DaBaby Returns, The Weeknd Stills Time, Rod Wave Emotes, And Other Hip-Hop Releases

Today is Friday, which means there are a ton of new releases to look forward to from some of your favorite Hip-Hop artists. To help you unwind and enjoy the weekend, check out VIBE’s picks of songs and albums you should hear and add to your soundtrack of weekend festivities.

DaBaby – How TF Is This A Mixtape?

South Coast Music Group/Interscope Records

DaBaby returns with his latest project, How TF Is This a Mixtape, showcasing his signature blend of swagger and introspection.

Kicking off with the bold declaration, “Proud of my losses, I don’t care if I’m winning,” on the intro track “In a Minute,” DaBaby sets the tone for an authentic journey through his highs and lows.

The mixtape shines with standout tracks like “Carry It On” and the contemplative “Ain’t That a Bi**h,” while “I’m Outside” reveals a more laid-back, yet equally pleasing vibe.

As the project unfolds, DaBaby turns his focus to the ladies in the second half, delivering upbeat anthems like “PHAT” and “Hollywood Freak,” and “Hate A Nice Chick,” which cleverly samples the 504 Boys’ classic “I Can Tell.”

With How TF Is This a Mixtape, DaBaby remains undeterred by any talk of cancellation, as he clearly views himself as the main event, a sentiment conveyed throughout his latest collection. – PB

The Weeknd & Playboi Carti – “Timeless”

2024 The Weeknd XO Music ULC, marketed by Republic Records, a division of UMG Recordings, Inc.

The Weeknd and Playboi Carti have made great tracks together in the past, but “Timeless” falls short of the greatness of a track like “Popular.” This sounds like something that would have been better for Future rather than Carti.

The Atlanta artist gets a long verse and, fortunately, he enunciates a lot more here than normally. However, he ultimately doesn’t say anything significant or of consequence.

Abel delivers a great chorus and sounds really good over the space-like synths; this song may have been better suited for just him. It’s nice on the ears, but the synergy just isn’t there. – Armon Sadler

Rod Wave – “Fall Fast In Love”

Alamo

As Rod Wave continues to embark on the road to the release of his forthcoming studio album Last Lap, the Florida native unveils his new single, “Fall Fast In Love,” an emotive number that addresses matters of the heart.

Produced by T5Neekomadethis, Chris Made, and Flexondatrack, the piano laden composition finds Rod questioning his lover’s intention amid acknowledgments of his closest family members’ role in his life.

“Did you come here to save me or did you come to betray me/ Been feeling unlucky lately, tell me what’s up, my baby,” he asks, revealing his inner-most thoughts while switching from a tumbling flow to impassioned croons.

Accompanied by a music video, “Fall Fast In Love” follows the first single from Last Lap, “Passport Junkie,” and news of Rod’s upcoming North American tour, a 36-city trek set to includes special guests special guests Moneybagg Yo, Toosii, Lil Poppa, Dess Dior and Eelmatic on select dates. – Preezy Brown

Young Thug & Nigo – “Dope Boy”

2024 Republic Records, a division of UMG Recordings, Inc. & Victor Victor Worldwide

It is always nice hearing new Young Thug music. King Slime linked up with Nigo for “Dope Boy” and delivered his signature shapeshifting lyricism.

It would be easy to say this production was right in his wheelhouse, but the truth is Thugger can float over anything. Nonetheless, he attacks these trap drums fervently; his high-pitched screeches and lower-toned broods both fit.

The track is breezy, coming in at just over 90 seconds, but he makes it worthwhile. The only thing missing is Thug being here to make a music video and perform the track. One can imagine he would create a moment out of it, and that’s the only bad part about new music from Young Thug. – AS

Maxo Kream featuring Tyler, The Creator – “Cracc Era”

2024 Persona Money Gang/stomp down

Maxo Kream and Tyler, The Creator added another W to their collaborative resume with “Cracc Era.” There is a mid-2000s feel to the track, and a Twitter user perfectly likened this track to when Pharrell and Slim Thug worked together. Both rappers floated over the low rider, candy paint-like production.

This track sounds like something one would hear at a car show. Once again, this is another collaboration people may have never dreamed up but their clash of styles is refreshing. Somehow they make being so different work so fluidly, which is a testament to Tyler’s versatility and Maxo’s mettle as a lyricist. – AS

BigXThaPlug- “Change Me”

Daniel Prakopcyk

BigXthaPlug presents a soulful offering with “Change Me,” a defiant track on which he vows to remain true to his roots and maintain a respectable code of conduct.

