; 2023 Taylor Gang Ent., LLC; Maya Don
It’s Friday, which means there are tons of new releases from your favorite hip-hop artists. To help you relax and enjoy your weekend, check out VIBE’s selection of songs and albums you should listen to and add to your weekend soundtrack.
Wiz Khalifa – Khali Sober
Fresh off the road after crisscrossing the country on The High School Reunion Tour, Wiz Khalifa is back to doing what he does best, giving listeners languid beats to feel the vibe to. On his new mixtape Khali Sober, the Pittsburgh native shows off both his melodicism and his rap prowess, crooning over a hazy backdrop created by Big Jerm. “Sorry, there’s no smoking in my Ferrari,” Khalifa notes on “Uptown Bound,” an opener that sets the stage for the rest of the performance. Hosted by DJ Whoo Kid, Khali Sober features standout routines such as “Would Be Muggers,” “Chance To Get Out,” “Sexy Bath” and “Fighters.” – Prisie Brown
Megan Thee Stallion – “Out Alpha The Alpha”
D*cks musical
Megan Thee Stallion pulls out her Out Alpha The Alpha soundtrack bag. This is a unique departure from her usual sound as she raps at a calculated tempo over a very heavy instrumental beat. In the song’s title, she asserts her independence and fights the narratives that are often thrown at women. “They call me shrill, they call me a slut, they call me an ice queen,” she says in a dismissive tone. It’s nice to hear Meg say that and maybe she should explore that sound more in her music. She’s clearly capable, even though this track is intended for a musical. This is a sign of growth that is to be welcomed. – Armon Sadler
Maya Da Don – Hot products
Maya Don
Brooklyn rapper Maiya The Don is the latest woman to emerge from the area, taking local radio by storm while raising her profile nationally. The fashion upstart unveils his debut album Hot products, a long-term player that provides her with sustained fame and success moving forward. Far from being lovesick, Maya is focused on her schtick while maneuvering around hate, as evidenced in the opener “Hella Scary.” Self-love and empowerment are the wave of the songs “Into Myself” and “Always Expensive.” Hot products really picks up the pace halfway through as the viral star brings a throwback vibe to “Telfy” and “Luv U Better,” with additional highlights like “In Your Hands” featuring Ty Dolla Sign and the heart-tugging closer “Hello My Name Is.” closing the album on a high note. – PB
Fivio Foreign – “Why do I need this?”
“Why should I?” is your standard recording of chaotic Fivio Foreign workouts. He raps well, but honestly it leaves a lot to be desired because that’s what has been heard throughout his career so far. It’s fun, it might explode on the outside, but there’s not much else to say. This is a typical Fivio Foreign track. – HOW
Earl and the Alchemist Sweatshirt – Voir Dire
2023 Tan Cressida, Inc./ALC, under exclusive license from Warner Records Inc.
Earl Sweatshirt and The Alchemist keep things simple on the duo’s new album Voir Dire, focusing on heady lyrical whimsy and head-bobbing-inducing soundscapes. Continuing to prove that he is the hardest working player in the game, Alchemist ties Hoodie with a variety of canvases that can be verbally painted over, with the host freely manipulating his streams of consciousness. The rapper does most of the heavy lifting on Voir Dire himself, but rubs shoulders with MIKE and Vince Staples along the way, the latter of whom delivers masterful performances of “Mancala” and “The Caliphate.” – PB
Tee Grizzley featuring Finesse2Tymes – “Grizzley 2 Tymes”
Released by 300 Entertainment. Exclusively licensed to 300 Entertainment., © 2023 Tee Grizzley
“Grizzley 2Tymes” finds Tee Grizzley in his most talented pocket, rapping fervently over an energetic beat. Hitmaka gives him the perfect platform to climb for a minute and a half with clever wordplay and impressive flow switches before Finesse2Tymes takes over. His darker, brooding voice is slower than Grizzly’s, but matches the rhythm of the heavy bass and synth perfectly. This is one of the best lyrical performances from both rappers and a true stellar performance from Tee Grizzly. If this is an indication of what’s to come with his next project, it’s time for people to wake up. – HOW
ElCamino and the Black Soprano Family – They spit on Jesus
2023 Black Soprano Family, LLC
Buffalo, New York, has become a hotbed of intrepid wordsmiths in recent years, as numerous emcees from the city have crashed into the rap scene with projects that send chills down the spines of rap traditionalists. Among these artists is ElCamino, which had a breakthrough year. Combining artistry with productivity, the rapper presents They spit on Jesushis fourth album of the year, where he shares street testimonials and heartfelt memories.
“They spit on Christ, why don’t they spit on me,” Camino asks of the opening set, which includes a powerful guest spot from Fuego Base. Wu-Tang Clan member Inspectah Deck appears on “Victory,” a soulful tune in which the New Yorker recalls periods of hardship and uncertainty, while Benny the Butcher provides reinforcements on “New Bills” and “80 Bills.” Armani Caesar, Zion deLion, Loveboat Luciano, King Ralph and Havoc also appear throughout the album, and excellent solo performances such as “Neva Change”, “Cry With Me” and “The Best of Me” enhance the replay value of this strong album. collection from a member of the Black Sea Fleet. – PB
Speed Walton – PEARL
2023 Art Children
Midwestern rhymer Speed Walton takes issue with the gangsta rap ethos on the veteran’s new album PEARL. This is a compelling, poignant and interesting work, PEARL finds Cincinatti, Fr. The native rap of the song “Beautiful Nightmare Turn to Lucid Dreaming” on the first track of the project only to give a more harmonious mood to the sultry number “Pink Mofango!”, written with the accompaniment of Chikaiti! Walton teams up with T.Nawa for “Ye Buddy!” a pulsating ditty that sparks an energetic performance from the rapper, while more exciting thoughts spew out on “Road Warrior” and “Based on a Lie (American Dream).” Poetic musings and intricate flows abound PEARL, making Speed Walton a voice worthy of your ear and time. – PB