new ep

Ice Spice Clones Take Over Times Square

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Ice Spice clones took over Times Square last night (January 21) to promote her new EP, Like..? While the rapper certainly doesn’t need any help making waves, this stunt was pretty engaging and well-received on social media. Moreover, the Internet is discussing new clips of wig-wearing dancers on the street and pairing it with their own thoughts on the album.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 17: Ice Spice attends Cardi B Hosts Fashion Night Out on September 17, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Shareif Ziyadat/Getty Images)

Furthermore, Like..? is a collection of some of the 23-year-old’s biggest hits like “Munch (Feelin’ U),” “Bikini Bottom,” and the recent “In Ha Mood.” Also, it includes some new tracks, namely “Princess Diana,” “Actin A Smoochie,” and “Gangsta Boo” with Lil Tjay. Even if it’s not completely new, Ice Spice’s first project sets her up for success.

Other promotional “material” for her music is her developing movements in the industry, especially when it comes to connections. When asked about her relationship with Drake, the Bronx MC said that she has no beef with the Canadian artist. After Drake seemingly dissed her on a song and unfollowed her on Instagram, people wondered what could’ve happened. Although this history is written, she did pop up at his recent show at the Apollo Theater. Things have smoothed out after all.

Regardless, a lot of people loved the Manhattan stunt. “I love creative people so much step out the box sometimes and be different,” wrote one user. However, some did joke around about it, calling the lookalikes a McDonald’s ad or an Annie flash mob. Still, others were more critical of the “marketing” behind it, speaking skeptically about what its effect truly is. Well, it started a conversation, and that’s more than many billboards or videos could say.

“Great idea but how is this suppose to make anyone listen?” one user questioned. “Marketing y’all say?! She should have also brought a billboard with a video of this on Times Square then that’s Marketing.”

What did you think of Ice Spice clones taking over Times Square to promote her new EP Like..? However you may feel, let us know in the comments down below. Also, as always, come back to HNHH for the latest on Ice Spice.

Murs Drops New EP, “Guide To World’s Greatest Cities”

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Although we’re only eight days into 2023, Murs is certainly off to a busy start to the year. On January 3, he dropped Unreleased, a collaborative EP with Isaiah Toothtaker.

Only three days later, he returned for the release of a solo EP, Guide To World’s Greatest Cities. The project contains five songs and runs for nearly 17 minutes. Throughout its runtime, the L.A. rapper follows an interesting concept.

Over the course of the EP’s five songs, the 44-year-old pays homage to different cities around the world; Tokyo, New York City, Oakland, Ethiopia and Minnesota. He uses his storytelling abilities and descriptive language to paint pictures and set scenes based on his experiences in these places.

He kicks it off by expressing his love for Tokyo and telling the stories of some formative encounters while there. “No google translate back in ’98 / When I was runnin’ these streets, tryna find a date / I did alright, I fell in love twice / And love don’t need to language when it’s done right,” he raps.

However, not every track is entirely positive. On the outro, “MPLS (Punk Ass Promoter),” he reflects on a show gone wrong while in Minnesota one night. He vows to never spend another winter in the city and never do another show with a “punk ass promoter” again. Regardless, the experience is evidently one that Murs can look back and reflect on. Furthermore, his ability to candidly reflect on it represents his maturity and artistic expression.

Additionally, each song’s production reflects the city he’s rapping about in their respective songs. Produced entirely by GLDN EYE, he provides Murs with a diverse range of beats for him to reflect over.

Although known best for his 2015 track, “Okey Dog,” the 44-year-old is continuing to make waves over two decades into his career.

The new project follows up his three full-length releases from last year. The last of which is Three’s Company, which serves as a collaborative album with fellow California natives, The Grouch and Reverie.

Make sure to stream Murs’ Guide To World’s Greatest Cities EP on Spotify down below. Comment your top three tracks afterwards. Finally, make sure to stay tuned to HNHH for all of the latest music releases and stories.

