, the track is an emotional look at love and betrayal; and another song offering from YG's upcoming project, The Gentleman’s Club. 

2 CHAINZ & STATIK SELEKTAH - “POPS”

There’s something to be said for how well they work together–they have a creative synergy that has led to some strong singles. This new track arrives on the heels of the release of Chainz’s memoir, The Voice In My Head Is God. 

RED CAFÉ & MAX B - “WISH ME WELL”

After dropping a double single, Café is prepping everyone for his upcoming album with this new track featuring Max B. Café’s new project, Once In A Red Moon, drops April 10. 

JOHNNY VENUS - “I WANT YOU BACK”

Best known as one half of EARTHGANG, Venus continues his journey into a new musical chapter with this first single from his forthcoming debut solo album. Blending R&B, funk and alternative textures.

H3ADBAND - “THAT’S IT”

A highlight of his fast-paced, sometimes guttural delivery and natural ability to craft infectious hooks. It’s a single that really lets his confidence stand out, and it arrives as the rapper is gearing up for a new project this spring. 

MELLY MIKE - “GOD’S TIME”

It’s the kind of anthem that rings in your ears for weeks. The thundering synth bass and key changes make for a compelling track, as Melly delivers a bombastic slice of collar-popping. 

QUAIL P - “WOULDN’T TRY AGAIN”

The rapper out of Florida has made his rootsy storytelling something of a trademark, and his latest shows that his style is ever-evolving, with production that never does too much, and his own unique flowing sitting center stage. 

LAYA - “LUBER”

She successfully channels the kind of chill-but-emotive groove that defined R&B for a generation. A sultry and seductive slice of bedroom R&B that wouldn’t sound out of place at a basement party in 1995. 

PJ MORTON - “MUTUAL”

On this, his first new single since his 2026 Grammy win for best Gospel Album, the singer-songwriter opines the act of opening up. “I’m assuring her that whatever she’s feeling, I’m feeling too. So, let’s just fall together.”

BOSSMAN DLOW - “NOTHIN’ LIKE ME”

Produced by Baker Yung and Blvck Uzi, the new track from Dlow delivers the sort of trunk-rattling aggression that fans expect and love. As he boasts about stacking racks and the beat rolls like a slow Sunday in the South. 

ESTELLE - “LIVE, LOVE, LEARN”

A gorgeous melody, with lyrics from the British star about all that love can take us through. She has always had a gift for elegant melodies, and the soulful singer-songwriter-rapper delivers an introspective love song that floats as light as air. 

ARIANNA MARIE FEAT. ABBY JASMINE - “KNOW DAT”

A smoky, slinky groove that almost slips in and out, it’s hushed melody like a seductress, it’s a winning single that features a killer one-two punch in Arianna and Abby. The kind of tune you’d hope would become a fixture on late-night playlists. 

PAUL WALL - “R.I.P. OLD ME”

The Texas rap veteran has become one of the South’s most venerated elder statesmen. So the title may come as a bittersweet phrasing for those who miss the old Wall. Nonetheless, the new guy is pretty dope, too. 

ANTHNY & KIERRA SHEARD - “SHOW UP”

Their collaborative energy is just off the charts. Two gifted and acclaimed acts that have forged unique paths respectively in gospel team up for this high-energy, anointed worship collaboration that celebrates the steadfastness of God and finding faithfulness.

SEKOU - “DANGEROUS LOVER”

He’s at the forefront of an emerging wave of talents out of the United Kingdom who are reimagining what urban pop can sound, look and create like. His latest track hearkens at a creative force on the cusp of a breakthrough. 

SIMIEN FEAT. AKON - “SUGAR”

A collaboration that just makes sense. They work well together over this chill, groovy feel-good track that amalgamates Afrobeats-inspired styles with Akon's signature melodic flow. 

TERMANOLOGY & ROYAL FLUSH - “CRACK ERA SURVIVORS”

You have to appreciate the steady, reliable reliance on classic NYC hip-hop sonics and tropes, and very few do pure East Coast music better. A track that celebrates evergreen, timeless, street-hop. 

DESIIGNER FEAT. WIZ KHALIFA - “AMERICA’S BABY” (REMIX)

Desiigner scored a winner with “America’s Baby” and now with Wiz jumping on the sequel, the track gets new life. A great showcase for just how skilled he happens to be when teamed with the right production. 

BOLDY JAMES & INFO56 - “COLD IN THE D”

Over icy no-frills production, Boldy is just as cold and calculated as his home city’s notorious reputation; it’s the kind of gritty songwriting he does better than almost anyone. 

