new album

Mickey Factz Floats Over Jay-Z’s “Encore” On L.A. Leakers: Watch

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Bronx rapper Mickey Factz visited Justin Credible and DJ Sourmilk on L.A. Leakers for some impressive bars. Over Jay-Z’s “Encore,” Factz gave a solid performance with some lyrical gems and potent flows. Even with all that skill, his proficiency is unsurprising. Specifically, this was his fourth freestyle with Credible and Sourmilk, and the veteran status shows.

Moreover, Factz dropped his newest album, It’s Only Us Here, last week on Friday, December 16th. It consists of fourteen tracks produced by Ayo Shamir and includes guests like Raheem DeVaughn, Sy Ari Da Kid, and Shareef Keyes. It’s filled with great rapping, not unlike the standard he brought to Power 106 Los Angeles with this freestyle. “Got a lot of real estate, check where the place at / Highrise office, where the lake at?/ All a dream like the ’95 finals ’cause I wanna Shake Shack.”

NEW YORK, NY – OCTOBER 01: Hip-hop artist Mickey Factz attends the UNIQLO and LEMAIRE pre-shopping event at UNIQLO on October 1, 2015 in New York City. (Photo by Brian Ach/Getty Images for Uniqlo and Lemaire)

In fact, he didn’t contain his skills to just “Encore.” Also, the 40-year-old rapper flowed over Jadakiss’s “We Gonna Make It” with some engaging wordplay. “Wall Street trap s**t yeah / ‘Cause when my man came home / He learned the market then went and got a bag quick / While you putting calls to get a cash flip / I’ll be doing puts and calls to get a fast lick / and that’s the only option here’s the last tip / Only invest what you can afford, and that’s it.” While Ab-Soul’s recent freestyle was also incredible, Mickey Factz is keeping that quality up. 

What did you think of Mickey Factz’s L.A. Leakers freestyle? Is it better than his Royce Da 5’9″ diss from last year? Let us know in the comments down below, and type in your favorite bars from it. Also, peep some of our favorite standouts from the freestyle below. Finally, stay locked in to HNHHfor the best freestyles on the radio circuit.

Quotable Lyrics

When it comes to the money gotta make that
It’s a Puff Daddy slogan, homie gotta take that
Fendi umbrella where it rain at, 
Had to put my baby all in the Fenty ASAP
Much love to Rihanna ’cause she made that

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Marc E. Bassy’s “Man Makes Plans” EP Arrives On DSPs In Time For Christmas

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After hearing his fans beg and plead for the past two years, Marc E. Bassy has finally brought his Man Makes Plans project to streaming platforms. Landing on Friday (December 23), it consists of 12 unique titles – all featureless – and reminds the world exactly why the 35-year-old deserves all the flowers.

When originally sharing his work on April 3rd of 2020, he took to Twitter to share a SoundCloud link. “‘Man Makes Plans’ – a little collection I’ve been sitting on [that] the team said I have to give to the people.”

Immediately, comments came flooding in, begging Bassy to add the songs to Spotify. All this time later, the world has finally gotten its wish.

He previously teased the exciting news earlier this month in another tweet. “Ask and you shall receive! I’m putting out a B-sides project of songs – previously only available on SoundCloud – on all streaming platforms,” the singer wrote.

“When putting out an album, I always try to make it the most cohesive experience for listeners. ‘Man Makes Plans’ is a collection of some of my favourite pieces that ended up on the editing room floor. They deserve better.”

Additionally, Bassy let readers know that he’ll be “re-releasing some discontinued merch” and announcing a “special contest” in the near future.

“Thank you for your ongoing support, it means the world to me. Happy holidays!” his message concludes.

Stream Marc E. Bassy’s Man Makes Plans project on Spotify or Apple Music below. Afterward, tell us your top three favourite titles in the comment section.