“They tried to frame me/ With pictures I painted,” the guest vocalist croons at the beginning of the track, a poignant entendre that immediately sets the tone for the vibe of the track.

“Never change, I’m the same, it’s just in me/ The only thing change is the paper, my vision/ Can’t forget ’bout the diamonds and chains on my pendant/ Was starvin’, but now we eat steak for a living,” he raps, reminiscing on his humble beginnings and the rugged terrain traveled.

Clocking in just north of two minutes, “Change Me” matches its replay value with its meaningful message, scoring another applaudable release from the buzzworthy Texan. – PB

Tee Grizzley featuring J. Cole – “Blow For Blow”

Tee Grizzley and J. Cole’s “Blow For Blow” is a strong record. The production is nice with a memorable synth and steady drum pattern.

Cole delivers a nice, catchy chorus, and hearing him so confident is cool. Grizzley allowing Cole to open the record was an interesting decision as, obviously, he is the bigger star and has been on a crazy feature run for the last few years.

The Dreamville head honcho ate up the opportunity, delivering a long verse loaded with confident boasts and strong wordplay. Grizzley’s verse later in the record was cool, but nothing to write home about. Overall, fun track, and thankfully no bars that people will be deeply analyzing for rap beef purposes. – AS

Moneybagg Yo – SPEAK NOW OR…

CMG/N-Less/Interscope Records

Moneybagg Yo is back with the deluxe edition of his SPEAK NOW album, bringing even more fire to his already impressive project. This version features the electrifying track “WYD,” which teams up Memphis icons GloRilla and Big Boogie for a club anthem that highlights their undeniable chemistry and talent.

Another standout, “OUTTA TOWN,” showcases the skills of Tallahassee’s Bossman Dlow, adding a fresh twist to the mix. Fans will also love the high-energy tracks “DO YO SH*T” and “SUM TO HATE ON,” alongside Bagg’s signature gritty style in “FOOT SOLDIERS.”

With this deluxe release, Moneybagg Yo continues to solidify his place in the game, delivering powerful verses and infectious beats that keep listeners coming back for more. – PB

Chingy – Pick 3, Vol. 1

369 Creative Mind

Chingy looks to transfer the attention on his supposed political affiliations back towards his music with the release of his new Pick 3, Vol. 1 EP.

The quick-strike project finds the veteran delivering a trifecta of selections, beginning with the focus single, “Still Got It,” a boisterous salvo filled with proffessions of his staying power.

“Flossing like I got a dental license, look, ni**a/ Been through so much sh*t, I should write a book, ni**a,” the St. Louis legend rhymes, as he boasts of his pricey possessions and lavish lifestyle.

While that introductory number gives a good first impression, “Keep It Lit,” the second cut on tape, gives its predecessor a run for its money, as Chingy is joined by Junior as the pair play lyrical bandminton atop the pulsating backdrop.

Rounded out by the strip-club friendly offering “Hands Up You Bad,” Pick 3, Vol. 1 EP is a solid offering by Chingy that is likely to suffice longtime fans while enticing newcomers the same. – PB

Bazz Davis – The Good Girl Tape (Vol. 1)

2024 KAUFI HOUSE

Bazz Davis’s new project The Good Girl Tape (Vol. 1) is like a tasty bowl of gumbo. His soulful foundation, lyrical prowess, emotive disposition, and willingness to be raw and imperfect shine across the just under 11-minute EP.

He bares his soul on “What’s Your Name?” and listeners can audibly tell that as much as he was yearning when recording the track, he was also having fun. That playfulness continues into “Let’s Be Friends” where he breaks down his entire approach to courting a woman and admits that he wouldn’t let her beat him at basketball.

Another enjoyable aspect of this project is he allowed women to speak their minds about men’s flaws in “A Good Girl (Interlude)” which seamlessly transitions into “It Ain’t Gotta Be Like That, You Know?” where he has the standout line “Real ni**as plant seeds, they help you to grow.”

This LA artist has all the tools to be great and The Good Girl Tape (Vol. 1) is a refreshing offering in a music landscape that often feels too similar and unwilling to be vulnerable in the chaotic arena of love. – AS

See More New Hip-Hop Releases Below

Peezy – Small Town Ghetto

#Boyz Entertainment LLC/Empire

NLE Choppa – Sl*t SZN

Warner Records

Foolio –Demi God

E6PN/Create Music Group

Cardo Got Wings – Mademan

Madehouse/Empire

Monaleo – Throwing Bows

Stomp Down

Soulja Boy – The Adventures Of Soulja Boy