Mixtapes

J Cole Thanks Fans For Supporting His Re-Released Mixtapes On Streaming

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J Cole may have had a pretty turbulent 2024 given the Kendrick Lamar and Drake beef, but he’s closing it out on the highest of notes. Moreover, he launched a new audio series – Inevitable – touching on his career, he announced a 2014 Forest Hills Drive tenth anniversary show in Madison Square Garden in New York City (plus a special physical edition with previously unreleased bonus tracks), and he also re-released his old mixtapes The Come Up, The Warm Up, and Friday Night Lights on digital streaming platforms for the first time ever. The North Carolina MC expressed gratitude for his loyal and supportive fanbase in late November.

“This is a very special moment for me,” J. Cole tweeted. “Been waiting patiently for this day, like a lot of yall have. I wanna say Thank you to everybody out there that kept these projects alive, even during all the years they were not on streaming services, especially this project right here. ‘Friday Nights Lights’ finally available now on all platforms. […] To have a full idea of what this means for me personally, you would have to know the whooole journey. This Inevitable series we doing, is that. […] Love to everybody tuning in, it’s really something special. The Come Up, The Warm up, and Friday Night Lights all up finally. Thank you.”

Read More: J Cole Helps Out Fans Who Missed Out On Tickets To His “2014 Forest Hills Drive” Concert But With A Catch

J Cole Thanks His Fans

Elsewhere, J. Cole’s manager Ibrahim Hamad confirmed the bittersweet news that next year’s Dreamville Fest in North Carolina will be the last-ever iteration of the festival. It’s a very reflective moment for the whole collective, but a lot of it is probably falling on Cole’s shoulders as its flagship artist. The battle certainly adds to that context, but it’s nice that he can indulge in this nostalgia alongside his die-hards.

Of course, there’s still plenty of new music on the way, as Daylyt might have another track coming after he and J. Cole were spotted in the studio. So Dreamville fans don’t have to enter a mourning period just yet, especially during this celebratory time with his older material. It was a tough year at times, but 2024 proved to be a pretty awesome stretch for Cole fans all things considered.

Read More: J Cole Fulfills Fans Wishes By Making Special Edition Of “2014 Forest Hills Drive” Widely Available… Sort Of

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Valee Enters Surf Gang’s Sonic World On Collaborative “Grey Sky London” EP

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It’s been a SURF GANG takeover in 2024 and it’s not stopping even with just a few weeks remaining. The underground hip-hop label founded by producer evilgiane in 2018 has officially taken off. “The Hillbillies” track with Kendrick Lamar and Baby Keem seemed to be what catapulted the collective. But overall, it’s been their unique cloud, emo, internet, and trap rap sounds that have been the catalyst in this. More mainstream acts like 03 Greedo and Maxo Kream have hopped into their soundscape. But they have been making their money with names like Nettspend, Slimesito, xaviersobased, and more.

Valee can now be added to the expansive list thanks to his new EP. Grey Sky London is a five-song collection between him and the label’s producers. Eera, evilgiane, and Harrison are joined by NIKETECH, Ccured and they have all created a woozy and subdued landscape for Valee. Leading up its release, they dropped “Why Not.” It’s quickly become fan favorite, racking up tens of thousands of streams on Spotify. Overall, this whole EP seems to take after the title, Grey Sky London. Typically, the popular tourist spot if gloomy, so they appeared to have shot for that aesthetic. Also, it looks like Valee and Surf Gang were recording the project there based on some IG posts. Overall, it’s a tape that doesn’t overstay its welcome. Moreover, Valee delivers some solid rapping performances to tie it all together. So, with that said, check it out below.

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Grey Sky London – Valee & Surf Gang

Grey Sky London Tracklist:

  1. Why Not
  2. Up Here
  3. Hi Hater Maino
  4. Elbow
  5. By Da Way

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Sleepy Hallow Shows His Moodier & Melodic Side On “Read This When You Wake Up”

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Sleepy Hallow and Sheff G have now both officially delivered. Leading up to the release of both of their projects, both New York drill rappers were dropping singles in tandem. They were put out via these two packs called Don’t Sleep While It’s Lit, and there were two of them. Additionally, they dropped a handful of teaser tracks on their own. Now, with Sleepy Hallow’s Read This When You Wake Up here this weekend, the cycle is now complete.