Man Makes Plans Tracklist:

  1. Black Eyed Angel
  2. You Pour Up Mine
  3. Wait For You
  4. Having Fun
  5. Birkin Baby
  6. Glory
  7. Like A Dream
  8. Tonight
  9. Paper Paper
  10. Drunk Tank
  11. Six Figures
  12. Overtime

Pusha T & DJ Drama Announce “Gangsta Grillz” Mixtape In 2023

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After a crazy year for hip-hop, some artists are making it clear that next year might be even better. Pusha T and DJ Drama announced that they will release a Gangsta Grillz project together in 2023. They spoke on Rap Radar’s Brian “B.Dot” Miller’s Twitter space to share the news. King Push also announced that he’s got a solo album on the way as well. As such, fans can’t wait for new music so soon after this year’s It’s Almost Dry. 

CHARLOTTE, NC – MARCH 01: Meek Mill, Trinidad James, DJ Drama and Pusha T attend a party hosted by T.I. and Fabolous at Cameo Nightclub on March 1, 2013 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Prince Williams/FilmMagic)

We still don’t have an audio clip from the space, i.e. any proof that they said this. However, many outlets on Twitter have corroborated the clip, including Andrew Barber of Fake Shore Drive. While some fans whined that Drama’s working with an older artist and not a new face… I mean, it’s Pusha T. How could it not be great? Many are also excited about the tape’s potential features and reunions, à la Clipse on It’s Almost Dry. 

Although we’re still waiting on the 100% push from Push, it’s no wonder fans are so excited. DJ Drama worked on some of the greatest mixtapes of the 2000s with Pharrell, Lil Wayne, Ludacris, and many more. What’s more is that he’s still dropping projects today. He worked with Tyler, the Creator on CALL ME IF YOU GET LOST and with Icewear Vezzo for the recent Paint The City tape. 

Meanwhile, Pusha T’s been quite busy as of late, too. Recently, his cover story with XXL gave us a lot of insight into his career movement. Moreover, he spoke on his relationship with Kanye West, an upcoming new album, and his evolved beef with Drake. Even with all that extra news surrounding him, he’s giving It’s Almost Dry its proper credit before the Grammys. As one of the best hip-hop albums of the year, which followed one of 2018’s best in Daytona, he’s bound to drop nothing but excellence.

Are you excited for King Push’s Gangsta Grillz tape with DJ Drama? Let us know in the comments down below. Also, as always, stay up to date with HNHH to catch the latest album announcements, collabs, and future classics.

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New York’s MIKE Drops New Album, “Beware Of The Monkey”

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MIKE continues to be a shining star amongst the underground hip-hop scene.

Making music since 2015, he’s one of the leaders in the wave of abstract artists rapping over looped, sample-heavy production.

On Wednesday (December 21), the New York emcee officially dropped his latest offering, Beware of the Monkey.

The project contains 13 tracks, including its three priorly-released singles from earlier this year, “nuthin i can do is wrng,” “What Do I Do?” and “Stop Worry!”

Additionally, guest appearances come from Jadasea, Klein, King Carter and Jamaican dancehall singer, Sister Nancy.

The latter is a feature on the aforementioned “Stop Worry!” and is particularly known for her 1982 hit, “Bam Bam.”

The single finds MIKE getting introspective when reflecting on his vices and his increase in popularity. “Grab a cup and let my face drown, accompanied with trees / Stu-Stuttering away, cause the company to leave / Just need something I could break down, budge against the heat / Buckle up, we ’bout to change routes, never changing speed,” he raps explicitly in the opening verse.

Furthermore, Beware of the Monkey continues the New York rapper’s trend of dropping a new project on a yearly basis since at least 2017. It serves as the follow-up to his masterpiece from June of last year, Disco!

He subsequently made an appearance on The Alchemist‘s EP, This Thing Of Ours 2. MIKE serves as the sole feature on the second track, “Lossless.” Altogether, the short project boasts other features from the likes of Vince Staples, MAVI and Bruiser Brigade.

The duo linked up just a few weeks earlier for last month’s three-song EP, One More Time with fellow New York rapper, Wiki.

Along with the fresh album release, also came another new music video for one of the tracks, “No Curse Lifted (rivers of love).”

Despite having an otherwise quiet year outside of the singles, the new album arrives just in time to further complicate your year-end lists.

He certainly doesn’t let his fans down, as the new album further cements him as one of underground rap’s best storytellers.

Finally, make sure to stream Beware of the Monkey on Spotify or Apple Music soon. Let us know your top three songs in the comments afterwards.

