Mixtapes

Wale The Sage Delivers 9 Featureless Songs On New “Running From Time” EP

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Our weekly R&B Season update was notably female-focused this weekend, but that doesn’t mean we don’t have groovy tracks from male artists for you to check out elsewhere. For example, Wale the Sage’s Running From Time EP is the perfect listen if you’re hoping to get rid of some Sunday Scaries this evening. The project finally arrived on Friday (February 3) and has already earned the rising multi-talent more fans in his ever-growing audience.

Spanning nine songs, the recent effort markedly declares Wale’s debut. The Atlanta-based, Nigeria-born creative lyricizes about topics such as his family’s immigration story, his own love life, money, and various other ups and downs that come between life and death.

Image provided to HNHH by Jhalin Knowles

“‘Running From Time’ depicts the self-struggle with wanting to escape the parameters within time itself in search for inner peace,” he explains via press release. “It details that there is beauty to be found within the chaos of life and its many obstacles.”

Wale further explains, “Though the entirety of the project illustrates a journey to find inner peace, there actually is no resolve by the end of the project. This is intended to show the reality that sometimes, a happy ending is not always achieved.”

While Running From Time itself has been undeniably satisfying, that’s not the only gift the recording artist had in store for fans. The EP’s third title, “Don’t Remind Me” also received an accompanying music video, which the Sage himself directed.

Aside from his latest work, other releases to come from WtS last year include “Red Lights,” “4am in ATL,” and “Family Affair.” Additionally, he’s chiefly been impressing listeners with his vocals on songs like “Smoking On Soprano (S.O.S.)” and “Life In Pink.”

Stream Wale the Sage’s Running From Time EP on Spotify or Apple Music below. Afterward, tell us your top three favourite tracks in the comment section. Finally, make sure to check back later for more hip-hop and R&B release updates.

Running From Time Tracklist:

  1. Running From Time
  2. Bleue
  3. Don’t Remind Me
  4. Stuck In My Mind
  5. 2.22
  6. Everybody Dies
  7. Men Don’t Cry
  8. 4005
  9. Love Is

[Via]

Coldxman Makes His Mark With Debut Album, “Amor Fati”

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New York resident Coldxman just burst onto the scene with his debut album, Amor fati, which translates to “love of fate.” However, this project’s characteristics, vision, and displays of skill seem much more refined that many first releases out there. Of course, that’s due to Coldxman, real name Coleman Hughes, being an accomplished musician and writer before his independent rap debut. Moreover, he’s a talented trombone player and jazz soloist who’s played worldwide with the likes of the Mingus Big Band and Rihanna. Also, he played since he was 3, grew up as a passionate listener and musician, and went to Juilliard on a full scholarship to study jazz.

Moreover, Amor fati roots itself in classic boom-bap rhythms and East Coast flows, which come through clearly and vividly. For example, he’s able to switch between confidence and doubt, anger and tenderness, melodic choruses to rapid-fire verses. Also, given his accomplished background, these songs sit on a foundation of beautiful and crisp instrumentation. Whether it’s sharp drum patters, woozy guitars, colorful brass, or resonant keys, there’s a world to discover in each beat. Some of the album’s best tracks are “What Doesn’t Kill U,” “25,” and “Blasphemy.” While it’s clearly rooted in current sounds and genre styles, what brings everything together is Hughes’s perspective. Even with the quality of the beats and genre fusions, they’re crucially supported by his message.

Throughout this album, the young MC tackles systemic racism, cultural narratives that shift people against each other, and navigating it in a difficult landscape. Overall, it’s a compelling and vivid picture of a creative and thoughtful mind that’s surely got more in store. Still, what did you think of Coldxman’s debut album, Amor fati? However y, let us know in the comments and check out the project’s tracklist down below. Also, if you haven’t heard the project yet, you can find it in your preferred streaming service. As always, come back to HNHH for the freshest new music each week from current titans and the next generation.