As we have stated many times before, one thing that separates the Jamaican-born artist apart from most of his drill contemporaries is his ability to meld pop and R&B elements with the rap subgenre. On this project, he’s doing just that, and it’s created one of his moodiest listening experiences yet. Typically, with R&B and pop music, catchy choruses and hooks are key. There are a couple of instances where Sleepy Hallow pulls that off too. “Mmm” is one example, even though it’s just him repeating the song’s title. “Winners In Paris” is another that executes it better with an additional catchy melody to boot. Overall, if you are a fan of Hallow’s more low-key cuts, this album may be for you.

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Read This When You Wake Up – Sleepy Hallow

Read This When You Wake Up Tracklist:

  1. Melatonin
  2. Alfebet
  3. Madness
  4. Winners In Paris
  5. Tat My Name
  6. Mmm
  7. Top Tier (feat. BabyFace Ray)
  8. Ain’t Nun (feat. Dracodontjam)
  9. Call Me (feat. Sheff G)
  10. Upgrade My Life
  11. Picture Me
  12. Party Crasher
  13. Drowning (Beverly Hills)
  14. LAX (feat. Jay Bezzy)
  15. 2AM in LA
  16. Nostalgia (feat. Gray Hawken)
  17. All Mine
  18. She Like (Fashion)
  19. Like Practice (feat. Jay Bezzy)
  20. Last Song (feat. B.B. Sophia)

Read More: Celebrating The “Year Of The Snake” With The Air Jordan 1 Low OG

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DDG Recruits Tory Lanez & Real Boston Richey For His “Handling Business” EP

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This weekend has been another eventful one for DDG. Not everything has been peachy keen, though. The Michigan rapper and YouTuber has been tied up in some more controversy surrounding Halle Bailey, in part anyway. He appeared on plaqueboymax’s livestream recently, and during their link-up, he was asked who his favorite ex-girlfriend was. They were doing a Q&A segment called “Dry Ones” where if you didn’t answer your question, you would have to eat a biscuit. He decided to play along and say his best ex “besides family,” meaning Halle Bailey, was a girl whose name started with a “K.” However, only the latter part of his answer got clipped by gossip outlets and it led him to call them out for creating a false narrative.

So, yes, it’s been another bump in the road for DDG, but he’s looking to move past it all with some new music. This time around, he’s here with HANDLING BUSINESS, a new four-track ep which includes a past release with Real Boston Richey, “WHAT U BAD FOR.” It also contains the title track, featuring a fresh verse recorded by Tory Lanez from his prison cell. It’s been the cut that’s been the most talked about for that reason, but also because some of his bars on his fiery and candid verse. If you want a more in-depth breakdown of it, check out this link, and this one. Additionally, there’s two moodier solo cuts “HANDS IN THE AIR” and “REASON.” Hit up the streaming embeds below to see what DDG is putting down.

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Handling Business – DDG

Handling Business Tracklist:

  1. HANDLING BUSINESS (with Tory Lanez)
  2. HANDS IN THE AIR
  3. REASON
  4. WHAT U BAD FOR (feat. Real Boston Richey)

Read More: Tory Lanez Shares His Most Personal & Heartbreaking Track To Date In The “Lost Tapes” Series

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Paul Wall Returns With Crowd-Pleasing Album “Once Upon A Grind”

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Paul Wall is a remnant of the 2000s. He had his biggest hits during the ringtone era, and some of said hits sound painfully dated. Yes, we mean “Ms. New Booty.” Paul Wall has quietly been turning out great music since his commercial peak, however. He absolutely stole the show on That Mexican OT’s “Johnny Dang,” and now the Houston legend is back with a new album of his own. Once Upon a Grind is not the kind of release that’s going to draw in new fans. But for those in the know, it’s a reminder of how good the people’s champ still is on the mic.