Beware of the Monkey Tracklist:

  1. nuthin i can do is wrng
  2. As 4 Me
  3. Eczema
  4. Light (if u can’t see) [feat. Jadasea]
  5. No Curse Lifted (rivers of love)
  6. What Do I Do?
  7. Ipari Park (feat. Klein)
  8. Swoosh 23
  9. Tapestry
  10. Stop Worry! (feat. Sister Nancy)
  11. WEARY LOVE
  12. Concrète (feat. King Carter)
  13. Closing Credits

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Kid Cudi Says He & Young Thug Have 2 Songs Coming Out

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Kid Cudi confirmed that he has two collaborations with Young Thug coming out in the near future. Speaking to his fans on Twitter, Cudi explained that he will include one on his next album, while Thug will release the other.

“I got 2 songs w Thug I did last year,” Cudi tweeted. “1 of them goin on the new album the other he’ll use. These songs are fuckin INSANE. Im tellin u. U have no idea.”

MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – JULY 22: Rapper Kid Cudi performs onstage during day one of Rolling Loud Miami 2022 at Hard Rock Stadium on July 22, 2022 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Jason Koerner/Getty Images)

Young Thug is currently awaiting trial for the massive YSL RICO case, which is set to kick off next year.

New of more music from Cudi comes just months after his eighth studio album, Entergalactic. At the time, Cudi hinted at being done with music while speaking with Apple Music’s Zane Lowe in September. He said he’s gotten “bored of making albums” and needs something “different.”

“The Kid Cudi stuff, I think I want to put it on the back burner and chill out with that,” he said. “I think, I want to be done with it. I think, closing the chapter on Kid Cudi. The goal for Entergalactic, I was bored of making albums.

“Just, doing an album, two music videos and that’s it,” he further added. “And I was like, ‘Man, I went into this wanting to do something epic and different.’ And now, that I’ve done that, I just… I’ve made a lot of music, man.”

Earlier in the week on Twitter, Cudi recalled going on a two-week-long “cocaine run” after filming his music video for “Frequency.”

Check out Kid Cudi’s recent tweet below.

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BabyK Osama Drops Off 13 Tracks On “BabyK 3” Project

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Plenty of hip-hop legends have returned with new music in the last month of 2022, but this weekend specifically, we’ve been hearing a lot from some of the younger names in the game. Previously today we recommended 20-year-old PGF Nuk’s “Sko” single. Now, we’re finally sharing 19-year-old BabyK Osama’s latest EP for your consideration.

BabyK3 initially landed on Wednesday (December 14). It was preceded by singles like “No Attempts” with Anti Da Menace as well as “All fa da Fame.” Additionally, the Jacksonville native gave fans a music video for the fourth title, “Raq,” along with his release.

The 13-track project boasts two other guest features. One comes from Backstreet TK on “Keep Counting,” and the other from 7milekory on “Kall My Cousin.”

Aside from those, Osama keeps things rolling by himself on titles like “Limbo,” “Last Minute,” and “2AM IN HOUSTON.”

Thus far, “I Miss You” has emerged as a standout track. As he rhymes, BabyK markedly mourns the loss of a fallen friend. Behind him, listeners hear “a brooding, bluesy instrumental carried by a sorrowful bass and whining keyboard.”

In the past, the rising rapper has earned co-signs from names like Yungeen Ace, Jdot Breezy, and GMK. Seeing as his new EP finds him exploring new sonic textures and expanding lyrically, it’s likely that list will only continue to grow.

His own personal influences include Kodak Black and Lil Durk, though he grew up on names like J. Cole and Kendrick Lamar.

Stream BabyK Osama’s BabyK3 on Spotify or Apple Music below. Afterward, let us know which of the songs is your favourite in the comments.

BabyK 3 Tracklist:

  1. Bad Bitch
  2. I Miss You
  3. Kall My Cousin (with 7milekory)
  4. Raq
  5. Limbo
  6. Rental
  7. Gorillas
  8. Dog Walked
  9. Last Minute
  10. 2AM IN HOUSTON
  11. All fa da Fame
  12. Keep Counting (with Backstreet TK)
  13. No Attempts (feat. Anti Da Menace)

Morray Discusses J. Cole Being A Mentor To Him

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Morray says that J. Cole has had him scrap several albums while mentoring him. The Street Sermons rapper reflected on his relationship with Cole during a new interview with HipHopDX.

