Juelz Santana is working with one of New York’s youngest stars, A Boogie Wit da Hoodie, for a new single, “Friendly”. This, and perhaps a couple of others, are going to be landing on the “There It Go” rapper’s upcoming album, Better Late Than Never. In 2024, the veteran MC has put out “Score”, and “Party N Bulls***” which features Jadakiss. However, it seems that the final tracklist is still up in the air. The same goes for the release date, but there is a chance the project arrives later this summer.
Even though Juelz Santana is not really putting up as big of numbers as he used to, “Friendly” is popping off a bit. The same goes for the aforementioned Jadakiss collab, with both hitting well over 100,000 streams on Spotify. With how they are trending right now, both have cracked the top five ‘Popular’ category. On “Friendly”, Juelz and A Boogie are finally fed up with being the nice guys in the rap game. Instead, they are adopting this lone wolf mentality, which the “Drowning” hitmaker hints at on the chorus. Speaking of which, this generation’s NY hip-hop star pays homage to the greats that paved the way for him, specifically 50 Cent. He does a loose interpolation of the iconic “Many Men” hook to pretty decent effect. However, we will let you decide how you feel about “Friendly”, so listen to it with the link below.
Many men, huh, many men saw many n****s wanna catch me like him Please-please, I don’t want this FN to squeeze But if he sneeze, somebody gon’ bless him Oh, many men wish death ‘pon me She hit my other partner, I got rips on jeans I spent six hundred thousand on a watch and two chains
Everyone wants a piece of Cash Cobain’s sexy drill. The 25-year-old South Bronx rapper and producer’s sound and tag – “and this beat from Cash, not from YouTube” – are inescapable nowadays as the music industry looks to cash in on the wave fans can’t get enough. Fellow Bronx rapper A Boogie With Da Hoodie is one of many who have shared their praises for Cash. “He came up and he made a f*cking sound,” A Boogie said in an interview last month. “He made this sh*t happen, n****s don’t do that. N****s sleep on the craft.” Though that may be true in many cases, people are not sleeping on Cash Cobain. Having the song of the summer is one thing, but Cash Cobain took it a step further by claiming this year’s sound of the summer.
A Boogie’s comments came a month after he and Cash Cobain released their first collaboration, “Body,” a focus record from A Boogie’s latest album Better Off Alone. A week later, Cash produced and featured on Don Toliver’s “Attitude” which also featured a rare guest verse from the legendary Charlie Wilson. Both records were paired with matching visuals to properly spotlight the moments that those songs were meant to create for the respective albums they’re housed on, and it paid off. “Body” and “Attitude” are fan favorites on A Boogie and Don’s latest albums, with Cash being the common factor that’s too successful to ignore.
Music’s biggest stars have taken notice too. Cash’s sound made it to Drake’s 2023 album For All The Dogs as he co-produced the 21 Savage-featured “Calling For You.” J. Cole jumped on the wave this past spring for “Grippy,” a remix of Cash’s “Dunk Contest” that also doubled as Cole’s first recorded verse following his exit from the Kendrick Lamar and Drake rap beef (and probably an attempt to lighten the mood). Cash scored another big production credit with PinkPantheress’ “Nice To Meet You” with Central Cee. More recently, Ice Spice remixed Cash’s “Fisherrr” hit to add to Cash’s list of collaborations in 2024 that includes first-timers like Anycia, Diany Dior, and Bktherula as well as work with longtime collaborators like Vontee The Singer, Chow Lee, and B-Lovee.
The impressive thing about Cash Cobain’s sound is it’s just as effective, and sometimes more effective, with Cash in the driver’s seat. His 2024 year began with “Dunk Contest,” a sprawling account of Cash’s Rolodex of women, their best qualities, and his desires with them. “Fisherrr” with Bay Swag followed and quickly found itself in the song of the summer race. Production from Cash, FckBwoy! & WhoIsJiggiA guides the song as Cash and Bay lament over their luxurious and intimate experiences with their respective women. Cash scored a hat trick for himself last month with the long-awaited release of “Rump Punch,” a more laid-back effort from the Bronx native that’s just as raunchy as anything else you’ll hear from him.