Tracklist
1. 25
2. Straight A’s
3. All To Myself
4. Take
5. Alibi (feat. Estrella)
6. Blasphemy
7. Forward
8. Chinos
9. What Doesn’t Kill U
10. Fruit

2KBaby Shares New Album, “Scared 2 Love”

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Louisville rapper and singer 2KBaby just released his latest project, the heart-ached but mellow Scared 2 Love. Following previous singles like “Don’t Love Me Now” featuring charlieonnafriday, this tape expands on that sentimental relationship narrative. Despite the focused theme and similar stories running through each tracks, this album boasts effective emotional and sonic variety. Moreover, the 22-year-old plays with upbeat tempos, melancholy verses, aggressive delivery, and melodic passages. Furthermore, Scared 2 Love explores love through a lot of different mindsets, and there’s something to listen to at every phase of a relationship.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – APRIL 30: (L-R) Christian Michael Todd, aka 2KBaby attends the 2022 Parlor Games Celebrity Basketball Classic at the Cox Pavilion on April 30, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Greg Doherty/Getty Images)

Furthermore, anyone can relate to 2K’s perspectives, and he takes advantage of that with a dynamic tracklist. Moreover, its first half is peppered with piano-led trap ballads like “IDKY” and “Rain.” However, the opener “Angel” and “Mood Swings” amp the energy up with rage-inspired and drill cuts, respectively. Even if this tape is thematically focused, he still injects tracks with similar energy to his previous mixtapes. For example, the last track “Overdue” contains more energetic flows like on last year’s Sorry 4 The Hate. Still, the rapper’s eccentric personality and hardened perspectives shine bright through his vocal performances. While his lyricism may be straightforward, he relies on melodies and atmospheres over words to get his emotions across.

While this project might focus mostly on connection and 2K’s own struggles with them, it’s not all such a downer. Still, what did you think of 2KBaby’s latest offering, Scared 2 Love? However you feel, let us know in the comments and check out the album’s versatile tracklist down below. Also, if you haven’t heard the project yet, you can find the tape on your preferred streaming service. Finally, as always, come back to HNHH for the best new hip-hop and other genre releases every week.

Tracklist
1. Angel
2. Don’t Love Me Now (feat. charlieonnafriday)
3. Rain
4. Mood Swings
5. IDKY
6. I Left
7. Fireworks
8. 40’s and 9’s
9. You Don’t Know The Half
10. Gone
11. Stand Love
12. Overdue

SXMPRA Shares New EP, “The Evil In Which We Thrive”

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SXMPRA has released his first EP to date, The Evil In Which We Thrive, featuring his recent singles, “GOD MODE!,” “LOCKJAW,” and “JDM DRIFT EDIT VERY TRENDY HOUSE PHONK!.” His close friend and collaborator Dozy Doe produced the project.

The EP kicks off with “GOD MODE!,” which features a blend of hardcore hip-hop and nu-metal sounds. SXMPRA discussed the making of the track at the time of its release, last month.

“’GOD MODE!’ was made in the exact same setting as “LOCKJAW,” but only the day before,” SXMPRA stated. “Dozy made this beat after I suggested he watch the movie Midsommar, which he found himself inspired by. This track doesn’t necessarily have a story behind it, but a story can be found in the pure aggression of the track. It’s up for interpretation!”

After the newest single, “JDM DRIFT EDIT VERY TRENDY HOUSE PHONK!,” the project moves onto “LOCKJAW!”

“Dozy and I created this song with the intention of having a catchy element while still staying true to both of our usual gritty sounds,” SXMPRA said in a statement. “We aimed to create a dark atmosphere paired with a high tempo and aggressive top line that snatches the listeners attention, drawing them in and keeping them intrigued with multiple switch ups.”

SXMPRA cites XXXtentacion, Suicideboys, as well as Pouya as inspirations for his sound, which blends elements of rap and rock together.

Later this month, SXMPRA will be hitting the road to promote The Evil In Which We Thrive. He will be joining New Zealand-based rapper Lil Bubblegum for the tour, “Holy Guap!” They’ll be hitting seven cities in the U.S. and Canada during a 10-day period. The tour kicks off on February 7th at The Echo in Los Angeles before hitting Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Chicago, and Toronto. It eventually concludes at Elsewhere Zone One in New York City on February 17th.

“USA + CANADA WE’RE COMING FOR YOU!” SXMPRA announced on Twitter back in December, before adding, “THE HOLY GUAP! TOUR, A 7 STOP TOUR ACROSS USA & CANADA! TICKETS ON SALE NOW AT http://sxmpra.com or http://lilbubblegum.com.”

Check out SXMPRA’s EP, The Evil In Which We Thrive, below.