Once Upon a Grind a concise, 12 track album loaded with exemplary features and stellar DJ. Fresh beats. Paul Wall and Fresh may not be an obvious pairing on paper, but they prove to have musical chemistry on nearly every song. “Woke Up a Millionaire,” the opener, is a chilled out opener that allows Wall to look on all his success. The rapper is a little older and grayer, but he hasn’t lost a step when it comes to flossing on his haters. “Platinum Playa” and “Way 2 Wet” see him absolutely slide over slick Fresh instrumentals that sound like Houston at night. Paul Wall sticks to the topics that made him famous, but few are better than him at romanticizing riding slow and cars with candy paint.

Let us know what you think of this brand new album, in the comments section down below. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest news and updates from around the music world. We will continue to keep you informed on all of your favorite artists and their upcoming projects.

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Paul Wall Continues To Drop Houston Anthems

Once Upon a Grind tracklist:

  1. Woke Up a Millionaire
  2. Platinum Playa
  3. I Get Down
  4. Can’t Talk, Chasing a Check (featuring Cartel Bo & Slim Thug)
  5. All Money Good (featuring Eddie Coke)
  6. Way 2 Wet
  7. Swang Down (featuring Z-Ro, Big Tonka & Crys Wall)
  8. All Night
  9. Underground Ambassador (featuring Berner, Freeway, Rich the Factor & Big K.R.I.T.)
  10. Pocket Fulla Money
  11. Run to the Money
  12. Love 4 Rent

Read More: Paul Wall Net Worth 2024: Updated Wealth Of The Rap Icon

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BossMan Dlow Looks To Shoot The Lights Out On The Competition With “Dlow Curry”

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“BossMan Dlow’s got the ball down two with five seconds on the clock. He looks to pull up from three with confidence… and he drains it as time as expires!” That’s the kind of energy that the Florida rapper is on with his debut album, Dlow Curry. He’s been on a heater all year long thanks to some viral singles, XXL Freshman spot, and his Mr Beat The Road mixtape. Now, he’s looking to put his contemporaries to bed with this 20-song effort. Across it, BossMan Dlow is bringing his trademark braggadocious attitude and a prideful mindset.

It starts right at the beginning with “Dlow Curry,” the title track named after Stephen Curry. He’s ego is absolutely massive later down the tracklist though too. “Pillsbury Dlow” with Ice Spice, “Dlow Flintstone,” and “Dlow Gucci,” all contribute to how he feels about himself. He’s clearly got big goals, and like the future Hall-of-Fame point guard, he’s determined to reach the top. We have an article coming soon about the five budding superstars going into 2025 and beyond, and spoiler alert, BossMan is on there. With arguably more hits than his last record and a more diverse flow and beat palette, he’s taking those necessary steps to become one of the faces of the rap league just like Curry is in the NBA.

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Dlow Curry – BossMan Dlow

Dlow Curry Tracklist:

  1. Dlow Curry
  2. Like Dat
  3. Pillsbury Dlow (feat. Ice Spice)
  4. Mo Chicken (feat. French Montana)
  5. The Biggest Pt. 2
  6. 46th Street
  7. Star Life
  8. Cash S***
  9. Game Winner
  10. Big
  11. Motion
  12. PJ (feat. Lil Baby)
  13. Out The Mud
  14. What You Need (feat. NoCap)
  15. Pushin Up
  16. Dlow Flintstone
  17. Dlow Gucci
  18. Boxing Night (feat. BabyFace Ray)
  19. For Days
  20. Shake Dat A** (Twerk Song) (feat. GloRilla)

Read More: Lil Woody Reveals Why He Thinks YFN Lucci’s Jail Stabbing Was “Lame”

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Roc Marciano & The Alchemist Deliver Lax Cruising Cuts On “Skeleton Key”

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Roc Marciano and The Alchemist are looking to recapture the chemistry they have been building up for year. They are doing so with their newest endeavor, Skeleton Key, the follow-up to The Elephant Man’s Bones. Marci announced the project’s release a few days ago on Instagram while revealing that there would be a listening party at the Art Basel in Miami. That took place on December 7 and now, just six days later, we have the album. Also contributing to its rollout was the one and only single “Chopstick,” which came out on December 9.

