With this week’s holiday giving everyone a long weekend, we’re thankful for time with family and for new music. This New Music Friday includes Griselda releasing their Shady debut, The Game releasing his final album, and The Weeknd releasing his second comeback track.
Griselda – WWCD
The members of Griselda have been flooding the streets throughout 2019 with individual solo projects, but this week, the trio of Conway The Machine, Benny The Butcher, and Westside Gunn have released their group album with Shady Records. Expect more of the drug-pushing, gun-busting rap that earned the Buffalo, New York crew their hardcore following. Guests on the album include Eminem, 50 Cent, Raekwon, and more. Apple Music | TIDAL
The Game – Born 2 Rap
If we’re to take The Game at his word, he’s retiring from the rap game. And on the day of his 40th birthday (Nov. 29), he’s releasing his final album: Born 2 Rap. He’s going out hard with a 25-track effort with cameo appearances by everyone from Dom Kennedy and Nipsey Hussle to Travis Barker and Ed Sheeran. Apple Music | TIDAL
Add-2 – Jim Crow the Musical
Chicago rapper Add-2 may have one of the most creative projects of the year with Jim Crow the Musical. It’s his first album in four years, but there was clearly thought and time put into this: the project is divided into four acts, and is narrated by actor Kadeem Harrison (A Different World, The Cosby Show). Add-2 tells VIBE: “Jim Crow the Musical is an intimate look into the beautiful but at times harsh experiences of being of Black in America. From addressing subjects such as police brutality, black love, and self-love, each song serves as another layer in the story.” Guest appearances include Phonte, Natalie Oliveri, Yaw, and more. Apple Music | TIDAL
Fabolous – Summer Shootout 3: Coldest Summer Ever
If you’re a Fabolous fan, you already know what it is: he arguably has the greatest mixtape catalog of any rapper ever, and we don’t expect him to slow up with Summer Shootout 3. The star-studded guest list has the likes of Meek Mill, Lil Durk, Roddy Rich, and many more sharing the mic with him. Apple Music | TIDAL
Ozuna – Nibiru
In the VIBE VIVA cover story profile of Ozuna, we describe his new album Nibiru as “aiming to encapsulate the wisdom, experience, and frustrations of recently-lived experiences accompanied with the reality that the ‘the street wants to party.'” The production integrates hip-hop, R&B, tropical pop, reggae and alternative rhythms, which is sure to boost his global success even higher. Apple Music | TIDAL
The Weeknd – “Blinding Lights”
After marking his return earlier this week with the song “Heartless,” The Weeknd already has another single just days later called “Blinding Lights.” “Heartless” sees him reverting back to his f**kboi ways, while the synthy, woman-chasing “Blinding Lights” is apparently the tune for a new Mercedes-Benz commercial that features The Weekend as the star. Apple Music | TIDAL
Janelle Monae – “That’s Enough”
“That’s Enough” is Janelle Monae’s contribution to the soundtrack of the upcoming remake of Disney’s classic animated film Lady and The Tramp. Apple Music | TIDAL
Uncle Murda – “God I F**k With You”
On his new single “God I F**k With You,” Uncle Murda reminisces on his early struggles while showing gratitude for his successes and for being alive.
Blac Youngsta – Church On Sunday
Just a week after releasing his DaBaby-assisted single “Like A Pro,” Blac Youngsta has released his second official studio album, Church On Sunday. The Memphis, Tenn. rapper has friends in high places – the album has guest appearances by T.I., Tory Lanez, G-Eazy, City Girls, Chris Brown, Wiz Khalifa, Ty Dolla $ign, and many more. Apple Music | TIDAL