New Music Roundup (July 14th - July 18th)

New Music Released This Week (July 14th – July 18th):

1. Saneit – Leave The Light On

2. iAMLYRIC – Broken Barbies

Today, emerging artistiAMLYRIC drops her debut track, “Broken Barbies,” as part of #MirrorMondays on social media — click HERE to listen. On this track, Lyric delivers raw, unfiltered bars that showcase her lyrical prowess. Over a moody instrumental, she weaves verses filled with ambition and personal reflection. With a laid-back flow and razor-sharp wordplay, Lyric commands attention from the very first bar, balancing vulnerability with authenticity. “Broken Barbies” marks a bold introduction to her sound – and a clear sign there’s much more to come.

If Nina Simone and Tupac had a child and asked Johnny Cash to be the godfather, her name would be iAMLYRIC — lowercase “i” in honor of the legendary bell hooks. Born from Southern grace and West African resistance, raised in Houston, heartbreak came in envelopes and overdrafts. She is…

iAMLYRIC; and I rap the blues. 

3. Joyner Lucas – Nobody Cares

Two-time Grammy-nominated rapper Joyner Lucas delivers a fiery response to Skepta’s recent diss track with the release of “NOBODY CARES”, a bold and unrelenting rebuttal that dropped first on his social media this morning and is now available on all platforms. The song arrives amid rising tensions between the two artists, sparked by Skepta’s direct name-drop in his surprise track “Friendly Fire.”

Despite being just days away from the release of his highly anticipated third studio album ADHD 2, Joyner put album promotion on pause to address the diss head-on, making it clear that while his focus has been on the music, he’s not one to be taken lightly.

On “NOBODY CARES”, Joyner comes out swinging with razor-sharp lyricism and unapologetic force, calling into question Skepta’s relevance, influence, and motivations. Dismissing the diss as attention-seeking, Joyner unleashes an intense, calculated assault packed with quotables, personal jabs, and a level of technical precision that fans have come to expect from one of hip-hop’s most fearless voices. “Nobody cares about how you and Drizzy are close and how you invented UK rap but still ain’t top 10 on your coast n***a,” he spits, setting the tone for what follows.

In the second verse, Joyner turns up the heat with pointed references to Skepta’s reputation, affiliations, and status, making it clear that there’s nothing friendly about this fire. From lyrical disrespect to territorial warnings, the track delivers blow after blow with no signs of retreat.

While “NOBODY CARES” stands alone, it arrives during a pivotal week for Joyner as he prepares to release ADHD 2 on Friday, July 18. The album features collaborations with Ava Max, T-Pain, Blackbear, Big Sean, Ty Dolla $ign, J Balvin, Fireboy DML, DaBaby, and Chris Brown, and serves as a personal and creative evolution of his 2020 debut ADHD. The new project explores mental health, identity, grief, and growth, blending hard-hitting storytelling with global production and viral moments.

With this release, Joyner reminds fans that whether it’s a diss or a deeply personal track, his delivery is always calculated, cutting, and impossible to ignore. This isn’t just a response, it’s a reminder of who he is.

“NOBODY CARES” is available now on all platforms.

4. Maz & Viot ft. Anduze – Ocean

Brazilian house music cornerstones Maz and Viot join forces with Anduze for a radiant new single “Ocean,” out today via Dawn Patrol. “Ocean” rides a tight, rolling bassline with a breezy, coastal feel—clean, minimal, and full of space to move. Anduze’s vocal, “Take me to the ocean, wash me in your water, drown me in emotion,” taps into a desire to let go, be cleansed, and connect with something deeper, whether that’s another person, a dancefloor, or the ocean itself. The track perfectly captures the surf-meets-rave spirit at the core of Dawn Patrol, blurring the lines between nature and nightlife and centering on a sense of community. That same spirit drives the mission behind the label and event series co-founded by Maz and Antdot, which curates coastal parties and sunrise sets where ravers and surfers come together under open skies. Following a massive Dawn Patrol event in São Paulo, Maz embarked on a busy European summer tour, bringing Dawn Patrol to Paris last week and Lisbon on September 7. During this time, he’s also appearing on Ibiza lineups with BLOND:ISH and Camelphat at separate Pacha events, and Michael Bibi’s Solid Grooves crew at DC-10. As one of the fastest-rising names in global dance music, Maz has surged from Brazil’s underground scene to top-tier North American festivals like Coachella, EDC, Electric Forest, and more. With a growing international fanbase, 580k+ followers across Instagram and TikTok, and streaming hits like “Amana,” “Banho de Folhas,” and “Jolie Fille” in his discography, he’s become a defining voice in the new wave of Brazilian house. His sound, weightless, carefree, and charismatic, has drawn support from icons like Black Coffee, Keinemusik, Diplo, and many more. Viot, the stage name of Lauro Viotti, is a Brazilian DJ and music producer who, in just three years, has gained international recognition for his unique blend of Bossa Nova, Brazilian Hip Hop, Pop, House, and Techno. His tracks — including Confession, FMF, Pop It Low, and So Far So Good — have been supported by major names like Jamie Jones, Michael Bibi, The Martinez Brothers, Marco Carola, and Diplo. Space Cowboy reached #68 on Beatport’s Overall Top 100, while his version of Blitz (Você Não Soube Me Amar) hit #51, marking the launch of his label, Casa Bonita Records. On tour, Viot has played renowned stages such as Tomorrowland Brazil, Hï Ibiza, Ushuaïa, and Só Track Boa, standing out with an authentic style that avoids clichés and reflects his personal truth. “Ocean,” with Viot and Anduze, is out now on Dawn Patrol.

5. Jonas Brothers – I Can't Lose

GRAMMY®-nominated, multi-platinum superstars Jonas Brothers share their undeniable and anthemic new single “I Can’t Lose,” out now—listen HERE. “I Can’t Lose” paves the way for their much-anticipated new studio album, Greetings From Your Hometown, out next month on August 8th—pre-order/pre-save HERE.

With all the makings of a Jonas Brothers’ classic, “I Can’t Lose” was first featured as the official anthem of ESPN’s Sunday Night Baseball. Last night, the band debuted the music video in partnership with Mastercard in support of Stand Up To Cancer® at the 2025 MLB All-Star Game. The video shows the unifying power of music, as the band honors the inspiring ways people stand up to cancer every day—watch it HERE.

“I Can’t Lose” arrives on the heels of Jonas Brothers’ recent single “No Time To Talk.” Featuring an interpolation of the Bee Gees’ iconic “Stayin’ Alive”—which was a staple on the brothers’ musical soundtrack throughout their childhood thanks to their father—the song was produced by Julian Bunetta [Sabrina Carpenter’s “Espresso”] and Gabe Simon [Lana Del Rey, Noah Kahan, Calum Scott] and is nearing 10 million streams since its release last month. Their upcoming album Greetings From Your Hometown is a return to Jonas Brothers’ New Jersey roots and early sonic influences while growing up, as they celebrate 20 unforgettable years as a band.

Next month, Jonas Brothers will kick off their 2025 JONAS20: Greetings From Your Hometown tour at MetLife Stadium on August 10th. The North American tour will feature a dynamic, career-spanning live show that highlights every chapter of the Jonas Brothers’ 20 year journey and their evolution as a band, including solo projects like Nick Jonas & the Administration, Nick Jonas’ solo career, Joe Jonas’ solo career, and DNCE. Select dates will feature special guests Marshmello, The All-American Rejects, and Boys Like Girls, as well as special JONASCON pop-up events for fans following their milestone JONASCON at New Jersey’s American Dream earlier this spring. See the full list of tour dates below, and tickets are available now at ticketmaster.com.

6. Billacheck ft. Skrilla – OTW To A M

Atlanta rapper Billacheck returns with his latest single “Otw to a M,” linking up with Philadelphia standout Skrilla for a paper-stacked mission set to a rugged head-nodding beat. Produced by Nico Made That and Ace Soulja, the new track is joined by a raw music video out today via MNRK Music Group.

Laced with quotable lines like “Blue bills on me, ran it up like Gump,” “I just withdraw me a dub out the bank,” and “Put a switch back of da Glock and fabreeze,” “Otw to a M” carries street ambition and relentless focus. Billacheck and Skrilla trade bars about stacking cash, staying ready for anything, and navigating the hustle with sharp precision. 

Anchored by a hypnotic and commanding beat, the track flows with relentless energy. The visual, directed by Mirzy Productions, mirrors that energy with lo-fi, surveillance-style effects that add texture to the track’s no-nonsense delivery.

Billacheck, known for his vivid storytelling and distinct flow, continues to carve out his space in the Southern rap scene with tracks that stay raw and true to the hustle. Skrilla brings added heat with his menacing tone and tightly wound verses, making this collaboration hit with weight.

