Mixtapes

BabyTron Drops “Out On Bond” EP After Arrest

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With each new project, BabyTron ascends to new heights. The monotoned Detroit rapper has been excellent at capitalizing on an opportunity as of late, and always gives fans a reason to keep his name in their mouths. On Friday (Feb. 3), the 22-year-old released an EP out of nowhere titled Out On Bond. With a singular feature from frequent collaborator Certified Trapper, the EP contains five songs and spans 12 minutes. Additionally, the project comes in the same month fans found out about BabyTron’s recent run-in with the law.

On Feb. 15, Twitter users learned about BabyTron’s recent arrest for possession of a controlled substance. With very little context given for the Feb. 8 arrest, fans began to worry about Tron’s status. However, Tron expressed confusion when fans commented “Free BabyTron” on his Instagram Live around the time the news broke. This could perhaps be a good sign regarding his criminal status. The same day, his mugshot from his arrest surfaced. Tron eventually used his own mugshot as the cover art for Out On Bond. He also jokingly added a fake mustache and Mario hat to the photo.

BabyTron’s Releases Before “Out On Bond”

Before his arrest, BabyTron was coming off an excellent string of back-to-back full-length albums. In October, he dropped his 15-song album Bin Reaper 3: Old Testament. By titling it this, though, fans had to expect that he would follow the biblical layout and follow up with another testament. He did just that in early January, releasing Bin Reaper 3: New Testament. With 26 songs and features from Lil Yachty, Cordae, Rico Nasty, and more, BR3:NT may have been his most popular project to date.

With all this being said, the sole fact of Tron consistently putting out projects is not what excites fans the most. The releases from BabyTron as of late have also all been excellent by his standards. With continuously creative bars and pop culture references, it’s hard to even imagine how Tron keeps a straight face when rapping. He has truly mastered his craft and each new song feels like a victory lap. But, before we look ahead to his next stunning full-length LP, stream his new EP, and let us know what you think in the comments below.

Tracklist:

  1. Out On Bond
  2. A2Z
  3. Long Nights ft. Certified Trapper
  4. Ice Spice
  5. Overthinking

ALLBLACK Reminds Us He’s “Born To Score” On New Album

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Big news for West Coast rap lovers – ALLBLACK is back with a short and sweet new album this weekend. Born To Score arrived on Friday (February 24), and while the features list is certainly noteworthy, it’s got several solo efforts from the lyricist that will only make fans love him more. Prior to the project’s arrival,sin he shared “Literally,” as well as “Pelicans” featuring Curren$y.

Born To Score‘s other singles include “3rd Quarter” featuring Cash Kidd, “Endzone” with Jay Worthy, and “Burpees” alongside DUSTY LOCANE. The album’s other two features come from Bfb Da Packman and BabyTron on “AB Mode” and “Chaka Khan” respectively. Along with his work, ALLBLACK shared a music video for the latter that fans have been loving.

What audiences will love about the new project is the way it highlights the artist’s undeniably authentic ability and relatable storytelling skills. He takes notes from those who have come before him and keeps an open mind while working alongside other lyricists to help create unique sounds.

This marks the Oakland native’s first full-length release since 2021’s TY4FWM. On that, he delivered 14 songs, including popular titles like “10 Toes” with G-Eazy and E-40, as well as “We Straight” in tandem with Vince Staples and Cal-A. Others who appear on the album include Mozzy, P-Lo, Rexx Life Raj, and Sada Baby.

ALLBLACK’s career began taking off back in 2017 with the arrival of works like No Shame 2 and KimSon. The next year he gave us Outcalls featuring Offset Jim, Shoreline Mafia, and 03 Greedo, followed by 2 Minute Drills with Kenny Beats. 2019 heard the debut of 22nd Ways, a collab album with 22nd Jim, and in 2020, he continued his No Shame series with a third installment.

Stream ALLBLACK’s Born To Score album on Spotify or Apple Music below. Afterward, tell us your thoughts on the project in the comments. Make sure to check back later this weekend for more release recommendations on our playlist updates.

