New Music Roundup (Oct 2 - Oct 6)

Source: Tim Mosenfelder / Getty

New Music Released This Week (Oct 2 – Oct 6): 

1. Big Hit – The Truth Is In My Eyes

After serving a 9-year sentence, Big Hit was released from prison and wasted no time in relaunching his rap career. Since then, he’s teamed up with his son, 3X Grammy-winning producer Hit-Boy, for a string of defiant collaborations that have shaken up the music industry. Now, Big Hit announces his highly-anticipated debut solo album, The Truth Is In My Eyes. Pre-order HERE. 

Alongside the announcement, Hit shares an introspective visual for the title track, “The Truth Is In My Eyes.” Shot and directed by THIRDEYERAZ, it finds the Pasadena native reflecting on his journey home from prison while a nimble melody plays the backdrop. 

Back in May, Big Hit celebrated his release from jail by heading straight to the studio.  To break the news, as HipHopDX previously reported, Hit-Boy ran to Twitter and made it known that his dad is officially back in the mix. The father-son tandem have been on a tear since, starting with the explosive “Reckless & Ratchet,” then pivoting to the fiery “Grindin’ My Whole Life, Pt. 2” before taking a turn towards thought-provoking lyricism with “Police.” “Watch Out For The Riders” would follow, which was released in partnership with Lowrider Magazine.

Most recently, Hit-Boy & Big Hit partnered with Amazon Music to release their new single “Boo Bop.” The track introduced an open verse challenge on TikTok where in-app users are encouraged to add their own spin on the song with a few bars. Not to mention, Big Hit received his first billboard in the heart of Times Square in New York City to promote the single. Needless to say, Hit’s making the most of his freedom after being released from prison 90+ days ago.

It’s also important to note that The Truth Is In My Eyes will release two weeks early on JPay so that incarcerated people can hear Big Hit’s debut project first. Further, an exclusive interview between Big Hit and prison reform advocate Andre Norman will accompany the advance release.

2. Sarz ft. Crayon & Skrillex – Yo Fam!

Renowned Nigerian Producer and DJ, Sarz released the music video to his latest single “Yo Fam!” featuring dubstep/EDM DJ-producer Skrillex and Nigerian singer/songwriter Crayon. The track is currently available via UnitedMasters. 

The music video arrives shortly after the song’s release, serving as the debut single from Sarz’s highly anticipated album, scheduled for release early in 2024. The visuals display a nostalgic yet modern duality that aligns with the afro-fusion beat style Sarz is known for. The elements of music, dance, fashion, and art intersect in this video to pay homage to the culture in Nigeria where the Afrobeats genre originated. The atmospheric production that transitions from day to night captures the true essence of the song—an ode to enjoying life, letting loose, and being your authentic self.

Sarz is the musical genius behind global hits like Beyoncé’s “Find Your Way Back” and Drake’s “One Dance.” The visual elements for this latest single not only further amplify Sarz’s creativity and masterful production but also showcase the artistry and authenticity of the individuals pushing the Afrobeats movement forward.

3. Davido – Feel

Multi-platinum global superstar Davido releases the official video to his breakout album track “FEEL,” the second track off his +1B streaming album Timeless. The “FEEL” visual is both powerful and cinematic, coming hot on the heels of his massive summer hit “UNAVAILABLE” and its’ several successful remixes including his recent chart-topping track with multi-platinum recording star Latto.

The latest TG Omori–directed visual comes following Nigeria’s Independence Day and shows Davido and his love interest’s journey to each other amid adversity.

Of the visual David shares, “Feel is a song that means so much to me. My director TG Omori and I created a movie with this visual, and I’m excited for the world to finally see and experience it.  I hope everyone loves it.”

The momentum surrounding Nigerian superstar Davido’s latest album Timeless continue to smash records and dominate the charts with Davido’s record-breaking achievements on Apple Music setting new benchmarks for African artists. Timeless holds the prestigious title of being the biggest African album in Apple Music history, captivating audiences worldwide with its first day streaming records. Additionally, Davido made history by dominating Apple Music’s Global Daily Top 100 with a groundbreaking nine simultaneous African songs. Timeless also reached an extraordinary #2 position on Apple Music’s US Albums chart, making it the highest-charting African album to date.

Extending his sold out North American summer tour oversees, Davido recently delighted fans with another capacity crowd at Manchester’s O2 Victoria Warehouse and will play a massive arena show at The O2, London on Sunday, January 28, 2024. Tickets are on sale now at livenation.co.uk

2023 continues to see the enormous international superstar cement his stature in the US, earning over 30 awards and nominations internationally including this year’s 2023 MTV VMA Award Nomination “Best Afrobeats”. Additionally on November 18, 2023, Davido will also launch his first annual A.W.A.Y (Are We African Yet?) Festival in Atlanta at the State Farm Arena. The festival was conceived to promote and foster cultural exportation and collaboration between Africa and the world. Davido’s level of collaboration with U.S based artists over the years has positioned him as a unique bridge between Africa and the world, a mantle that he has carried proudly.

4. Radamiz – The Monk's Ferrari

5. Matt B – Jolene

GRAMMY-nominated global artist Matt B has released a new music video for single “JOLENE,” taken from his Afrobeats album ALKEBULAN, out now via Vitae Records. Incorporating a fusion of world sounds, the alluring downtempo track finds Matt confessing his affection to someone keeping him at arm’s length. In the accompanying visual — directed by PhillyFlyBoy and Matt’s wife, manager, and producer Angela Benson — we see him pray to Oshun, the West African goddess of divinity, love, and freshwater who is known as the granter of wishes, asking her to bring the love he desires into his life.

