With memorable songs like “Exhibit C” and “Dear Moleskine,” Jay Electronica had already made his stamp on hip-hop history, despite not releasing an album. But today, the New Orleans lyricist finally stepped up – with the help of the greatest rapper ever by his side. But this is a packed week of new music otherwise as well, with albums from Lil Uzi Vert, Rich The Kid, Blueface, and more.
Jay Electronica – A Written Testimony
After more than ten years of false starts and frustrated fans since releasing the triumphant “Exhibit C,” the elusive Jay Electronica has finally released his debut album. Hours after three listening parties put on by Tidal in New York City, Los Angeles, and New Orleans, A Written Testimony – which Jay says was recorded over 40 days and 40 nights – is officially here. And get this: Jay-Z has a prominent role on the album as well, in the style of Ghostface Killah’s role on Raekwon’s Only Built 4 Cuban Linx. Here’s hoping for more of the thoughtful, poetic verses that we associate with Jay Elec – and a Hov who’s being pushed to new heights himself. TIDAL | Apple Music | YouTube
Rich The Kid – Boss Man
With songs like “Plug Walk,” “New Freezer (feat. Kendrick Lamar)” and “Talk To Me (with Tory Lanez)” earning him spots on the charts, Rich The Kid plans to revisit the charts with his new album, Boss Man. And with the A-list collection of features, he shouldn’t have an issue getting back there: Lil Baby, DaBaby, Nicki Minaj, Post Malone, Lil Tjay, YoungBoy Never Broke Again, Quavo, and London On Da Track all help showcase Rich The Kid’s star power. Apple Music | TIDAL
Lil Uzi Vert – Eternal Atake (Deluxe) – LUV Vs. The World 2
Last week, Lil Uzi Vert delivered what VIBE said was his best album yet, Eternal Atake. But a week later, he’s dropping the bonus version of the album – which he’s referred to as LUV Vs. The World 2, a sequel to his 2016 mixtape of a similar title. “I put 2 albums in one,” he tweeted. “Second half of EA is LUV vs The World 2.” The additional 14 songs include appearances by Future, Chief Keef, Young Thug, Lil Baby, Lil Durk, Young Nudy, and others. Apple Music | TIDAL
Blueface – Find The Beat
After 2019 saw Blueface taste stardom with his remix of “Thotiana” and his Dirt Bag EP, the Cash Money West rapper dropped his hilariously self-deprecating-titled Find The Beat. The project is 16 tracks long, with a loaded guestlist: Gunna, Lil Baby, DaBaby, Stunna 4 Vegas, NLE Choppa, Jeremih, and YBN Nahmir all make appearances. Apple Music | TIDAL
Clear Soul Forces – ForcesWithYou
After building a fan base with memorable songs like “Get No Better,” the kinetic Detroit rap group Clear Soul Forces has released their fifth and final album, ForcesWithYou. Released on March 13 in honor of Detroit’s area code (313), the four-man crew’s swan song has them working with no features, and with no outside production besides in-house producer Ilajide. Congrats to CSF on a great run, and good luck to their future solo endeavors. Apple Music | TIDAL
Doe Boy and DJ Esco – 56 Birdz
It’s been five years since DJ Esco followed a 56-day jail sentence in Dubai with 56 Nights, a mixtape with Future that featured his classic song “March Madness” and is seen as a gem in Future’s catalog. Today, Doe Boy continues the legacy of his Freebandz label boss with 56 Birdz, his own mixtape with DJ Esco. No guests, and limited outside production; just Doe Boy and Esco showcasing their chemistry and repping the Freebandz team to its best. Apple Music | TIDAL
Don Toliver – Heaven Or Hell
Houston rapper/singer Don Toliver showed early promise with his 2018 mixtape Donny Womack, and since then he’s given memorable assists to Travis Scott’s Astroworld and Eminem’s Music To Be Murdered By. This week sees the release of his debut album, Heaven Or Hell. He lays his melodies over robust production by the likes of wondaGURL, Sonny Digital, and Frank Dukes, with guest appearances by Travis Scott, Offset, Quavo, Sheck Wes and Kaash Paige. Apple Music | TIDAL
Kierra Luv – “Good Day (feat. Ray Moon)”
On “Good Day,” promising young Puerto Rican spitter Kierra Luv lets off a barrage of bars that show the power of her pen. It’s a completely different look from the melodic “Can’t Stand It,” her single with Tory Lanez that she dropped this January. The variety should be a good sign for her upcoming mixtape, Take It Or Leave It. Apple Music | TIDAL
Kaelyn Kastle – “2 Pretty”
Bermuda-bred, Atlanta-based singer Kaelyn Kastle has released her new single “2 Pretty.” “Ira & Paul help make the aesthetics of my life and how I’m feeling make sense,” Kastle said, referring to producers Paul “PressPlay” Robinson, Ira Hobbs Jr. & Joel Tock. “I needed to say, ‘don’t play with me unless you want to be played with,’ and this is what we came up with.” Apple Music | TIDAL
Zaku – “On My Way (ft. Jay Blaze)”
In this highlight from his Younger Yesterday EP, Zaku calls on Jay Blaze for this cinematic video shot in the Philippines.