Tracklist:
  • GOD MODE!
  • JDM DRIFT EDIT VERY TRENDY HOUSE PHONK!
  • LOCKJAW!
  • BYE EYED MESSIAH
  • NIGHTMARE

Killah Priest Unleashes “Ragnarok” Remix Album

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Already, Killah Priest is off to a prolific start in 2023 with his newest album, Ragnarok Remixes. As the title implies, the project consists of remixes of his 2021 album with Shaka Amazulu The 7th, Ragnarok. In fact, this remix album features Killah Priest’s recently formed supergroup, The HRSMN. Moreover, he joined Kurupt, Canibus, and Ras Kass to form their lyrical troop. While the verses and core tracks keep their essence on this remix album, the beats really come alive. Furthermore, some of its architects are B.S.O.M., Anthai, 4th Disciple, DJ Dave, and many more.

NEW YORK, NY – SEPTEMBER 17: Killah Priest performs onstage during the Meadows Music and Arts Festival – Day 3 at Citi Field on September 17, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Roy Rochlin/Getty Images)

Wu-Tang Legacy

However, last we heard from Killah Priest in the headlines came from some controversial comments from N.O.R.E.. The media personality referred to many rappers, including Priest, as Wu-Tang “flunkies.” Also, he reached out to Priest after his comments caught heat in order to make amends. For example, Shyheim, one of the dissed rappers, aimed shots at Noreaga after his assessment. “N***as get drunk and run they mouth, and don’t know what you talkin’ about,” he wrote on his IG page. “I ain’t ever been nobody’s flunky or nonexistent. I am the true and living god. I’m in present time, n***a. F**k outta here.” 

Still, what did you think of Killah Priest’s latest album, the instrumentally dense Ragnarok Remixes? However you feel, let us know in the comments and check out the tracklist down below. Also, if you haven’t heard the project yet, you can find the remix collection on your preferred streaming service. Furthermore, check back in with HNHH for the best new mixtapes, singles, and everything in between each week.

Tracklist
1. The Ark Before Noah (B.S.O.M. Remix ft. Shaka Amazulu The 7th)
2. B.4.R.C.O.D.3. (Anthai Remix)
3. Day of the Dead (Krohme’s Reprise ft. Blind Orbits)
4. Mind Detect Mind (Cotardz Remix ft. Hus KingPin & Planet Asia)
5. T.E.A. (Willie Maestro Remix ft. Mega-Powers, Pro the Leader, Shaka Amazulu The 7th, Solomon Childs & The Holocaust)
6. Dark Planets (Si Abuelita Remix ft. Thea Van Seijen)
7. Double Couple (Bronze Nazareth Remix)
8. Ragnoros Hammer (DJ Dave Remix)
9. Black Market Rustlers (B.S.O.M. Remix ft. Hell Razah & Timbo King)
10. The Darkness (4th Disciple Remix)
11. “I” (Yodi Remix)
12. M.D.M. (Iron Shiek Hrsmn Remix ft. Hus KingPin, Kurupt, Planet Asia, Ras Kass & HRSMN)

Kevin Gates Celebrates A Massive Milestone With “The Luca Brasi Story (A Decade Of Brasi)”

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Kevin Gates remains a pioneering figure in the South, even though his antics often outshine his music. Nonetheless, he blessed fans with classics throughout his career, largely from his mixtape run. Even though it’s been a decade since it dropped, it still sounds as good now as it did back then.

2023 marks the 10-year anniversary of The Luca Brasi Story. Though Gates isn’t necessarily the type to boast about each milestone he reaches in his career, The Luca Brasi Story undoubtedly played a pivotal role in his success. Today, he blessed fans with the project in its entirety on streaming services, titled, The Luca Brasi Story (A Decade Of Brasi). For the first time ever, the mixtape is available with all 22 songs on streaming services. Prior to this, the project was available on DSPs, though it only boasted 9 songs from the project. Since it arrived for free on platforms like DatPiff, it clearly took a bit more work to clear samples and clean up the administrative part before fans could enjoy The Luca Brasi Story on Spotify and Apple Music.

NEWARK, NEW JERSEY – SEPTEMBER 23: Kevin Gates attends the Shakur Stevenson vs Robson Conceição fight night for the WBC and WBO junior lightweight championship at Prudential Center on September 23, 2023 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Mikey Williams/Top Rank Inc via Getty Images)

Around the time he released the sequel, he explained that The Luca Brasi Story was inspired by friends who gave him the nickname of The Godfather enforcer. He said that he resonated with the character. Not only because of the aggression but Brasi’s passion for protecting his family.

“It was a nickname given to me so I wouldn’t say Luca Brasi is my series or my alter ego or anything like that. It’s just a character that I identify with,” he said. “He was the enforcer for the Corleone family. The protector, so to say and I protect the people I love so to say. If I love ‘em. But I don’t want to take that and make it one of my attributes.” 