When these two link up, they usually like to concoct low-key, subdued, and hazy tracks. The same can be said on for this 10-song effort in Skeleton Key. However, unlike past releases, Marciano and Uncle Al are the only artists on this project. While there have been great collaborations to come out of their studio sessions, we can appreciate them going in this direction. Both manage to remain more than engaging, leading to many more hits than misses. Some of our early favorites inlcude “Cryotherapy,” which contains one The Alchemist’s most adventurous productions. It’s almost drum-less and relies on these wispy, loopy, and dizzying sound effects as the base of the beat. “Knock It Off” is another keep for us, with nimble rhymes and an addicting and laid-back piano melody. Overall, Skeleton Key manages to be even more lax than its predecessor, but it doesn’t drag, nor does it become too sleepy. It might fly under the radar to its release date, but we will remember this tape for a while.

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Skeleton Key – Roc Marciano & The Alchemist

Skeleton Key Tracklist:

  1. Mystery God
  2. Street Magic
  3. Chopstick
  4. Knock It Off
  5. Acid
  6. Rauf
  7. Chateau Josue
  8. Skirt Steak
  9. Cryotherapy
  10. Make Sure

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DMX’s Estate Arranges Some Of His Most Powerful Prayers On “Let Us Pray: Chapter X”

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DMX’s legacy will always be remembered by hip-hop and its fans. He was truly a one-of-a-kind artist, and his impact on the genre is bigger than some may realize. Part of what separated him from his contemporaries was his spirituality. Across his discography, the New York native was always including reflections and prayers wherever he felt necessary. It’s not too often that a rapper, especially in the non-Christian hip-hop space, to be this open about his beliefs. Usually, that stuff is kept private. But again, DMX was a one-of-one, and it’s why receiving Let Us Pray: Chapter X is such a blessing.

This is his second posthumous album, and it’s maybe the most powerful listen of the year. Four prayers that “reflect upon the depth, emotionality, and spirituality of DMX” are here, in addition to their instrumentals. It’s almost as if the latter are added for the listener to do their own meditations and supplications. Giving these spoken words extra weight are the terrific arrangements from Warryn Campbell. He’s done a lot of work on Kanye West’s more religious albums. Killer Mike, Snoop Dogg, MC Lyte, Lecrae, and RoyzNoyz Orchestra are just few who also contributed their sacred thoughts to the album. Overall, his first official effort into a more gospel-centric listen is well-executed and worth checking out and thinking deeply about.

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Let Us Pray: Chapter X – DMX

Let Us Pray: Chapter X Tracklist:

  1. Favor with Killer Mike, Mary Mary, RoyzNoyz Orchestra
  2. Bear With Me with Lecrae
  3. One Life To Do It with MC Lyte, RoyzNoyz Orchestra
  4. Until I’m Gone with Snoop Dogg, Terrace Martin, Lena Byrd-Miles
  5. Favor- Instrumental
  6. Bear With Me – Instrumental
  7. One Life To Do It – Instrumental
  8. Until I’m Gone – Instrumental

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Fat Joe Dedicates His First Album In 15 Years, “The World Changed On Me,” To His Older Brother

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It’s been quite a while since we last heard a new solo project from Fat Joe. That’s especially true when it comes to his studio albums. The last one was Jealous Ones Still Envy 2 (J.O.S.E. 2) back in 2009. Of course, he’s still been extremely active, dropping some mixtapes and collab efforts with Remy Ma and Dre. But this weekend is a big one for the New York MC, as The World Changed On Me is his first studio album in 15 years. Beyond just updating his catalog though, this release has a lot of personal weight to it.

