This week’s new music includes a highly-anticipated album by one of hip-hop’s funniest, most unique voices, a mixtape by a young jazz legend, and a debut LP by a promising R&B songstress/songwriter, along with a return single by one of rap’s most influential voices. Look below for more.
Danny Brown – uknowhatimsayin¿
It’s been three years since Detroit lyricist Danny Brown released Atrocity Exhibition, a wacky, rock and punk-infused spiral into drug addiction and depression. But his new album uknowhatimsayin¿ finds him in what appears to be a happier space. On the surface, Danny’s new album – executive produced by Q-Tip – is a back-to-basics return to the more traditional hip-hop that Danny Brown made in the late 2000s, but these are two of the most creative minds in hip-hop, so it’s not exactly by the numbers. Danny harnesses his wacky sense of humor, sexual exploits, memories from his drug-dealing days, and assists from the likes of Run The Jewels, JPEGMAFIA, Blood Orange, longtime collaborator Paul White and more for one of the best albums of 2019. Apple Music | TIDAL
Robert Glasper – Fuck Yo Feelings
Keyboardist and producer Robert Glasper is the coolest musician in jazz, continuously pushing the genre toward modernism while working with the best rap and R&B artists in the world. This week, to mark the beginning of a residency at Blue Note in New York City, Glasper has released the starstudded Fuck Yo Feelings mixtape, which is the result of a two-day session where he invited artists to stop by the studio. The final product includes guest appearances by Yasiin Bey, YBN Cordae, Herbie Hancock, Rapsody and many more. Glasper’s residency at Blue Note continues through the month of October. Apple Music | TIDAL
Summer Walker – Over It
Summer Walker has made a name for herself with Last Day of Summer (2018) and the Clear EP (2019), two projects that showcased sultry vocals and lyrics that empower women. If the first few singles of Over It are any indication, the title is appropriate: Summer Walker is sick of ain’t shit men. “Stretch You Out” and “Playing Games” both revolve around demanding the same accountability and affection from men that men ask of them. The album is a star-studded affair with guest appearances by Usher, Drake, PARTYNEXTDOOR, 6LACK, and A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie. Apple Music | TIDAL
Sabrina Claudio – Truth Is
About a year after her debut album No Rain, No Flowers, Sabrina Claudio has released her new LP Truth Is. With 11 songs and one guest appearance by ZAYN, the record is preceded by singles “Holding the Gun,” “As Long As You’re Asleep,” “On My Shoulders” and the title track – along with a strong performance on SiR’s Chasing Summer. Apple Music | TIDAL
Akon – El Negreeto
Akon was making international music way before this current wave, so it makes sense that he would make a Spanish language album and show that he can still keep up. He told Billboard that his new album El Negreeto was inspired by growing up around Latin culture while living in New Jersey. The modest eight-track project features guest appearances by Pitbull, Becky G, Anitta and Farruko. Apple Music | TIDAL
femdot – 94 Camry Music
Chicago rapper Femdot has spent recent months on tour on the West Coast with Tobi Lou, and he recently performed on Jimmy Kimmel Live with Taylor Bennet. This week, he dropped 94 Camry Music, the follow-up to Delacreme 2 (2018). The nostalgic project is seven tracks and sees him covering the start and end of a relationship (“I’m Broke”/”Parked Car Conversation,” “Happy Break Up Song”) and other memories from times in his old hood (“94 Camry Music”), and more. Apple Music | TIDAL
Chris Brown – Indigo (Extended)
Chris Brown is always giving fans plenty of new music, and this week continued his prolific run: after releasing Indigo this summer, he’s released an extended version of the album with ten new songs. Apple Music | TIDAL
Travis Scott – HIGHEST IN THE ROOM
Travis Scott has had an adventurous ride since August 208, releasing his sprawling album Astroworld and throwing an accompanying tour and music festival while releasing several highly sought-after sneakers with Jordan Brand. This week, days after his breakup with Kylie Jenner saturated news headlines, we’ll see if his first new single in more than a year’s time can get an equal amount of buzz. “HIGHEST IN THE ROOM” is produced by Nik D and Oz, and has the signatures of Travis’ sound. Apple Music | TIDAL
Gucci Mane feat. Megan Thee Stallion – “Big Booty”
Gucci Mane announced the 10/17 release of Woptober II this week, and he’s paired the news with a new strip club anthem called “Big Booty,” which features the untouchable Megan Thee Stallion. Apple Music | TIDAL
Guapdad 4000 feat. Chance The Rapper and Charlie Wilson – “Gucci Pajamas”
Days after celebrating his first platinum plaque for his contributions to Dreamville’s Revenge of the Dreamers 3, the ultimate scammer has been scammed himself. After making previous songs like “Fuck A Scammer,” “Scamboy” and “Scammin’ (featuring Mozzy),” Guapdad 4000 has been got by the oldest trick in the book: women stealing men’s clothes. But instead of the usual hoodie or t-shirt, Guapdad’s lady has snatched his Gucci Pajamas. Guapdad pairs his melodic vocals with equally hilarious guest appearances by Chance The Rapper and Charlie Wilson. “I can’t find all the shit that I bought / Did I actually buy the shit? Nah,” Guapdad admits. Game recognize game. Apple Music | TIDAL
Juice WRLD feat. YoungBoy Never Broke Again – “Bandit”
Juice WRLD released his album Death Race For Love this March, and he’s already returned with a new single. “Bandit” features a guest appearance by YoungBoy Never Broke Again, and the two of them muse about stealing hearts. Apple Music | TIDAL
Lil Kim feat. Rick Ross, Musiq Soulchild – “Pray For Me”
After releasing the Ms. New Booty-sampled “I Found You” with the City Girls and O.T. Genasis last week, Lil Kim has toned down for the more somber “Pray For Me,” a song that worries about her man making it home safe from the streets and police. With a solid Rick Ross verse and a dope performance by Musiq Soulchild, this is the best release yet from Kim’s upcoming album 9, due for an Oct. 11 release. Apple Music | TIDAL
Dave East feat. Jacquees – “Alone”
After making noise this summer for his portrayal of Method Man in Hulu’s Wu-Tang: An American Saga, Dave East is returning with his own music. “Alone” features Jacquees, and flips a sample of Jodeci’s “Feenin” for an infectious rap ballad. Apple Music | TIDAL
Cam’ron – “Believe In Flee”
“Believe In Flee” showcases Cam’ron at his brick-pushing, chain-flaunting best, and shortly after its release, he announced a December 16 drop date for Purple Haze 2. The trailer sees Cam somberly visiting a cemetery before getting an ominous phone call and stating “cartel wants me out of retirement” while shaking his head. Both “Believe In Flee” and the Heatmakerz-produced clip in the trailer sound great, so with that and Jim Jones’ El Capo still getting rotation, Dipset fans should have their fix by the time 2019 ends. Apple Music | TIDAL
Doja Cat – “Bottom Bitch”
After racking up views earlier this year for “Juicy” with Tyga and “Tia Tamera” with Rico Nasty, Doja Cat has dropped the blink 182-sampling song and video for “Bottom Bitch,” a song that will appear on her upcoming album Hot Pink, due for a November release date. The record sees Doja Cat showing love to her ride or die chick, and the video – directed by Jack Bergert – shows Doja and her girls riding around and causing mischief. Rico Nasty and professional skaters Victoria “skatemoss” Taylor and Briana King all make cameos in the video.