Skrillex, Justin Bieber, & Don Toliver Unite On “Don’t Go”

This isn’t the first time we’ve heard Sonny Moore, also known as Skrillex, unite with Justin Bieber in the booth, but in this round, Cactus Jack’s Don Toliver adds his voice to the mix. Skrillex and Bieber came together years ago on their Diplo-assisted “Where Are Ü Now,” and on Friday (August 20), the EDM superstar DJ, the mega-Popstar, and the hitmaking rapper joined forces on their moody single, “Don’t Go.”

The track arrives on the heels of the news regarding the lineup of the Justin Bieber & Friends three-day event at the Wynn in LAs Vegas. The phase one lineup will include a headlining performance by Justin at the acclaimed XS Nightclub, along with performances by the hit-making French DJ and producer David Guetta, rapper and songwriter The Kid LAROI, beloved vocalist Kehlani, Bieber’s good friend Jaden Smith, dance music heavyweight TroyBoi, and musical prodigy Eddie Benjamin.

Stream “Don’t Go” and let us know what you think about this trio’s collaboration.

Quotable Lyrics

I woke up in the city, I ain’t seen your face
Almost lost my mind, medication (Woah)
Five stars for participation (Yeah)
It’s a COVID operation (Woo)
Hope you hear this where your stationed (Stationed)
I lost my Bonnie, by that time you already banged it (Banged)
She armed and dangerous, that long hair got me tangled up (Yeah)

Young Thug Delivers “Tick Tock” Single Following “P*nk” Album Announcement

Our New Music Friday has a surprise entry from Young Thug. The rapper decided that he wanted to slide into the weekend by delivering a brand new single, “Tick Tock,” for his fans, and the Atlanta rapper did not disappoint. This week, Thugger celebrated his birthday in style as he gathers just a few dozen of his close friends for what looked to be an epic celebration. Gunna gifted Thugger a pink Bentley for his big day, and Jerrika Karlae opted out of giving him a gift and instead blessed him with $100K in cash.

There is more coming from Young Thug in the Fall because the rapper took to social media to share that P*nk, his next album, will be arriving on October 15. The rapper revealed news about the album as he showed off his pink hair once again, adding that he planted a tree with pink flowers near his home three years ago in anticipation of the record’s release.

Stream “Tick Tock” and let us know if you’re excited about P*nk.

Quotable Lyrics

I just had bust down a cantaloupe
N*ggas want beef, and I’m tryna be vegan
But f*ck it, bae, bring a can of smoke
I can’t see n*ggas in the glasses store (Swear)
Slidin’ in the coupe in the back
Smoke out the bag, too big for a sack
Do you see her baby hair growing down her back?
Shawty look just like a two-year-old brat (God damn)

Morray Shares Posthumous Mo3 Collab “In My Blood”

North Carolina artist Morray has been on a meteoric rise throughout 2020 and 2021. The 28-year-old singer-rapper has become a favorite not only among Hip Hop fans but his peers, as well, and he returns on Friday (August 20) with a new track where he shares the stage with his “dream collab,” Mo3.

Back in November 2020, Mo3 was shot and killed after being chased down on a highway in his hometown of Dallas, Texas. As a case builds against the 21-year-old suspect, Mo3’s loved ones continue his legacy with a memorable single alongside Morray titled “In My Blood.”

Recently, Morray was captured visiting Mo3’s gravesite with the slain rapper’s son and clips of that trip made their way to the song’s music video. Along with “In My Blood” comes a visual where Morray honors his collaborator and at the end, he even gives his rendition of the late rapper’s Sam Cooke-sampled “Long Time Coming” in tribute. Stream “In My Blood” and listen to these two make magic.

Quotable Lyrics

This why I still be in my feelings (Why?)
Maybe ’cause the b*tch that I’m lovin’ be actin’ different (How?)
Don’t respect the fact that I’m workin’ on what we buildin’ (What?)
And I ain’t forgot the pain I’m just workin’ on my forgiveness

Icewear Vezzo Exudes Detroit Mobster Energy On “Chamber Brothers”

Icewear Vezzo is ready to put on for the bubbling Michigan rap scene once more when Rich Off Pints 2 releases on September 3, but in the meantime, he continues to treat his fans with new singles like “Chamber Brothers.”

The smooth, head-bobbing track clocks in right around three minutes, and it finds the Drank God doing what he does best — rattling off lowkey bars that will have you rewinding the track because you probably missed them the first time. Produced by The Mechanics, “Chamber Brothers” also comes accompanied by a music video, and just like the single, it’s minimal, yet captivating.