7. Benny The Butcher – Summertime Butch 2

That Summer Feeling…  Rain, sleet, hail, or snow, Benny The Butcher is always servin, but there is something about Summertime Butch that has a different feel. 

In August 2024, Benny The Butcher re-emerged to hold you down for the rest of the summer with Summertime Butch, which was his first solo project since the Grammy-Nominated and Emmy-Award-winning artist delivered his Def Jam Recordings debut, Everybody Can’t Go.  In May of this year, he was outside again and released, Excelsior, which featured collaborations with Boldy James, Styles P, Harry Fraud, Daringer, and his BSF family. 

Back in Summertime Butch mode, Benny The Butcher reactivates on “716 Day,” and has released his new project, Summertime Butch 2, which is now available at all DSP’s.  In addition to releasing his new project, Butch also released a new video for “East Side Butch” (Freestyle), which can be viewed below. 

Summertime Butch 2 features collaborations with Westside Gunn, Bun B, Mike Will Made It, G Herbo, Bruiser Wolf, Daringer, Bink, OT The Real, ElCamino & Duckman.

Benny The Butcher’s Summertime Butch 2 is now available at all DSP’s.

8. Oxymorrons – BLK SHEEP

New York’s genre-defying punks Oxymorrons return with “BLK SHEEP”, a ferocious new single that collides thrash punk chaos with sharp-edged alt-hip-hop. Unflinching and unapologetic, the track takes aim at corruption, inequality, and the many layers of hypocrisy woven into the fabric of modern society. Alongside the release, the band has announced their upcoming EP Create. Destroy. Rebuild. Repeat. will drop in the fall of 2025.

Delivered with a sense of urgency that matches the current climate, “BLK SHEEP” pulls no punches. Against a backdrop of breakneck drums and razor-edged riffs, Oxymorrons spit barbed truths: “Fuck it why not, break the law talk shit run from the cops / Fuck it why not, profile plant drugs shoot them on the spot…”

The lyrics cut through not just political dysfunction, but social, cultural, and corporate hypocrisy, calling out everything from gentrification and performative activism to white-collar crime and selective outrage. As the chorus hits, “We don’t belong like you said, but live rent free in your head…”, it’s clear “BLK SHEEP” isn’t just a song; it’s a confrontation.

“‘BLK SHEEP’ is a raw, unapologetic mirror held up to every corner of society! From corrupt lawmakers who bend rules for profit, to marginalized communities that sometimes embrace the very stereotypes used to oppress them”, share Oxymorrons. “It calls out the contradictions, the performative outrage, the selective morality. And at the heart of it all is the bitter truth: if this is what you glorify, if this is what you reward… then fuck it, why not? We’ll wear the label, live the chaos, and expose the system for what it really is. In hopes that this mirror will inspire/provoke that kind of self reflection that produces true change.” 

Following last month’s release of “Cool Being You”, a vibrant, genre-blending track that reaffirmed their signature hybrid sound, their upcoming EP Create. Destroy. Rebuild. Repeat. marks a full-on creative rebirth for Oxymorrons. True to its name, the project is a raw, no-compromise statement about tearing everything down to rebuild something stronger, and fully their own.

That same energy hits even harder on stage. Fresh off a national run with Sleep Theory – and newly announced as support for part two of their Afterglow Tour this fall – Oxymorrons will bring their high-voltage live show to the remaining Warped Tour 30th Anniversary dates in Long Beach, CA and Orlando, FL. Fans should stay tuned for more music, more tour dates, and more chances to catch the chaos up close. Expect connection. Expect impact. Expect the unexpected.

9. Fordo – Nobody's Watching

Milwaukee-born pop/rap artist Fordo (@fordomusic) releases the official music video for his breakout single “Nobody’s Watching,” delivering a visually compelling statement on embracing your true self in a world obsessed with appearances. Watch the video here.

Produced alongside acclaimed Victor Thell, “Nobody’s Watching” has already struck a chord with fans, racking up over 1.5 million views on TikTok from its teaser clip alone. Now, the full music video elevates the song’s message even further.

The single is a highlight from Fordo’s debut album 2001, a nostalgic fusion of pop, rap, R&B, and dance that channels the spirit of the early 2000s while telling deeply personal stories of love, heartbreak, and self-discovery. Fordo describes the song as an anthem for anyone ready to drop the masks and be unapologetically themselves.

“The video for ‘Nobody’s Watching’ is a nostalgic escape into the world we knew before everything went online,” Fordo says of the release. “I wanted it to capture people truly living; having fun, being carefree, and fully in the moment.”

The music video for “Nobody’s Watching” is available on Fordo’s official YouTube channel and all social platforms. Fans can stream the full album 2001 now on all major platforms.

10. Hurricane Wisdom – Afraid

Weaving entrancing tunes using his pure tenor, Florida’s Hurricane Wisdom always wears his heart on his sleeve. Getting vulnerable on his latest slice of melodic trap, Hurricane shares “Afraid,” his new video single. Floating above thumping percussion and ethereal swells of vocals, the Havana, FL native worries about the trade-offs that come with chasing dreams, as he spends so much time pursuing his goal that he misses life’s important things: “I’m afraid of being alone,” he sings. In the video, Wisdom rides solo through Miami, going about his day while quietly wrestling with the fear of being alone. From picking out watches, to being locked in at the studio, or gaming by himself, the scenes highlight how real that loneliness feels. It’s a stripped-back, honest look at a more vulnerable side of Hurricane we don’t always get to see.

Since releasing his tape Perfect Storm in February 2025, Hurricane Wisdom has been on a tear, recently dropping new singles like  “Woosah” and “Anyways,” with “Woosah” peaking at #9 for YouTube trending and #40 on the YouTube Top Music Video chart. Charting on the Billboard 200 for three weeks (#126 peak), Perfect Storm illustrates why Hurricane Wisdom is one of the most exciting artists in Florida’s bustling rap scene. From the opening track, Hurricane delivers addictive melodies and unapologetic lyrics with the kinetic urgency of an artist hellbent on achieving rap stardom. Perfect Storm is home to “Giannis (Remix),” a new version of Hurricane’s 2024 breakout hit with a guest verse from Polo G, and the buzzing single “Drugs Callin,” which has over 12 million views on YouTube. Earlier, Hurricane dropped videos for his high profile collabs, “On God” ft. Raq Baby (3.8 million views) and “Mind Gone” ft. Dthang (2.1 million views). Featuring additional guest spots from Sleepy Hallow, NoCap, Fredo Bang, Skilla Baby, and more, Perfect Storm is available on all platforms via Open Shift Distribution.

Born and raised in Havana, Florida, just 30 minutes from Tallahassee, Hurricane Wisdom earned a big fanbase (207k YouTube subscribers, 369k Instagram followers) with his emotionally honest lyrics and entrancing melodies. His 2024 project Eye Of The Storm featured “Giannis,” a kinetic anthem dedicated to the Milwaukee Bucks superstar, which became Hurricane Wisdom’s biggest hit to date, with over 15 million YouTube views and 6 million Spotify streams. “Giannis” earned rapturous reviews from critics, as well, including Pitchfork, who called the song “the feel-good Florida anthem of the moment” and listed it at #36 on their list of the 100 Best Songs of 2024.

With co-signs from Rod Wave and NLE Choppa, a recent opening slot on tour with BossMan Dlow, and coverage in Billboard, BET, UPROXX, and more, the conditions are perfect for Hurricane Wisdom to make a major impact on the rap game. Keep an eye out…a storm is coming.

11. Freddie Gibbs – 1995

Freddie Gibbs and The Alchemist have returned. Five years after Alfredo—an album that became an instant classic and redefined what a rapper-producer duo could sound like—the pair is back with Alfredo 2, dropping July 25th.

Earlier this week, fans were caught off guard by cryptic signage with many wondering about a follow-up album to the critically-acclaimed and Grammy-nominated Alfredo. Yesterday, a select number of fans arrived at Los Angeles’ Brain Dead Studios cinema for a special advance screening of Alfredo: The Movie. Today, Freddie Gibbs and The Alchemist deliver on the rumors with the official announcement of Alfredo 2 paired alongside opening track “1995” and the release of the short film. 

Directed by Nick Walker and shot on location in Japan, Alfredo: The Movie offers a cryptic glimpse into the Alfredo 2 world. Equal parts yakuza noir and Ghost Dog, the film casts Gibbs and The Alchemist as partners navigating a seedy, hyper-stylized version of the city’s criminal underground. They’ve traded pasta for noodles, operating out of a humble ramen shop while studying ancient methods of preparation, boiling bones by day and laundering money by night. Alleyway negotiations, back room deals in smoky izakayas, and warrior monk training montages––it’s a bold reintroduction to the duo’s creative universe steeped in noir aesthetics, shadowy criminal underworlds, and razor-sharp bars.