“I can call Cole right now and he’ll be like, ‘What’s the issue?’ But I gotta be prepared for the answer,” he began. “That’s the thing about Cole, he gon’ give you Cole. But I love that because he’s not afraid to tell you what you don’t wanna hear to make you better.”

ATLANTA, GEORGIA – SEPTEMBER 27: Recording artist Morray performs onstage at State Farm Arena on September 27, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)

He continued: “I’ve presented hella albums, I’ve been ready for an album, don’t get me wrong, I’ve been ready. I’ve presented to Cole, he told me, ‘N***a, you’re not ready.’ Do you know how hard it is to take that from somebody you look up to? I think I’m done and you’re telling me I’m not? Back to the drawing board? But I appreciate him, because this album is staying.”

From there, Morray explained that he’s not showing Cole his newest album. Instead of getting advice, Morray is confident enough that he wants Cole to be surprised by the result when it drops.

“I feel like him being a solid mentor is more than anything,” he further said. “It doesn’t matter if we never do anything else, it don’t matter if no opportunities come with J. Cole, the fact that I can call him and get quick advice, and the fact that you answer the phone… salute, big bro.”

Both rappers hail from Fayetteville, North Carolina. The two first interacted in October 2020, after the release of Morray’s “Quicksand.”

Check out Morray’s comments on getting advice from J. Cole below.

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SZA Recalls How Phoebe Bridgers Collab Come Together

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SZA says that she and Phoebe Bridgers had the “best conversations” together while collaborating on “Ghost in the Machine.” The track is featured on SZA’s newest album, SOS, which she released last Friday.

“We had been playing festivals together recently, but [our sets were] at the same time so we never got to meet,” SZA explained to Consequence for a new cover story.

LOS ANGELES, CA – JUNE 25: SZA performs onstage at 2017 BET Awards at Microsoft Theater on June 25, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images )

However, they were able to get in touch with each other through social media DMs.

“She popped on by,” she said. “She was cool as f—.”

SZA added that they had the “best conversations” during the experience.

“It was interesting to bring us both together,” she explained.

Other artists featured on SOS include Don Toliver, and Travis Scott, as well as Ol’ Dirty Bastard. Speaking with Consequence, SZA detailed how she chose ODB to appear on the song, “Forgiveless.”

“I thought it was so crazy because I tried to find a feature for that song and no one responded in time,” SZA said “It turns out ODB just sounded the coolest before I could even think about anything else.”

Elsewhere in the interview, SZA discussed being called an “R&B artist,” a label she finds disrespectful.

“I’m so tired of being pegged as [an] R&B artist,” she admitted. “I feel like that’s super disrespectful, because people are just like, ‘Oh, ’cause you’re Black, this is what you have to be’ — like, put in a box. And I hate that. With songs on this album, it’s supposed to help round out the picture and the story.”

Check out SZA’s collaboration with Phoebe Bridgers, “Ghost in the Machine,” below.

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Bun B &Statik Selektah Release “Trillstatik 2”

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Two hip-hop heavy-hitters from different scenes have joined forces once again. Bun B and Statik Selektah have teamed up for their latest collaborative project, Trillstatik 2. Along with Bun’s Houston drawl and charisma and Statik’s classy East Coast production, there’s a host of amazing features. Some have returned from their first album together, like Big K.R.I.T, Smoke DZA, Haile Supreme, Termanology, and Paul Wall. Also, there are new exciting names like Boldy James, Dave East, Styles P, 38 Spesh, and Papoose.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – DECEMBER 07: Bun B attends Trillstatik 2Live Recording Session on December 07, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/WireImage/Getty Images)

While this release is surely exciting and successful for the Houston icon, it’s also a time of sad reminiscence. Recently, Bun B posted on Instagram on the 15-year anniversary of his partner Pimp C’s tragic passing. He wrote a touching message for his fellow UGK star, acknowledging how making music has been different for him ever since.