With promising tracks like “Chamber Brothers” and the momentum that he has built with his first Rich Off Pints project earlier this summer, Icewear Vezzo is definitely gearing up to have another big release with Rich Off Pints 2. Are you feeling Vezzo’s latest release?

Quotable Lyrics

Now you ain’t never up no score, you out here scrimmaging
Where I’m from we slime him out and wipe the middle man
Told lil gang they gotta chill, they out here killing shit
How you caught a body, did they time, and you still a bitch?
AR heavy on my shoulder gotta aim this fucker
Selling crack like it’s the ’80s, we the Chamber Brothers

Tiwa Savage & Amaare Debut New Love Song “Tales By Moonlight”

Nigerian superstar Tiwa Savage partners with Ghanaian-American singer, Amaarae on her new single “Tales By Moonlight”. The song will be featured on Savage’s upcoming 5-track EP Water & Gari, which includes additional features from Nas, Brandy, and Tay Iwar.  

On “Tales by Moonlight,” the Queen of Afrobeats belts out an airy, angelic melody. Amaare’s distinct vocals compliment Savage, making the fusion of Afropop, R&B, and Southern rap the perfect mix. 

In an interview with Apple Music’s radio host, Zane Lowe, Savage discusses naming the song after a Nigerian program. “Tales By Moonlight was a popular program when I was growing up in Nigeria,” said the Grammy-nominated songwriter. The show was set in a village and featured an adult who would read old folk stories and fairytales to a group of young children.

“I wanted a record that felt good. The lyrics, even my delivery on it, my tone, I was very soft on it. It’s me saying I just want that fairy tale type of love. I don’t want to lose hope in just finding real love. I still believe in that. No matter how many times I’ve been heartbroken, I still am a sucker for love. I still believe there’s still that fairytale Cinderella ending.”

In 2020, Savage released her critically acclaimed fourth studio album Celia and Amaarae shared her debut project The Angel You Don’t Know.  

Water & Garri EP Tracklist:

1. Work Fada [ft. Nas and Rich King]

2. Ade Ori

3. Tales by Moonlight [ft. Amaarae]

4. Somebody’s Son [ft. Brandy]

5. Special Kinda [ft. Tay Iwar]

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Ed Sheeran Announces New Album & Releases A Tear-Jerker Track, “Visiting Hours”

After a brief hiatus, Ed Sheeran has announced he is releasing a new album in October. Two years have passed since he has released a project and it’s been four years since his last full-length solo album. The fourth installment in his “symbol album” series, “=” (Equals) will be available October 29, Sheeran shared on his Instagram Live (August 19th). The album has been influenced by his most recent life experiences of getting married, having a baby, and losing a close friend. “I think it’s the best bit of work that I’ve done. It’s cohesive and it feels great,” the singer shared. 

The album will have 14-tracks and the emotionally charged song “Visiting Hours,” though not a single, was released directly after the Instagram Live was posted. According to Sheeran, the next single is to be released on September 10th. The “Shape of You” singer shared that this particular song is “really dear to [his] heart and one of [his] favorite songs on the album.” Bound to make any listener cry, the relatable lyrics, which were written about his mentor and friend, Michael Gudinski, imagine the two being able to reconnect in heaven. 

“I wish that heaven had visiting hours / So I can just swing by and ask your advice,” Sheeran sings on the track. The song was performed by Sheeran for the first time at Gudinski’s state memorial in March. Backing vocals on the recorded version are provided by Gudinski’s close friends, Kylie Minogue and Jimmy Barnes.

Quotable Lyrics:

Verse 3

I wish that heaven had visiting hours
And I would ask them if I could take you home
But I know what they’d say, that it’s for the best
So I would live life the way you taught me
And make it on my own

Watch the official performance of the Grammy-worthy “Visiting Hours” below.

T.I. Sliced Through Soulful Kanye West Production On “Trap Muzik” Standout “Doin’ My Job”

Although Hip-Hop has progressed past the sensationalism of Trap Music during the 2010s, the last decade saw the Hip-Hop subgenre get more popular than ever thanks to a wave of artists like Future and Migos. Throughout the widespread appreciation for trap, some of Hip-Hop’s OGs often debated about the origins of the subgenre, with Gucci Mane, Jeezy, and T.I. being some of the names most commonly cited in arguments as the rappers who created trap.