On the track, Matt shares, “‘JOLENE’ is really special to me. It’s a song about forbidden love and exploring how to navigate those feelings. It speaks on the tragic feeling of when being with the one you love could completely destroy the relationship you have with your family. It makes you question: should you follow your heart or throw the love away for the sake of maintaining the relationship with family? This is exactly what I found myself faced with a long time ago when dating a beautiful woman who eventually became my wife. Both of us chose one another despite how our families felt about it.”

“The music video is a symbolic representation of the thoughts in my head and the feelings in my heart during that time, while also illustrating this using elements of African culture,” he adds. “You see the West African goddess, Oshun, who is the river goddess of divinity, femininity, love, and beauty. In the video, I pray to Oshun in hopes that she will grant me the desires of my heart and allow me to be connected with the love of my life. The water where Oshun dwells represents purity, divine generosity, and vulnerability.” 

A powerful display of Matt’s artistry as he aims to build a bridge of unity between his Motherland and America, ALKEBULAN (pronounced al-kee-boulan) debuted on six Billboard charts including #27 on Top New Artist Albums, #33 on Top Albums, #82 on Top Current Album Sales, and #120 on Digital Albums. Meaning “Mother of Mankind,” the album offers a culturally rich listening experience infused with African elements such as conga shakers, djembe and bougarabou drums, and call-and-response singing, elevating the soundscape he has so brilliantly captured with his various Afro-inspired releases. The album includes “JOLENE” alongside previously released singles “SHAYO” which brings the common phrase amongst Nigerians and West Africans meaning happiness to life, “FREEDOM” featuring Motswana Mo Erongo that draws inspiration from the tale of a caged bird experiencing newfound freedom, and “GUNJALE” with Ugaboys which speaks to those who have no care for the digital world, but instead place a focus on living in the now. Other standout tracks include the hip-swaying “SALETEMA” and a reimagined version of GRAMMY-nominated hit “GIMME LOVE” with Eddy Kenzo.

Matt initially began bringing ALKEBULAN to life earlier this year at the 65th annual GRAMMY Awards where he and Angela garnered praise for their iconic royal looks from Vogue, Washington Post, Entertainment Tonight, iHeart, and Esquire — who named Matt one of the best dressed men — as the power couple channeled the energy and presence of their ancestors who once reigned as kings and queens of Africa aiming to share its importance and beauty with the new generation. While ALKEBULAN first started as a way for Matt to search for his identity and come to terms with his purpose as both a person and artist, the album ultimately reignited the spark needed to fuel his creativity unlike ever before and encapsulates his transformative journey as he rediscovered his purpose and love for music.

Known for his romantically-driven R&B music, Matt B has cemented himself as a bona fide talent and a force to be reckoned with. The Chicago native and Los Angeles-based songsmith has built a worldwide fanbase with his chart-topping singles and albums including his 2014 international debut, Love & War, and sophomore album, DIVE. Both releases went #1 on the iTunes R&B Charts and were later followed by his 2018 EP, RISE, produced by GRAMMY-Award Winner Bryan-Michael Cox (Mariah Carey, Usher, Mary J. Blige). In 2021, he released his debut US album, EDEN, which featured production from Cox as well as Tricky Stewart (Beyoncé, Britney Spears, Rihanna) and landed in the Top 40 on Billboard’s R&B Albums, Digital Albums, Heatseekers, and R&B/Hip-Hop Albums Charts. Since then, Matt B has released a string of eclectic singles including “Gimme Love” and garnered media support from the likes of GRAMMY.com, SPIN, 1883 Magazine, Rolling Out, Singersroom, and more.

6. Nissi – UNBOXED

Fresh from a glorious summer tour that delivered scene-stealing performances at The London Stadium, New York’s Citifield Stadium, and GelreDome Stadium in the Netherlands, as well as Norway’s BergenFest and the AfroNation festivals in Detroit and Portugal, fast-rising London based Nigerian musician and creative NISSI is excited to unveil her long awaited and highly anticipated sophomore EP titled UNBOXED. Arriving on October 6 via Spaceship Records and EMPIRE, the 7-track opus is written and composed by Nissi, with production coming from her longtime collaborator Kiyagi, and the likes of TSB (J Hus, FLO), Killertunes (Wizkid, J Balvin), Jay Weathers (Stormzy, Rudimental), and Telz (Burna Boy, Fireboy DML).

UNBOXED is more than just a title for Nissi – it’s a manifesto. This potent collection by Nissi challenges conventions, inviting listeners on a journey of liberation from societal constraints. Blending a rich mosaic of musical styles, each track reveals a distinct emotion, reflecting the multifaceted nature of her personality. Nissi’s artistry, evident throughout the project, champions the ideals of self-discovery and acceptance. The underlying message is clear: it’s an urging from Nissi for listeners to confront societal norms and to fully embrace and celebrate their unique identities. Throughout her new Unboxed project, Nissi encapsulates the power and beauty of living authentically.

Thematically rich and deeply resonant, Nissi’s UNBOXED EP emerges as a musical tapestry, meticulously weaving together a diverse range of emotions and transformative experiences. The heartfelt opening track ‘Heavy’ stands as a poignant ode to the irreplaceable bonds of friendship, evoking treasured memories of shared moments and the enduring value of unwavering companionship. In contrast, ‘Higher’ pulsates with an energetic spirit of hope and unyielding determination. Through Nissi’s soulful vocals and impassioned delivery, she emphasizes the power of self-belief, imploring listeners to bask in the exhilarating highs of life while bravely confronting its inevitable challenges.