For Cash Cobain’s next act, he’s bringing the entire music industry with him – or so it seems. At the beginning of this month, Cash teased a new record called “Problem.” The song samples Laila!’s viral track “Not My Problem,” and though it seemed like it would be a solo record, it quickly turned into what now appears to be a massive posse cut. As of press time, Lil Yachty, 6lack, Chow Lee, Karrahbooo, Anycia, Kyle Richh, FLEE, Fabolous, YN Jay, Flo Milli, Luh Tyler, and Kaliii have all teased their own guest verses on the song.
After the flurry of “Problem” verses died down, Cash’s manager Glyn Brown seemed to pump the brakes on the upcoming posse cut, writing, “Confused how some ya n****s getting ‘problem’ instrumental but lol ..get ya rocks off.” Though the list of artists on “Problem” may get cut down, the fact that so many recorded a verse to the song less than a week after Cash previewed the record speaks to the power of his sound and the acknowledged impact and love fans have for it. Like I said earlier, everyone wants a piece of sexy drill.
The allure of sexy drill has grown beyond Cash Cobain as artists have found success in the genre without the Bronx native listed as a rapper or producer on the song. Jordan Adetunji went viral with the Prodbyli & VillaBeatz-produced “Kehlani,” a Summer Walker-sampling track that praises a woman for being “bad just like Kehlani.” Kehlani herself eventually caught wind of the song and teased a guest verse for an upcoming remix. Don Toliver has a future hit on his hands with “Glock” which samples Whitney Houston’s “Exhale (Shoop Shoop)” thanks to production from PoWR Trav & Tommy Parker. The former producer is also responsible for successful records like Wolfacejoeyy’s “Cake,” R2R Moe’s “Fair2Me,” and Bb Trickz’s “Bambi.”
If you need one sentence to describe Cash Cobain’s approach to both music and life, look no further than a post he shared on X earlier this month. “I hope everybody get drunk tonight and have a good ass time lol,” he wrote. It’s a simple recipe that’s worked wonders for Cash over the last few years, sitting on the opposite end of the spectrum from rap’s overused tough-guy persona. In Cash’s world, it’s best to be laid-back, relaxed, and enjoying the party. Furthermore, he goes out of his way to cater to women with his music, a rarity in rap today. These are the qualities that make Cash Cobain’s sexy drill a sound for all demographics to champion. With a new album on the way, as well as production on upcoming albums by Chow Lee and others, Cash Cobain won’t be fading into the background anytime soon. The party goes on with sexy drill blaring from speakers near and far for a sound that proven it’s here to stay.
On May 17th, A Boogie Wit da Hoodie released Better Off Alone. His fifth album offers listeners a reflective look at the dualities of fame and the cost of artistic expression. Before it dropped, the anticipation for Better Off Alone was fueled by the release of the B4 BOA EP. Now, with his latest work, A Boogie invites listeners into a slightly more mature, contemplative space. For the rapper, his new project is all about personal redemption and a promising journey. It’s also been released just in time for the North American leg of his world tour.
The beats across the album are meticulously crafted, with producers like 254Bodi, ATL Jacob, and CashMoneyAP bringing their A-game. Specifically, the production choices on Better Off Alone reflect A Boogie’s New York roots. However, they also leave room for experimentation and embrace a more expansive, global sound. For example, “Dark King,” the album’s second song, stands out with its crisp percussion and haunting melodies. It also helps set the tone for the album’s introspective narrative.
Better Off Alone features a number of Hip Hop samples that elevate A Boogie’s album. The rapper’s clever use of these samples helps add layers of depth to the tracks. For instance, “Steppas” incorporates a sample that pays homage to Hip Hop’s past while infusing it with a modern twist that resonates with today’s audience. This interplay between old and new is a recurring theme throughout the album and works for the most part. However, the album’s overall sound can be critiqued as lacking cohesion. This mix of old and new elements sometimes clashes, resulting in a slightly disjointed listening experience.
About BOA
The album is a 57-minute, 21-track experience. From the title track, which also serves as the album’s opener, one can assume that A Boogie is opting for a more reflective sound. As the album’s emotional core, the rapper is unsettled by the solitude that comes with success. “Stained my mind like you stained my sheets… I think I’m better off alone, babe,” he raps.