“Not a day goes by that I don’t feel the loss,” he expressed. “I just find better ways to cope with it. Missed and loved but appreciated for the time we did have with you. Your spirit lives on in your music and your legacy lives on through your kids. The trillest ever born. They’ll never be another. Love you bro. And it’s still UGK For Life! #LongLiveThePimp.

“I haven’t really enjoyed making music since Pimp passed away,” he confessed to HipHopDX earlier this year. “And so now that I get to make music with friends and I’m not under any contractual obligation, I make music because I want to not because I have to, so it’s a different experience for me. For me, it just has to be fun or I’m not going to do it. I just don’t want to do it.”

Meanwhile, the fun and passion really comes through on Trillstatik 2. For example, the beats are lush and structured to perfection, with Statik slowing down his New York sound just a bit for Bun’s flow. The variety of guests on the project also makes it feel like a dynamic listen. However, maybe the most mind-blowing part about this album is that it was recorded and streamed live from scratch on December 7th. What’s more is that Bun B teases a third installment on the very last track.

Also, you’ll probably recognize a few great samples on this record that you’ve heard on other gems this year. For example, “In My Hand” has the same sample as redveil’s “pg baby” from this year’s excellent learn 2 swim. Moreover, on the lyrical end, Bun B’s as sharp as ever. He’s demonstrated his evergreen skill on other cuts like this year’s “BULLETZ AND BROKEN GLASS” with RJ Payne and fellow legend Ice-T.

What did you think of this album? Let us know in the comments below. If you haven’t checked it out yet, you can find Bun B and Statik Selektah’s Trillstatik 2 on your preferred streaming service. Also, check out the tracklist below and stay tuned to HNHH for the latest drops from the game’s greatest.

Tracklist

  1. Right Back At It
  2. Building Bridges (with Paul Wall & Terminology)
  3. In My Hand (with Big K.R.I.T. & Cal Wayne)
  4. We Live (with Dave East & Jinell)
  5. Devastating (with Styles P & Propain)
  6. Every Hour (with Nems & Papoose)
  7. Only Life I Know (with Smoke DZA, Flee Lord & Haile Supreme)
  8. Acetone (with Boldy James)
  9. Ain’t No Tellin (with 38 Spesh, Grafh & Haile Supreme)
  10. There Comes a Time (with Armand Assante)

Rasheed Chappell Makes A Statement With 11-Track “A Portrait Of” Album

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Among the many new albums that came in this New Music Friday is a must-listen cut from Rasheed Chappell. On December 9th, the New Jersey artist shared his A Portrait Of project, complete with 11 songs that find him reflecting on the ups and downs of his life so far.

Production from Little Vic provides a release full of soulful sonics that only get better thanks to the east coast star’s contemplative lyrics. Many of his rhymes markedly include honest thoughts, career insights, and hopes for a brighter future.

“This album arose from a place of loss and mourning with Rasheed’s father passing away earlier this year,” a press release explains. Because of this shocking loss, Chappell was left with no choice but to assume a new role within his family’s dynamic.

Though the pain was undeniably hard, it ultimately inspired him to create A Portrait Of. Before releasing the album, the TRUST Gang member shared singles like “Manna From Heaven” and “Narcan,” the former of which earned a shoutout on Joe Budden’s podcast.

On “Two Masters,” Chappell’s wordplay shines while he paints a vivid but daunting photo of what it was like to grow up in Jersey. His stories detail previously hustling to achieve success, losing those closest to him, and being “forced to fight for survival.”

Additionally, for those seeking a more romantic joint, “Save Room” is a perfect recommendation. Consequently, the song is all about maintaining intimate relationships and boasts plenty of soulful instrumentation.

Finally, stream Rasheed Chappell’s A Portrait Of on Spotify or Apple Music below. Afterward, let us know what your top three favourite tracks are in the comments.

A Portrait Of Tracklist:

  1. Spitting Images
  2. Two Masters
  3. Save Room (feat. Lamar Tyree)
  4. Narcan
  5. Praise (feat. Yolanda Sargeant and Aidan)
  6. Avocado Toast (feat. Dyani Star Myles)
  7. Tanisha (feat. Aidan)
  8. The Vision
  9. Manna From Heaven
  10. Tax Free
  11. BEcoming (feat. Aidan)