Born To Score Tracklist:

  1. Legends In The Room
  2. Literally
  3. 3rd Quarter (feat. Cash Kidd)
  4. Born To Score
  5. Pelicans (feat. Curren$y)
  6. Step Off
  7. AB Mode (feat. Bfb Da Packman)
  8. Chaka Khan (feat. BabyTron)
  9. Endzone (feat. Jay Worthy)
  10. Burpees (feat. DUSTY LOCANE)
  11. Grill Freestyle

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Payroll Giovanni Goes In On “Ghost Mode” Album Feat. Jeezy, Babyface Ray, And More

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All through 2022, Payroll Giovanni put in “Real Work,” dropping off singles like “Rosary” and “The Commission” with Icewear Vezzo and Peezy. He also delivered 12 tracks on his featureless Back 2 The Ba$ics album, reminding listeners just how much of a powerhouse he really is. In 2023, the rhymer’s consistency continues.

To start off the year, the 35-year-old shared his “Balcony Thoughts” in under three minutes in a must-hear single. Following that came “Feel How I Look,” along with the exciting announcement of his Ghost Mode album. That project finally arrived on Friday (February 24), along with a visual for the Jeezy-featured “Ex Dealer Flow 2.”

Jeezy Joins Payroll Giovanni for “Ex Dealer Flow 2” Visual

In a press release, Giovanni markedly broke down what his latest release means to him. “Ghost Mode to me means cutting off distractions that don’t line up with your goals or your vision,” he began. “It could mean cutting off certain people, certain activities or places. Just disappearing from the scene and locking in until you reach your goals.”

Aside from the aforementioned Jeezy feature, the Detroit native also locked in with Babyface Ray on “Existence,” and Hope Raney on “Half Ounce.” Additionally, we hear from Biance’ Badd on “Excuse My French” as well as Big Quis on “Everything I Want In Life.” The album boasts production by Cardo Got Wings and came together thanks to Payroll’s goal-oriented drive and collaborative mentality.

All day long, the rapper has been proudly promoting his work on Instagram. Based on his comment section, it sounds as though the masses are receiving his project well, dubbing it “motivation music” and an “instant classic.” Elsewhere, others are already asking to see a video for “Paybach.”

Stream Payroll Giovanni’s Ghost Mode album on Spotify or Apple Music below. Afterward, tell us which of his collaborative efforts is your favourite in the comments. Make sure to check back tomorrow (February 25) for more release recommendations on our Fire Emoji playlist.

Ghost Mode Tracklist:

  1. Posting Less
  2. Ghost Mode
  3. Feel How I Look
  4. Ex Dealer Flow 2 (feat. Jeezy)
  5. Half Ounce (feat. Hope Raney)
  6. Crib In The Woods
  7. Checkin Into Suites
  8. Rich N*gga Vibes
  9. Excuse My French (feat. Biance’ Badd)
  10. Paybach
  11. Existence (feat. Babyface Ray)
  12. Everything I Want In Life (feat. Big Quis)
  13. I’m Stacking
  14. Letter 2 The Lost
  15. Balcony Thoughts

KXNG Crooked & Joell Ortiz Drop Collab EP, “JFKLAX”

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Joell Ortiz and KXNG Crooked linked up once again to drop a brand new EP, JFKLAX. Moreover, the title references both MCs’ respective home cities, although that distance doesn’t reflect the quality of the music. In fact, both rappers are in top lyrical form on this project, which is unsurprising given their old-school credentials. Furthermore, you’ll find intricate rhyme patterns, cutting punchlines, and classic flows all over this short five-track offering. That length only adds to the project’s consistency and enjoyability, as they deliver focused verses.

Overall, JFKLAX is also a pretty effective combination of classic boom-bap beats and a more contemporary trap-style beat on the track “Foe Or Friend.” Still, most of this project’s instrumental pallet comes from its heavy sampling. These sonic backgrounds bring triumphant horns, dramatic piano chords, and deep, bassy percussion to elevate the frequent collaborators‘ performance. If you’ve ever liked an East Coast rapper, this project likely holds a captivating beat or collection of verses within.

KXNG Crooked & Joell Ortiz’s JFKLAX EP: Listen

However, not everyone received some of Crooked and Ortiz’s previous collabs well, particularly some of their colleagues. Furthermore, the other two members of their supergroup Slaughterhouse, Royce da 5’9″ and Joe Budden, expressed criticism of the duo’s 2022 project, Rise & Fall Of Slaughterhouse, which did not feature Royce or Budden. “For me, it was a little anticlimactic. It was like a rollercoaster. You watch it go up. It’s going up and it’s going up, and you expect the– and then you’re let down.” After all, they expected the album to be about them, but they didn’t find any such references.