The repeated motif of emotional vulnerability continues on other tracks, such as “Somebody.” On the Future-assisted track, A Boogie continues to explore the need for genuine connections to help with the burden of fame. “Somebody need somebody, need somebody, yeah,” he spits before pinching himself awake with the line, “I’m payin’ seven-figure taxes, ain’t got time for no relaxin’.”
Betrayal & Loss
On Better Off Alone, A Boogie doesn’t shy away from darker themes, such as betrayal and the loss of close ones. In tracks like “Tiffany and Ashley,” he pays homage to the late PnB Rock while addressing the harsh realities of street life. A Boogie also explores his past resilience in dealing with personal demons and navigating the music industry. The lyrics in nearly every track seem to reiterate A Boogie’s sense of determination to rise above challenges and emerge stronger.
Highlights & Lowlights
“Better Off Alone” is not just the album’s title track but also a statement piece from A Boogie. Its haunting hook and reflective lyrics set the stage for the album’s exploration of solitude. Meanwhile, “Tiffanys” and “Did Me Wrong” are just as effective, becoming emotional anchors that capture the essence of A Boogie’s lyrical prowess. “Her Birthday” and “Booby Trap” were initially released as part of the B4 BOA EP. They have since become fan favorites, further highlighting A Boogie’s ability to connect with his audience on a personal level.
However, while the album does its best at attempting to explore these themes of solitude and the emotional toll of fame, some of its lyrics unfortunately fail to scratch the surface of these complex topics. As a result, the attempt at introspection sometimes feels forced. Other times, familiar tropes and braggadocio overshadow the album’s purported reflective nature. Moreover, the album’s length, with 21 tracks, is a handicap in itself. There is so much thematic repetition that it dilutes the impact of its more potent messages, as explored in tracks like “Dark King,” “Body,” and “I Already Know.”
Features & Collaborations
Better Off Alone, despite its title, is filled with collaborations. Young Thug’s unique cadence on “Let’s Go Away” complements A Boogie’s introspective verses, creating a standout track that’s both catchy and contemplative. Future’s contribution to “Somebody” adds a layer of gritty realism. Additionally, Lil Durk’s raw storytelling in “Spotlight” contrasts A Boogie’s melodic flow. The inclusion of rising talents like Fridayy and Mariah The Scientist on tracks such as “Need You Around” and “P&E” also shows A Boogie’s knack for spotlighting fresh voices, making for a full-circle moment. Altogether, the aforementioned features add depth and diversity to the project.
Conclusion
The introspective nature and A Boogie’s evolution on Better Off Alone are the album’s major strengths. With a successful, ongoing world tour and a strong presence on and off streaming platforms, Better Off Alone may succeed at helping A Boogie Wit da Hoodie gain some more ground as a pivotal figure in modern Hip Hop. However, despite chart success and potential hits, A Boogie’s evolution may be coming at a price. This album slightly falls short of the high standards set by his previous work. Nonetheless, while it’s too early to detect the impact of Better Off Alone on A Boogie’s career commercially, the album has evidently sparked a conversation about the direction of his sound.
One thing that A Boogie Wit da Hoodie has always excelled at being able to swerve in out of rapping and singing. On every project, he has given you a mixture of these talents in some capacity. Now, A Boogie is continuing that trend with his latest LP, Better Off Alone. This fifth studio album has been in the works for nearly a year, and believe it or not, it actually started with the B4 BOA (Before Better Off Alone) EP.
The trio of “Her Birthday,” “Booby Trap,” and “Did Me Wrong,” turned out to be first of the promotional singles. We then would receive another five offerings with the lone track “Steppas,” and the sampler ALONE. So, instead of getting at least 80% new music, that figure dropped to 62%, with nearly half of the 21 tracks being older releases. That is a big reason why most of this listening experience feels like old meshing with new.
So, going into this album, know that almost half is being marketed as new material. On the bright side of the new with old aspect, Better Off Alone mixes fresh beats with some throwback samples. Two of the prime examples that we caught were on “Dark King” and “One Shot.” The former seems to slow down A Boogie’s 2017 hit with PnB Rock and NBA YoungBoy, “Beast Mode.” On the latter, the New York native loosely samples Eminem’s “Lose Yourself” at the start of the track. As for the album at large though, it is solid, but with 21 tracks it feels a little bloated.
