Everybody is going to be showing love to Mom this weekend, and while there may not be a lot of Mommy-specific music dropping, there’s certainly enough hot, new ish for you to put together a nice little playlist for the mothers in your life. Per usual, we’ve got a little bit of everything for you to choose from.
The big one this week is the return of Chris Brown, who drops his new album. But he’s far from the only R&B artist with new heat this week: we get a scorching single from Anderson. Paak; as well as Khalid’s latest. And the multitalented Teyana Taylor gets seductive with Wale on her new single.
Don’t fret, though, rap fans; if you need your weekly fix of beats and rhymes; T.I. has you covered with a new banger; and Cash Cobain also drops off some fire. Iconic producers in DJ Premier and The Alchemist team up on their latest; and the Bay Area legend Too $hort collabs with Tyga and the Vallejo king himself E-40 for a little West Coast flavor. U.K. vet Little Simz comes with her latest, and we get the third installment of his acclaimed Doe Or Die series from none other than AZ.
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
ANDERSON .PAAK & HITCHDEAN - “AFTERTASTE”
The pair reunite on this infectious new single. Their chemistry is still intact after more than a decade. The single comes ahead of his upcoming album, inspired by his family comedy feature film K-POPS!
T.I. - “MR. HIM”
The Atlanta rap icon and Pharrell clearly make beautiful music together. This is the second track released ahead of his upcoming final album. He’s also announced an accompanying tour alongside his sons Domani and King Harris.
6LACK FEAT. YOUNG THUG - “ASHIN’ THE BLUNT”
On the track, the two artists blend their styles effortlessly. It presents 6LACK in a new light: vulnerable and speaking about love in a different way – as both men look inward. It’s touching sisetupngle, and it’s a perfect set up for his new album out May 22.
CASH COBAIN - “I WANNA ROCK”
The purveyor of sexy drill has been working on his upcoming album, and in the meantime, this piano-driven track serves as a preview. His sound continues to evolve.
PJ MORTON - “SELL MY SOUL”
The singer-songwriter announced that his new album is an ambitious double project that is one half gospel and one half R&B, so his new single is a clear indicator of what the project is going to feel like.
TANK AND THE BANGAS FEAT. DAVID SHAW & AUSTIN BROWN - “NIGHTTIME”
The final pre-album single before the collective drops the final entry in their “Balloons” series, it features Shaw and Brown teaming with the band for a gloriously delicious track.
38 SPESH FEAT. METHOD MAN - “THE MAIN LINE”
After a relatively quiet period, Spesh returns with street-certified storytelling and razor-sharp lyricism, trading calculated bars with the Wu legend. The single is the opening salvo for his upcoming album, an anticipated project from one of hip-hop’s most under-appreciated multi-hyphenates.
TOO $HORT FEAT. E-40 AND TYGA - “DRINK & SMOKE”
Jointly produced by Lil Jon and his late son Slade, the track serves as the inaugural single from the Bay Area legend’s upcoming album. And it brings together West Coast heavyweights that deliver powerful verses over their signature flows.
DAHI - “REST OF YOUR LIFE”
He’s a Grammy-winning producer and the sonic architect behind some of the most defining records of the last decade, including “Money Trees” by Kendrick + more from Childish Gambino, Travis Scott, Drake, Madonna, etc. Now he makes the big leap forward as an artist.
MURDA BEATZ FEAT. PROSPA - “BABY”
Leeds electronic duo Prospa drop their newest, first teased during Prospa's Miami Music Week B2B set with Josh Baker, and again during another B2B set with Kettama and Josh Baker during Coachella. It marks Murda Beatz's first house offering.
DDG - “TOP OF THE HILL”
Arriving amid the momentum of his current Blame The Chat Tour, his new record has already been generating strong anticipation and extends his run of high-impact releases. All the while, he further expands his presence across music, streaming and culture.
AG CLUB - “PRECIOUS”
The collective has built a cult following through standout visuals, festival performances, and a creative world that continues to push beyond the boundaries, with more music and visuals on the way. They continue their genre-blurring approach to hip-hop.