Still, a lot of the group’s disagreements and internal fights are quite unfortunate considering the caliber of lyricism they represent. Regardless, what did you think of Joell Ortiz and KXNG Crooked’s latest collaborative EP, JFKLAX? However you feel, let us know in the comments and check out the tracklist below. Also, if you haven’t heard the project yet, you can find it on your preferred streaming service or on YouTube above. As always, stick around on HNHH for the latest great music releases each week.

Tracklist
1. Take Time
2. Dodgers
3. Foe Or Friend
4. Stay Dangerous (feat. Sly Pyper)
5. Blue Magic

Tink Collabs With Yung Bleu & Ty Dolla $ign On “Thanks 4 Nothing” Album

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It’s been a primarily rap-heavy weekend in terms of new albums, with Logic, Key Glock, and Yeat among those sharing new projects today (February 24). Thankfully for R&B lovers, Tink has come through with her second release in less than a year, this one called Thanks 4 Nothing. The 14-track release finds the vocalist mostly holding her own, though she did call in two industry favourites for help.

On the super sensual “Let Down My Guard,” the Illinois native and Ty Dolla $ign take turns trading bars. Elsewhere, TANTRA hitmaker Yung Bleu shows out on “Stingy” while preparing to drop an album of his own later this year. “Toxic” was the first Thanks 4 Nothing single Tink fed her fans. More recently, she teased her project with “Fake Love,” later following the single with a music video.

Tink Croons About “Fake Love” In Latest Visual

After working with him on 2022’s Pillow Talk and 2021’s Heat Of The Moment, the 27-year-old reunited with Hitmaka once again on her latest release. Throughout her lyrics, she chiefly navigates her past mistakes and the lessons learned from them in the aftermath of a toxic relationship.

Near the middle of the tracklist, we hear her rejoining the dating world and expressing fears of being hurt again on “Trust Issues.” By the time the final title, “New N*gga” rolls around, Tink makes it clear that she’s finally moved on with another man who won’t leave her crying due to infidelity.

Few artists have been coming with the same consistency as the “CAP” singer. Prior to her aforementioned albums, she shared Hopeless Romantic in 2020 and 2019 saw her unveil Voicemails. It’s still early in the year, so here’s hoping we hear more from Tink in the coming months.

Stream Tink’s latest album, Thanks 4 Nothing, on Spotify or Apple Music below. Afterward, tell us which of the two collab tracks you like better in the comments. Make sure to check back on Sunday (February 26) for more release recommendations on our weekly R&B Season playlist update.

Thanks 4 Nothing Tracklist:

  1. Thanks 4 Nothing (Intro)
  2. Fake Love
  3. Toxic
  4. Save Your Soul
  5. Someone On You
  6. I’m The Catch
  7. Let Down My Guard (with Ty Dolla $ign)
  8. Trust Issues
  9. Stingy (with Yung Bleu)
  10. Gangsta’s Paradise
  11. Streets Ain’t For Me
  12. Tongue Tied
  13. Ain’t Gotta Leave
  14. New N*gga

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Logic’s “College Park” Album Boasts Features From Joey Bada$$, Bun B, RZA, And More

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Despite previously retiring from rapping, this New Music Friday finds Logic making a triumphant return on his first independently released album. College Park arrived on DSPs at midnight on Friday (February 24), running over an hour in length and boasting several impressive collaborative efforts. The 33-year-old shared “Wake Up” featuring Lucy Rose as a single prior to his project, as well as “Highlife.”

Closer to College Park‘s debut, the lyricist also delivered “Lightsabers” in tandem with C Dot Castro. In the upbeat song’s accompanying music video, Logic gets his bars off for the camera while standing in the midst of flowing lava, rising buildings, and beautifully decorated rooms. Fans of the song’s guest feature will be happy to know that it’s not C’s only appearance on the album.

Logic’s Feel-Good “Lightsabers” Music Video

Logic tapped Castro to join him twice more, first on “Gaithersburg Freestyle” and later on 38.9897 °N 76.9378 °W. Both tracks also boast bars from Big Lenbo, and the former additionally finds Fat Trel and ADÉ showing out. Other noteworthy names on the tracklist include RZA, Family Guy creator Seth MacFarlane, and Joey Bada$$.

