For those who still use Tidal, Jay-Z dropped a new playlist of his favorite songs of 2023 on the app (revealed via a live session) — and some of the picks might be surprising. Of course, the rapper included his wife, Beyoncé, and her new “My House” track that appeared in her Renaissance Tour film.
He also gave a nod to some other close musicians. Drake was included on Jay-Z’s list, with his song “8am In Charlotte,” the second single from the Canadian rapper’s For All The Dogs album, according to HotNewHipHop.
Travis Scott and Playboi Carti’s “Fe!n” collaboration was also one of Jay’s favorites. He also included JID and Lil Yachty, who teamed up on the “Half Doin Dope” track.
In recent years, Jay-Z’s year-end playlist of his favorite songs has become a fun tradition. Through scrolling around on Tidal, it seems he has made the annual lists since 2018.
Continue scrolling to see a few other songs Jay-Z loved this year.
1. “Jennifer’s Body” by Ken Carson
2. “Kostas” by Westside Gunn
3. “FE!N” by Travis Scott & Playboi Carti
4. “Japanese Soul Bar” by Nas
5. “Not A Drill” by Veeze
6. “89 Earthquake” by Larry June & The Alchemist
7. “Spirit 2.0” by Sampha
8. “My House” by Beyoncé
9. “8am In Charlotte” by Drake
10. “Half Doin Dope” by JID & Lil Yachty
Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.
One of last year’s standout rap albums was JID’s The Forever Story. Fueled by singles like “Surround Sound,” “Dance Now,” and “Kody Blu 31,” the album was a critical and fan favorite and commercial success for the Atlanta rapper, peaking at No. 12 on the Billboard 200 — his best-performing album to date.
This year, though, The Forever Story is receiving renewed attention, thanks in large part to the “Surround Sound Challenge” on TikTok set to the song. So, just what is the Surround Sound Challenge?
Its alternate name, the Ceiling Challenge, offers a hint: Users have been taping their phones to the ceilings of their homes, classrooms, offices, and even retail establishments in order to get a top-down view as they dance to the beat of JID’s hyperactive single. The team at Dreamville shared some of their favorite examples on the label’s TikTok account:
Meanwhile, the label’s president, Ib, noted the song’s recent streaming resurgence as a result of its TikTok popularity, joking on Twitter (never X), “Crazy. Great music never dies it just needs a little tik tok.”
He ain’t wrong. TikTok has increasingly become the launching pad for older or overlooked singles, juicing the stats for tracks like Flyana Boss‘ “You Wish” and Tyla’s “Water,” taking them from relative unknowns to charting major label artists.
Whenever two rappers are featured on a song together, there’s a competitive spirit that seeps in: who had the better verse? Over the past week, there’s been one song on everyone’s minds that perfectly fits into that conversation. Moreover, J. Cole and Drake teamed up for the first time in ten years for “First Person Shooter,” one of the best cuts on Drizzy’s album For All The Dogs. Now, we have a pretty authoritative voice to weigh in on who bested the other lyrically on the tracks. Dreamville’s own J.I.D recently spoke to Never Is Forever and, in a TikTok clip, had a pretty interesting conclusion.
“Yeat,” the Atlanta native answered jokingly when asked who had the best verse on “First Person Shooter.” “I know,” J.I.D said with a laugh when the interviewer tried to correct him. It seems like he didn’t want to have to pick between the two, or just thought that (for meme-related reasons or being genuinely impressed) Yeat just outdid both of them. Then, the interviewer asked the “Half Doin Dope” MC to pick specifically between J. Cole and Drake, and the truth came straight from the heart. “I’ma go with J. Cole all day, it wasn’t even close. We love Drake though, but…”
With the run that J.I.D’s been on in the past few years (and all the great music to come very soon from him), it’s fair to say that he would wash either Cole or Drizzy these days. That aside, though, this got fans debating about “First Person Shooter” again, although most people agree with his take. However, let’s not downplay Drake’s performance, as he had some sharp bars and also had two beats to work with. The important thing at the end of the day is that a great record emerged from it, one that stands out within and beyond the project it sits in.
Meanwhile, what do you think of this take? Do you think that it’s a no-contest victory for North Carolina on “First Person Shooter” or did the 6 God prove why it landed on his album and not Cole’s? Whatever the case, let us know in the comments down below. Also, log back into HNHH for the latest news and updates on J.I.D, Drake, and J. Cole.
Just about three months removed from the release of his sixth studio album Michael, Killer Mike has announced the impending release of a deluxe version of Michael alongside a new single, “Maynard Vignette.”
An ode to one of his heroes, former Atlanta mayor Maynard Jackson, “Maynard Vignette” features fellow A-Town rappers JID and T.I., along with singer Jacquees, as Mike reflects on the impact of Jackson’s tenure — and his own.
“I’m a young, Black Maynard, mama gospel singer / Daddy dope slanger, born from the anger,” he raps, while his collaborators also look back on the unlikelihood of their various successes.
Jackson’s success was also unlikely; as the 54th mayor of Atlanta, he was also the first Black mayor of Atlanta and of any major city in the South at a time when sentiments against Black folks in leadership were… let’s just say, “shaky.” He served from 1974 to 1982, then again from 1990 to 1994. His terms were marked by his commitment to public works projects and his work to improve race relations in and around Atlanta.
