Burna Bandz Closes Out 2022 With “Bandemic” Album

After a few years of turmoil, we’ve (mostly) made it through the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, Burna Bandz is chiefly gearing us up for the Bandemic with his new album.

The project accordingly landed this Friday (December 30). The rapper operates solo across 12 of his titles. On the other three, he enlists help from Casper TNG (“Frustrated”), TallupTwinz (“Ghetto Stories”), and Why G (“Killer Instinct”).

Prior to dropping off the 15-track record, Burna shared a featureless single, “Feel Me,” which has nearly earned 150K streams on Spotify since its debut.

“Why tell me to go when you know you gon’ miss me? / Like who goin’ with you when you going through it?” he asks on the song’s chorus. “I cannot tote nothing unless it hold sixteen / Shots hit his chest and its harder than whiskey.”

Other new titles to come from Bandz on his project include “Art of War,” “Member Zone” and “Heart on Ice,” as well as “Corporate.”

This was an undeniably busy year for the rising star. He previously shared singles like “Shade” and “Benefit” with Yung Tory. Additionally, his Houligan Timing tape saw him work with the likes of Pressa, NorthSideBenji, and Drego.

The album’s most popular titles are “Win” with J Neat and Why G, “A to B,” and finally, “Like a Perc” with Houdini.

It remains unclear exactly what the future holds for BB, though he’s likely to continue to soar to new heights as we enter 2023.

Stream Burna Bandz’ Bandemic project on Spotify or Apple Music below. Afterward, tell us your top three favourite tracks in the comments.

Bandemic Tracklist:

  1. Trackhawk
  2. Pop Out
  3. Corporate
  4. Feel Me
  5. Frustrated (feat. Casper TNG)
  6. Defeat It
  7. Time is Money
  8. W Da Vybz
  9. Art of War
  10. Heart on Ice
  11. Good Riddance
  12. Member Zone
  13. Ghetto Stories (with TallupTwinz)
  14. Killer Instinct (with Why G)
  15. Shade

Smoke DZA & The Smokers Club Drop New Album “Money For Dummies”

Smoke DZA just released a new album, Money For Dummies, right before 2023 rolls around. Still, it follows a run of great releases this year like his October project 10,000 HRS. Moreover, he released it along with his brand The Smokers Club and the announcement of a new record label. Furthermore, this album matches that excitement with a great set of tracks.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – FEBRUARY 27: Wayne “Wayno” Clark (L) and Smoke DZA attend Smoke DZA’s “A Closed Mouth Don’t Get Fed” Listening Party at Jue Lan Club on February 27, 2020 in New York City. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/WireImage)

Meanwhile, the brand’s co-founder Jonny Shipes announced the inception of Smokers Club Records in 2023 via Instagram.

“Earlier this year Me, DZA & Bubz sat down & mapped out the next phases & goals of The Smokers Club,” Jonny wrote. “When we took a step back & looked at how we started the Club & what influenced us since the beginning, it always came back to Great Music & Smoking Great Weed. 

“Over the years We’ve done some Legendary tours & festivals, launched a clothing line & cannabis brand,” he continued. “We have had a great run these past 12 years. All 3 of us started out making music so it was only right goin into ‘23 we launch Smokers Club Records.”

Likewise, this new album from Smoke DZA offers what he’s best at. Tracks such as the single “Park Bench Blues” are perfect examples of his hazy delivery, era-fusing production, and lyrical skill. While the subject matter is consistent and familiar, the tightly packed tracklist offers plenty of instrumental variety. Moreover, there’s the drumless-influenced title track, the soulful “Quarter Million $ Mattress,” and the bass-heavy banger “What Would Push Do.”

However, the Harlem MC and his producers aren’t the only ones impressing listeners on this album. Curren$y and Bizzle both deliver engaging wordplay and provide compelling atmosphere on their tracks that matches well with DZA’s flow.

What did you think of Smoke DZA and The Smokers Club’s new album, Money For Dummies? Also, what about his other projects from this year? Let us know in the comments and check out the tracklist below. However, if you haven’t checked it out yet, you can find the new tape on your preferred streaming service. As always, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest great albums.

Tracklist

  1. Box Otw
  2. Park Bench Blues (Ft. Curren$y)
  3. Money 4 Dummies
  4. 42
  5. Trappin W Dreddy
  6. Quarter Million $ Mattress
  7. What Would Push Do
  8. Only Care In The World
  9. P.O.D (Ft. Bizzle)
  10. Brown Suga / Material Love

Juelz Santana Announces New Album With DJ Drama

Juelz Santana says that he and DJ Drama will be releasing a new album together. The New York rapper announced the project, We In Motion, on Instagram, earlier this week. He says that it will be releasing sometime in the new year.