‘Overthinking’ provides a sanctuary for those engulfed by their own cascading thoughts, while ‘Unwind’ feels like a gentle whisper in the ear, reminding everyone of the importance of balance and relaxation, and ‘Nobody’ featuring Fireboy DML, beautifully explores the unyielding nature of love and the constancy of loyalty. The Teni-assisted ‘Thunder’ roars with an audacious message of empowerment, as Nissi challenges societal norms and urges unrestrained self-expression, while EP closer ‘Gloves’ captures the beauty of a rare connection amidst personal imperfections. Each track on UNBOXED captures a facet of Nissi’s journey, offering listeners an intimate glimpse into her world of reflection, love, and resilience.

Speaking about the inspiration behind her UNBOXED EP, Nissi says, “Imagine being in a world where they keep telling you to fit into this small box, as if I can’t be more than what they expect. That’s why I felt it was time to get Unboxed. In this project, I’m blending sounds and styles. Every song is a stroke of different colours on a canvas, revealing new dimensions of my emotions. The lyrics I share are a roadmap for discovering my true self. Through my music, I’m raising my voice about embracing every fragment of who I am, and I’m saying to everyone listening to this EP, ‘You can do this too!’ It’s about finding your unique rhythm. It’s time for us to be ourselves, and that feels unbelievably empowering”.

7. BIZZY – I Don't Get Breakups

8. Raedio & Sexyy Red – No Panties

A zeitgeist-capturing series about the modern rap business, Max Original Series RAP SH!T, from Emmy-nominated executive producer Issa Rae, explores the delicate balancing act that female rappers face: how can they achieve their commercial goals while still maintaining authenticity and continuing to have fun? “No Panties,” the first single from Rap Sh!t: The Mixtape (Soundtrack from the Max Original Series, S2) welcomes an artist, Sexyy Red, who has expertly walked that line, showcasing her talent in a brash and unapologetic banger with a music video to match.

Produced by YA & Snacks of The Breed (Anderson .Paak, Dave East), “No Panties” is a euphoric southern rap slapper, bringing a bouncing bassline and crisp handclaps purpose-built to inspire dancefloor denizens to drop it low. Sexyy expertly rides the instrumental, toe-tagging the insistent snares with her signature NSFW quotables. The shout-a-long chorus is the sound of liberation, as Sexyy and her ladies provide a defiant motto for those willing to be their most unabashed selves. With writing contributions from pineappleCITI, Guapdad 4000, Talibah, and Suni MF, “No Panties” is available to stream on all digital platforms via Raedio/Def Jam Recordings.

“I’m happy that I got to work on ‘No Panties’ for Rap Sh!t,” said Sexyy Red. “It’s just me having fun on the beat and talking my sh*t. It’s just like the show: the rap girls running this sh*t.”

In the video, Sexyy Red turns a drab call center into a sexy car wash, inviting the neighborhood to contribute to her fundraising efforts. The fun-loving video, directed by Des Gray, features cameos from TikTok creators @terryreloaded and @kervo.dolo, who help Sexyy bring the scene to life. The video for “No Panties” is now live on Raedio’s YouTube channel.
  

Inspired by the second season of RAP SH!T, “No Panties” is the first glimpse of Rap Sh!t: The Mixtape (Soundtrack from the Max Original Series, S2), out November 3rd via Raedio/Def Jam Recordings. More than just a soundtrack, the Season 2 mixtape is a showcase for the breadth and diversity of talented women taking over the rap game in 2023. Compiled and released by Raedio, the “audio everywhere” company, the mixtape combines original music created for the series and performed by lead characters Shawna & Mia, new songs by trailblazers like Rico Nasty, red hot risers like Kaliii and Maiya The Don, street-savvy upstarts like Enchanting and Cam & China, plus many more. With production from the likes of Danja, Bankroll Got It, and HitKidd, the new mixtape is a love letter to the women in rap who are changing the music world just by being themselves. 

Raedio is committed to propelling the most culturally relevant series and projects and spotlighting not only emerging artists, but the contributors behind the scenes that make these amazing songs possible. For the mixtape artwork, Raedio paid tribute to the classic cover of Midnight Marauders by A Tribe Called Quest, one of the few covers in history that highlights the writers and producers that make magic behind the scenes.

Stay tuned for many more announcements about the soundtrack in the coming weeks and months.

RAP SH!T returns for its second season on November 9th, only on Max.

9. Johnny Cocoa – Green Light

Beaumont-native southern artist, Johnny Cocoa has debuted his new single release “Green Light.”

Produced by Grammy-winner Nes (prod. for Bryson Tiller, Cardi B) and Grammy-nominated 13x platinum producer Ambezza (prod. for Drake, Lil Baby, Young Thug, Lil Wayne, Baby Keem, Gucci Mane, 21 Savage, Tinashe, Chris Brown, Gunna, Kodak Black, and more), the new single dynamically blends a contrasted range of light toned strings and low rhythmic beats against Johnny’s sharp lyrical flow challenging his musical competition to step up to his game.

The track follows his recently dropped EP project I AM WHO I AM alongside the album’s Chopped & Screwed iteration with GRAMMY-nominated producer and fellow Texas legend, OG Ron C. The album features Johnny’s massively successful breakout single “On God” which earned the attention and public cosign from musical icons Drake and Ye.

Off the heels of his recent contributions to the Humble Soles mixtape release dropped earlier this year, Johnny will be joining mixtape collaborators Huey V, Reuben Vincent, RJAE, among others for a cross-country tour to ring in the homecoming season and continue the project’s commemoration of hip hop’s 50^th anniversary.