What are your thoughts on this brand-new album Better Off Alone by A Boogie Wit da Hoodie? What tracks have you been gravitating toward so far? Where do you rank this project amongst the rest of his discography and why? Who had the strongest guest appearance on the record? We would like to hear what you have to say, so be sure to leave your takes in the comments section. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest news surrounding A Boogie Wit da Hoodie. Finally, stay with us for everything else going on in the music world.
Earlier today, a video involving A Boogie Wit da Hoodie and bouncers outside of a Paris nightclub went quite viral. The clip surfaced on TikTok from a bystander who witnessed the entire thing play out. Following a Better Off Alone global tour performance, A Boogie went to celebrate the show at a local club. However, due to him ilegally drinking a whole bottle of alcohol in public, he was not allowed to enter. But instead of leaving the premises, A Boogie decided to try and re-enter the Paris nightclub and that attempt was futile.
At this point, A Boogie forced the bouncers’ hands, and they started pushing back the rapper and his boys. In fact, one of them even grabbed a pole, while another staff member whipped out mace, spraying it in their direction. Later on in the video, A Boogie wound up grabbing his bottle back, breaking it, using it for defense. So far, no charges have been made, but we would not be surprised if things got that far.
At some point the rapper and singer was bound to speak out about it, recently doing so via Instagram stories. “N****s only got outta there cus they mased us! Never runnin from a n****,” Boogie said. “Then, on the second post, he reshared the clip of the bouncer spraying the mace with the caption, “Lmao f*** I look like playin with mase n****s can’t fight.” Clearly, he is not apologizing for what went down.
What are your thoughts on the response from A Boogie Wit da Hoodie about his sketchy situation with the Paris nightclub staff? Do you think he has a point, or his being ridiculous? Are you still excited for his upcoming album Better Off Alone? We would like to hear what you have to say, so be sure to leave your takes in the comments section. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest news surrounding A Boogie Wit da Hoodie. Finally, stay with us for everything else going on around the music world.
Since signing with Atlantic Records in 2016, A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie has continuously tried to put out good music for his growing fanbase. In 2017, the New York-based rapper released his first studio album, The Bigger Artist. A Boogie followed up his successful debut with a sophomore effort in 2018, Hoodie SZN. The rapper’s first two albums received critical acclaim, and some fans tagged him as the next big thing. In his third studio album, Artist 2.0, released in 2020, the rapper had high-charting songs, “Look Back at It” and “Numbers.” However, with fans expecting more from A Boogie, his 2022 album Me vs. Myself didn’t do as well.
Despite mixed reactions to his 2022 album, A Boogie sold out his Me vs Myself Tour in 2023. He also had a great year performing in several concerts and festivals. Such amazing happenings meant something bigger was coming. Thus, his fans weren’t surprised when he announced he would release his fifth studio album, Better Off Alone, in 2024. In September 2023, A Boogie dropped an EP, B4 BOA (Before Better Off Alone), containing three tracks. With fans looking forward to Better Off Alone‘s release on May 17, 2024, A Boogie took them by surprise with the release of another EP titled Alone, which dropped on April 22. The four-track EP was released amid tensions between A Boogie and his on-and-off again baby mama, Ella Bands. Hence, it isn’t too surprising that the rapper’s latest EP focuses heavily on his relationship and personal struggles.
A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie’s Alone EP Was Probably Due To A Love Gone Wrong
Five days before the Alone EP’s release, a social media influencer, Marcy Diaz, accused A Boogie’s baby mama, Ella Bands, of cheating with her ex. A Boogie and Ella’s relationship was already dominated by past cheating allegations and several issues. However, his reaction to the new accusations showed he was done with the relationship this time. Taking to his Instagram Story, A Boogie wrote, “IM REALLY DTB [Don’t Trust B*****s] For Life LOL. B*****s BE WORST THAN N****S.” The songs in A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie’s Alone EP hint that he released it to speak about the things happening in his life lately.