“We In Motion… The Album…Top Of The Year…long Time Coming #ICFMF #BackOutSide,” Santana captioned the post.

Juelz Santana during Jim Jones Album Release Party at Babalu at Babalu in New York City, New York, United States. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/WireImage)

We In Motion will be Santana’s first album since 2020’s #FREESANTANA. That project featured Jim Jones, Dave East, 2 Chainz, Belly, Lil Wayne, Jeremih and A Boogie wit da Hoodie.

A full list of features for the new album is unclear; however, last month, Santana teased the project in a video that showed him listening to A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie in the studio. He also shared a new song with Benny The Butcher back in August. Funkmaster Flex had challenged him to release new music.

In addition to his We In Motion, Santana also recently teased releasing his long-awaited collaborative album with Lil Wayne. Speaking with TMZ, he explained that the two are always working on music.

“All I’m a say is, Wayne is my brother,” he said at the time. “We are never not working on music outside of each other, as well as together, so for us to do a I Can’t Feel My Face project is definitely not unlikely to happen.”

As for why the project never released, Santana recently blamed it on label “politics” while speaking with VladTV.

“You had Def Jam, Universal, Cash Money and Diplomats,” he said. “Four different entities that had to come upon an agreement and come under one accord to push a project.”

Check out Juelz Santana’s post on Instagram below.

[Via]

Oliver Tree Drops Deluxe Version Of “Cowboy Tears” Album

There usually tends to be significantly fewer music releases toward the end of the year, especially around the holidays.

However, Christmas arrived a couple of days early for Olive Tree fans. On Friday (December 23), the 29-year-old dropped off the deluxe version of his album from earlier this year.

The original release, Cowboy Tears, officially arrived in February with 13 tracks, including “Suitcase Full of Cash.” The deluxe version, titled Cowboy Tears Drown the World in a Swimming Pool of Sorrow, features 11 brand-new songs added to the top of the original’s tracklist.

The deluxe gets off to a heated start with the intro, “I Hate You,” on which Tree expresses his new hatred for an ex-best friend. “I hate you, you’re the worst best friend I ever had / So thank you, ’cause nothing else could be that bad / I embraced you, and all you did was stab me in the back / So thank you, ’cause now all I can do is laugh,” he passionately sings on the hook.

For the most part, the production features fun guitar riffs and some light rock drums. However, songs like “Wasteland” are more upbeat and pop-inspired. The common denominator here is the 29-year-old’s unique vocals and expressive lyrics. Furthermore, some of the new tracks are co-produced by Travis Barker. This is certainly evident through the heavy drums present in most of the songs.

As a whole, the album effectively continues the Santa Cruz native’s streak as one of the most outlandish and experimental artists in the pop/indie scene.

Make sure to stream Oliver Tree’s Cowboy Tears Drown the World in a Swimming Pool of Sorrow on either Spotify or Apple Music below. Comment your top three songs afterwards. Finally, make sure you check out our updated holiday playlist here.

Cowboy Tears Drown the World in a Swimming Pool of Sorrow Tracklist:

  1. I Hate You
  2. Placeholder
  3. Mind Control
  4. Wasteland
  5. Battleship
  6. Sunshine
  7. Replacement
  8. Oxymoron
  9. Crash Test Dummy
  10. The Exploding Man
  11. A-Okay

[via]

Hardo Drops “Top 10 Trappers DOA” Deluxe Album

Pittsburgh rapper Hardo just released Top 10 Trappers DOA (Deluxe), and its six new tracks are just what you’d expect. Moreover, his street tales move between hard, minimal piano trap and more atmospheric and melodic styles. In fact, it’s refreshing to see him engage with versatility, especially after tough-as-nails projects like last year’s Gangsta Grillz tape with DJ Drama and Deezlee. However, this time around, the distinct tracks compliment a varied sound.

Hardo Deluxe
AUSTIN, TX – AUGUST 25: Rapper Hardo performs onstage during the ‘Dazed & Blazed Summer 2018 Tour’ at Austin360 Amphitheater on August 25, 2018 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Rick Kern/WireImage)

While his flow is deeply rooted in the streets, previous efforts like his 2020 album Days Inn also saw him leave his comfort zone. Especially on this latest album, he stuck heavily to trap, but he traded bars with J.I.D over a more classic beat on that project. However, Hardo’s been at it for a while, so it’s not necessarily a surprise. Still, Hardo switches back and forth because his talent allows it, and he takes advantage of it on the deluxe. 

