This week’s new music includes one new album that had its share of controversy, a long-awaited follow-up by one of music’s most appreciated young voices, and a new album by one of rap’s all-time greats. Look below for more.
Megan Thee Stallion – Suga
Megan Thee Stallion has had a hectic week: on Sunday, she went on Instagram Live to vent about her indie label 1501 Certified Entertainment attempting to block her from releasing new music after she asked to renegotiate her contract. But after a court judgment, a rebuttal interview from the label’s CEO Carl Crawford, and a quick run of press with appearances on the likes of First Take and Hot 97, Megan’s new project Suga has arrived. Her first record since May 2019’s Fever is nine songs long, with cameos by Gunna and Kehlani, along with production by The Neptunes, Helluva, Jake One, and J Tabb and Timbaland. Apple Music | TIDAL
Lil Uzi Vert – Eternal Atake
It’s been three years since Lil Uzi Vert’s renowned Luv Is Rage 2, and fans have been anxiously waiting, dealing with a faux retirement and complaints toward his label. But this week, his new album has finally arrived. Eternal Atake is 16 songs long, with only one guest appearance, by Syd of The Internet. Apple Music | TIDAL
Jhene Aiko – Chilombo
For Jhene Aiko’s third album, Chilombo (titled after her real-life last name), she tapped into the field of sound healing. “Part of my journey has led me to sound healing, with crystal alchemy bowls. They’re different than the white crystal bowls you see because they’re infused by precious gems, diamonds, and certain minerals,” she explained in a recent listening session with VIBE. “I started studying that a year and a half ago, and using it for myself as an alternative medicine to things that were being prescribed to me. … I found that it really worked for me. The science behind the bowls is that they resonate with different parts of your body, and on a cellular level, help heal you and balance you out. I’m like, I have to put this in the music.” The final product includes her most star-studded guest list yet: Big Sean, H.E.R., Future, Miguel, Wiz Khalifa, Nas, Ab-Soul, Dr. Chill, John Legend, and Ty Dolla $ign, over a 20-song tracklist. Apple Music | TIDAL
Jadakiss – Ignatius
Jadakiss dedicated his fifth solo album to Ignatius “Ice Pick” Jackson, his close friend and former Ruff Ryder A&R who died from colon cancer. ‘Kiss told VIBE that the songs were mostly collaborations and production choices that Jackson always wanted him to do, and the result is arguably Jada’s best yet: while the sinister bars are still intact for songs like the Pusha T-assisted “Hunting Season,” the album is his most balanced yet, with songs about his romantic relationships, his friendships, and odes to his lost comrade. Guests include Rick Ross, 2 Chainz, Dej Loaf, John Legend, Emanny, Chayse, and proteges Nino Man and Millyz. Apple Music | TIDAL
Blacc Zacc – Carolina Narco
South Carolina rapper Blacc Zacc has released his new album, Carolina Narco. Equipped with production that cleverly uses to Mexican samples, the Interscope/South Coast Records signee slings cocaine cowboy raps with guest appearances by DaBaby, Moneybagg Yo, Yo Gotti, and Stunna 4 Vegas. Apple Music | TIDAL
Relle Bey – “How I Feel”
Brooklyn singer Relle Bey said he wanted to deliver classic R&B vibes with “How I Feel.” “I had a moment when I had a crush on someone, and wanted to be very blunt about the situation and how I feel,” he said. “I wanted to give the video a throwback vibe. Give you that real R&B feel with the mic singing to your lady.”
FowL – “Under Your Control”
Detroit MC FowL is usually known for his bars, but his new video “Under Your Control” sees him flexing autotune vocals while trying to woo a beautiful woman he met on the street.