Freddie Gibbs and The Alchemist are celebrating the launch of Alfredo II with an exclusive drop of 100 signed vinyl records available only on Amazon.com. To mark the occasion, the duo has partnered with HVW8 Gallery in Los Angeles and streetwear label Babylon for a special event sponsored by Rotation, the Black music brand from Amazon Music, on Saturday, July 19th from 6pm to 10pm when the vinyl will be available for purchase online. The event will include a photo exhibition, advance album listening, short film screening, and a limited apparel capsule with Babylon.

Freddie Gibbs has never fit neatly into a box. Over the last decade, he’s evolved from underground tactician to cultural heavyweight—someone equally at home bodying a Madlib beat as he is acting alongside indie film darlings. But Gibbs’ evolution goes far beyond music. His breakout performance in the indie film Down With The King stunned critics, earning him praise from the New York Times, where A.O. Scott named his performance one of the best of the year and argued that Gibbs should have been nominated for Best Actor at the Oscars. He’s since expanded his presence on screen with roles that tap into the same emotional weight and streetwise intelligence that define his lyricism. Gibbs is building a career that sits at the intersection of authenticity and artistry—one foot in the culture, one in something bigger. With recent appearances in prestige television and film, and a reputation as one of rap’s most compelling live performers, Gibbs is carving out a path that blends street wisdom with high art.

The Alchemist, meanwhile, remains one of the most influential and consistent producers in the game. In the years since Alfredo, he’s been unstoppable—crafting full-length records with Earl Sweatshirt, Boldy James, Larry June, MIKE, and most recently Erykah Badu while continuing to mentor and co-sign a new generation of underground talent. His fingerprints are all over the last decade of progressive rap music, and his sound—dusty, luxurious, unpredictable—remains unmatched. Alfredo 2 marks another chapter in a career defined by reinvention and quiet domination.

12. Lakeyah ft. Stunna Girl – Raw Btch

13. Kardinal Offishall & Rotimi – Soak

Hip hop icon and multi-platinum artist Kardinal Offishall is following up his brand new return to music, the Jamaican Reggae and Dancehall influenced “LET EM OUT,” with a decidedly sultry follow-up, the Amapiano and Afrobeats imbued “SOAK.”

“LET EM OUT” and “SOAK” are both taken from the multi-platinum artist’s long-awaited and highly anticipated EP, Everyday, Sometimes.

Featuring TV and platinum music star Rotimi and newcomer Ocean Banks, “SOAK” brings us to a place where we leave behind our insecurities and embrace our inner sexy.

It’s a feel-good anthem made to move your body and lift the vibes all summer long.

“In a time when real connection feels rare and true sensuality is harder than ever to experience, enter the summer banger ‘SOAK’!” shares Kardinal, who also works as a Global A&R Executive at Def Jam Records, helping to shape the sound and direction of today’s music. 

Inspired by Toronto house parties, block parties, clubs and Caribana, “SOAK,” is a languid dip in the pool at the height of humidity and in true intimacy.

14. Che Noir ft. 38 Spesh – Smooth Jazz

After recently giving birth to her first child, Buffalo’s own returned with The Color Chocolate 2, which was released on 6.20.25, less than a month she is back with a new album announcement and a new single. 

Che Noir and acclaimed production duo The Other Guys are proud to announce their collaborative project, No Validation, which will be released on 8.29.25 via HiPNOTT Records.  The project is produced in its entirety by The Other Guys.  The project’s lead single, “Smooth Jazz” featuring 38 Spesh, is now available at all DSP’s. 

With No Validation, Che Noir continues to solidify her place as one of the most commanding voices in Hip-Hop. Known for her razor-sharp introspection and airtight flows, the project finds her navigating themes of legacy, resilience, and self-worth — all wrapped in the soulful, analog-rich production style The Other Guys are known for.

No Validation features a curated lineup of elite lyricists and unique voices, including:
Skyzoo, Ransom, Smoke DZA, Jae Skeese, Von Pea, Jack Davey, and 38 Spesh, each adding their own signature flavor to Che’s reflective world.

The project’s lead single, “Smooth Jazz”, pairs Che and 38 Spesh over a rich, laid-back instrumental — blending street poetics with smoky lounge vibes. It’s an instant reminder that growth doesn’t mean softening the edge, just sharpening the aim.

The Other Guys — who’ve previously worked with Skyzoo, Substantial, and Tanya Morgan — bring their signature soul-drenched grit, pairing perfectly with Che Noir’s storytelling finesse.

No Validation is not just a title — it’s a mission statement. It’s for those who know what they bring to the table, with or without applause.

“This album, No Validation, is one of the dopest projects I’ve created. The lead single, ‘Smooth Jazz’ featuring 38 Spesh, was recorded while I was pregnant. I knew immediately Spesh was the perfect fit” Che confides.  “It’s been a wild journey bringing this to life, and I can’t wait for everyone to hear it.”

Che Noir’s No Validation will be released on 8.29.25 via HiPNOTT Records.

15. FattMack ft. G Herbo – White Lies

FattMack, the 19-year-old rapper from Mobile, Alabama, drops his new single “White Lies” today via Great Day Records, featuring a standout verse from Chicago’s own G Herbo. The track brings together two distinct voices for a hard-hitting collaboration that pulls no punches.

Over dark, heavy production, FattMack delivers with his usual sharpness, while G Herbo brings his signature intensity. It’s a no-frills record that hits hard and sticks with you.

The video leans into performance, with fast-paced editing and clean, high-energy shots. Both artists deliver with presence, letting the visuals amplify the track’s momentum without distraction.

“White Lies” arrives on the heels of a massive year for FattMack. In April, he released Here to Stay, his full-length project and a clear step forward in both sound and scope. The 17-track album featured songs like “Fake Love” (feat Raq baby & BAK Jay), “Kai Cenat,” and fan-favorite Lil Tony collaboration “Hit It,” and helped solidify his voice as one of rap’s most promising. That momentum carried into a performance at Roots Picnic in June, where he delivered a high-energy set in front of a packed crowd in Philadelphia.

FattMack is currently pulling in over 5 million streams per week, with more than 147 million streams overall. His last project, TMK, has passed 11 million streams and helped build a growing fanbase that’s staying locked in. In June, he hit the stage at Roots Picnic in Philadelphia, another major moment in what’s been a breakout year.

“White Lies” follows a run of consistent releases and marks another step in what’s already been a breakout year.

16. Max McNown – Night Diving (The Cost of Growing Up)

Today, critically acclaimed singer-songwriter Max McNown releases the highly anticipated deluxe album Night Diving (The Cost of Growing Up), a powerful blend of folk and country that chronicles themes of grief, healing, love, and hope, with soul-baring lyricism and compelling instrumentation. Featuring 11 never-before-heard songs, the new, expanded edition of his stunning sophomore LP is out now on Fugitive Recordings x The Orchard x Columbia Records. 

“Even though ‘Night Diving’ was the length of a full album, in my heart it never felt complete to me,” shares McNown. “All of these songs were written in the same time period, and my intention was always to have them be one body of work.” The previously unreleased songs surfaced from a recent evolution of his mesmerizing sound, spotlighting an earthy tonality informed by his upbringing in the Pacific Northwest and warm vocal presence honed partly by busking on the San Clemente pier. 

“Since my first EP I’ve been on the hunt to find myself as a musician, and with this album, I’ve officially made something that fully represents me, both sonically and in my songwriting,” he continues. Produced by Jamie Kenney (Colbie Caillat, Laci Kaye Booth) and made with an A-list lineup of session players, ‘Night Diving (The Cost of Growing Up)’ ultimately provides an extraordinary vessel for his profoundly moving and intimate storytelling.

Standout, dreamlike songs such as the chart-climbing “Better Me For You (Brown Eyes)” and the unstoppably joyful focus track “Forever Ain’t Long Enough,” Max lets his inner hopeless romantic shine. Whereas on the heavy-hearted but exquisitely catchy “Same Questions” and the ode to old love “St. Helen’s Alpenglow,” Max explores everything that’s lost following a breakup. Meanwhile, the gorgeously textured track “The Cost of Growing Up” arrives as a clear-eyed but melancholic reflection on the inevitability of pain.  

Revisiting the title track of the original album, Max recruited country artist Cameron Whitcomb for a new, heartfelt rendition of “Night Diving,” a profound meditation on the cycles of addiction,  set against a spellbinding backdrop of otherworldly textures, moody guitar tones, and strangely haunting rhythms. Watch Max and Cameron poke fun at each other in this hilarious clip promoting the single (which has earned over half a million views within just one week). 