As Hypebeast notes, College Park‘s title is a tribute to the town in Maryland where the Grammy-nominated artist slept in Lenbo’s basement for a year. Throughout the tracklist, Logic paints a sonic picture of what that time was like for him, markedly reflecting on his personal growth.

Stream Logic’s College Park album on Spotify or Apple Music below. Afterward, tell us your top three titles from the tracklist in the comments. Make sure to check back all weekend long for more hip-hop and R&B release recommendations.

College Park Tracklist:

  1. Cruisin’ Through the Universe (feat. RZA)
  2. Wake Up (feat. Lucy Rose)
  3. Lightsabers (feat. C Dot Castro)
  4. Clone Wars III
  5. Redpill VII
  6. Playwright (feat. Andy Hull)
  7. Gaithersburg Freestyle (feat. C Dot Castro, Big Lendo, Fat Trel, and ADÉ)
  8. Insipio
  9. Self Medication (feat. Seth MacFarlane, Redman, Statik Selektah)
  10. Shimmy (feat. Joey Bada$$)
  11. Paradise II (feat. Norah Jones)
  12. Come on Down (feat. Jordan Harris)
  13. Village Slum
  14. Highlife
  15. 38.9897 °N 76.9378 °W (feat. C Dot Castro and Big Lenbo)
  16. Ayo (feat. Bun B and Lil Keke)
  17. Lightyear

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Key Glock Delivers On “Glockoma 2”

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It’s officially Glock season. In the past year and some change, Key Glock ascended as the de facto frontman of the Paper Route Empire roster. Following Young Dolph’s death, the rapper took a step back from the limelight, though he didn’t hold out on releasing new music. The rapper dished out the deluxe edition of Yellow Tape 2, which practically served as a project in its own right. It served as his first release since Dolph’s passing, and it became clear that he made it his mission to keep his cousin’s name alive.

Since then, Glock hasn’t slowed down his pace by any means. Between the influx of guest verses and the release of PRE5L in 2022, he kept his grip on the rap game as fans anticipated his next body of work. In recent weeks, he began plotting out the sequel to 2018’s Glockoma. He placed billboards up during Super Bowl weekend. Then, fans noticed that Glockoma 2 had online advertisements plastered across WebMD. It was a subtle yet effective marketing campaign that helped build anticipation for his next project, Glockoma 2. 

Key Glock – Glockoma 2

The wait is officially over. Key Glock came through this morning with the release of his highly-anticipated new album, Glockoma 2. His latest project boasts 15 songs in total — including singles like “Work” — with not a single feature attached to the tracklist. Glock shines all on his own, flexing his lyrical tenacity and showcasing his dominant presence in the rap game from the moment you press play on “Dirt.” For fans waiting on a full-length from Glizzock, Glockoma 2 surely won’t disappoint.

The rapper comes through with an array of producers to flesh out the project. Of course, Paper Route Empire’s Bandplay boasts several credits on the project. However, the essence of Memphis is also captured by HitKidd, who contributes to two songs on the project. Additionally, Glock links up with King Ceeo, AIM ON MY NECK, Teddy Walton, Bankroll Got It, Mannie II, Blondobeats, and more for his latest effort. Press play on Glock’s new project, Glockoma 2, above and sound off with your thoughts in the comment section below. 

Gorillaz Drops New Album “Cracker Island”

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Gorillaz has just dropped Cracker Island, marking the band’s eighth studio album. The English band has been hinting at this project since August and has teased its release with a few singles from the album. With 10 tracks in total, the collective work further solidify’s Gorillaz’s indescribably unique take on music that blends genres together seamlessly. The album itself boasts a wide range of featured artists, including Latin singer Bad Bunny, rock icon Stevie Nicks, and psychedelic-inspired producer Tame Impala.

Cracker Island also includes the band’s recent release of “Silent Running,” in which they collaborated with vocalist Adeleye Omotayo. Prior to the drop of the album, band members expressed their anticipation for their first large project since 2020’s Song Machine, Season One: Strange Timez in a press release. Guitarist Noodle stated, “Cracker Island is the sound of change and the chorus of the collective,” with bassist Murdoc Niccals adding, “the hallowed tones of Cracker Island will soundtrack our collective ascension into the new dimension!”