Representing Beaumont, Texas, Johnny continues to make his mark as the next rising artist to break out of the south with a unique sound that blends intricate rap styles, a soulful R&B flow, and reggae tones – all inspired by his deep childhood roots singing in church and icons such as James Brown, Russ, Kendrick Lamar and more. Championing his community, Johnny centers his music to commemorate Black power, unity, self-love and progress. Johnny continues to carve out his own lane in the music industry with the promise of becoming the world’s next breakthrough sound.    

10. Kidd Kenn – Everywhere I Go

11. Manii Ling – Killed A Girl

The Brooklyn Drill Baddie Manii Ling gives a fiery energy to her video for “I K^lled A Girl. Her unique style is shown through her fast rap cadences and eclectic outfits as she rides throughout the city that never sleeps. Her visual, directed by Will C, shows that it’s always a lit time whenever Manii pulls up. The flip of Katy Perry’s “I Kissed A Girl” and Manii’s eye-grabbing presence puts a drill spin on the pop star’s iconic anthem on self-acceptance. 

12. The Hoodies – I'm Hot

The viral Rap sensations known as The Hoodies released their EP What Pressure Makes in March of this year. The six-track project served as a prelude to the duo’s forthcoming full-length album Hidden Gems, produced entirely by the legendary Kid Capri. Brothers E-Class and Young Poppa tease the album with its lead single “I’m Hot”. Available on all digital streaming platforms and stores via Asti Love/EMPIRE, the song showcases the young Upstate New York natives’ impressive wordplay, sharp flows and unrivaled ferocity over Capri’s hard-hitting production and DJ scratches. 

“Our new record ‘I’m Hot’ was inspired by the golden era of hip-hop. It’s 50th anniversary of hip-hop so why wouldn’t we bring back that nostalgic boom bap feel? The creation process was incredible. Kid Capri threw some mixes and scratches right there on the spot to compliment the beat, while Pop and I delivered with the witty, punchline, metaphor heavy lyrics. ‘Hidden Gems’ will be the album to restore that classic hip-hop feel back to culture. Real concepts, real lyrics, real life.” – E-Class

“The creative process is always easy when we’re working with Capri. As far as the inspiration goes we wanted to highlight our rapping ability and Capri’s legendary dj skills. The title for this song is self explanatory, this is a song you put on when you feeling yourself. When you’re winning.” – Young Poppa

13. JayO – Back

Rising British star JayO has released his highly anticipated new single ‘Back’. Following the release of his huge hit ‘22’ – which went viral earlier this year and is currently sitting on over 100 million global streams – ‘Back’ is a pulsing Afrobeats slow jam. Produced by himself and his longtime friend and producer, RZ and the track also arrives with an accompanying video shot by British Director Sau Ali. The visual was premiered by Rolling Stone UK.
 
“My producer (Rz) and I isolated ourselves whilst we were away in Ghana earlier this year. We hadn’t made music since we’d been there so we decided to cook something up on our last night. At the top of the mountains we wanted to create a feeling that felt like a composition but with a mixture of Afro and R&B.” JayO says on the making of the record.“I wanted to feel good when listening to it and as the beat kept building that’s how it felt. 1 hour later we had a song about wanting an intimate time with someone and them playing hard to get.”
 
JayO is an explorer. Whether it be his literal location, his sound or his style, the 24-year-old singer, songwriter and producer is not interested in being stuck in one place. “I try and do everything, try and see everything,”the North London artist explains. Accordingly, the British-Nigerian artist’s output is hard to pin down under one specific umbrella; since his teen years, he’s been uploading tracks and tapes to the internet and teasing songs on social media over the years, trying his hand at everything from grime, hip-hop, house, R&B and Afrobeats. These days, it’s the latter two genres which take centre-stage in his sound. JayO’s first official releases, ‘XO’ and the aforementioned ‘22’, have had an especially huge reception – the former a slinky, humid track; the latter, a sexy number laden with sultry clouds of piano and sweet, delicate vocals. In the summer of 2023, he performed at the Black British cultural moment that was Stormzy’s This Is What We Mean Day. But, as JayO puts it: “I feel like I’m just at the beginning of my journey.” 
 
Inspired by a youth spent running around in church, or else visiting family in Nigeria, listening to Afrobeats and old school R&B at parties there, the unifying factor for JayO’s music is a desire to recreate the feeling those spaces gave him: “That feel-good music that you can still hit play on at a party even forty years later? For me, my music is an interpretation of that feeling…I make music that makes people feel good.” It’s a multi-genre sound he’s been honing since being a kid messing about on a laptop, alongside trips to his local youth club, getting behind the mic in the studio space there. To this day, many of the early takes of his music are made in his bedroom, singing into a mic with his laptop perched on his legs. It’s perhaps this which lends JayO’s sound a particularly warm sense of intimacy.
 
On his forthcoming music, JayO is building on that gentle feel-good vibe. He may just be getting started, but his journey is already one filled with tantalising promise. This is music that brings to life the exciting caress of connection, the heady, nocturnal locking of eyes with someone at a party, the heat of what is left unspoken. Like the artist himself, this is a sound that reverberates with the exploration of possibility.

14. Fresco Trey – Not No Mo

Rising Memphis rapper Fresco Trey releases his motivational new single and music video entitled “Not No Mo” today via Warner Records. The upbeat track sees him level up again with irresistible swagger and infectious confidence as he exudes spirit and style. Most importantly, it heralds the release of his anxiously awaited new Detour EP, coming on November 10th.