Last year, Kevin Gates released his last studio album Khaza. Since then, Gates delivered more music and had his first TikTok record with “Thinkin With My D.” Revisit The Luca Brasi Story in its entirety below and sound off in the comments with your thoughts. 

Tay B Returns With “4Eva In My Bag” Deluxe Album Featuring Lil Baby, A Boogie, And More

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Detroit-based rapper Tay B is finally back with more heat. This New Music Friday (February 3), the rising star is back with a deluxe cut of his 4Eva In My Bag album. The 23-track effort landed at midnight via AFLN in partnership with Giant Music.

The original tape previously came in July 2022, complete with 15 tracks. On the new release, eight titles have been additionally added. Among them are “FREESKI” and “Rich All My Life” with Lil Baby. The latter marks the Atlanta native’s first musical appearance of the year.

Other new songs from the “Stashbox” hitmaker include “Really Turnt” and “Pay 2 Play,” as well as “All That Playin.” Furthermore, Veeze came through to assist on “777,” and “All That Playin.”

“This was the best project I released and the best reaction I ever got from a project,” Tay B said. “These new tracks are to show a step above what I just did.”

Fans quickly grew on the project’s distinct sound, and now that the deluxe has made its debut on DSPs, they finally have even more to rave over.

Popular titles to accordingly emerge from the original 4Eva In My Bag album include “Ask” featuring A Boogie Wit da Hoodie and “Rich Junkie” with Skilla Baby.

Other guest placements later come from Babyface Ray and GT on “Half On The Food,” and Baby Money “We Ain’t Even.” Additionally, Peezy does his thing on “Money Different.”

Stream Tay B’s 4Eva In My Bag deluxe album on Spotify or Apple Music below. Additionally, make sure to check back later this weekend for more recommendations on our Fire Emoji playlist update.

4Eva In My Bag (Deluxe) Tracklist:

  1. Really Turnt
  2. Pay 2 Play
  3. 777 (feat. Veeze)
  4. All That Playin
  5. Ask (feat. A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie)
  6. FREESKI
  7. Rich All My Life (feat. Lil Baby)
  8. Rich Junkie (feat. Skilla Baby)
  9. Lost Count
  10. My Goal
  11. Still Tay
  12. Send Em Up
  13. Up
  14. Half On the Food (feat. Babyface Ray & GT)
  15. LL Floom
  16. We Ain’t Even (feat. Baby Money)
  17. Just Facts
  18. Did it Again
  19. Money Different (feat. Peezy)
  20. Wish I Never
  21. At This Point
  22. Really
  23. In My Plans

[Via]

Ace Hood Drops Off “Body Bag 6”

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In a few ways, it feels like more artists are trying to bring back that feeling of the mixtapes during the DSP era. Mixtapes provided fans with an unadulterated glimpse into each MC’s skillsets. Ace Hood’s Body Bag series, for example, became a fixture during the blog era. This week, he returned with a new installment.

Shortly after releasing “OMG (Freestyle)” over Lil Durk and Gunna’s collab, Ace Hood came back with Body Bag 6. The latest installment in the beloved mixtape series is a return to form for Ace Hood as he tackles some of the biggest beats in recent times. Not only does he come through with a rendition of “Virgil,” but he also takes on a few Future records like “Puffin On Zooties” and “Wait For You.” Additionally, he takes on Lil Baby’s “In A Minute,” and Bia’s hit record, “London.” Ace Hood is evidently in beast mode right now. Body Bag 6 indicates what he has in store for 2023.

MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA – JULY 08: Rapper Ace Hood poses in the front row at Faena Forum on July 08, 2021 in Miami Beach, Florida. (Photo by Arun Nevader/Getty Images for Art Hearts Fashion)

The rapper’s unveiled a slew of projects independently during his recent run. In 2022, he released, M.I.N.D which showcased a significant amount of growth and maturity since Mr. Hood. However, for the fans that followed his journey from the jump, mixtapes like Body Bag and Starvation captured his hunger. During a 2022 interview with HotNewHipHop, he said fans have been drawn to his hustle and his mixtapes have always embodied that energy.

“They always represented my pain and my struggle and really represented the things that I was struggling with,” he said of the Starvation series. “So I think, now, it’s important to share my light with my fans of what I’ve learned on the journey of figuring myself out in the space of survival, in a space of hustling and all of that.” Check out Body Bag 6 below and sound off with your thoughts in the comments.