JAWAN FEAT. SIS - “ALWAYS ON MY MIND”
Harris reintroduces himself on this heartwarming R&B ballad and contemporary take on SWV’s classic. It’s a single that showcases the singer’s vocal range and modern approach to the timeless sound of 1990s R&B.
OVRKAST - “PLAY THIS”
The East Oakland-bred songwriter, lyricist, and producer is a product of the Bay Area’s eclectic artistry, and he is reshaping the region’s niche rap sound with an ethereal, laid-back approach.
SAM POUNDS FEAT. FAMILY COMPANY - “QUEEN”
Recorded fully analog, the track channels the warmth and musicality of legends while still sounding entirely his own. Deeply personal at its core, the track is a tribute to the unconditional love his mother and auntie have shown him throughout his life. Perfect for Mother’s Day.
DJ PREMIER & THE ALCHEMIST - “FOR THE GIG”
Following their well-received He’s The Preemo, I’m The Chemist European Tour, these Hip-hop legends have reunited for their heavy-hitting new single, produced by The Alchemist.
LOSMOOTHE - “IN THIS LIFETIME”
Serving as the lead for his upcoming project arriving May 27th, this is a lush, trap-soul exhibition built on '90s harmonic precision and moody acoustic origins. The track masterfully bridges the gap between intimate, late-night R&B rotations and the high-energy grit of modern drill production.
JPEGMAFIA - “WAR OVER LAND”
A haunting, cinematic track exploring the human cost of conflict and the emptiness of modern clout culture. Cutting through internet posturing, the song tackles the real-world impact of violence and social decay.
CHAKA KHAN - “CHAKZILLA”
One of the most iconic voices of all time, the Rock & Roll Hall Of Famer makes her return with this infectious slice of dance pop. Co-written with SZA, the former frontwoman of Rufus seems like she’s having a ball–both on the track and in the video.
JESSE REYEZ FEAT. MUNI LONG - “AIN’T U TIRED”
The Canadian singer-songwriter Reyez is clearly looking to heat up the charts this summer–and she’s teamed with the right one to do it–the Grammy winner Long. It comes about a year after Reyez’s third album dropped.
KHALID FEAT. LAUV - “TIED UP”
A new track that manages to be just the right kind of chill. The combination of Khalid’s smooth vocals and Lauv’s laid-back production makes for a track that is just *chef’s kiss.*
MIKE D - “SWITCH UP”
The legendary Beastie Boy returns with his strong single. It marks the first major music by a Beastie Boys member since 2011’s Hot Sauce Committee Part 2. Welcome back, Michael Diamond.
FAT NWIGWE - “QUEEN”
It’s a bold track that features expert lyricism while also benefiting from the artist’s strong voice. She is definitely forging her own voice and making her own space, on a track that really presents her well – as both an artist and as an ambitious mom doing her thing.
KEVON EDMONDS - “NO ORDINARY LOVE”
The R&B veteran and After 7 frontman delivers this slice of contemporary R&B. The track marks a welcome return for the beloved tenor, long regarded as one of the genre’s most revered vocalists. A solid track for fans of both Edmonds and his famous group.
KELELA - “LINKNB”
She’s been cooking, folks. The R&B singer has announced that she is prepping her third album, which is set for release on July 10. Her new single blends gnarly guitars with dance beats, for an irresistible combination.
TEYANA TAYLOR & WALE - “BED OF ROSES”
There are very few performers who can convey sensuality and vulnerability simultaneously like Taylor can, and she and Wale have always worked very well together. The D.C. rapper brings the emotional tension on this single, which they debuted at the Billboard Women In Music event.
TAMELA MANN, WYCLEF JEAN & KIRK FRANKLIN - “HELLO GOD”
It’s a brilliant take on a great track and it’s a perfect antidote to the season we’re in. Mann, the gospel icon herself, explained it thusly: “A new day. A new feeling. A new conversation with Heaven. I’m so excited for you to experience ‘Hello God.’”