Gorillaz’s “Cracker Island” Defies Genre Expectations

Niccals and Noodle both hit the nail on the head with their descriptions of Cracker Island. In all, Gorillaz has again showcased its incredible skills in versatility and fearlessness in experimentation. From the groovy and deep beats of “Cracker Island” featuring Thundercat to the band’s unlikely take on alternative reggeaton in their Bad Bunny collaboration “Tormenta,” Cracker Island takes listeners on an unmatched journey through contemplative sounds and danceable tunes.

Of course, the album cover features the iconic cartoons of the band, illustrated by co-founder Jamie Hewlett. The release of Cracker Island follows the unfortunate news of Gorillaz’s Netflix movie being canceled. But, Hewlett has still found a way to bring unique animations to the screen in the debut music video for the latest project. Be sure to check out Cracker Island, now streaming on all platforms, and let us know what you think in the comments below. For the latest news about hip-hop and pop culture, keep in touch with HNHH.

Cracker Island Tracklist:

  1. Cracker Island (feat. Thundercat)
  2. Oil (feat. Stevie Nicks)
  3. The Tired Influencer
  4. Silent Running (feat. Adeleye Omotayo)
  5. New Gold (feat. Tame Impala and Bootie Brown)
  6. Baby Queen
  7. Tarantula
  8. Tormenta (feat. Bad Bunny)
  9. Skinny Ape
  10. Possession Island (feat. Beck)

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Wiz Khalifa’s “Star Power” Drops On Streaming Platforms

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As Wiz Khalifa’s first drop of 2023, the rapper has finally released his 2008 mixtape Star Power on streaming platforms. As one of the 35-year-old’s first projects, Star Power was instrumental in putting Khalifa on the map as the rapper he is known as today. Although the initial mixtape featured 26 songs, including five freestyles, its new release has been consolidated to 23 tracks. Still, artists like Johnny Juliano, Chevy Woods (who previously went as Kev Da Hustla), and Boaz make their feature on Khalifa’s cosmic album.

Dropping 15 years after its initial conception, Star Power proves to remain timeless in inducing energy and momentum. The upbeat album marks the “So High” singer’s commitment to evolving as an artist, which also involves personal growth. In a recent interview with GQ, Khalifa reflects on how he had “partied hard” in his 20s, but now is committed to instilling healthy habits in his day-to-day life through his “Wiz Wellness Plan.” The mixtape release of Star Power was conceptualized by 20-year-old Khalifa, which is reflected in the album’s unapologetic lyrics and youthful beats.

Wiz Khalifa’s 2008 Mixtape Gets A Revamp

Star Power features some of Khalifa’s iconic hits, like “Ink My Whole Body” and “So High.” The totality of the album can be listened to in just a little over an hour and is filled with feel-good jams from the rapper’s early days. Needless to say, this project is worth revisiting.

Although Khalifa primarily focuses on his health and fitness goals right now, including a rigorous MMA training schedule, he still finds time to connect with his inner artist. Last year, the award-winning rapper dropped his seventh studio album, Multiverse, which continued the cosmic allusions of his 2008 mixtape. Be sure to check out Star Power, available on streaming platforms today. As always, keep in touch with HNHH for the hottest news on all things hip-hop.

Star Power Tracklist:

  1. Intro
  2. I’m A Star (feat. Johnny Juliano)
  3. Feels Good
  4. Hero (Freestyle)
  5. Be Easy (feat. Boaz, Chevy Woods, and Young Ro)
  6. How You Live
  7. Bankroll (feat. Courtney Noelle)
  8. Change Up
  9. Shawty Wanna Roll (feat. Lavish)
  10. P.W.P (feat. Chevy Woods)
  11. My Life (feat. Johnny Juliano)
  12. Imma Keep
  13. Dope Boys (Freestyle)
  14. So High
  15. Pop Bottles
  16. Star Power
  17. Ink My Whole Body
  18. Like A Star
  19. Spaceship
  20. Take A Ride
  21. Flickin’ Ashes
  22. Where The Cash At (Freestyle)
  23. Spacely (feat. Rocky Fontaine)

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