Guide To World’s Greatest Cities Tracklist:

  1. T-O-K-Y-O(Bullet Train Backflip)
  2. NYC (Golden Apple)
  3. Oakland (Luv)
  4. Ethiopia (Addis Ababa)
  5. MPLS (Punk Ass Promoter)

Bernie Sanders Assists Minnesota State Rep On Her “CAPITOLIO” EP: Stream

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Is Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders making his rap debut? Technically, no, though he does make an uplifting appearance on Maria Isa’s new CAPITOLO EP. The project arrived on Friday (January 6), and kicks off with a heartwarming (albeit explicit) conversation between the two politicians.

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) speaks during the COVID Federal Response Hearing on Capitol Hill on June 16, 2022 in Washington, DC. The hearing was held to examine and update the ongoing Federal response to COVID-19, focusing on current status and future planning. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

As HipHopDX reports, the Minnesota State Representative’s new project comes as a reminder to her fans that she’s not done with rap. Even with a successful career in politics, she still knows how to throw down over a beat.

“Of course I’m going to keep making my music — that’s where I get my energy,” Isa previously told The Star Tribune.

Across eight different tracks, the multihyphenate expertly fuses Latin, Caribbean, reggaeton, and finally, hip-hop vibes. “I had been working on it from the first day I was running for the House, and it’s been a part of my campaign trail the whole way,” she dished to the same outlet.

“Music is medication, and we can certainly use that medication in politics right now.”

In the past, other rappers have markedly used their platforms to promote Sanders. Most notably, Killer Mike was once accused of accepting money in exchange for his support.

“Keep it really real. I accept NO MONEY from any politician. I am already rich,” the Run The Jewels member later expertly clapped back.

Stream Maria Isa’s CAPITOLIO EP on Spotify or Apple Music below. Afterward, find more new music suggestions on our weekly R&B Season playlist update here.

CAPITOLIO Tracklist:

  1. Tío Bernie
  2. Coco
  3. My Love
  4. 1st Class Flights
  5. Bad Chicks
  6. Lo Que Necesitas
  7. Hello to the Weekend
  8. Nena

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Zaytoven Drops Off “Only One”

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The architect of trap music is back with new heat. Zaytoven slid through with his new project, Only One this morning.

Zaytoven is clearly kicking off the year on the right note. And, it could be an indication of what else he has up his sleeve in 2023. The legendary producer, who played a pivotal role in Gucci Mane’s career, unveiled his new project Only One on Friday. Though it isn’t a full-length body of work, it’s a short effort that highlights Zay’s overall artistry. His production is still top-tier. But, fans who know him for making beats will have a better understanding of his overall skillset.

AUSTIN, TEXAS – NOVEMBER 13: Zaytoven attends AFROTECH Conference 2022 – Day One at Austin Convention Center on November 13, 2022 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Robin L Marshall/Getty Images for AFROTECH)

The rapper’s new project also showcases his kids’ talents as well. The project includes features from Kamari-Carter and Xhulooo.

Years after cementing his name in Atlanta’s scene, Zaytoven is undoubtedly keeping the momentum high. 2022 was another prolific year for the legendary producer that saw the release of Streetz Got No Heart. The project boasts 10 songs in total with appearances from Bun B, Trouble, Foolio, PeeWee Longway and more.

ATLANTA, GEORGIA – DECEMBER 08: Zaytoven attends the premiere screening of “2 Finesse” at Regal Cinemas Atlantic Station Stadium 16 on December 08, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)

On top of that, the producer continued to produce for high-profile artists, such as long-time collaborator, Gucci Mane. Zay produced a large chunk of So Icy Boyz: The Finale, including GuWop’s “Letter To Takeoff.” He also had two production credits on Quavo and Takeoff’s Only Built For Infinity Links on the songs, “Look @ This” and “2.30.”

Check out Zaytoven’s new project below and sound off in the comments with your favorite track.

