Mixtapes

Boldy James & Cuns Unleash Collaborative Album, “Be That As It May”

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Griselda’s Detroit representative has established himself as one of the greatest lyricists working today with four excellent albums this year. Boldy James has just dropped his fourth collab of the year, Be That As It May with Cuns. Moreover, the Italian producer takes a lush and boom-bap-heavy approach to matching Boldy’s lyricism. In fact, the previous single “Foot Prints,” with its grand samples and hard-hitting percussion, was a great sonic indicator of the greatness to come.

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 01: Boldy James of The Alchemist x Boldy James performs during the NBA Leather tour at The Warfield on February 01, 2022 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Tim Mosenfelder/Getty Images)

Still, this album does have its surprises. Cuns’ production is a bit more crisp, orchestral, and rooted in ’90s era hip-hop when it comes to sample choices and sequencing. While albums like Mr. Ten08 took things in an electronic or contemporary direction on occasion, the production here is rooted in soulful styles. If anything, it goes to show the 40-year-old MC’s consistent versatility, appeal, and quality.

Moreover, Bo’s been on a hot streak. Over the past twelve months, he released Super Tecmo Bo with The Alchemist, Killing Nothing with Real Bad Man, Fair Exchange No Robbery with Nicholas Craven, and Mr. Ten08 with Futurewave. In fact, he dropped Be That As It May almost exactly a year after his 2021 Alchemist collab. What’s more is that they’re all excellent.

Across this album in particular, Boldy is both a fantastic narrator for life experiences and a consistently confident spitter. His descriptions are intricate, his wordplay is creative yet grounded, and his delivery is so engaging that you won’t notice a flow switch-up. In other words, it’s smooth as butter, and the grueling themes in “Earned Not Given” and “God Speed” come through vividly. It’s all made for some of the best albums of the year.

What did you think of this album and the Detroit MC’s run this year? Do you have a favorite? Are you looking forward to that J Dilla-produced project? Whatever the case, let us know in the comments. If you have to catch up, peep the tracklist below and find Be That As It May by Boldy James and Cuns on your preferred streaming service. Also, stay tuned to HNHH for more great albums from the game’s best MCs.

Tracklist

  1. OT Commute
  2. Earned Not Given
  3. Safe Keeps (Ft. Lord Apex)
  4. Foot Prints
  5. Daydates & Daytonas
  6. God Speed
  7. 2.2 Lbs
  8. Quinine (Ft. Bo Skeet & Taj Mahal)
  9. Travel Lodge
  10. Pepper Jack
  11. Closure

PinkPantheress Drops Off “Take me home” EP Complete With Three Songs

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She obviously isn’t able to wrap an individual present for each of her fans and deliver it to them firsthand. However, PinkPantheress is doing her best to ensure her listeners are satisfied this holiday season – no matter what they find under their tree on the 25th.

She’s been sharing several singles over the past few weeks. Now, the 21-year-old is back with an EP to close out the year consisting of three songs. The first, “Do You Miss Me?” made its debut in mid-November. Now, she’s giving us a music video for that, along with more musical goodness.

After that release, PP shared “Boy’s a liar” in early December. In a press release, she noted that it was the track she’s been “most excited to put out.”

“Me and Mura Masa wanted to create a fun track together about a common theme this time of year, boys being LIARS,” the UK songstress went on.

The third and final title on her new EP is “Take me home.” On her first verse, she sings, “I’m making the most of my life / Till the day that I hit twenty-five / I know that they’ll make an adult of me / I know that I’m not quite ready to be.”

On the chorus, she continues, “And I know I’ve got some growing, I realized the other day / When I said some things that I knew that I shouldn’t say.”

In a statement shared by The Fader, PinkPantheress spoke about her latest project. “I wanted to give a Christmas gift for anyone in need of some upbeat music,” she said of the previously teased songs that have now been shared with the world.

Finally, stream PinkPantheress’ Take me home EP on Spotify or Apple Music below. Afterward, let us know which of the three titles is your favourite in the comments.