“One of the things I respect above all else is authenticity and honesty in music, and Cam is the epitome of that,” says McNown of working with Whitcomb. “When I started thinking about a feature on that song, I knew there was no better person than Cam to join me. He gave it so much energy and his voice is so distinct, and now the song has a whole new life to it.”  

Cameron Whitcomb adds, “When Max first pitched the song to me, I barely got halfway through the first verse and called him back immediately. I think this song is honest and special, and I’m honored to sing alongside an incredible artist and human being on such an amazing record.”

In celebration of the new music, Max is continuing on the road hitting Lollapalooza and the fast-selling North American headline “Forever Ain’t Long Enough,” tour, which kicks off August 21st in Kansas City. The tour will be making stops in Austin at Emo’s on August 27th, Los Angeles at The Novo on September 6th, and at 9:30 Club in Washington D.C. on September 8th – see full dates below and visit maxmcnown.com/tour for tickets and more information. 

At 23 (turns 24 on July 20), Max has already been on a storied musical journey. Taking control of his future, overcoming personal challenges, and drawing inspiration from his brother who was bravely fighting cancer, he packed his bags and drove from remote Oregon to Southern California. From there, videos of him busking on a pier made an impact online and eventually grew into a legion of supporters on TikTok (currently has 2.4M followers). After attracting interest from major TV talent shows, McNown auditioned for one and then decided it wasn’t for him and gracefully turned them down as he knew he needed to walk his own path.

Within just a year of teaching himself to play guitar, the Nashville-based artist set off on a meteoric rise largely fueled by his breakout single “A Lot More Free”— the RIAA Gold-certified track whose explosive success earned him a #1 spot on Billboard’s Emerging Artists chart and has currently been flying up the radio charts. Currently, the track is Top 10 at Hot AC and Top 20 at Top 40. 

Following the release of his widely lauded debut album Wandering, the Willfully Blind EP, and his acclaimed sophomore album Night Diving, the 23-year-old Oregon native continued his fast ascent to stardom appearing on The Kelly Clarkson Show (watch here) and TODAY (watch here), and selling out his first-ever headline tour within just hours. 

Recently, Max also made his debut on the Billboard Hot 100 with his song “Better Me For You (Brown Eyes).” The song, which has spent five weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, has now amassed over 130 million global streams and has been a mainstay at Country radio – currently #39 on Top 40 Country. Max was also named a 2025 Artist To Watch by Amazon Music, Holler, and Country Now, and has performed at C2C Festival, CMA Fest, and other large festivals. 

The Night Diving (The Cost of Growing Up) deluxe album is a powerful milestone for a prolific young artist rooted in his craft. Even as his star quickly rises, Max stays true to his small-town soul—anchored by humility, heart, and a deep love for honest songwriting. With every track, he continues his mission to make music that lets folks feel seen, heard, and understood.

Night Diving (The Cost of Growing Up), is available for order on: signed D2C Exclusive Clear Black Ice Colored Vinyl, Amazon Exclusive Opaque Maroon Colored Vinyl, Indie Exclusive Opaque Bone Colored Vinyl, Opaque Tangerine Colored Vinyl, and Standard CD. 

17. Liamani – True Love

Embracing her multi-hyphenate status, singer/songwriter and actress Liamani unveils her new single “True Love” from her forthcoming EP Dear Little Me out August 15th, via Def Jam Recordings. Listen HERE. Pre-Save “Dear Little Me” HERE.
 

On the track, Liamani’s angelic vocals overlay a bright guitar as she reasons with a fluctuating relationship. She reflects, “Thought the distance made us closer / Now I’m thinking that it’s over / But if I let it go will I ever know? / If you could hurt me on my birthday, what would you do on my worst day?” Across the breathy chorus, Liamani thematically grapples with understanding how to sense true love, angelically asking “What is true love? Is it even what it seems? Is it only make believe?” 

At only 16 years old, Liamani has already made an indelible mark on the entertainment industry, captivating audiences as the fan-favorite character “Emmy” in High School Musical: The Series. After signing with Def Jam, her releases “Hanging by a Thread” and debut single “Sunkissed” have exhibited Liamani’s undeniable talent — from her dynamic vocal range and poignant lyrics, to her sensation as a rising star. “True Love” promises to showcase Liamani’s remarkable artistry, as she builds upon the momentum of her previous releases. 

The EP announcement comes on the heels of being announced as a star of Disney’s next Descendants: Wicked Wonderland movie coming out in 2026, and being tagged by GAP at the end of last year for their 2024 Holiday campaign. Her powerhouse vocals have caught the attention of Justin Bieber, Mariah Carey, and Wayna Morris of Boyz II Men as only a few of her early supporters.

Stay tuned for the release of her debut EP Dear Little Me and more of Liamani’s star quality in 2025!
 

18. Amie Blu – Shadow

Amie Blu has today shared brand new single ‘shadow’, out now on 0207 Def Jam / Polydor Label Group. With ‘shadow’ already gaining 1M organic views on socials and co-signed by the likes of SZA, the South London One to Watch recently wrapped a UK/European tour with Faye Webster – including a London date at Eventim Apollo – following dates earlier this year with Joy Crookes and Jacob Banks. Festivals will follow this summer such as Reading & Leeds and Boardmasters…watch this space for more from Amie Blu to follow soon.

Lo-fi, scuzzy and searingly honest, ‘shadow’ upends a love song – its obsessions and potentially unhealthy borders – for something more existential: here Amie Blu addresses her own sense of identity, those aspirational versions of the self that follow us around like a ‘shadow’ and we ultimately must make peace with. Amie comments that “shadow is about feeling like nothing you do is ever good enough for someone you love. You’re constantly chasing after their approval and validation but never get it. How they treat you overshadows everything else in life.”

22-year-old Amie Blu’s confessional, deeply accomplished work to date is a testament to living, and even thriving, with your ‘shadow’. Born of French heritage in South East London, Amie cut her teeth in community projects growing up – ArtsTrain, Flames Collective – before hustling through music in jobs ranging from youth charities to A&R and publishing (“in every job interview I was clear – I’m never gonna respond to anything else outside of my working hours because it’s not my priority. I’m gonna be an artist”). Having developed her sound across a series of DIY EPs, a turning point proved to be 2024 mixtape how we lose. Introspective but frank, tracks like ‘everything about her’ showed a poetic brand of realism – and soulful, stop-you-in-your-tracks voice – way beyond Amie Blu’s years. 

Amassing millions of streams, sold-out headline shows and widespread acclaim, Amie Blu began her next chapter this spring with its first single, ‘swimming in pity’. An alternative anthem written from an anxious state, this soaring, yacht-rock jam ultimately cuts deep, addressing depression and our self-sabotaging instinct to wallow. Followup single ‘missing everything’ melds upbeat, seemingly feel-good alt-pop with deceptively poignant lyrics about disassociation – the everyday struggle to be present, when life overwhelms. Today, Amie Blu feels perfectly at home in a new wave of alternative artists – Mk.gee, Dijon – whose casual handle on genre nonetheless feels completely rooted in classic, crafted songwriting. Musically uncompromising and emotionally unflinching, Amie Blu’s music provides glimpses of light, and even a bit of gallows humour, wherever there’s ‘shadow’.

19. Genia ft. Timbaland – Toastyyy

Ushering R&B into the future unapologetically, Genia—the 24-year-old acclaimed singer/songwriter—levels up on a new single and music video entitled “Toastyyy” [feat. Timbaland], available on all platforms today via Def Jam Recordings.

The track, produced by Jonas Jeberg who also produced “Nosebleeds” by Doechii, interpolates Timbaland’s immortal and instantly identifiable beat from Aaliyah’s “Try Again.” Once those drums kick in, you know you’re in Timbo’s grip, but Genia runs the game here.

Her confident cadence practically flutters and floats through a haze of hypnotic synths as she switches up the flow from one verse to another. Getting flirty, she teases, “Baby, won’t you come and make a move?” Cutting right to the chase, the songstress goes on to issue an invitation, “Can you meet my body on the floor?”

The sci-fi visual directed by City James exudes fiery futurist vibes from the jump. Three-time GRAMMY® Award-nominated multiplatinum R&B superstar Bryson Tiller turns up in the video donning a lab coat as a mad scientist who’s trying to understand a cyborg iteration of Genia— cheekily named “GEN-AI.” All kinds of dimension-bending choreography follows, and the clip plunges viewers into an otherworldly dreamscape.