Mike just wrapped up his High And Holy Tour, while JID is working on multiple follow-ups to his album, The Forever Story. Watch the “Maynard Vignette” video above.
Two of the hottest in the game right now have linked up for a double dose of magic. Tonight (September 1), rappers JID and Lil Yachty dropped a two-track EP, titled BlakkBoyz present Half Doin Dope/Van Gogh. On the new project is a track called “Van Gogh,” where the two heavy hitters go back and forth, rapping with the ease of a paintbrush on a canvas.
“The hardest thing for me is stayin’ composed / ‘Cause killin’ sh*t is really all that I know / Funeral goes, casket closed / The choir sings, the pastor goes,” raps JID on the song’s opening verse.
The song gently flows into Yachty’s verse, on which, he brags about an exciting year he’s had, while reminding everyone of the quick-witted bars that made him such a promising act.
“Couldn’t dent the Ferrari, sh*t feel like a coffin / I use the codeine without coughin’, I sleep without tossin’ / She call me daddy ’cause I’m bossin’ / I had a show in two cities, call me Dallas Austin / When I talk, I’m flossin’,” raps Yachty.
The song boasts four verses, and the two artists showcase their undeniable musical chemistry with each other over the course of the song.
Earlier this week, Atlanta rapper JID celebrated the one-year anniversary of his third studio album, The Forever Story, on Instagram. Then, in an Instagram Live stream, he revealed his plans for not just one, but multiple follow-ups, including his previously-teased joint project with Metro Boomin.
In a clip captured by a fan account, JID jokes that he’s too “old” for Instagram while promising three projects: a “two-pack” with fellow Atlantan Lil Yachty coming in a few days, a new album in the fall, and then, the Metro Boomin project. The project dropping in the fall is allegedly called Forever & A Day, which sounds like it could be an extension of The Forever Story. He says it’ll be around ten songs, but doesn’t reveal much else, like collaborators or producers.
JID announces he has a new project coming out before his collab album with Metro titled ‘Forever & A Day’pic.twitter.com/jZYyvUNnwa
These tracks with Lil Yachty sound intriguing as well, as Yachty has been both incredibly productive and fascinatingly creative lately, dropping both the psych-rock project Let’s Start Here and a slew of compelling freestyles this year. JID, meanwhile, has been touring his album; earlier this year, he and Smino embarked on their Luv Is 4ever Tour, and now, he’s overseas.
Hip-hop, as a genre, has continuously evolved and introduced fresh sounds to the music scene. No artist has embodied this evolution more than Baby Keem in recent years. His distinctive style, which merges trap and alternative hip-hop elements, has drawn the attention of fans and fellow artists alike. However, Keem isn’t the only one contributing to this revolution. Let’s look at some other rappers who are paving their own paths while bearing resemblances to Baby Keem’s unique sound.
JID
JID, hailing from East Atlanta, is a force to be reckoned with. Like Baby Keem, JID’s lyrical prowess is showcased in his songs, blending thought-provoking metaphors with a versatile flow. His gritty vocal delivery and experimental production choices align him closely with Keem’s aesthetic.
St. Louis rapper Smino has a knack for creating catchy melodies, just like Baby Keem. Smino’s music is a blend of rap, funk, and soul, and he often explores themes of love, life, and the Black experience. His music exhibits the same playful energy and clever wordplay that have become hallmarks of Baby Keem’s style.
Florida-born Denzel Curry is another artist pushing the boundaries of hip-hop. His music is high-energy and aggressive, often featuring introspective lyrics over dark, bass-heavy beats. While Denzel Curry’s style is more intense than Baby Keem’s, their mutual commitment to authenticity and originality makes them comparable artists.
Rico Nasty
Rico Nasty, a woman in rap from Maryland, also deserves mention. Her aggressive delivery and punk-infused trap beats have made waves, challenging female rappers’ traditional sound and image. Her fearless approach to music creation mirrors Baby Keem’s willingness to break from convention.
Kenny Mason
Lastly, Atlanta’s Kenny Mason is an artist merging alternative rock and hip-hop, much like Baby Keem. Mason’s music embodies a raw and dynamic style that resonates with listeners. His artistry blurs the lines between genres, a trait he shares with Baby Keem.
In conclusion, while Baby Keem is a unique voice in the current hip-hop scene, his influence can be seen in a new wave of artists. These rappers, like JID, Smino, Denzel Curry, Rico Nasty, and Kenny Mason, all bring their own distinctive flair to the genre. They reflect hip-hop’s diversity and continual evolution, each contributing to a vibrant soundscape that will undoubtedly shape the genre’s future.
This new wave of hip-hop artists, inspired by and sounding similar to Baby Keem, is not just following in his footsteps. They are exploring their unique paths, driven by a shared commitment to authenticity, innovation, and pushing the boundaries of what hip-hop can be. These artists, along with Baby Keem, are leading a new era of hip-hop, transforming it from a genre of music into a movement of artistic expression.
The future of hip-hop is exciting, thanks to artists like Baby Keem and those influenced by his style. They challenge expectations, break down barriers, and redefine what it means to be a rapper in the modern era. As fans, we can only look forward to what this next generation of hip-hop has in store for us.
(@mosthiphop)