Take me home Tracklist:

  1. Boy’s a liar
  2. Do you miss me?
  3. Take me home

[Via]

“Justin Credible Presents: R-Mean” Is Here With Features From Jay Critch, B-Real, French Montana, & More

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During his recent appearance on Power 106 Los Angeles’ LA Leakers, California-born rapper R-Mean made it known that he and Justin Credible have a joint album on the way. Thankfully, fans didn’t have to wait long between his undeniably impressive freestyle and the release date, as the 11-track effort landed on Friday (December 16).

Previously released titles from the project include “God Flows” with B-Real and a solo title from the rapper called “The Gemini Effect.” Additionally, his “Yalla Habibi” collab with French Montana and “Enemies” with BlocBoy JB and S4G4 made it on his new arrival.

New songs from R-Mean include “Mind of a Maniac” as well as “Play This At My Funeral” with Jay Critch. Later on the tracklist, we hear him shine on “Angel with One Wing” and “Rooting For Me.”

As we mentioned earlier, the “Kings” hitmaker didn’t hold back during his LA Leakers freestyle. Marking his first appearance on the beloved series since 2017, this time around he rapped over two Scott Storch instrumentals.

Firstly, he annihilated The Game’s “Westside Story,” and later, he went on to take down Fat Joe and Remy Ma’s “Lean Back” beat.

“Teaching’ ‘em lessons, came here to give the Leakers the business, and he ‘finna witness / Word to Nipsey, preach independence / A beacon of hope to my people, this sh*t deeper than lyrics,” are among the bars he crafted on the spot.

Finally, stream Justin Credible Presents: R-Mean on Spotify or Apple Music below. Afterward, let us know what titles are your favourite in the comments.

Justin Credible Presents: R-Mean Tracklist:

  1. Mind of a Maniac
  2. Play This At My Funeral (feat. Jay Critch)
  3. God Flows (feat. B-Real)
  4. The Gemini Effect
  5. Love is Pain (wanted) [feat. araabMUZIK]
  6. Angel with One Wing
  7. Breathe Fire
  8. 10 Rap Commandments
  9. Rooting For Me
  10. Yalla Habibi (feat. French Montana)
  11. Enemies (feat. BlocBoy JB & S4G4)

Zack Fox Returns With Soulful “Wood Tip” EP

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If you know anything about Zack Fox, you know that he is one of the funniest people on the planet. He has hosted numerous shows throughout his career, and his Twitter account will always have you laughing. Additionally, Fox has proven himself to be a solid musician. The man has a few hits to his name, including the incredibly catchy “fafo.”

With Christmas just a week away, it would appear as though Fox has a gift for his fans. This early present comes in the form of a four-track EP called “Wood Tip.” Although Fox is mostly a comedian, fans will be very surprised by the direction of this new EP. Instead of delivering his signature hilarious raps, Fox has come through with a soulful project that has an 80s twist to it.

Since this project is only four tracks long, it won’t take you long to get through it. The longest song here is “can’t fight the devil” which comes complete with a feature from Diamond Cafe. Additionally, Diamond Cafe is also on the song “holdin’ on.” For the most part, however, Fox handles the singing by himself. Overall, you may find yourself surprised by just how solid his voice is here.

Fans are already praising the project, and it is easy to see why. The production throughout the project is stunning, and it matches the winter vibe quite nicely. There is a nice bit of replay value here, and if you love this kind of music, then Fox’s latest effort is right up your alley. Moving forward, we hope he continues to explore this sound.

As always, you can stream the new project, down below. Additionally, you can head to the comments section to give your thoughts on this surprising new EP. Furthermore, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest news and updates from around the music world.

Tracklist:

  1. triflin’
  2. holdin’ on ft. Diamond Cafe
  3. only thing on my mind
  4. can’t fight the devil ft. Diamond Cafe

[Via]

Chief Keef Celebrates 10 Years Of “Finally Rich” With Complete Edition

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Chief Keef stands as a legend in his own right following a decade-plus of relentless releases. Despite not necessarily reaching mainstream peaks as some of his contemporaries, he undeniably impacted hip-hop through the release of Finally Rich, his major label debut.

