Belly Is Back With “American Nightmare” Produced By Hit-Boy

The wait is over and Belly is back. In the past two years since he released See You Next Wednesday, the rapper’s confirmed that he plans to retire in the near future. Fortunately, he has a few albums in the cut before he does. This morning, Belly returned with his latest single, “American Nightmare,” a new collaboration with Hit-Boy. The “Might Not” rapper sounds as revitalized as ever, gliding through the horn-centric production with command and high energy. Along with Hit-Boy, Nick Lamb and DannyBoyStyles share co-production credits on “American Nightmare.”

With politically-charged bars, the rapper kicks off the campaign for Mumble Rap 2 due out on May 19th. On “American Nightmare,” he delves deep into the targeting of the Middle Eastern community across the U.S. “Coming from a place that the media constantly demonizes, I wanted to express how proud I am of being not only an Arab, but someone who’s been able to set an example for young Arabs everywhere,” he explained. “The Arabian Dream, feels like the American Nightmare sometimes but we’d rather be dreamers. It’s easy to be patient when you know what you’re destined for.”

Belly Prepares For Mumble Rap 2

Belly has undoubtedly earned his reputation as a writer, from penning some of The Weeknd’s biggest hits to his own hit records. However, Mumble Rap 2, which will be executive produced by Hit-Boy, will remind fans of his proficiencies as an MC, which are on full display on “American Nightmare.” “With the first Mumble Rap I had already had a hit record and I wanted to remind people not to forget, where I actually come from & that I really do this,” he said of his upcoming project in a statement.

The rapper confirmed earlier this year that he will release three more albums, including MR2, before he hands up the microphone for good. “I love yall with all my heart, sincerely, but this industry has taken it’s [sic] toll on me,” Belly wrote in February. “MR2 will be the first of my last three albums ever. Mini tour for MR2 then a farewell tour after my next 2.” Though the news is bittersweet, we’re excited to hear what he has up his sleeve on Mumble Rap 2. Check out his latest single above.

Quotable Lyrics
5 mill for the Cali crib
Middle finger to my old neighbors
I put out a album called Immigrant
I’m in the country with no papers, damn

The Weeknd Debuts “Nothing Is Lost (You Give Me Strength)” From “Avatar 2”

Disney’s preparing the release of Avatar 2: The Way Of The Water. Ahead of its release, The Weeknd released the first single from the soundtrack.

The new song initially appeared in the teaser for the movie earlier this month on The Weeknd’s page. Swedish House Mafia and composer, Simon Franglen, who scored the film, co-produce The Weeknd’s new single for Avatar 2.

Jon Landau, Avatar 2: Way Of The Water producer, explained how the song came together. It began after Landau met The Weeknd during the After Hours til Dawn Tour this summer.

“When he came in, Swedish House Mafia came up with the concept of the song, and they embraced working with our composer, Simon Franglen. And together, they came up with a song that is true to who The Weeknd is but is organic to our film,” Landau told Complex. “And that’s what was important to us. We didn’t want just something to come on at the end of the movie that felt outside of it, but he embraced that collaboration, and his voice, oh my God.”

The Weeknd is coming off of an incredibly strong year. At the top of 2022, he released his new album, Dawn FM — an undeniably solid body of work. Since then, he hit the road in support of his latest project. As a result of his charitable efforts, the 2022 CMW Allan Slaight Humaniratian Spirit Award was awarded to The Weeknd. The Canadian singer’s latest honor recognized his philanthropic efforts.

“That this is a Canadian award sits deep with me,” he said. “Allan and The Slaight Family Foundation are known across the country for their generous philanthropy, and it means a lot to be acknowledged, and is an honour to be recognized along with the legendary Canadian artists who received this award before me.”

Check out The Weeknd’s new song for Avatar 2 below.

Quotable Lyrics
If I die, if I stay, give me strength
I’m with you either way
Nothing’s lost, no more pain