BENNY THE BUTCHER, RICK HYDE, MEECO & DJ ACCESS - “BOSS THING”
A standout collaboration. Benny is one of hip-hop’s most revered for a reason, and this collab is a win for anyone who appreciates and loves lyrical precision and street bars.
KATORI WALKER - “CAN’T FORGET IT”
The rapper out of Pasadena comes through with this synth-driven banger. It’s the kind of quiet menace that screams West Coast, and Walker has one of his most subdued performances over the pulsing beat.
RED LOTUS & GOAPELE - “HELLO DARLIN’ PT. 2”
It’s so vintage, you may get lost in the vibe. The two artists deliver a seductive, soulful groove that evokes both the '90s and the '70s at the same damn time. A stellar single.
ERIC BELLINGER - “JUST LIKE YOU”
Bellinger with an ode to the woman who’s been there from the beginning. It’s an anthem for Mother’s Day, a lilting, melodic ballad dedicated to the role his mother played in his life.
SAUCY SANTANA - “TIME IS UP”
This is just a fun party record. It has the kind of 808-driven bounce that wouldn’t sound out of place on a City Girls track–while also hearkening back to the playful party anthems of Salt-N-Pepa.
RJMRLA & WALLIE THE SENSEI - “WAY UP”
Things get somber and introspective on this standout collaboration. The mournful piano accompaniment never gets too fussy, as the bars focus on betrayal and pain, attempting to find some sense of self in grinding for success.
KEY GLOCK - “GO”
You have to appreciate an artist who does what they do without needing a lot of bells and whistles. Keeping things simple and catchy, Glock drops this bass-heavy single that offers no frills and no nonsense. All killer, no filler.
MEMPHIS BLEEK, MIKE SB W/COOL & DRE - "Heart of the City"
It has the feel of a classic late 1990s East Coast banger. Beyond any sense of nostalgia, this is just a great track that should remind everybody that Bleek has always been nice – when paired with the right production, you don’t have to strain to see it.
FLYANA BOSS - “FEELIN’ IT”
The duo out of Los Angeles returns with this spunky and kinetic single. It’s a synth-heavy trunk-rattler, built for clubs and the ladies get off some swaggy, braggadocious verses while keeping things fun and sexy.
NAPPY ROOTS FEAT. PYNK BEARD - “AIN’T HAVE A LOT”
The veteran crew out of Kentucky returns with this acoustic-driven look at their humble beginnings and the journey they went on as chart-topping rappers. It’s a warm slice of country rap that could only come from NR.
THE WOMACK SISTERS - “CHAUFFEUR”
Their famous lineage makes them R&B royalty, and the sisters have already announced their forthcoming album on Daptone Records. And the sisters have also announced they’re joining Thee Sacred Souls and LA LOM for their ambitious summer amphitheater run.
OCTOBER LONDON - “TIK TOK SHOP”
The singer-songwriter will have you reaching for platform shoes and a glittery coat. He perfectly channels the feel and vibe of late 1970s disco, sounding like this is a lost track from a wild night at Studio 54.
CASEY VEGGIES & WIZ KHALIFA - “LIVING TOO FAST”
Both emcees bring it on this simple bit of catchy songwriting. Sometimes you don’t need a lot. From that gooey wah-wah guitar and those percolating hi-hats, you can jump right into the soulfulness of this laid-back groover.
FRENCH MONTANA & MAX B FEAT. RICK ROSS - “SMOKING, PT. 2”
Debuted during their Verzuz face-off on May 7, it’s the kind of track that brings out the best in all involved. An anthem that could only come from Montana and Max.
TKAY MAIDZA - “PRESSED”
The Zimbabwe-born, Australian pop/ R&B star delivers a hypnotic, Afrobeat groove courtesy of Maths Time Joy. This is a track that brings an instant mood change, featuring Tkay flexing her authority in relationships, business and fashion.