About the track, Genia commented, “‘Toastyyy’ came out of a particular headspace. It wasn’t overthought, it just kind of arrived. It was chasing a feeling, and somehow it all locked into place. It’s warm, a little warped, and lives unapologetically in its own lane.”

Earlier this year, she reupped the fan favorite “Give” which surpassed over 2M Spotify streams by tagging in Monaleo for a new version. It picked up looks from Global Grind who featured the collab in its weekly “New Music Roundup.” It landed in the wake of her mixtape 4AM IN THE VILLE, which earned acclaim from the likes of Rated R&B and more.

Get ready for a whole lot more from Genia in 2025.

20. GELO – League Of My Own

Turning up the heat this summer, buzzing rapper GELO (LiAngelo Ball) presents his highly anticipated full-length debut album, League of My Own, out now via Def Jam Recordings. Listen HERE.

In the last few months, the road to League of My Own was paved by milestone moments. XXL championed him on its cover as part of the prestigious “Freshman Class” 2025. View his “Freshman Freestyle” HERE. He also ignited the BET Awards Pre-Show with a powerhouse performance of “Booted Up / Tweaker.” Watch HERE.
 
This bold body of work boasts 13 hard-hitting and hypnotic tracks driven by his smooth and slick flow. A massive bassline wobbles beneath his gruff delivery on the opener “POLLASEEDS,” which he premiered on Kai Cenat stream. Spiked with SoCal synths, it culminates on the chant, “Bitch I’m from the West Coast. You know it’s, ‘Fuck you’re policy, baby.’ I ain’t politicking, I seen a lot of things.” On “Shook Da Game,” his bars surge with enough force to register on the Richter Scale, going on to declare, “I’m not from this Earth. Shook da game from out of bounds.” Then, there’s “Hold On.” Wheezy piano underscores a bouncy beat. Samples of barking and biting rhymes bring gusto to “Beware of Dog” as he wonders, “Why the fuck would I need friends?” The finale “1 Deal” proves infectious and introspective. He proclaims, “All I need is 1 deal,” and he’s making the most of his shot.
 
GELO bulldozed the way for the album with “Booted Up.” Thus far, it has already amassed north of a  million total streams. Meanwhile, he delivered an impressive “From The Block” performance of the track—watch HERE. In its wake, Billboard predicted, “GELO is ready to stamp his rookie of the year season with a slam dunk,” and Stereogum applauded “Booted Up” as “a funky, piano-heavy throwback that fits right in with his other songs.” UPROXX called it “heavy-stepping,” and VIBE put it best: “GELO, the brother Ball making serious waves, is back with ‘Booted Up’—a vibrant, hard-hitting single that serves as further evidence of his potential staying power.”

He notably heralded the arrival of the record with a star-studded exclusive release party in his hometown of Los Angeles sponsored by Don Julio. To add momentum, GELO also performs at the 2025 ESPY Awards.
 
In addition to the trunk-rattling bassline of “Booted Up,” the album boasts his Gold-selling breakout anthem and the fastest-rising rap song of 2025, “Tweaker” as well as  “Can You Please” [feat. GloRilla] and “Law N Order.” The latter he previewed during his Rolling Loud LA set and has recently gathered millions of streams and received critical acclaim. Stereogum hailed “Law N Order” as “a hard-thumping, hard-headed bit of piano-led rap that, with its singsong vocals that seem to swim through the beat like a shark, sounds a lot like peak-era 50 Cent.” UPROXX affirmed, “He proved that he wasn’t a one-hit wonder thanks to his GloRilla collaboration ‘Can You Please’,” going on to sum up his year best, “GELO is swerving, bending corners, and well, ROLLING in 2025.”

After lighting up the NBA All-Star Game in San Francisco, CA with a showstopping performance of “Tweaker,” GELO has not only affirmed his starpower, he sets himself apart as a tried-and-true rap powerhouse on League of My Own.

21. Toosii – Even Then

Platinum-selling recording artist Toosii delivers a deeply personal and emotionally charged new single titled “Even Then” via South Coast Music Group/Capitol Records. Known for his vulnerability and melodic storytelling, Toosii once again showcases his ability to turn pain into power, crafting an anthem of resilience, growth, and bittersweet goodbyes.

Toosii has been teasing “Even Then” on social media for weeks before its release, which had fans anticipating the song with a fever pitch. He recently brought his captivating performance to the heart of Music City, tearing down the stage at the River on the Rooftop free concert event in Nashville. The intimate setting allowed Toosii to perform several of his beloved songs, including the chart-topping “Favorite Song,” “Even Then,” and two unreleased tracks, much to the delight of fans.

Toosii’s last album, JADED, arrived in October 2024 and included his Billboard Hot 100 top-five hit record “Favorite Song.” Toosii’s sold-out 2023 headline tour affirmed his status as one of music’s most in-demand live acts, and he closed out the year playing arenas across the U.S. as one of the opening acts on Rod Wave’s Nostalgia Tour. Toosii will also be performing in Baltimore on August 30 at CFG Bank Arena.

22. Abstract Mindstate – The Art Project

Olskool Ice-Gre and E.P. Da Hellcat, also known as the Chicago Hip-Hop duo Abstract Mindstate, have released their long-awaited new album The Art Project today (7/18/2025). Available on all major digital streaming platforms via Honest Music/Barak With Love/Vydia, and produced entirely by Young RJ of Slum Village, The Art Project serves as the full-length follow-up to the duo’s 2021 Kanye West-produced album Dreams Still Inspire. Guest features include David Banner, Blu, J.Ivy, and more.

“The album cover art itself is a metaphor– abstract art on display in a gallery, which is an indication that the art is rare and important. The same as the idea of a male/female duo in Hip Hop… Our music is abstract art, filled with color and dimension to make people think. Just like abstract art, some will understand immediately, some later, and some never at all.” – Olskool Ice Gre

“I thought about school and how much time and effort we as students would put into our individual art projects, and how we looked forward to that portion of the class that allowed us to showcase what we learned. What we do is art, and this is a project. Hence, ‘The Art Project’. I hope listeners take away our example of staying true to something that is innate and comes from the soul, and how that can be maintained even as life is life-ing!” – EP Da Hellcat 

 

23. araabMUZIK – 3 AM

araabMUZIK initially rose to fame as the “MVP of the MPC”, producing hit records for the Dipset; including Camron’s standout “Get It In Ohio,” and he would go onto contribute to numerous Dipset projects; including Jim Jones’ Capo and producing the majority of Camron & The U.N.’s Heat In Here Vol. 1 and Cam & Vado’s Gunz n’ Butta.  His production has also been featured on projects from artists such as Cardi B, 50 Cent, Danny Brown, Slaughterhouse Swizz Beatz, A$AP Rocky, Fabulous, Royce 5’9”, Jay Electronica, Styles P, Lloyd Banks, Azealia Banks, Schoolboy Q, Conway The Machine, and more recently collaborative projects with OT The Real, Benny The Butcher & Dave East; araab even produced Joe Budden’s chart-topping send-off album Rage & The Machine. 

Amid his burgeoning career, araab took a slight pivot and honed in on a style that blended hip-hop with EDM, and he took that sound to new levels on his highly influential debut album, Electronic Dream, which was met with overwhelming enthusiasm by critics and fans alike. 

15-years later, araabMUZIK is finally releasing the sequel to his breakout album, Electronic Dream 2, which will be released on 8.1.25.  The album’s lead single, “3 AM” is now available at all DSP’s.

araabMUZIK’s Electronic Dream 2 will be released on 8.1.25.

24. Avery Lynch – Sweetheart

Today, Los Angeles-based singer and songwriter Avery Lynch returns with her quietly powerful new single, “Sweetheart.” The track is the final release ahead of her forthcoming EP, set to arrive this September.

Anchored by warm acoustic guitar and Avery’s soft, emotionally resonant vocals, “Sweetheart” offers a bittersweet reflection on how toxic relationships can distort our understanding of love. Through layered harmonies and strikingly self-aware lyricism, Avery explores the difficulty of unlearning unhealthy patterns, and the vulnerability that comes with recognizing what real care should feel like.

“‘Sweetheart’ reflects on the early days of my relationship and how quickly I realized that what I’d accepted in the past wasn’t love,” Avery shares. “I remember being surprised, and embarrassingly impressed, by him asking me follow-up questions, walking me home, and genuinely wanting me around. It was eye-opening to be with someone who cared about me and wasn’t afraid to show it.”

She continues, “I wrote this one with my boyfriend Jordan and our close friend Neisha Grace. Producing the track with Jordan afterwards felt like a really full-circle moment.”

Originally from Pennsylvania, Avery’s musical journey began at the age of 7, composing piano pieces before evolving into songwriting. Now based in Los Angeles, her signature sound—lush, melancholic piano arrangements paired with her soft, expressive vocals—has become the foundation of her artistry. Every song begins with Avery alone at her piano, crafting intimate, emotionally rich demos that she later refines with her trusted collaborators. 