The song fuses finger-snaps, hypnotic claps, and neon guitar loops together in one championing soundscape. Taking stock of his journey so far, Trey raps charismatically as he urges, “Don’t be mad at me ‘cause I grinded for this.” The chantable chorus hits hard as he repeats, “you know I’ve been down before but not no mo.” In the accompanying visual, he spits bars from the stands of a high school basketball game. In between, he shoots hoops on the empty court and cruises the neighborhood. It cohesively speaks to his vision for the track, where if you keep pushing, you can make it in life. 

“I stepped away from humbleness for a second and let the world know what’s really going on,” Trey proclaims. “At the end of the day, ‘Not No Mo’ was created to set a vibe for whoever hears it. I want people to dance to this song. I want this song to live as infinite endorphins.”

It also serves as the perfect prelude to Detour. This time around, he levels up from every angle. Rather than focus on loneliness and hardship, he chronicles his metamorphosis and embrace of a sunnier season over the course of six captivating tracks.

“To me, life is full of Detours and not all detours are bad,” he observes. “Everyone thought I was going to play ball, I detoured. This project is representation of me on a detour again—from just sad music to happy music. We must learn to embrace the detours in with enthusiasm and optimism.” 

It follows the fan favorite “Got You” [feat. charlieonnafriday]. The latter has already gathered 2.3 million Spotify streams and counting.

Over recent months, Trey has demonstrated his range with his vibrant and reflective single “Back In My Shell,” “Enjoy It,” with an uncanny talent for marrying otherworldly pop with hard-hitting production and inward-looking lyrics. Trey is one of the most exciting new artists in hip-hop. To date, the rising hitmaker has garnered acclaim from Billboard, XXL, Lyrical Lemonade, HotNewHipHop, HipHopDX, and more.

It’s a new era for Fresco Trey. Get ready for more!

15. Tee Grizzley ft. Finesse2Tymes – Grizzley 2Tymes

Continuing a prolific run, multiplatinum Detroit storyteller Tee Grizzley serves up a raw and reflective new single and music video entitled “Grizzley 2Tymes” featuring Finesse2tymes out now via Grizzley Gang/300 Entertainment. It notably marks the first collaboration between these two heavy-hitters, and it paves the way for a whole lot more to come.

Over a beat from Hitmaka + Helluva, Tee Grizzley delivers honest and introspective bars with no shortage of emotion. Piano expands the soundscape as he confesses, “I know how it feel being hopeless, taking L’s back-to-back trying to keep your focus” before promising, “I do what I’m supposed to, secure ‘em and keep going.” Meanwhile, Finesse2tymes delivers a hard-hitting cameo of his own to match the song’s vibe. Directed by Rodney Pinz, the accompanying visual intercuts news footage of Tee Grizzley at his lowest with vignettes of him now in full redemption of how far he has come.

The new single arrives on the heels of “IDGAF” featuring Chris Brown and Mariah The Scientist. The latter continues to buzz with over 4.1 million Spotify streams, while the music video has tallied 3.4 million views and counting. ESSENCE touted it among “The Best New Music This Week,” and VIBE noted, “Tee Grizzley, Chris Brown, Mariah The Scientist Enjoy Rooftop Views.” In addition to plugs from Rap Radar and more, XXL also praised it as one of “The 13 Best New Hip-Hop Songs This Week.”

Everything follows the success of his recent anthem “Gorgeous” with Skilla Baby. Thus far, it has generated nearly 10 million plus streams in addition to attracting City Girls to the Official Remix. It also graced the tracklisting of Controversy—the acclaimed 2023 joint mixtape by Tee Grizzley and Skilla Baby.

16. ElCamino – They Spit On Jesus

ELCamino’s versatility sets him apart from his peers.  Lyrically, he is capable of painting bleak tales and violent escapades, but also deft at seamlessly shifting styles mid-verse to highlight his soulful and moody singing voice.  Both of these attributes create exhilarating musical highs. 

Those musical highs have created a runway for Camino to do his thing on numerous big stages over the last few years, as he added his versatility to a litany of high-profile projects, including; Boldy James & The Alchemist’s The Price Of Tea In China Deluxe (2020), Westside Gunn’s Shady Records Debut Who Made The Sunshine (2020), Jay Worthy & Harry Fraud’s Eat When You’re Hungry Sleep When You’re Tired (2020), Boldy James The Versace Tape (2020), Benny The Butcher’s Pyrex Picasso (2021) & Trust The Soprano’s (2021), Conway The Machine’s La Maquina (2021) & Griselda’s Conflicted Motion Picture Soundtrack (2021), and BSF’s Long Live DJ Shay album (2022) on which he was featured on two tracks.

Camino has had a long-standing affiliation with BSF and Griselda over the years, and he has been a frequent and valued contributor to both of the trend-setting crews.  Not long after the release of Long Live DJ Shay, Benny The Butcher announced that he had officially signed Elcamino to his BSF imprint.  Benny and Camino christened that announcement with the release of a joint single and video for, “80’s Bills,” which served as his first official BSF release.

Now, Elcamino has released his first BSF album, They Spit On Jesus, which is now available.  Camino also released a new video, “New Bills,” with BSF capo Benny The Butcher.  The “New Bills” video can be viewed below. 

They Spit On Jesus features collaborations with Benny The Butcher, Inspectah Deck, Havoc (of Mobb Deep), Armani Caesar, Jansport J and his fellow BSF brethren Loveboat Luciano and Fuego Base. 

“Greatness comes from studying the greats that paved the way and I feel They Spit On Jesus is my greatest body of work to date” Elcamino pledges. 

“This is first-generation Griselda art; that has been copied over the years” Benny The Butcher asserts.  “Elcamino is bringing it back to the original sound and feeling.” 