Also, he tapped Sama and Rexx Life Raj to be featured guests on Top 10 Trappers DOA (Deluxe). Moreover, their performances are both autotune-heavy, with Sama coming off laidback whereas Rexx’s passion comes through clearly. Overall, the Pittsburgh native strikes an even balance between immediate hype and calming atmospheres.

But what did you think of Hardo’s deluxe version of Top 10 Trappers DOA? Let us know in the comments and peep the tracklist down below. Still, if you haven’t had the chance to listen, you can find the album on your preferred streaming service. Also, as always, check back in with HNHH for the latest great hip-hop, even during the holiday season.

Tracklist

  1. Trap House Lease In Her Name
  2. You’d Rather Lie (Ft. Sama)
  3. 40 Drums
  4. U Still Stayed
  5. Murda Murda
  6. Apple Tree (Ft. Rexx Life Raj)
  7. Really the Difference
  8. Fake Drilla
  9. Rapper Who? 
  10. Get Em
  11. Bottom of the Trap (Ft. EST Gee & Icewear Vezzo)
  12. Trapn Off the iPhone (Ft. Doe Boy)
  13. Me & You (Ft. Salma Slims)
  14. Frown
  15. Choppa Talk 2
  16. Dats Crazy (Ft. FTR Drama)
  17. Skipped Rolling Loud
  18. Forever TrapN
  19. Let The Dog Out
  20. Hoppin Out
  21. Out The Bagger (Ft. 1700Hec & Goppy)
  22. Biased (Ft. Asco)
  23. Working on the Album (Ft. NDO Dee)

Lil B Drops Surprise Jazz Album, “Afrikantis”

Keeping up with releases from Lil B remains a rather difficult feat. The Based God is one of the most prolific artists from the 2010s era of internet rap. His overwhelming discography spans more than 70 projects.

The latest of which, Afrikantis, arrived as a surprise on Thursday (December 22). The 33-year-old took to his Twitter account to make the announcement.

“< Artist Note From Lil B > They said that no idea is original, That was a lie. Welcome To Afrikantis – Lil B,” the California native wrote. “THIS MAY BE ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT JAZZ PROJECTS EVER … TAKE UR TIME WITH THIS,” he continued.

Many fans were shocked by the tweet and even further surprised upon discovering that the album really is jazz. The project is fully instrumental, with vocals notably absent during its 14-track runtime. Instead of obscure bars and off-kilter flows, The Based God turns to funky jazz instrumentals for his latest musical expression.

While it certainly is something unusual for the 33-year-old, it’s actually not entirely new territory for him. Both of his past instrumental projects dropped in 2012 under his notorious alias, The Based God: Tears 4 God and Choices and Flowers.

Of course, there is some confusion among fans on social media. However, it seems as though a lot of Lil B supporters are loving the style switch-up.

“@LILBTHEBASEDGOD woweee just making a cup of tea while boppin my head to “Kim” off Afrikantis,” writes one Twitter user.

“Listening to Afrikantis and I’m still confused. Do we…do we actually think Lil B is good?” writes another.

Afrikantis serves as the California native’s fourth full-length release of 2022. The first one, Frozen, arrived simultaneously with his second, The Frozen Tape, in June. The follow-up arrived in the form of Thraxxx Kiss in late August. Believe it or not, this is actually a slow year for The Based God.

Finally, make sure to stream Lil B’s newest offering on either Spotify or Apple Music. Comment your top three songs down below afterwards.

Afrikantis Tracklist:

  1. My Fathers Drums
  2. A Song for Mom
  3. Cricket
  4. Kim
  5. Albany Middle
  6. Solano Stroll
  7. Berkeley California
  8. Eurasia
  9. Del the Funky Homosapien
  10. Guinea Pig Arcade
  11. Jack London Square Oakland Ca
  12. West Berkeley Ca Waterfront
  13. Welcome to Oakland California
  14. Park St Alameda California

Joey Majors Works With The Game, 38 Spesh, And More On “Wolf In Sheep Clothing” Album

As a Christmas present to you, we’re finally debuting music from an artist who’s brand new to our site – Joey Majors. On Friday (December 23), he shared his Wolf In Sheep Clothing album, supported by an undeniably impressive roster of features and producers.

The biggest name to appear on the tracklist is obviously The Game. The California native shows out on the previously released “The Plug,” which also boasts an appearance from Matt Fingaz. Prior to that, we see him connect with artists like Thavid Ruffin, ETO, and 38 Spesh.

