This Week’s Top New Hip-Hop Hits – This week, the freshest hip-hop brings us new albums, videos, and songs featuring big names like Future, Metro Boomin, Larry June, and more.
After the buzz surrounding their first joint album, “We Don’t Trust You,” Future and Metro Boomin are back with a sequel, “We Still Don’t Trust You.” This time, they’ve brought along a fresh lineup of artists to add fuel to the fire, including Drake and J. Cole (who probably recorded his verse before any drama unfolded).
With such a stacked roster, anyone who’s rubbed them the wrong way might want to follow Cole’s lead and issue an apology.
With all the commotion happening, it’s been a relatively light week for new releases, possibly due in part to Coachella weekend one. Nevertheless, let’s dive into the standout hip-hop highlights of the week ending [insert date], 2024.
Future and Metro Boomin present their latest collaboration: “We Still Don’t Trust You.”
The highly anticipated release of the week seems to stand alone in the spotlight. Perhaps in the wake of Kendrick Lamar’s explosive impact the last time Future and Metro dropped an album, others wisely chose to steer clear of the same release date, avoiding being overshadowed (apologies, Big Sean).
Although this latest album leans more towards a vibey atmosphere, the strategic move seems justified; it’s generating just as much buzz with its shots at Drake, sparking widespread discussion.
While I previously expressed disappointment that Future and Metro’s collaboration shouldn’t be overshadowed by beef, it appears they’re sticking to their strategy, counting on fans to delve into the rest of their work once the beef frenzy subsides.
Dreezy drops the remix of “B*tch Duh,” featuring BIA, KenTheMan, and Lakeyah, delivering a fiery collaboration that’s sure to make waves.
Dreezy, a favorite among longtime followers, has consistently proven herself as one of the top female rappers of the past decade in my books.
Collaborating with other respected rappers and giving it their all is a fantastic way to reinforce my belief and spread the word about her undeniable talent.
Despite the anticipated chaos, it appears that some artists were still willing to take the plunge. The Opium affiliate exemplifies this, perhaps due in part to the fact that the intersection between fans deeply invested in rap beef and those immersed in the Vamp lifestyle is likely quite minimal.
Kwazii — “Leaving”
Brampton rapper Kwazii released this single last week, but it deserves a second look as we anticipate his upcoming mixtape, “I Was Perfect To Someone.”
His musical style lands in the realm of melodic “pain” rappers such as Fredo Bang, Rod Wave, and Morray, but with a distinctive Canadian twist in the production. Think airy beats, filtered echoes, and a touch of that refreshing Northern vibe.
Larry June — “Imported Couches”
The Bay native isn’t interested in beef; he’s focused on securing the bag. Personally, I gravitate towards laid-back hip-hop like this, so I’m relieved he didn’t let the intense competitive energy in the industry deter him.
Your Old Droog — “DBZ” Feat. Method Man & Denzel Curry
Honestly, I’m completely perplexed by this cover artwork. While the song’s title references Dragon Ball Z (which conveniently gives me an opportunity to link to my post discussing the “most hip-hop anime” ever), the cover seems to evoke Street Fighter vibes.
It’s likely that Denzel, a massive fan of both franchises—someone I’ve been itching to chat with for my Toriyama feature—didn’t have the final say in the artwork. Thankfully, the song itself is just as powerful as the iconic characters from either series.
It’s worth noting that some of the artists mentioned here are affiliated with Warner Music. Uproxx, where this is covered, operates as an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.
RECAP
This week in hip-hop has seen a dynamic range of releases, showcasing the diversity and creativity within the genre. Future and Metro Boomin have once again joined forces, dropping “DBZ” featuring Method Man and Denzel Curry.
Despite some confusion surrounding the cover artwork, the track itself is a powerhouse, blending the influences of Dragon Ball Z and Street Fighter into a compelling sonic experience.
Meanwhile, Larry June continues to carve his own lane in the industry with his distinctive style and laid-back vibes. His latest offering adds another layer of depth to his catalog, solidifying his position as a rising star in the hip-hop scene.
Kwazii, the Brampton native, has returned with a single from his upcoming mixtape “I Was Perfect To Someone.” With his melodic approach and unique Canadian flair, Kwazii offers a refreshing take on the genre, proving that there’s more to hip-hop than just fierce competition.
Ken Carson, Dreezy, and BIA, along with KenTheMan and Lakeyah, have also made waves with their latest releases. Each artist brings their own flavor to the table, demonstrating the vast range of talent within the hip-hop community.
Lastly, the collaboration between Future and Metro Boomin on “We Still Don’t Trust You” further cements their status as powerhouses in the industry. Despite any potential distractions or controversies, their music speaks for itself, captivating audiences and pushing the boundaries of the genre.
Overall, this week’s hip-hop releases offer something for everyone, showcasing the genre’s ability to evolve and innovate while staying true to its roots.