  1. OMG (Freestyle)
  2. London (Freestyle)
  3. Gallery Depot
  4. Puffin On Zooties (Freestyle)
  5. Celebrate You
  6. Wait For You (Freestyle) Ft. Slim Diesel
  7. In A Minute (Freestyle)
  8. Oil Spill (Freestyle) ft. Slim Diesel. 

JayDaYoungan’s Posthumous “Forever 23 2x” Album Is Here

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Last summer, JayDaYoungan tragically lost his life at 23 years old in the midst of a shooting. The hip-hop community was taken aback by the sudden and gruesome incident and has continued to keep the late lyricist in their thoughts and prayers ever since.

While he’s no longer here with us to share his musical creations himself, the Louisana native’s estate has been making sure his art gets into the hands of fans, just as Jay intended it would.

JayDaYoungan attends Pandora SXSW 2018 on March 14, 2018 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for Pandora)

At the end of January, the “Opps” artist’s Instagram feed previously lit up with an exciting message. In that upload, it was chiefly promised that a posthumous album would be coming in February.

Today (February 3), the project finally made its debut. Titled Forever 23 2x, it consists of 16 new titles. The lone feature markedly comes from FG Famous on “Me & My Brudda.”

Aside from that collaborative effort, fans of JayDaYoungan will be undoubtedly happy to know that the other songs on the tracklist are comprised of his own work and clever lyricism.

As for production, names like JB Sauced Up, Heartbeatz, and Lako are among those who significantly crafted beats for Forever 23 2x.

After the album landed on streamers, another IG post went up to remind fans to stream. So far, several users have dubbed it a “no skips” release. Additionally, many others reminded DaYoungan in his heavenly home that they plan to “forever remember” him and his legacy.

Prior to his untimely passing, JDY made a name for himself with releases like his Scarred EP as well as “2 Lil N*ggas Uptown” with Lil Ivyjr and “Many Men” alongside Fredo Bang.

While we continue to mourn, make sure to stream JayDaYoungan’s posthumous Forever 23 2x album on Spotify or Apple Music below. Afterward, tell us your thoughts on the new project in the comments.

RIP.

Forever 23 2x Tracklist:

  1. Gossip
  2. Fentanyl
  3. Dirty Soul
  4. Plays Callin
  5. Gunpowder
  6. Tragic
  7. My Love
  8. Switch
  9. Clout
  10. Head Hurt
  11. I’m In Love
  12. What up
  13. Bastard
  14. Nobody Else
  15. Me & My Brudda (with FG Famous)
  16. Goodbye

Ella Mai Unveils “Heart On My Sleeve” Deluxe 

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In 2022, Ella Mai returned with her long-awaited sophomore album, Heart On My Sleeve. The project served as the follow-up to her self-titled debut, which boasted the hit record, “Boo’d Up.” However, Heart On My Sleeve felt more personal and captured a comprehensive glimpse of Ella Mai’s potential. The 15-song project found Ella Mai working with a variety of producers, including Mustard, Boi-1da, and more. Additionally, she also linked up with a handful of other artists, like Roddy Ricch, Lucky Daye, and Latto. 

Though the project remains in the rotation, she came back with even more heat with her fans this week. She dropped off the official deluxe edition of Heart On My Sleeve which includes three additional records. “2 O’Clock,” boasts production from Mustard and Kaytranada, who come through with an upbeat bop. Still, Mai’s vulnerability takes center stage. 

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 26: Ella Mai attends the 2022 BET Awards at Microsoft Theater on June 26, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Rodin Eckenroth/FilmMagic)

The re-release of Heart On My Sleeve should certainly leave fans happy. She hasn’t released any new music since she dropped the album. During an interview with HipHopDX, she explained that she took two years to work on Heart On My Sleeve while noting the differences between thai project and her debut.

“I was going into the studio and literally making exactly what I felt like on that day, and that was the first time I kind of was doing that,” she said. “With the process for my debut album, I was going in and kind of just trying to figure it out, but this process, I really was just speaking what was on my mind.”

Shortly after the project dropped, Mary J. Blige, who mentored Mai, praised the state of R&B music right now. “Right now, I love the state of R&B because of people like Ella Mai, Kiana Lede, Summer Walker, H.E.R., Jazmine [Sullivan], SZA, Ari Lennox – it’s so much hotness out there,” Blige said.

Check out the deluxe edition of Ella Mai’s Heart On My Sleeve below. 

[Via]