SLEW & LANCEY FOUX - “SUNSHINE”

Produced by Outlaw, classik & wishteks, the new track from the British emcee has a bounce that almost belies its aggression. His kinetic raps serve the track well, and Foux delivers the goods as he makes his case for scene stealer. 

SKI MASK THE SLUMP GOD - “BREAKTHERULES!”

The record features a sample from The Smashing Pumpkins and creates a high-voltage fusion of hip-hop and grunge-inspired sound. His signature flow and playful, rebellious lyricism are in rare form – layered over distorted guitar riffs and atmospheric production. 

NEW ALBUMS

THUNDERCAT - ‘DISTRACTED’

It’s rare that an artist successfully reigns in while maintaining a sense of adventurousness. Teaming up with Greg Kurstin, polished producer of everyone from Adele to Paul McCartney, the bass superstar delivers arguably his most streamlined album yet. 

ARLO PARKS - ‘AMBIGUOUS DESIRE’

An ambitious 12-song album produced by Baird with an appearance from Sampha. Previously stating that she was driven to dance more than ever while recording her new project, the artist has also revealed that this collection is driven by themes of desire. 

MIKE, EARL SWEATSHIRT & SURF GANG - ‘POMPEII/UTILITY’

They are two of the most high-profile artists in hip-hop’s most idiosyncratic and experimental lane. MIKE and Earl are both given ample space to shine, as the collective gets to showcase, while their artistry complements each other so perfectly. 

SWAE LEE - ‘SAME DIFFERENCE’

His voice has graced so many contemporary rap hits that it’s easy to forget this is his first full release as a solo artist. Swaecation notwithstanding, he gets to fully come into his own as an artist here. 

CHARLES JOSEPH SMITH - ‘COLLECTED WORKS AND WAR OF THE MARTIAN GHOSTS’

A beautifully done collection. The jazz legend finally gets his due. The definitive collection of Dr. Charles Joseph Smith's original recordings in a deluxe double vinyl Collector's Edition set.

BLACK FORTUNE - ‘ROAD TO OSSHLAND IV’

He’s consistently delivered when it comes to “Osshland.” The rapper out of the DMV continues his acclaimed series, parlaying his unique blend of hip-hop, R&B, rock and pop styles into something wholly unique. 

THEARTI$T - ‘DND’ EP

A project that features a turn inward, building a world that feels intentionally shut off from everything but what’s happening between two people. The album lives in quiet rooms and late hours, tracing the kind of intimacy that doesn’t announce itself, but slowly reveals what’s underneath. 

MILES MINNICK - ‘SOMERSVILLE’ EP

Named after the street and neighborhood that shaped him, it’s described as more than a project — it’s a full-circle moment. The EP stands as a testimony to his journey — grounded in real-life experience and transformed through purpose.

TORY LANEZ - ‘LOL: SLUTTY BASS’

Obnoxious and bass-heavy, the tongue-in-cheek nature of the songs keep things from ever feeling too redundant, as it’s a project that never takes itself so seriously as to wear out its welcome. 

TYSHAWN - ‘MAN IN THE MIR’ EP

An artist equally comfortable with street-rooted records, melodic collab’s and introspective storytelling. Emerging as one of the most dynamic voices on Buffalo’s hip-hop scene, his new EP highlights his versatility and evolving production talents, as he positions himself as one of his city’s emerging independent voices. 

WIZ KHALIFA & CURREN$Y - ‘ROOFLESS RECORDS FOR DROP TOPS, DISC 1’

Their chemistry has always been easy and effortless, so it’s understandable that their latest has the benefit of familiarity. This ten-track project sounds like the breeziness of a Saturday afternoon, with the restless energy of everything that comes along later that night. 

JUICY J - ‘THE TRIPPY TAPES, VOL. 1’

The man just never gets tired. The inexhaustible Juicy J is back with his latest and it proves that he’s nothing if not prolific. The Memphis rap icon teams with DJ Scream for this monstrous 31-track opus. 

C STUNNA - ‘BORN TO STUNT’

After a handful of releases leading up to the project, the rhymer drops this full-length collection of anthemic tracks that stick with his penchant for infectious hooks. His talent as a songwriter has always eclipsed some of his lesser celebrated skills, but his latest is an excellent showcase. 

BBYMUTHA- ‘RENT DUE’

The rapper out of Tennessee drops her third album; and she’s taking no prisoners on a project that sees her calling out any and everybody. She has the brassy soul of a fighter, with her wounds laid bare despite the surface bravado. 

DORIS - ‘EVERYTHING ELSE’

With an approach that consistently defies convention, the Jersey-raised multi-hyphenate drops a collection of lo-fi tracks that further his eclectic approach to indie pop–melding old school shoegaze, trip-hop with outside-the-box sonics.