The Alone EP’s first track is “Tiffanys,” in which he shows his vulnerable side. A Boogie raps about his struggles with his mental health and relationships. The song’s production is top-notch, with his autotuned rapping and singing complementing the song well. In “No More Questions,” A Boogie displays so much passion as he spits honest bars that depict his true feelings.
A Boogie Goes Hard & True in EP’s Concluding Songs
A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie’s Alone EP concludes with the songs “How To Love” and “D.T.N,” which translates to Don’t Trust N****s. In “How To Love,” A Boogie tackles his relationship issues. He accepts that he did his lover dirty but wonders why she could be done with him, though he took his time with her. In “D.T.N,” A Boogie continues with the EP’s emotional tone. He sings about how he’s been violated by people he loves. The song showcased A Boogie’s emotions, honest lyrics, and strong vocals, helping to convey its heartfelt meaning.
A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie’s Alone EP Sets The Tone For Next Album
So far, A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie’s Alone EP has generated mixed reviews. However, the EP gives listeners a great view of his personal experiences and emotional challenges. A Boogie thrills his fans with a raw and authentic expression of his feelings. In the EP, he conveys his signature melodic style and dishes out poignant lyrics while displaying his vulnerability and speaking his truth. One positive aspect of Alone is that it proves how versatile A Boogie is and highlights his storytelling qualities. The EP is a good listen and gives a glimpse of what fans should expect when Better Off Alone drops next month.
For much of the past month, A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie has been bouncing around Europe on the first leg of his Better Off Alone Tour. The Bronx-bred star is returning to the US for the North American leg of the tour on May 18 in Seattle, Washington, but his overseas shows have given local fans a glimpse of what they can expect.
In addition to fan favorites like “Ransom,” “Swervin’,” and his breakout hit “Drowning” (which also closes the show), A Boogie also peppers in his verses from collaborations with Chris Brown and the late PnB Rock and Pop Smoke. He’ll be joined on the tour in the US by a troupe of openers including Byron Messia, Dess Dior, Fridayy, Luh Tyler, NLE Choppa. Meanwhile, the album from which the tour takes its title hasn’t been given an official release date — although Genius.com does posit it’ll drop the day before the tour hits Seattle, May 17. Check out the setlist below.
A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie Better Off Alone Tour Setlist
01. “Jungle”
02. “Take Shots”
03. “Startender”
04. “Ransom”
05. “Timeless”
06. “Me And My Guitar”
07. “Did Me Wrong”
08. “Lovin’” (PnB Rock cover)
09. “Swervin”
10. “Just Like Me”
11. “Love Drugs And Sex”
12. “February”
13. “Still Think About You”
14. “D.T.B Interlude”
15. “Secrets”
16. “Pills & Automobiles” (Chris Brown cover)
17. “Man In the Mirror”
18. “Mood Swings”
19. “Look Back At It”
20. “My Shit”
21. “Hello” (Pop Smoke cover)
22. “Drowning”
New York multi-hyphenate A Boogie Wit da Hoodie is in the midst of an exciting 2024. The hitmaker has been dropping a lot of new music lately, including a four-track EPALONE that saw him go in his R&B bag. It was a taster for his upcoming full-length project Better Off Alone, his first LP since 2022’s Me vs. Myself. The supposed album with a mix of rap & R&B will be out on May 17, but the Artist is already on tour as we speak. It is a massive expedition, as the 28-year-old MC started out in New Zealand and Australia, he will head to North America after the album drops, and he is currently wrapping up shows in the UK and Europe.
Last night (April 28), A Boogie wanted to wind down with a chill evening in Paris at a local nightclub. He had performed earlier that same day at Zenith Arena. However, the night out turned sour after a pretty intense altercation with the club’s bouncers. According to the video obtained by AllHipHop, the two-minute clip was taken by a witness of the heated altercation and uploaded to TikTok. A Boogie is seen drinking alcohol straight from the bottle while walking up with his entourage trying to gain entry to the club. But his boys were already having issues of their own getting in. So, the rapper says, “we out,” and walks back to chauffer.