Often described as a “happy girl filled with sad songs,” her music is a masterclass in storytelling, inspired by her life experiences and the world around her. With praise from tastemakers like Ones To Watch and EARMILK, and a rapidly growing fanbase that’s helped her surpass 400 million streams, Avery continues to showcase her gift for turning raw emotion into intimate, relatable, and quietly captivating songs.

25. TAVE ft. IDK & Musiq Soulchild

“BLOCK” is the powerful new single from Grammy nominated R&B sensation TAVE, featuring none other than acclaimed British-American rapper IDK and 13-time Grammy-nominated icon, Musiq Soulchild.

“BLOCK” is a soul-drenched collision of hip–hop and R&B – a warm, nostalgic soundscape pulsing with honesty and intention.  The track challenges surface-level assumptions and dives deep into themes of perception, survival, and non-judgment with lines like, “the brokest people that you see be the rich / let that sink in” landing with quiet force. Built on glowing soul, sparkling keys, and jazzy loops, “BLOCK” blends street grit with spiritual elevation. Musiq Soulchild delivers a signature, soul-stirring performance, while IDK’s fluid, thought-provoking lyrics bring grounded intensity. The chemistry is undeniable, three artists united in craft, pushing each other toward something fresh yet timeless.

TAVE has built a reputation as a successful GRAMMY nominated producer and songwriter, collaborating with the likes of SiR, Alex Isley, 6LACK, Masego and more. His upcoming EP Fly Away is due out August 15th and features extraordinary collaborations with the likes of Stacy Barthe, India Shawn, BiBi Bourelly, Kenyon Dixon and more.

26. Annabel Gutherz – Summer's Here

Singer-songwriter Annabel Gutherz delivers sun-soaked perfection with her new single “Summer’s Here,” out on all streaming platforms today.

Emotionally rich and effortlessly nostalgic, “Summer’s Here” blends hazy guitar lines, a laid-back groove, and airy vocals into a sound that feels both spontaneous and sentimental. “It’s a little sonic postcard, if you will,” Annabel shares. “A keepsake for summer love and freckles, for salt-kissed skin and windblown days on the beach—for the tender, aching sweetness of experiences that linger well beyond the moment!”

“I wrote this song in the sun-dappled days of June,” she continues. “It started with a simple melody and a looping chord progression—unassuming, but full of potential. I brought those chords into rehearsal and asked the band to play whatever the moment made them feel, without having heard the topline.” That moment turned out to be magic: the song was captured entirely in a single live take. What listeners hear now is that very take—raw, expressive, and alive with the breezy, wistful, and whimsical spirit of summer.

Born and raised in Montreal’s vibrant music scene, Annabel Gutherz has a gift for crafting timeless music that speaks to the universal human experience. Her signature style, marked by poignant storytelling, honeyed melodies, and captivating vocals, guides listeners through deeply emotional territory with disarming sincerity.

Since releasing her debut album Loose Ends in 2021, Annabel has continued to hone her craft, collaborating with industry heavyweights like Bleu McAuley (Selena Gomez, Demi Lovato) and Bonnie Hayes (Bonnie Raitt, Bette Midler). She has earned millions of streams worldwide and garnered press support from tastemakers including Melodic Magazine and Luna Collective Magazine, further solidifying her rising presence as a singer-songwriter to watch. 

27. $ilkMoney – Who Waters the Wilting Giving Tree Once the Leaves Dry Up and the Fruits No Longer Bear? 

Richmond, VA’s $ilkMoney releases his new album Who Waters the Wilting Giving Tree Once the Leaves Dry Up and the Fruits No Longer Bear? via Lex Records. Across 15 tracks co-produced by $ilk himself and frequent collaborator Kahlil Blu, with contributions from Mutant Academy producer Sycho Sid, $ilk explores the reality that giving oneself to something isn’t always reciprocal.

Speaking about the album’s thematic inspiration, $ilk says, “Whether you give your all to your children or your passion or your dreams or to a relationship or whatever it is, we just gotta realize that a lot of what we give ourselves to don’t really owe us anything to begin with.” 

The album is a potent artifact of $ilkMoney’s irreverent humor and his refusal to conform, putting together a record that intertwines his signature intensity and debauchery with insightful parables about his own relationship to the industry and what he’s given to his craft. In typical $ilk fashion, every word, line and song title is delivered with intent, whether up front and in your face, or hidden just under the surface. The album rewards repeat listens to unpack some of the metaphors he’s embedded into the album, like a criticism of the rise of digital minstrelsy and negative depictions of Black people in the media, a targeted takedown of the wealthy elite class and complicit rap stars, and even turning his gaze inward to interrogate his own relationship to rap as a career.

$ilkMoney first emerged onto the scene as a teenage rap phenom with unforgettable tracks like “P.Sherman (PS42WW$)” and “My Potna Dem”. In the time since, he’s solidified a sound that’s singularly intense, debaucherous and impeccably precise with a collection of critically acclaimed projects including his most recent 2022 full-length I Don’t Give a F**k About This Rap Shit, Imma Just Drop Until I Don’t Feel Like It Anymore, which was named Best New Music by Pitchfork in their review. The rapper has made a few select guest appearances since his last full length, on Noname’s Sundial alongside billy woods, on Pink Siifu & Fly Anakin’s beloved FlySiifu’s and most recently appearing on two tracks on Fly Anakin’s (The) Forever Dream.

Listen to Who Waters the Wilting Giving Tree Once the Leaves Dry Up and the Fruits No Longer Bear? above, see below for more album details and stay tuned for more from $ilkMoney coming soon.

28. Lil Poppa ft. Yungeen Ace – 1 Hellavah Life

After teasing fans with singles like “I Hate You” (1.4M+ views) and “Start Trippin (Shawty Fine)”, CMG’s Lil Poppa has officially announced the release date for his new album. Almost Normal Again is set to arrive on Friday, August 1^st and is now available for pre-order/pre-save. The pre-order arrives alongside a new audio and visual release of “1 Hellavah Life” featuring Yungeen Ace.

Known for threading pain and hope into poetic street narratives, Poppa’s upcoming full-length project builds on the thoughtful lyricism that have earned him praise throughout his career. Pitchfork once noted that “Lil Poppa is a hardcore lyricist…his writing goes against the grain of popular pain rap,” a sentiment that continues to ring true as he enters this next chapter.

The Florida rapper also just wrapped his nationwide ‘Almost Normal Again’ Tour with special guests Jdot Breezy and FattMack. The 20-date run brought him to major cities across the U.S. including New York, Atlanta, Houston and his hometown of Jacksonville.

29. Em Beihold – Brutus

Platinum-selling singer-songwriter Em Beihold returns with her most introspective release yet: “Brutus,” out now on all streaming platforms via Republic Records. The song marks the beginning of Em’s next era of music after a year of self discovery and soul searching.
 
On the track, Em shares: “Writing “Brutus” really helped me see the light from a deep, dark hole I didn’t know how to get out of. After ‘Numb Little Bug,’ I was lost, burnt out, experiencing heavy writer’s block, and dealing with a case of self-comparison so constant that it almost felt chronic. In the depths of my depression, I couldn’t help but crave the lives of some other female artists who had everything going for them with constant creative output and growing fanbases. ‘Brutus’ was the first song that released me from this place of stuckness where I finally felt a piece of myself come back. Ultimately, comparison is just a mirror for the things we feel deficiencies in, and I’ve started to look at jealousy more as a way to gain data about the things I really want rather than a feeling of bitterness that tears me down.”
 
Both biting and beautifully vulnerable, “Brutus” sees Beihold wrestle with envy, admiration, and the quiet feeling of falling short. With lyrics like “you’re Caesar and I’m Brutus / minus that part with the knife, I And I wish you the best, While I’m watching from the side, But if I’m speaking honestly, I wish I had your life” she uses the notorious historical betrayal as a metaphor for self-doubt, delivering an anthem that’s as catchy as it is cathartic. 
 
In the accompanying music video, Em steps into different roles (a fencer, a politician, etc.) trying to keep up with someone who always seems to win. As she keeps losing, the envy grows until she finally aims to take her rival’s place. It’s a visual take on that all-too-relatable feeling of wishing you had someone else’s life, even when you know you shouldn’t.
 
“Brutus” builds on the lyrical intimacy of Em’s previous hits like “Numb Little Bug,” continuing her streak of turning complex emotions into songs that resonate across generations. 

Listen to “Brutus” now on all platforms. Stay tuned for more new music from Em Beihold soon!