MYLES SMITH - “HOLD ME IN THE DARK”
The singer-songwriter explained that the song came “from feeling stuck in my own thoughts and not knowing how to get out of it. Strangely, it takes me back to my first pair of headphones as a kid. I used to put them on to block out the shouting and the chaos at home, and in a weird way, they became a kind of escape for me. “
YG MARLEY - “FIYAH”
He keeps it classic on his new track. The classic reggae feel is a perfect springtime groove, and the lyrical references to iconic lines from Bob Marley is a musical cherry on top of this excellent single.
NEW ALBUMS
CHRIS BROWN - ‘BROWN’
The Two-time Grammy Award winner drops his 12th solo studio album, with features from Bryson Tiller, Leon Thomas and more. The title, which clearly refers to the singer’s surname, also serves as an acronym: “break rules only when necessary.”
AZ - ‘DOE OR DIE III’
The long-awaited third installment of the veteran rhymer's critically-acclaimed series finally arrives. While the first entry announced the emcee, and the second clearly stamped his return as an elder statesman, his new album feels like a craftsman, perfecting what he’s done and getting it down to a science.
ACTION BRONSON - ‘PLANET FROG’
The rapper out of Queens pulls the listener to his unique headspace and invites the listener to check things out from his distinct worldview. The album includes appearances from Lil Yachty, Roc Marciano, Paul Wall, Meyhem Lauren and more.
LITTLE SIMZ - ‘SUGAR GIRL’ (EP)
She’s always been an artist who keeps it moving; never settling into what she did on her last release or repeating a formula that worked on a single. On her new EP, she’s refashioning club sounds, and the result is full of energy, imagination and experimentation.
BLACK MILK - ‘CEREMONIAL’
The Detroit-based producer, MC and songwriter follows up Everybody Good with his latest; he hops on the microphone for the first time in a minute, and he’s going inward this time around. His production is at an absolute peak.
DEANTE HITCHCOCK - ‘JUNKIE IN THE SUN’
He’s built a career on that balance of technical precision and emotional honesty and you can tell he’s studied icons like OutKast and Young Thug, and his new project features collaborations with 6lack, Samara Cyn, Childish Major and Anna Field.
TRAP DICKEY - ‘THE VILLE’ (MIXTAPE)
Over the past few years, he has been grinding nonstop and evolving entirely on his own terms. With 15 tracks, his new mixtape stands as his most cohesive and fully realized project to date. Balancing raw emotion with confidence, he moves between introspection and charisma with precision, capturing tension, hunger, and self assurance throughout.
UNCLE WAFFLES - ‘4 DA STREETS’ (EP)
This highly anticipated follow-up to her debut EP, 4 Da Ho’s follows the success of her latest single, “TASTE.” She also stormed stages on an extensive global tour that spanned the United States, United Kingdom, and Europe.
BROTHER WALLACE - ‘ELECTRIC LOVE’
This is a lively, soul stirring release from a refreshing voice that successfully captured the spiritual, infectious energy of his church upbringing. There’s an earthy, soulful authenticity present in all thirteen tracks.
HIL ST. SOUL - ‘NASILYFA’
The veteran singer-songwriter shines on her sixth album. For the better part of 25 years, she’s delivered the kind of indie soul that legends are made of; and her new album is both a continuation and an expansion of the sound she’s cultivated over her stellar career.
LIL KEKE, AL-D300 & CAL WAYNE - ‘STREETS IS MY WITNESS, PT. 2’
The Houston rap legend teams up with fellow Texas products for a Longhorn State longplayer that sounds perfect on a slow Saturday, sippin’ something syrupy.
BIG K.R.I.T. - ‘DEDICATED TO CADALEE BIARRITZ’ (DELUXE)
His project was a well-received return-to-form, and now the famed rapper/producer out of Mississippi offers fans a deluxe, expanded edition. Gotta love the generosity.
OT THE REAL - ‘VILLAIN’
He’s clearly creating at a high level, and he’s making his presence felt across the board, but the Philly native really sets the table on his new project. The work he’s put in over years of a career, the way he’s sharpened skills with every guest spot, how he’s carefully chosen collaborators–it all pays off here.