17. Fredo Bang ft. NLE Choppa – Sideways

18. Maiya The Don – Hot Commodity

The savvy, lyrically confident and direct, burgeoning Brooklyn-based MC, Maiya The Don has released her hotly-anticipated debut mixtape, Hot Commodity. And along with it, arrives new single “In Your Hands” featuring Grammy award-winning songwriter and rapper, Ty Dolla $ign. 

Throughout the 11-track project, Maiya exhibits a swift, slick and clever wordplay, akin to days of Lil’ Kim, Foxy Brown and more. Kicking off with “Hella Scary,” the first track will wet your ears with a contemporaneous beat, yet ripe with nostalgia for the 90’s and early 2000’s era of well-blended melodic hip hop productions. It then weaves into the fierce and heavy-hitting “Into Myself,” leaving no prisoners, before shifting to “Expensive,” “Dusties,” and her runaway viral smash “Telfy.” These tracks do well to showcase Maiya’s fun, goofy, warm and wise-cracking energy.

Presenting a softer side, it then moves onto her recent summer track, “Luv U Better”where she joined forces with Shawny Binladen– and for the video Siddiq Saunderson (Hulu’s Wu-Tang: An American Saga) made a cameo. Sampling Mary J. Blige’s 90s hit track, “I Can Love You” featuring Lil’ Kim. It was followed up with the single “Body,” an infectious and seductive track sampling the Queen of Pop, Mariah Carey’s hit song “Touch My Body.”  “Luv U Better,” and “Body” both shed light on the era and sonic foundation influencing the New York Native. Hot Commodity makes her respect for her predecessors well known, while simultaneously affirming she is the one to take the genre forward. Even further exemplified in full as the project rounds out with “Art Basel,” “Hello My Name Is,” and the collaboration folks didn’t know they even needed, “Call Me If You’re Down” featuring the R&B songstress, Maeta, who is indebted to ‘90s R&B classics and culture in her own right.

Hot Commodity puts a spotlight on Maiya’s nimble lyricism and tonal specification to each track, resulting in a bold body of work whose production pairings, along with Maiya’s fearless tongue and evolving cadence, highlight and position Maiya as direct lineage of the two decades credited for making hip hop what it is today.  In full, Hot Commodity encapsulates the MC’s bold, braggadocious, and bouncy persona as she rhymes us bar for bar through her growth and experiences, as she delves into the music industry, a new playground for her expression. 

Maiya The Don shares : “Hot Commodity gives me the legs to stand on as a rapper. I feel like with the mixtape out, I now have a wider discography under my belt. It’s an opportunity for people to see me as an artist. I want people to feel like that girl after listening to the mixtape. Hopefully they have a new appreciation for Maiya The Don and become a part of the Mafia. Hot Commodity is for the pretty, fly, get money bitches that need representation. It’s about being cocky and bodacious and loud. Not being afraid of being so big for a room that it makes people uncomfortable.”

Earlier this week, Maiya The Don was named the October 2023 BET Amplified Artist of the Month. Additionally, Maiya The Don attended the 2023 BET Hip Hop Awards and is featured on the 2023 BET Hip-Hop Awards Digital Cypher alongside DJ Hed, LaNell Grant, and That Mexican OT. 

Fans can catch Maiya performing on Flo Milli’s ‘Thanks for Coming Here, Ho’ Fall 2023 tour, across all dates, kicking off October 21st in San Francisco, CA and wrapping in Austin, TX on November 12th. Tickets available HERE.

Earlier this year, Maiya dropped the video for her infectious single “Dusties,” which was directed by Mikey & Davey. And back in October 2022, Maiya released her buzzing hit track and video “Telfy” – the video alone garnering over 2 million views in just a few months (click here to watch). She also had a feature spot on Flo Milli’s remix for her hit single “Conceited”alongside Lola Brooke(click here to listen). Maiya also performed at Mercy College and attended New York Fashion Week, the latter, had her performing “Telfy” at the 2023 MEFeater show in addition to her attending other shows such as Laquan Smith, Tommy Hilfiger and more. 

19. ODUMODUBLVCK – EZIOKWU

On the fast track towards a global breakthrough following widespread acclaim, rising Nigerian artist and rapper ODUMODUBLVCK (pronounced “O-doo-moh-doo-black”) – who’s ode to Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice went viral earlier this summer and just recently took home ‘Best Rap Single’ honors at The 2023 Headies – proudly presents his highly anticipated new mixtape EZIOKWU today. It notably marks his debut project for Native Records/Def Jam Recordings.
 
In his native language Igbo, EZIOKWU translates to “The Truth,” and this moniker proves utterly apropos when it comes to these 14 tracks…
 
On the record, ODUMODUBLVCKthreads together open-hearted lyricism with an organic hybrid of floor-moving Afrobeats and future-facing R&B spiked with grime—which he personally dubs “okporoko rhythms.” It’s honest. It’s raw. It’s real. It’s EZIOKWU.
 
A horn-laden beat underlines “COMMEND”where his hummable melodies collide with a chantable chorus, “When I threw it, she be commend me.” On “KUBOLOR,” melodic guitar snakes through a head-nodding drum beat as he flexes his vocal range on the club-ready hook. He confidently stomps over a drill beat on the incendiary “SHOOT AND GO HOME.”Then, there’s “BLOOD ON THE DANCE FLOOR” (feat. Bloody Civilian & Wale). A mesmerizing hook, gripping synths, and ethereal guitar set the tone for these three titans to deliver a lyrical masterclass, breaking boundaries between styles and countries, watch official music video HERE. Elsewhere, his high register shines on “HAMMER TIME,” emanating no shortage of finesse and fire.
 