30. Luke Tyler Shelton – Blue Sky

Today, sonic wanderer and time traveler Luke Tyler Shelton releases his debut EP Blue Sky via Concord Records. Produced by Shooter Jennings (Brandi Carlile, Tanya Tucker) and Jonathan Wilson (Father John Misty, Angel Olsen), Shelton’s debut body of work merges country-rock, folk-pop, and Southern soul into songs that immediately transport the audience into a state of enchanted ease. With a style informed by his DIY community that holds a mirror to the near-mythic creative hotbed of early-70s Laurel Canyon, Shelton calls back a faraway time in a distinctive soul-soothing, windows-down type of way — Stream Blue Sky. 

After connecting with Jennings and Wilson, Shelton’s early music was recorded to tape with his close circle of friends at Wilson’s studio in the bohemian enclave of Topanga Canyon. Mixed by four-time Grammy-winner Trina Shoemaker (Sheryl Crow, Queens Of The Stone Age)—and also featuring Jennings’ longtime bandmate Ted Russell Kamp on bass and Wilson on drums, guitar, and Moog synth— Shelton’s debut EP achieves a certain rarefied magic, matching their exquisitely orchestrated sound with a free-flowing energy that instantly transfers onto the listener. 

On today’s release, he shares, “‘Blue Sky’ is the title track and final single to be released as a part of my debut EP. I wrote it over two years ago and it’s still one of, if not my favorite song I’ve written so far. It’s one of few that I feel I wrote completely for myself, as I was going through a breakup and I think most people who listen to it have felt a similar type of relief that the song provided me during that time.”

Already this year, Shelton has spent time out on the road supporting The Dip and Joy Oladokun, as well as making his SXSW debut at Willie Nelson’s Luck Reunion. He is currently playing a handful of shows with Ole 60, and will soon make appearances at FairWell Festival and Evanston Folk Festival. See all upcoming tour dates here. 

31. Sofia Ly – Are You Bored Yet?

Rising artist Sofia Ly releases her debut EP Are You Bored Yet ¿ today, marking a major moment for the 20-year-old singer and songwriter. The project captures Sofia’s unique blend of emotional storytelling, soulful vocals, and genre-fluid sound, offering a collection of songs that reflect her journey of heartbreak, growth, and self-discovery.

Anchored by fan favorites like “Ain’t Right”, the EP delivers sleek production and honest, vulnerable lyrics, showcasing the vulnerability and authenticity that have quickly made Sofia a name to watch. From empowering anthems to raw, intimate moments, Are You Bored Yet ¿ positions Sofia as a fresh voice in the pop and R&B space.

Sofia first captured attention with her viral run on The Voice, building a loyal fanbase drawn to her magnetic presence and distinct tone. Influenced by artists like Ariana Grande, Rihanna, and SZA, she channels their spirit while carving out her own lane with music that feels current yet deeply personal.

Now signed to LiveHelpLive/Pulse, Sofia is stepping confidently into the next chapter of her career with a project that speaks to heartbreak, independence, and finding your voice in a world full of noise.

Are You Bored Yet ¿ is available now on all streaming platforms.

32. Pardison Fontaine – Better Than Me?!!

Following up his February single “Toot It Up” ft. Cardi B, Pardison Fontaine returns to get personal with toxic summer anthem “Better Than Me.” He gets candid about a back-and-forth relationship where he and his ex keep coming back to each other, caught in a cycle of emotional highs and lows and late night hookups. Over a moody, 808-heavy beat, Pardi delivers gritty yet melodic bars and lets his ex know that no relationship she gets into will measure up to what they had. 

33. Yola – Amazing

Today, Yola released her “AMAZING” high octane new single released via S Curve Records. It draws on progressive R&B, rock, 80s soul and electronica, and is yet another genre-fluid sonic statement from the great vocalist of our time. 

The song finds Yola manifesting healthy relationships following a series of dating nightmares, she states, “Amazing” was written as I began dating in the US and imagining my future partner. I was visualizing the kind of person I’d meet and the strength we’d need to make it a healthy and happy relationship. “Amazing” is a wish in a song that came true, so I’m putting it out for everyone else to see that manifestation works!”

Listen to HERE / Watch visualizer HERE

Yola spoke exclusively with PEOPLE.com about the single release, her appearance at Essence Festival, her forthcoming tour with Maxwell and dream collaborators, including manifesting a collaboration with producer D-Mile. She stated to PEOPLE,  “There’s lots of dreams, but my pinnacle dream of every single dream is writer and producer D’Mile. You’ll know him from the dope ass production and writing on Victoria Monét’s album Jaguar and obviously Silk Sonic. He’s so busy. Everyone loves him. They never want to work with anyone else, and this is a real curse because you’re just so delightful that no one leaves. Yola’s dream of dreams is working with D’Mile. We’re going to manifest it.”

Yola recently appeared & performed at Essence Festival, which featured an all star line up that included Patti LaBelle, Jill Scott, Erykah Badu, Muni Long, Jazmine Sullivan and R&B legend Maxwell – who Yola will also open for on tour this September. The run includes Washington, D.C on September 18-20th and for the Brooklyn, NY show on Sep 28th. 

Discussing her upcoming tour, exclusively with PEOPLE, Yola stated, “Maxwell hears my music, DMs me once we follow each other, and the show is confirmed to be happening and we’re about to announce, and it’s like, “You are the best artist I have heard in a decade, at least. Anything you need, you are so dope. Keep doing what you’re doing.” My jaw was on the floor of such a considerable cosign. That process found me through me telling my whole story musically, and that’s always been my mission.”

Yola also appeared on Essence Festival’s Musical is Ours panel discussing the importance of her role as persephone in Hadestown and Black female representation on Broadway. Discussing the importance of that role, Yola stated exclusively to PEOPLE, 

“It was really important for Black female representation on Broadway, because they hadn’t had a plus-size Persephone before. And although I’m not the biggest girl in the whole wide world, I’m thick enough, thank you very much. I ate my meals, and I did my squats in the right way to be thick, and that’s what I want to be. They just hadn’t had a thick Persephone. I’m like, “It’s time you had a thick and chocolatey Persephone for the win.” So, I got to do these kinds of things that you do on Broadway in this body. [It] is a very physical role. People have had injuries in this role. To go into it, knowing that and thriving in it and representing in that way is so positive for young people to see in music, for our younger Gen Zs [and] Gen Alphas to see. Fitness comes in lots of different shapes and sizes. I still get to get calls to represent [Hadestown] because I did a good job. Especially in the Hadestown cast, you see so many different kinds of [people] from so many different backgrounds, it’s great that we also included an intersection that is often disrespected. There’s the intersection of Blackness and femininity. There’s the intersection of dark skin Blackness and femininity, but there’s also the intersection of dark skin Blackness, plus-sized femininity. All of those have their different spikes of why it’s different to see someone that looks like that versus someone else. Everyone that’s in any one of those intersections then gets the opportunity to see themselves in you.”

Yola will also perform on August 25 at Stephen Talkhouse in East Hampton, NY, featuring as part of Maren Morris’s headline performance, with Yola joining as a special guest. The Soho sessions event will benefit Music Will and is sponsored by the FLAG Art Foundation.

Yola recently concluded her Sovereign Soul Tour, which celebrated her critically acclaimed EP My Way. The EP was produced by Yola, GRAMMY Award-winning producer Sean Douglas (Lizzo, Chris Brown, Madonna, Selena Gomez, and Sia), and producer Zach Skelton (Lil Nas X, John Legend, Paul McCartney) and marked a new direction, and moment of creative agency. Intentionally titled as a nod to her unique genre-fluid ethos, it drew from a range of Yola’s influences that include progressive R&B, 70-80’s soulful pop, 90’s R&B and neo soul and a showcase of Yola powerhouse vocals which have been praised by media and fans (Elton John, Chaka Khan, Joni Mitchell included) as singular and the best of her generation.

Yola is also a true multi-hyphanate, exploring acting in recent years Yola reached a whole new audience portraying Sister Rosetta Tharpe in Baz Luhrmann’s musical drama, ELVIS, which earned her a NAACP Image Award nomination for Outstanding Breakthrough Performance in a Motion Picture, and recently she made her Broadway debut as Persephone in Hadestown. Through whatever medium Yola chooses to share her gifts, she remains an unstoppable force, and remains one of the most exciting and dynamic artists in music today. 

BET put it best, “In the world of entertainment, Yola is a one-of-one.”