The latter and Majors worked together on “End Of The World,” which fans have especially shown plenty of love to across streamers. Other verses come from Big Yount, Merc Beatz, and Planet Asia, among others.

As for production, Thanos Beats, Halo, JXSamuria, and Merc Beatz chiefly hold things down across 11 titles.

Prior to sharing Wolf In Sheep Clothing, Majors worked with GawdBrova and GREA8GAWD on a collaborative effort called WOLF SZN. That also includes 11 songs with features coming from Benny The Butcher, Jadakiss, and Niko Brim.

Before that, he kept busy in the early half of 2022 as well. Singles like “We Own The Night” with Mobb Deep as well as his Big Yount joint, “AMEX” remain in rotation for many fans to this day.

Finally, stream Joey Majors’ Wolf In Sheep Clothing album on Spotify or Apple Music below. Afterward, satisfy all of your holiday streaming needs with our annual Christmas playlist here.

Wolf In Sheep Clothing Tracklist:

  1. No Honor Among Thieves (Intro)
  2. W.I.S.C (feat. Thavid Ruffin)
  3. Get To The Bag (feat. Big Yount)
  4. Hustlers Anthem (feat. Big Young & ETO)
  5. Puppet Masters (feat. Thanos Beats, Mooch, & Rigz)
  6. End Of The World (feat. 38 Spesh & GREA8GAWD)
  7. Keep The Fame (feat. Merc Beatz)
  8. Painful Success (feat. Thavid Ruffin)
  9. Ventilation (feat. Hell Rell) [Remix]
  10. Get Money (feat. Planet Asia & Splash God)
  11. The Plug (feat. The Game & Matt Fingaz)

Oakstop Alliance & Homeboy Sandman Deliver New Album, “Royalty Summit”

Oakland-based nonprofit Oakstop Alliance has released a new compilation album titled Royalty Summit. Moreover, Homeboy Sandman curated that summit with the nonprofit to showcase the region’s best MCs, producers, and artists. As such, the album delivers soulful but summery beats, a lot of charisma, and eccentric flows and deliveries. They’re similar to Sandman’s last single, “Get Yours.”

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL – JULY 06: Homeboy Sandman performs at Revolution on July 6, 2016 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. (Photo by John Parra/Getty Images)

However, it’s not like Oakland missed out on great artistry before. Many big names call the city their home such as Kehlani, Raphal Saadiq, Kamaiyah, Fantastic Negrito, and so many others. Still, the city’s always wanted to keep pushing things even further to uplift local artists. So, Oakstop Alliance created the Oakland Resident initiative to give more visibility to the area’s local talent.

Furthermore, Royalty Summit is the campaign’s first release. The organization’s executive director, Damon Johnson, pitched the idea to Homeboy Sandman as the latter planned his There In Spirit West Coast tour run. Moreover, they recorded the album’s 12 tracks over three days with over 20 local artists. Despite Homeboy being from Queens, the artistry on display from Oakland locals like Tone Oliver and Simago makes the city’s sound distinctively electrifying.

So, what did you think of Oakstop Alliance’s new compilation album, Royalty Summit? Also, which Oakland hip-hop artist did you discover that you might give a spin again? Although there’s a lot to pick from, let us know in the comments and check out the tracklist down below. In addition, if you haven’t listened yet, you can find the Homeboy Sandman-led project on your preferred streaming service. Also, as always, keep your eye on HNHH for the freshest and most exciting hip-hop releases each week.

Tracklist

  1. Bas1 Intro
  2. The Journey (ft. Homeboy Sandman, Simago, and James Wavey)
  3. Just Because (ft. Homeboy Sandman, Honest in 10land, and Tone Oliver)
  4. Programmin’ (ft. Fuze, GAM, Honest in 10land, and Tone Oliver)
  5. Come Around (ft. GAM, Alai the Guy, and Homeboy Sandman)
  6. Now (ft. Mike Fish, Homeboy Sandman, and Michael Sneed)
  7. The Herb Garden (ft. Alai the Guy, Homeboy Sandman, and Ovrkast.)
  8. Just Because [REMIX] (ft. Homeboy Sandman, Jada Imani, and James Wavey)
  9. Look at the Rim (ft. Homeboy Sandman, A-Plus, and Michael Sneed)
  10. Voice of My Own (ft. Simago, Honest in 10land, and Mike Fish)
  11. Witness (ft. Fuze and Homeboy Sandman)
  12. Bas1 Outro

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

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

[via]

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

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