Boldy James Gearing Up To Drop New Physical-Only EP

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Boldy James is undeniably one of the busiest rappers in the game. Over the course of the past few years, the Detroit native has worked tirelessly to maintain this title.

Ever since 2020, the 40-year-old has dropped several projects each year. He’s now getting ready to drop yet another one. However, this offering will only be releasing physically.

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)

The new EP, titled ADU, will be entirely produced by Real Bad Man and will be released via RCC Music. Copies on vinyl, CD and cassettes will be available to purchase on January 16. The official announcement was made by the producer on his Instagram account. “This is a physical release through @rrcmusic.co[.] No digital, no streaming […] no pre-orders,” he writes in part of the post’s caption.

Furthermore, he also reveals the tracklist in small font at the bottom of the photo. It appears as though the project will contain six new tracks. Side A will feature the first three tracks, “Hellblock to the Sunnyside,” “Hot Cakes” and “Big Bags.” Meanwhile, Side B will contain the last three songs, “Sweetest Taboo,” “Jonny On the Spot” and “Give Or Take.”

Additionally, ADU will mark the duo’s third collaborative album. The first one is 2020’s Real Bad Boldy.

In 2022 alone, Boldy released four different albums. All of which are full-length collaborations with different producers. He kicked off his year with the release of Killing Nothing in May, which serves as his second full-length album with Real Bad Man.

The Nicholas Craven collab, Fair Exchange No Robbery arrived in September, followed by the Futurewave-produced Mr. Ten08. Afterwards, he closed out his year with Be That as It May, with Cuns producing the entirety of this one.

Will you be trying to get your hands on the new physical-only album? Comment your thoughts below. Finally, make sure to stay tuned to HNHH for all of the latest updates and releases in music.

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IAMSU! Releases Bouncy EP, “Out The Blue”

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California rapper IAMSU! is closing 2022 with four new tracks on his recently released EP, Out The Blue. On these cuts, the Cali MC maintains a solid sense of bounce and rhythm that oozes with the Coast. Moreover, these summery tracks followed a run of new albums and projects this year. On them, he showcased a knack for charismatic bars and a sense of fun that came through on his “Lemon Pepper Freestyle” remix.

SAN FRANCISCO, CA – MARCH 23: Iamsu performs during the “Decided” tour at The Masonic Auditorium on March 23, 2017 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Tim Mosenfelder/Getty Images)

When it comes to this EP’s sound, IAMSU! employed two main styles, each for two tracks. “Bounce” and “Fake Love” are more trap-influenced, synthy cuts with a lot of melodic vocal runs. Moreover, the timbres and sounds he chose to play with give the project a particularly spacey sound. Also, the synths and melodies provide a rubbery backdrop for Su’s constant flow. In fact, it might remind listeners of earlier tracks like “Cartier Lens.” In addition, Isthatcj and Dave Steezy spit alongside Su with ease on their respective cuts.

Meanwhile, “Always Rep” and “Ride To” are more in line with the West Coast bounce you’d expect. Show Banga and Skipper respectively give solid performances and IAMSU! takes advantage of faster flows. Like his previous output, including “1300 Stars,” the instrumentation and rhythm places it firmly on the Westside. However, between these two tracks, the former is more melodic while the latter is more raw.

Even when the sound is locked in, there’s still some nice variety to find within. Of course, IAMSU! plays with a couple of different sounds here and there, so the spread is nothing new. However, it would mean little if his performances and pen game weren’t comfortably matching each track’s energy. For IAMSU!, that’s not a problem.

What did you think of IAMSU!’s new extended play, “Out The Blue”? Let us know in the comments and check out the tracklist for yourself below. However, if you haven’t checked the project out yet, you can find the EP on your preferred streaming service. Also, as always, check back in with HNHH for the best new hip-hop each week.