Sunday marks 10 years since the album was released. Days before reaching the milestone, Chief Keef unloaded the official complete edition of Finally Rich, equipped with seven unreleased songs including “Rider” featuring Wiz Khalifa. On the production side, Chief Keef’s Finally Rich (Complete Edition) includes contributions from Leeke Leek, Young Chop, and YG On Da Beat.

The groundbreaking debut from Chief Keef undoubtedly made a mark on the soundscape of hip-hop. The album soared to the top 5 on Billboard’s Top Hip-Hop & R&B album chart and the Top Rap Albums chart and later, earning platinum status. Largely crafted by Young Chop’s innovative production style, Chief Keef debut album further cemented his status as a juggernaut in hip-hop, paving the way for a new generation of rappers. Evidently, the past few years have showcased just how impactful Chief Keef’s debut album has been as cities across the world began launching their own variations of drill music.

In celebration of the landmark release, Chief Keef and Spotify teamed up to provide an exclusive performance in Brooklyn, NY, following the re-release of Finally Rich.

While fans could revisit the influential album, Chief Keef will also release Almighty So 2 in 2023. Keep your eyes peeled for that and check out the tracklist for Finally Rich (Complete Edition) below.

  1. Love Sosa
  2. Hallelujah
  3. I Don’t Like [feat. Lil Reese]
  4. No Tomorrow
  5. Hate Bein’ Sober [feat. 50 Cent & Wiz Khalifa]
  6. Kay Kay
  7. Laughin’ To The Bank
  8. Diamonds [feat. French Montana]
  9. Ballin’
  10. Understand Me [feat. JEEZY]
  11. 3Hunna (Remix) [feat. Rick Ross]
  12. Finally Rich
  13. Citgo
  14. Kobe
  15. Got Them Bands
  16. Bang Bang (Intro)*
  17. OB4L*
  18. Rider [feat. Wiz Khalifa]*
  19. Spread Da Word*
  20. Kush With Them Beans*
  21. It Ain’t My Fault*
  22. Squad*

Ab-Soul Lights Up “Herbert” Ft. Big Sean, Jhené Aiko, SiR, Punch & More

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When Top Dawg Entertainment shoots, they never miss, and Ab-Soul continues his reign with Herbert. The California icon is back with his first project in six years, and it is an offering that once again highlights Ab’s talents. Artists like Jhené Aiko, Big Sean, Joey Bada$$, SiR, and even TDE’s president Punch make appearances on the record. It’s a lyrical giant from one track to the next, and fans have already taken to social media to dissect his bars.

Once again, Ab gets personal in his rhymes, and in a recent interview, he was asked if it is “invasive” for strangers to treat the rapper as if they know him.

Read More: Ab-Soul Calls DJ Premier Collab A “Dream Come True”

“No. That’s fine. But that’s why this album is for everyone who’s not a fan of mine that really knows me,” he told Vulture. “This album is for them. But it’s kind of in an organic, creative way. It’s one of those things where it still ends up translating universally, even as I’m talking specifically to my close friends and family.”

Additionally, it looks as if we’re about to get a one-on-one interview between Charlamagne Tha God and Ab. A teaser of the intimate chat was shared by the rapper and it looks as if he’s addressing just about everything with the famed radio host.

Read More: Ab-Soul Opens Up About Surviving Suicide Attempt

What are your first thoughts on Herbert? Let us know your thoughts on Ab-Soul’s latest in the comments.