On the morning of Thanksgiving, Joey Crack’s older brother Angel. He was also in the hip-hop space as a DJ earlier into the genre’s history. The “What’s Luv?” hitmaker paid a beautiful tribute to him on Instagram the day after the holiday. “You taught me everything i know. You taught me how to be a man. When we was kids, i was WonTon Joe & you was MoneyLee! And Together we were the Keyok Brothaz…On some Kung Fu S***! You Walked so that the Terror Squad could run. You were the most giving person i ever known,” he wrote in part. Angel is on the cover art of The World Changed On Me with Joe, and you’ll hear some cuts relating to his loss on the backend of the record. Check it out with the link below.

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The World Changed On Me – Fat Joe

The World Changed On Me Tracklist:

  1. Talking Hot with Karma Nova, Dre
  2. Mini Birki with Ty Dolla $ign, Cool & Dre
  3. Us with Chris Rock, Remy Ma
  4. Dog House
  5. Me N U with Dre
  6. Bad Man with Tuggawar
  7. I Got You with Babyface
  8. Fresh with Tony Sunshine
  9. Paradise with Anitta, DJ Khaled
  10. The World Changed On Me
  11. They Don’t Love You

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Snoop Dogg And Dr. Dre Deliver The Goods With New Album “Missionary”

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Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre are the most iconic duo in hip hop history. They broke the mold with “Nuthin’ But a ‘G’ Thang” in 1992 and they haven’t looked back. They’ve also managed to keep the bar for their collaborations astoundingly high. 2001 and Compton were musical triumphs. And now we have the long anticipated Missionary, the sequel to Snoop Dogg’s debut, Doggystyle. Making a sequel to a classic is a daunting task, but Snoop and Dre manage to deliver the goods. Is it as good as their best material? Not really, but it’s still excellent.

The album opener, “Fore Play,” is a soulful and lush banger featuring BJ the Chicago Kid. It sets the table by establishing a laid back and G-Funk anchored sound. It works perfectly. The singles have been hit or miss, especially the Sting collaboration “Another Part of Me.” Fortunately, the gimmickry is at a minimum throughout the album. Missionary plays it straight, while allowing Snoop Dogg to flex his chemistry with a ton of superstar guests. 50 Cent and Eminem shine on the posse cut “Gunz N Smoke,” and Dr. Dre does his thing on his trio of guest verses. “Outta da Blue” is probably the standout cut in terms of Dre rhymes. Unlikely features also deliver, whether it be Jelly Roll or the late, great Tom Petty. Missionary can feel a bit like a kitchen sink album, sometimes, but the final product is a lot of fun.

Let us know what you think of this brand new album, in the comments section down below. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest news and updates from around the music world. We will continue to keep you informed on all of your favorite artists and their upcoming projects.

Read More: Snoop Dogg & His Daughter Open Up About Her Frightening Stroke

Snoop Dogg And Dr. Dre Still Have The Magic Touch

Missionary tracklist:

  1. Fore Play (featuring BJ the Chicago Kid)
  2. Shangri-La
  3. Outta da Blue (featuring Dr. Dre & Alus)
  4. Hard Knocks
  5. Gorgeous (featuring Jhene Aiko)
  6. Last Dance with Mary Jane (featuring Jelly Roll & Tom Petty)
  7. Pressure (featuring K.A.A.N)
  8. Another Part of Me (featuring Sting)
  9. Skyscrapers (featuring Method Man & Smitty)
  10. Fire (featuring Coco Sarai & Dr. Dre)
  11. Gunz N Smoke (featuring 50 Cent & Eminem)
  12. Sticcy Situation (featuring Coco Sarai & K.A.A.N)
  13. Now or Never (featuring Dr. Dre & BJ the Chicago Kid)
  14. Gangsta (feating Dem Jointz, Fat Money & Stalone)
  15. The Negotiator

Read More: Snoop Dogg & Dr. Dre’s “Gin And Juice” Proves They Can Thrive In Any Era

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