He set the stage for the mixtape with the single “MC OLUOMO.”Beyond tallying north of 743K Spotify streams and 756K YouTube views on the music video, it earned widespread critical acclaim. Billboard touted it among “Afrobeats Fresh Picks of the Month,” hailed it as “invigorating,” and went on to proclaim, “But his hustle, even in the literal sense, comes from his hard work, and he wouldn’t be able to get to the bag without it.” and NOTION praised how “‘MC OLUOMO’ flips ODUMODUBLVCK’s script.”
 
Meanwhile, his collaboration with Adekunle Gold, “Wrong Person,” has gathered north of 1.5 million Spotify streams to date. He also made headlines for his recent “On The Radar” freestyle, delivering a border-crossing performance over the beat of Skepta & Nafe Smallz’s “Greaze Mode.” Watch it HERE.
 
THE TRUTH is here, thanks to ODUMODUBLVCK.

The artwork painted by British-Nigerian designer and artist, Slawn is an original piece painted on canvas depicting ODUMODU in introspection, encapsulating a profound moment of self-validation. The image captures ODUMODU’s gaze turned inward, seeking affirmation from within, a realisation that the wellspring of approval must come from himself alone. Multiple iterations of his persona coexist harmoniously in the portrayal, emphasizing that every facet is authentically him. This convergence serves as an embodiment of truth – the undeniable reality that regardless of the various facets, they all comprise the essence of ODUMODU.

Fresh off starring in the recent NOCTA x Nike collaboration, the Nigerian drill scene’s most exciting and pioneering voice returned this Spring with the record-breaking single “DECLAN RICE” (37.7M+ streams globally, Nigeria’s biggest all time week 1) which debuted at #27 Billboard U.S Afrobeats Songs chart and was used as the official announcement audio in the Arsenal Declan Rice announcement. His deep, intentional lyricism on earlier singles including “Picanto” and “DOG EAT DOG II” have garnered a swell of support from titles including Dazed, Crack, The Line of Best Fit, Wonderland, GUAP, Dotty and Remi Burgz on BBC 1xtra.

20. Tyla – Water

South African global star Tyla, who has dominated the second half of 2023 with her viral single, “Water,” arrives today with its highly-anticipated music video directed by Child and Kwasi Fordjour.

Part of what makes “Water” one of the year’s standout feel-good tracks is its effervescent nature, and the music video takes that theme a step further. Themed around Tyla and a cohort of friends preparing to and stepping out to party, the “Water” video dares its viewer to have as good a time as Tyla, quickly flashing glimpses of what makes a summer night a summer night: bathroom linkups with the girls, intricate, pre-planned outfits and enough gyration to break a sweat even in the cooling air of the night. The 21-year-old star shines, gracefully slinking throughout the video to the rhythm of her infectious lyrics, meshing seamlessly with a dance party at the apex of the night. Effortless switches between centerstage and integrating with light choreography are additionally noteworthy.

The arrival of the “Water” video represents the crowning achievement of what’s been a whirlwind 2023 and rollout for the rising star’s first single to chart on multiple global Billboard Songs charts. The song debuted in August to widespread fanfare, immediately sparking interest and fan interaction on social media. A TikTok challenge ensued, and the song has since soundtracked over 1.6 million posts on the platform and generated a whopping 3 billion views. Prior to the arrival of today’s video, Tyla racked up over 10 million YouTube views between the official “Water” audio, lyric video and Vevo DSCVR performance video, and she’s quickly approaching a quarter-billion subscribers.

“Water” continues to rise on the South African Billboard Songs chart, currently sitting in a Top 20 position at no. 20, and it has made Top 40 landings on a number of global charts, including Australia (no. 40), New Zealand (no. 5), Dutch (no. 14), Swedish (no. 24) and the UK (no. 16). She also currently sits at no. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 Bubbling Under chart, which puts her in prime position to earn her first-ever placement on the coveted U.S. Billboard Hot 100. She was even spotted next to Kim Kardashian at Milan Fashion Week earlier this year, which set social media ablaze.

Tyla marches forward with the goal of becoming the best artist that she can be, as well as continuing the mission of familiarizing the rest of the world with her home country’s beloved Amapiano genre. She tells NME, “We’ve been partying with [Amapiano] by ourselves, but now other people are enjoying it and I’m loving that.I love that people are seeing a different side of Africa. People are seeing it for what it is, and the artistry and creativity that we have.”

21. jame minogue – Queen of Columbia

22. Sophie Shredz – Eyez On Me

Emerging hyper-pop act SOPHIE SHREDZ unveils the music video for her explosive new single, “EYEZ ON ME.”

The music video was directed and edited by MK Kopp. “I wanted to work with a small team that I knew personally to help create my vision,” Sophie explains. “I wanted to come out of the gates with delivering something fierce and femme for my first video.” 

Revealing a new layer of the expansive world of SOPHIE SHREDZ, the “EYEZ ON ME” video is exuberant and jam-packed with personality. Hoping to reflect the sentiment of the song and the idea of all eyes being on her, Sophie and MK landed on the idea of having an all-female basement fight club. “Somehow we convinced a bunch of girls to fight in a basement with me for 4 hours. It was perfect and honestly the kind of thing I would accidentally stumble into,” she quips.

SOPHIE SHREDZ is the project of New Jersey-born, Nashville-based vocalist, songwriter, and guitarist Sophie Ruggiero. She was raised listening to classic rock greats like Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, and Heart, and became an avid guitar player by the age of 7. While her current sound certainly draws influence from the experimental electronic world of hyper-pop, she also imbues her songs with a tapestry of classic rock influences, like show-stopping guitar solos and driving percussive elements. 