Tracklist

  1. Bounce (feat. Isthatcj)
  2. Always Rep (feat. Show Banga)
  3. Ride To (feat. Skipper)
  4. Fake Love (feat. Dave Steezy)

Big Mo Feels “Chosen” On His 5-Track EP Feat. Ye Ali, Nessly, And More

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Yet another new artist joining the HNHH ranks this weekend is Big Mo. On Friday (December 23), he dropped off his 5-track Chosen EP, following singles like “Falling 4 U” and “Broken” with Ye Ali that helped launch him to fame in 2020.

The “Lean & Hennessy” hitmaker has been sharing music on DSPs since 2017. Among his earlier releases are “Top Shotta,” “Don’t Cry” featuring Victoria Gouveia, and “Freaky Gyal” with Nemessz. His latest effort, however, is far more elevated than past works, showing how much growth Mo has gone through since his humble beginning.

Chosen was preceded by project opener “Chains Seduced Her” as a single. The four-and-a-half-minute-long song boasts an appearance from Nessly, as well as upwards of 200K streams on Spotify alone.

New titles added to the short and sweet tracklist include “Ahee,” “Losing My Mind,” and “Don’t Leave.” Additionally, we hear Big Mo show out alongside Ye Ali on “Habibti,” which also features pre kai ro. Since making its debut, the catchy tune is already obviously on its way to achieving fan favourite status.

During an interview with V13 earlier this year, the rising rapper was candid about his creative flow. “My writing process consists of a mix of freestyling and writing lyrics out on my phone. For the most part, I prefer to write it down,” he explained.

“When I write a song, it is mostly just how I’m feeling in that moment. I’m more concerned with just writing a track that fits with what my mood is. Nothing forced. That’s when the music is at its best,” Mo went on.

Stream Big Mo’s Chosen EP on Spotify or Apple Music below. Afterward, tap into our annual hip-hop holiday playlist update here.

Chosen Tracklist:

  1. Chains Seduced Her (with Nessly)
  2. Ahee
  3. Habibti (feat. Ye Ali & pre kai ro)
  4. Losing My Mind
  5. Don’t Leave

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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

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Dusty Locane Drops Off “Catch Da Flu”

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Dusty Locane’s keeping the momentum high as the year comes to an end. The rapper made a mark in 2021 as the hype around his “ROLLIN N CONTROLLIN FREESTYLE” picked up. Though critics and fans often compared him to Pop Smoke, it hasn’t limited him. In fact, he continues proving that he’s a dominant force in his own right and uplifting the New York drill scene.

This week, the rapper released his latest body of work, Catch Da Flu. On the new project, he showcases his growth in the past two years. “I went from nothing in my bank account to $40K for a feature,” he raps through his deep gravelly voice on “TRIALS AND TRIBULATIONS.” The 5-song opus captures his hunger, especially after having such a prolific year so far.

CATCH DA FLU is largely produced by Kajun Waters, who handled five out of the six tracks. However, Dusty also links up with Revenge of Mozart and Scubaliciouss for “BLOC WORC FREESTYLE (9HQ5).” It’s a short effort but one that continues to showcase Dusty Locane honing into his strengths and delivering blistering bangers.

CATCH DA FLU actually serves as Dusty’s fourth offering of the year. He unveiled ROLLIN N CONTROLLIN in August, featuring all three parts of the eponymous song. Then, he linked up with Rah Swish, Onpointlikeop and Ron Suno for SAY DAT, a collaborative effort that helped amalgamate the different drill sounds in each borough of New York.

It seems as if Dusty Locane is also revving up to elevate his team. Earlier this year, he dropped off NIGHTMARE ON FIFTH, highlighting himself and the artists he’s associated with.

We’re certainly not complaining about the influx of new music from Dusty Locane this year. Hopefully, we’ll be hearing just as much from him in the new year.

  1. TRIALS AND TRIBULATIONS
  2. NO VACCINE
  3. FROM DA FLU
  4. SPAZZ OUT
  5. BLOCC WORC FREESTYLE (9HQ5)
  6. MY WAY