But he decides to march back up to security and attempt to sneak in. However, that does not work, and things escalate immediately. One of the bouncers grabs a pole, another one sprays one of Boogie’s friends with something (pepper spray?), and a lot of pushing ensues. After Boogie was separated far away from the madness, he breaks the bottle he was originally holding and begins using it as a weapon. However, after that the video ends and nothing truly materializes from the incident. But more could come on this story, so be sure to stick around.
What are your thoughts on this heated altercation with Paris nightclub bouncers and A Boogie Wit da Hoodie? Do you think he will suffer any consequences, or will get by unscathed? Are you still excited for his upcoming album Better Off Alone? We would like to hear what you have to say, so be sure to leave your takes in the comments section. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest news surrounding A Boogie Wit da Hoodie. Finally, stay with us for everything else going on around the music world.
Highbridge, Bronx, New York rapper and singer A Boogie Wit da Hoodie is taking on the role of the former on his new EP ALONE. The 28-year-old Artist is gearing up for his eighth project Better Off Alone, which will be due on May 17, according to Genius. Over the course of his career, the “Swervin” creator has given us plenty of ballads on every release. It is part of the reason why he has become such a popular figure from the East Coast. So, to tide fans over, A Boogie is doing just that for four tracks on ALONE.
For us, the production is what stands out. The moody, atmospheric, mostly piano-backed instrumentals sound expensive, so it is clear that he was not trying to cheat fans out of good sonics, even on an EP. The singing/rapping is heavily auto tuned, but it does not turn us off. In some cases, it actually works for the betterment for tracks like the opener “Tiffanys.”
“No More Questions” might be the highlight for us, though. We find that Boogie arguably gives us his most passionate singing and spitting performance. There is also a touching tribute to his late friend and collaboratorPnB Rock. On the backend of the song, there is a slowed down version of Rock’s chorus on the 2017 GTTM: Goin Thru the Motions cut “Questions” that adds a nice extra bit of memorability factor. Be sure to support A Boogie and his new EP ALONE with the links above.
What are your thoughts on this brand-new EP ALONE by A Boogie Wit da Hoodie? Does this get you excited for his upcoming album Better Off Alone, why or why not? What is your favorite song on the project and why? Is he making a big comeback in 2024 in your opinion? We would like to hear what you have to say, so be sure to leave your takes in the comments section. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest news surrounding A Boogie Wit da Hoodie. Finally, stay with us for everything else going on around the music world.
A Boogie Wit da Hoodie has built up quite the fanbase since he blew up in 2016. The Highbridge The Label founder hit his stride with tracks like “My Shit,” “Still Think About You,” “Look Back At It,” and so many more. 2022 was the last time we got a full project from the New Yorker and that was Me vs. Myself. The time in between that has been spent by dropping new versions of classics in his catalog like “Drowning Pt. 2” and “Timeless” but sped up.
But, in late 2023, A Boogie started giving fans a look at his new record Better Off Alone. This another album title that will deviate away from his Artist series. “Did Me Wrong,” “Her Birthday,” and “Booby Trap,” were a set of three singles that debut in September. Now, A Boogie is back with his newest addition to the promotional tracks with “Steppas.”
This is his first record of 2024, and it features production from London On Da Track, CashMoneyAP, and more. The beat is grand with is strong horn sections and thumping trap beat. Boogie is rapping in his usual smooth and laid-back flow with intimidating and braggadocious verses. Be sure to check out the new track and video above. Better Off Alone is expected to drop on May 17 according to Genius.
What are your thoughts on this brand-new single, “Steppas,” by A Boogie Wit da Hoodie? Is this the best track he has put out as of late, why or why not? What is your favorite element of the track and why? Do you think Better Off Alone will be his best album yet? Who would you want to see on the project? We would like to hear what you have to say, so be sure to leave your takes in the comments section. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest news surrounding A Boogie Wit da Hoodie. Finally, stay with us for the most informative song posts throughout the week.
Quotable Lyrics:
I blew out her back, she like, “Take me to Saaks, okay” It ain’t nothin’ to get what you want I can blow all them racks and then go get it back, one play With the wolves hoodie on, like I’m Red Robin And your hood n****s spent what you did body If I f*** on this b****, he gon’ cry ’bout it
(@aboogievsartist)