Sophie is redefining what it means to be a modern day pop star — she’s bold, evocative, openly queer, and a fierce advocate for female empowerment. Her music reflects her own personal and artistic growth and experiences, making it both relatable and authentic. She hopes her music will inspire others to pursue their dreams and unlock a new level of confidence within themselves. 
 

23. Ambitious RICH – Slight

With the fourth quarter of the year officially in full swing and the holiday season set to begin soon, RVA native Ambitious RICH (@_ambitiousrich) feeds the streets with a motivational masterpiece he calls “Slight.” Produced by Billboard chart-topping instrumentalist MØW (@2915ent), most known for his work with Trey Songz, Pusha T, and Davido, the inspirational single from the Virginia rapper is an anthem for underdogs determined to make a way. 

“Might take some L’s but that sh*t slight, really explains the song overall. When you sign up to do whatever it is you do you can’t allow any negative thoughts or circumstances derail you from your vision. Anytime you fall you got to get right back up. A moment is only temporary, ambition and the grind are forever,” says the proud father in an exclusive press statement to Medium Creative Agency.

Presenting a genuine sound that fans can enjoy through vivid lyrics and electrifying storytelling, Ambitious RICH is a Richmond-based Hip-Hop artist with the potential to become your new favorite artist immediately after pressing play on one of his songs. Hoping to showcase both his potent pen and studio IQ, RICH plans to continue delivering more content consistently to help paint the pictures his words draw. With a promise to provide listeners with quality as well as timeless music, not only is his future bright it’s secure. 

Stream “Slight” on your DSP of choice after the jump and expect the accompanying visual to be released later this month!

24. NayG ft. T-Hood – We Did It

Virginia native NayG began music production at the age of 19 in 2016 using FL Studio. Throughout his childhood, he was deeply intrigued by music and later played in the school band in middle as well as high school. In 2020, NayG produced for artists such as 1Play, AkEsko, and 4epJiggy. He also released his first single, “PumpFake.” Blending the genres of Hip-Hop, R&B, and Electronica, he is most known for his catchy melodies, intricate beats, and hard 808s.

Press play on “Spent Too Much” via United Masters after the jump below and watch his “For The Better” visualizer, taken off ‘The Wake Up,’ | HERE. 

25. Wiz Khalifa – Khali Sober

multi-platinum selling, GRAMMY® and Golden Globe nominated recording artist Wiz Khalifa released his new mixtape, Khali Sober. The new mixtape was created in its entirety by Wiz and his hometown producer, Big Jerm. 

Khali Sober is a new mixtape for the fans and the beginning to the next chapter of the saga of Wiz Khalifa. In an industry where the mixtape has taken a back seat, Wiz is daring enough to bring his talents to the forefront and get back to the era of mixtapes by delivering an instant stoner classic with many more promised to follow.

Khali Sober follows Wiz’s recently released mixtape See Ya, which dropped earlier this year. Listen to it here! The mixtape features production from Quadwoofer Bangz, ID Labs, Lex Luger, and Iamsu and was a gift to fans to celebrate the start of the summer.  

Wiz also recently wrapped The High School Reunion Tour alongside Snoop Dogg. The massive 33-city tour was produced by Live Nation and included artists Too $hort, Warren G, and Berner, and special guest DJ Drama. 

26. TisaKorean – 1500 Shawty

Rising star TisaKorean debuted his new single “1500 Shawty.” The new track was written and produced by TisaKorean. The new release comes in tandem with the announcement of his new EP, MUMU 8818, which will be released on November 10. Pre-order it here! The upcoming EP follows TisaKorean’s latest LP, Let Me Update My Status, from March of this year. The project was met with critical success with THE FADER placing “uHhH HuH.mp3” in their Song You Need feature, raving, “a sultry presence with a charged energy, “uHhH HuH.mp3” may prompt one or two memories, but it’s built with a passion and care that makes it not just transportation or mere channeling, but a continuation.”

The new release follows TisaKorean latest single, “RANDO” from last month, which was met with rave reviews when it landed on BILLBOARD’s R&B/Hip-Hop Fresh Picks of the Week roundup. Earlier this year, he also landed on ROLLING STONE’s 50 Innovators Shaping Rap’s Next 50 Years, with them heralding, “TisaKorean is a perfect example of an artist who taps into that sensibility naturally.” 

Upcoming, TisaKorean will support Don Toliver on his The Lovesick EU Tour and his Cochise North American Tour. See below for the full routing. 

27. RealRichIzzo – Password

Detroit-based rapper RealRichIzzo released his newest single, “Password”, out today via Priority Records. 

Serving as his third release under Priority Records, RealRichIzzo tells the story of a toxic relationship as he touches on the ins and outs of one. Throughout the chorus, RealRichIzzo alludes back to the song title, “Face ID, she tryna figure out my password / Caught an opp, ain’t have a pole so she passed hers / Popping up she keep getting on my last nerves”. The new single is also paired with a music video, in which RealRichIzzo raps his lyrics in front of the camera with his crew as they vibe along. “Password” follows RealRichIzzo’s other singles, “House Arrest” and “Signing Day”, which were all released within the last two months. 

With all three of his singles officially out, RealRichIzzo is cementing himself within the industry by proving he’s an artist who is willing to take the steps needed to further his career. As he builds out his career with Priority Records, RealRichIzzo is proving that he is the next hottest talent to come from Detroit, Michigan. As more music rolls out, RealRichIzzo isn’t a rapper you want to miss out on.