In recent years, T.I. has made a point to steer clear of claiming that he is the founder of trap, but he has continued to hammer in the point that he is responsible for coining the phrase “trap music.” For that argument, he often points to his sophomore album and his first release on his now-legendary label Grand Hustle: 2003’s Trap Muzik.

T.I. during Kenny Burns and Little X's Birthday Party at NA in New York City, New York, United States.
Johnny Nunez/WireImage/Getty Images

While sonically, Trap Muzik sounds quite different than you’d expect an album named after one of the most gritty, unpolished, and raw Hip-Hop subgenres to sound like, it’s definitely an important album in Hip-Hop history, and today, it celebrates its 18-year anniversary. Word has it that Pharrell has previously called T.I the “Jay-Z of the South,” and the King of the South definitely approaches Trap Muzik with that kind of energy. Especially on the post-Blueprint, Kanye West-produced “Doin’ My Job.”

Give it a listen below, and take some time today to revisit T.I.’s work on Trap Muzik. Nearly two decades later, how well has the Atlanta rap veteran’s game-changing album aged?

Quotable Lyrics

And for you to see what I’m saying, open eyes will help
If you could think about somebody besides yourself
Why you pointing fingers at me, analyze yourself
Quit all that chastising and try to provide some help
Instead of calling the law and busting my balls
With all due respect, we don’t even be fucking with y’all

Kevin Abstract Shares “SIERRA NIGHTS” Ft. Ryan Beatty

As Brockhampton’s reign nears its close, Kevin Abstract has returned with new music. Fans of the Hip Hop collective have stood united in their grief after learning that the group has decided to disband. There have been several announcements regarding what is to come for Brockhampton in 2021, and it includes their final projects as a send-off before entering into new ventures.

On Wednesday (August 18), Brockhampton’s Abstract delivered his latest single “SIERRA NIGHTS,” making the song his second release this year where he is seen flying solo. The track features Ryan Beatty, an artist who is no stranger to uniting with Abstract’s group. The single arrives with a visual that sticks to the many unconventional, yet artistic deliveries that we’ve grown accustomed to receiving from Abstract, so stream “SIERRA NIGHTS” and let us know what you think.

Quotable Lyrics

A Texas boy, I was dreaming of LA
We was dripping off candy paint
Blow the speakers out, yeah, yeah, yeah
Shoot my own movie with my n*ggas now
Five bedroom, most of us was sleeping on the couch
Bring them drugs in, I was dressed up like McLovin
Eating Mickey D’s every day, n*gga, I loved it

 

Big Jade Updates Lil Mama’s Hit Record On “Lip Gloss Freestyle”

The ladies have been making statements over the past few years with the rise of women in rap. Big Jade has certainly been making the rounds on an underground level but she’s shown some promising potential into what she has in store. Whether it’s the release of a new single or simply a freestyle, Big Jade is clearly preparing for her takeover in the rap game.

This week, she slid through with a brand new freestyle over Lil Mama’s classic record, “Lip Gloss.” Jade takes the lunchroom beat and demolishes it with quick-witted wordplay, charisma, and her versatile flow. 

Check out the latest record from Big Jade and keep your eyes peeled for more releases. Let us know what your favorite bar is in the comments.

Quotable Lyrics
Give me some money, give me some weed
Lick on the p***sy, get on your knees
And I ain’t never need the city, I’mma turn up by my damn self
We busted down the money ’cause I did it with my friends help 

Jay Critch Channels Weezy Energy On “Hustler Muzik”

The influence of Lil Wayne in his prime is still felt to his day. While most would agree that Wayne is the GOAT, it’s largely due to his commitment to the craft of rapping and his overall hustle. Tha Carter II highlight “Hustler Muzik” remains an integral record in Wayne’s catalog — one that captured Wayne’s raw essence as an MC and a songwriter. 

This week, Jay Critch came through with his own take on the record. The New York rapper shared his new single, “Hustler Muzik” which pays homage to Wayne’s original without directly biting any aspects of the songs. Critch takes those smooth and soulful aspects of the production and applies elements of Brooklyn drill which he emphasizes with his triplet flow.

Check the song out below.

Quotable Lyrics
Ten toes on the ground, my head up to the sky
Got so much on my plate, could feed a family of five
I’m riding with my pistol and don’t ask a n***a why
‘Cause I seen some p*ssy n***as put my brother in the sky