Tracklist

  1. Message in a Bottle ft. Lance SkiiiWalker
  2. No Report Card
  3. Hollandaise
  4. Moonshooter ft. Joey Bada$$
  5. FOMF
  6. Goodman ft. Punch
  7. Do Better ft. Zacari
  8. Gang’Nem ft. Fre$h
  9. The Wild Side ft. Jhené Aiko
  10. Art of Seduction ft. Ambré
  11. Bucket
  12. Go Off ft. Russ & Big Sean
  13. Fallacy ft. ALEMEDA
  14. Herbert
  15. Church on the Move
  16. It Be Like That ft. SiR
  17. Positive Vibes Only
  18. Gotta Rap

[via]

Young Dolph Shines On Posthumous Album, “Paper Route Frank”

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Young Dolph had an amazing career that inspired numerous artists from the Memphis area. His tragic passing last year sent shockwaves throughout the music world, and it remains hard to fathom what happened. Overall, it is just a truly sad situation.

Although he is no longer with us, Dolph had a lot of music in the vault. Like many artists who have passed on, his estate took over his catalog, and now, a posthumous album has arrived. This project is called Paper Route Frank and it contains 13 tracks. Additionally, there are features here from Gucci Mane, Key Glock, and more.

Young Dolph Singles

Before the release of the album, there were two singles in the form of “Get Away” and “Old Ways.” As you can hear above, “Old Ways” was a smooth track that contained a lavish piano-based beat. Moreover, Dolph was delivering some of his signature flows in that deep voice that ultimately made him so fun to listen to. Overall, it was a solid indication of how this album would sound.

As for the rest of the project, we get that same iconic Young Dolph sound. Bandplay, Drumma Boy, Sosa 808, CEOO, and Dun Deal are all credited as producers on this album, and they did a phenomenal job with the sound. Everything here sounds cohesive, and the project is a great way to pay homage to someone who meant so much to so many.

Let us know what you think of this project in the comments section down below. Furthermore, you can stay tuned to HNHH for all the latest news from around the music world.

Tracklist:

  1. Love For The Streets
  2. Blind Fold
  3. Woah
  4. Uh Huh
  5. That’s How ft. Key Glock
  6. Old Ways
  7. Roster ft. Gucci Mane
  8. Smoke My Weed
  9. Always
  10. Beep Beep ft. 2 Chainz
  11. Hall Of Fame
  12. Infatuated With Drugs ft. Big Moochie Grape & SNUPE BANDZ 
  13. Get Away

Jacquees Opens Up On “Sincerely For You” Ft. 21 Savage, Summer Walker, 6LACK & More

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The self-proclaimed “King of R&B” took some time to evolve as a man and artist, and now Jacquees is back with a new album. The R&B crooner has been actively involved in the industry for over a decade, but the last few years have been quiet about new albums. King of R&B arrived in November 2019 and his Christmas in Decatur project followed soon after, and in 2020, the Southern star delivered a mixtape, Exit 68.

Today (December 16), Jacquees adds his name to the long list of New Music Friday releases and shares Sincerely For You. The record hosts features from artists like 21 Savage, Summer Walker, 6LACK, and Dreezy.

Read More: Jacquees Croons Through “Tell Me It’s Over” Ft. Summer Walker & 6LACK

In our exclusive 12 Days of Christmas interview with Jacquees, the singer spoke with us about working on the album, which is also executive produced by Future.

“It’s all grown-man vibes. I’m 28 years old now. I was 24, 25, when I dropped my last album,” said Jacquees. “So, the conversations are just different for everything, for me. Even the lifestyle. You know, you get older, you know, you stop doing a lot of the things that you was doing before.”

Read More: Jacquees Reminds Us He’s “Still That” On Our “R&B Season” Update

“I feel like that’s kind of how I did it with my lifestyle and my music,” he added. “And I believe that through records, you’ll be able to tell the growth into maturity.

Stream Sincerely For You by Jacquees, and let us know what you think of the singer’s third studio album.

Tracklist

  1. Sincerely For You
  2. Say Yea
  3. Reason Why
  4. When You Bad Like That ft. Future
  5. Woman’s Worth
  6. Start Over
  7. Tell Me It’s Over ft. 6LACK, Summer Walker
  8. I Remember
  9. Ya Body ft. Dreezy
  10. Be With You ft. Tory Lanez
  11. Way Too Many Shots
  12. Still That
  13. Tipsy
  14. Sex, Hennessey & R&B / Talking About You
  15. Stay There
  16. The Mud ft. 21 Savage
  17. One More Time ft. John P. Kee
[via]

Lil Durk Enlists Future, Kodak Black, Trippie Redd, & More For OTF’s “Loyal Bros 2”

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Lil Durk is easily one of the most prominent artists in hip-hop right now. His albums continue to sell rapidly, and fans love his sound. Overall, Durk is one of those artists who know how to cater to his fans, leading to immense success.

Throughout his recent ascent to the upper echelon of rap, Durk has been able to cultivate his Only The Family (OTF) label. For instance, the label came out with a project called Loyal Bros, and now, Loyal Bros 2 has officially dropped to the masses.

Leading into this project, fans were blessed with a single from Durk called “Hanging With Wolves.” This is actually the third track on the album, and it is most definitely a banger.

Lil Durk Brings The Features

This new project comes complete with 23 tracks, and it features OTF members like Booka600, Doodie Lo, King Von, and a whole lot more. Not to mention the album also contains features from massive stars like Future, Kodak Black, and Trippie Redd. Overall, there is absolutely something for everyone.

Let us know what you think of this project in the comments below. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest news and updates from around the music world.

Tracklist:

  1. Set It Off – Lil Durk
  2. Mad Max – Durk ft. Future
  3. Hanging With Wolves – Lil Durk
  4. ISTC 2 – Doodie Lo ft. Kodak Black
  5. For Real – Booniemore
  6. NLMG – Lil Law & Keno ft. Doodie Lo
  7. Feed Em Addys – Booka600 ft Durk
  8. We Did It – Booniemore ft. King Von
  9. Seen It All – Deeski ft. Lil Zay Osama
  10. Aint Hiding – Chief Wuk
  11. Savage Shit – Doodie Lo ft. PGF Nuk
  12. Mad Cuz Im Rich – THF Zoo ft. Big 30
  13. Block is Hot – Deeski ft. Lil Durk
  14. Thuf Life – Chief Wuk ft. Doodie Lo & Icewear Vezzo
  15. Federal Freestyle – OTF Jam
  16. Out The Way – OTF Chugg ft. Durk
  17. Forever – Noza Jordan
  18. Please Breathe – Esparo ft. Lil Durk & Booka600
  19. Never Saw Em – C3
  20. Threats To Everybody – Lil Durk
  21. Who You Are – Doodie Lo ft. Trippie Redd
  22. Silly Rabbit – Hypno Carlito
  23. Menace – Booka600

Jim Jones Rallies The VL Crew For “Jim Jones Presents: 12 Days Of Xmas”

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There might not be another rapper who is as dedicated to spreading holiday cheer like Jim Jones. Over the course of his career, he’s consistently blessed fans with holiday records and albums. In 2006, he dropped off A Dipset Xmas. Two years later, he followed it up with the release of A Tribute To Bad Santa Starring Mike Epps.

Nearly 16 years later, and he’s returned with his latest Christmas album, Jim Jones Presents: 12 Days Of Xmas. The rapper’s latest project is a compilation effort that highlights the talent on his VL imprint. Along with Rayy Rayy, who supplies comedic relief during the skits, Jim allows his roster of artists to shine across the board. Though the comedian provides skits, he also has his own track with the titular track.

“Comedy and music has always been synonymous for me. One compliments the other,” said Jim Jones. “I’ve been watching Rayy Rayy grind and make so many people laugh since I’ve first noticed him during the pandemic. He’s helped with the decision to start signing comedians not verbally through conversation but through his comedy. So when I decided to make the Christmas album 12 days of Christmas it was only right I have Rayy Rayy host for his debut on vamplife comedy.” 

12 Days Of Xmas provides some familiar holiday sounds while updating them to reflect the soundscape of New York’s scene.

Check out Jim Jones’s new Christmas compilation project below and sound off in the comments with your thoughts.