34. Raekwon – The Emperor's New Clothes

Today, Raekwon, a founding member of the iconic Hip Hop collective Wu-Tang Clan, unveils his eighth studio album, The Emperor’s New Clothes – out now via Mass Appeal. Listen HERE. The prodigiously gifted emcee continues to push boundaries and redefine the mafioso rap scene with his unparalleled style. Spanning 17 tracks, the album features a star-studded lineup of collaborators, including fellow Wu-Tang members Ghostface Killah, Method Man, and Inspectah Deck, as well as Nas, Conway The Machine, Westside Gunn, Benny The Butcher, and vocalists Stacy Barthe and Marsha Ambrosius. 

Ahead of The Emperor’s New Clothes, Raekwon took to social media to express gratitude towards his fans for their support. Alongside the new album, he also delivered a horror-movie inspired music video for the gritty anthem “Bear Hill.” In the video, Raekwon unleashes his full potential and embraces a beast mode mentality, wreaking havoc wherever he goes – Watch HERE. 

Setting the stage for a massive fourth quarter, the new album marks Raekwon’s first solo outing since 2017’s The Wild. He has enlisted a star-studded team of longtime collaborators for the release of The Emperor’s New Clothes, including Swizz Beatz, J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League, Nottz, and many more. Raekwon’s magnum opus is the latest installment of Mass Appeal’s Legend Has It series, which will feature seven new albums from seven different hip-hop icons. 

Elsewhere, the legendary emcee is currently on tour as part of the ‘Wu-Tang Forever: The Final Chamber’ tour alongside Run The Jewels. The 27-city trek has made landfall in major markets across North America before wrapping up tonight in Philadelphia. 

Renowned for his regal rhymes and lasting impact on hip-hop culture, The Chef has left an indelible mark on the industry. His latest dish is a bold artistic statement that’s rich with vision, grit, and grandeur – ultimately setting the tone for an unstoppable run. The Emperor’s New Clothes feels like another victory lap for one of the most vital voices in the game, adding an exclamation point to his already impressive discography. 

As a special treat to fans, limited edition vinyl LPs and CDs are now available exclusively at shop.massappeal.com. 

35. Niko Moon – American Palm

Today, Niko Moon, multi-platinum country star, has released THE album of the summer with his latest AMERICAN PALM album via EMPIRE. The album features previously released songs “KING OF THE ISLAND,” “SANDCASTLES,” “BOAT SONG,” and “I LOVE THIS BEACH.”  

Ahead of release the four songs have already collectively reached over 10 million streams online and counting. In addition, the album includes the focus track “YOU, ME & A BEACH.” 

Holler Country gave the album focus track a first look yesterday (Read Here) and Niko commented on the song saying: “‘YOU, ME & A BEACH’ helped set the scene for the entire album. Two things that always renew me are the beach and my wife. I wanted to write a song that links them together and shows how they put my mind at ease like nothing else can. It’s one of the more romantic songs on the album. It’s about how being in the perfect place with the perfect person can be all you really need”. 

He heartwarmingly expands, “The song was one of the first songs we wrote, and once we finished it, I knew where this album needed to go. It captured the spirit of what I wanted to say. It’s something warm, grounding, and grateful. That song was the start of the whole world I wanted to build with this record which was to bring the spirit of the times I had growing up on the beaches of Florida into a record”.

Earlier on the album Niko commented: “With this album, I wanted to create a world people could escape into. AMERICAN PALM is my version of paradise, built on love, peace, and a deep breath of ocean air. It’s about slowing down, soaking up the moment, and finding joy in the simple things that make life feel full.” 

“YOU, ME & A BEACH” is one of just many songs that highlight the spirit of AMERICAN PALM. Niko wrote the album about the times he would spend over at nearby Florida beaches. “Ever since I was a kid, I’ve seen the beach as a place where anybody can go to hit pause on the stresses of their everyday life,” says Niko, who partly grew up in Georgia and spent many summer days on the beaches of Florida. “With this record I wanted to bring that experience to everyone, and hopefully give them that same feeling of peace.”

Adding to the album is a song that Niko shares with his father Cris Cowan – who co-wrote and performs on the track. “KING OF THE ISLAND” is a cowboy/island song that talks about wanting to kick up your boots, retire on an island and just be. Leaning into tropical island vibes and combining a country twang the song is the go to relaxation/vacation song. Niko grew up watching his father play drums in local country/rock bands and inspired Niko to pursue a career in music. 

Niko teased the track on socials and  posted a few videos with his dad saying “My dad’s 67 and wrote this song, and never had a viral moment. Let’s blow this up and blow his mind!” – See posts HERE & HERE. 

Up next Niko will continue on the road on his own headline AMERICAN PALM TOUR – on sale now! The headline tour adds to an already long run of tour dates for Niko as he previously performed to a packed crowd at Stagecoach, has been on tour supporting Russell Dickerson & Michael Franti and this year announced his first ever GOOD TIME CHARLESTON Event. This past 4th of July he also took the stage in Nashville for their annual Let Freedom Sing! Music City July 4th event in downtown Nashville. The 13 new shows kick off on October 2nd in Rosemont, IL at Joe’s Live and bring Niko to some of the country’s top stages including House of Blues in Anaheim, California on October 9th, San Francisco’s Regency Ballroom on October 14th and end in Lake Buena Vista, FL on November 14th. See full tour dates below and more info at: www.nikomoon.com 

This year has already been packed for Niko as his recent song “SANDCASTLES” was released in honor of Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month (JUNE). The song  captures the beauty of life’s impermanence. Blending warm, coastal textures with tender acoustic elements. Lyrically, it contemplates a powerful question: If we lived forever, would we still feel the magic in the little things? The result is an emotionally resonant anthem that encourages listeners to love deeply, live fully, and embrace the here and now—because even the most beautiful moments are temporary. Recently, Niko hosted the inaugural Good Time Charleston, a family-friendly day of music, yoga, food trucks, and community connection also in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month.

36. C Stunna & Baby Mel – Missy

Fort Myers’ rising rap force C Stunna unleashes his city’s heat once again, linking up with Alabama’s fast-emerging Baby Mel on “Missy,” a gritty new single released today via Bag Talk Music / MNRK Music Group. The track pulses with raw energy, painting a vivid picture of stacking racks, loyalty, and the relentless hustle that drives the grind.

Brimming with compelling lyricism and commanding presence, “Missy” rides a bouncy, street-savvy beat that elevates its bold vibe. The track transforms the everyday hustle into an anthem for those flipping the game on their own terms. C Stunna and Baby Mel deliver a fresh take on trap, fueled by real talk and relentless ambition.

“I can’t get enough money love when racks come to my hand,” raps C Stunna, delivering lines that hit hard over a booming beat. Together, they bring sharp storytelling and unapologetic energy that drive the track’s relentless vibe.

C Stunna has been steadily building momentum with singles like “100 Bands” and “No Cap,” which helped establish his raw trap style and street-rooted storytelling ahead of his Still Stuntin’ mixtape hosted by DJ Drama. His standout performances at Rolling Loud and Spotify’s Most Necessary Live have further solidified his growing presence in the Southern rap scene. Meanwhile, Baby Mel, backed by co-signs from Lil Baby and Rod Wave, is lighting up social feeds and playlists with singles like “Feel Like Dope” and “Control the Traffic.”

“Missy” is a must-listen for anyone ready to own the grind and elevate their trap playlist. 

Stream the new single “Missy” now. Available here.

37. FAVE – Intentions

Fresh off the heels of her stunning COLORS performance, Nigerian pop artist FAVE reveals the official studio version of her lush new track “Intentions” – available everywhere here. The song captures the essence of a young woman’s journey of self-discovery and empowerment.

“Intentions” begins a new chapter for FAVE following her luminous 2024 EP, Dutty Love. An instantly compelling collection showcasing FAVE’s ongoing evolution as a singular artist poised to make a unique impact on the international music scene, the EP includes such standout tracks as “Controlla,” “No Games,” and “Belong To You,” all of which are accompanied by official music videos streaming now on the official FAVE YouTube channel HERE.

This spring saw FAVE celebrate the success of Dutty Love with FAVE (Live), a brand new EP collecting five fan favorites recorded in concert on her sold-out Dutty Love Tour. Highlights include electrifying versions of “Beautifully,” “JuJu,” “Mr. Man,” and “N.B.U.” In addition, FAVE recently shared two exclusive performances of “N.B.U.” and “Dutty Love Song,” filmed live at Vevo Studios Los Angeles.

38. Young Nudy ft. 21 Savage, Project Pat & Coupe – Iced Tea

Today, Grammy nominated breakout ATL rapper Young Nudy drops new single and video “ICED TEA” featuring 21 Savage, Project Pat & Coupe – click here to listen. Directed by Hidji, the video shows Young Nudy, 21 Savage and Coupe giving “Hood Tours” in ATL to groups of tourists – click here to watch. Both this latest single and his previous recent single “BTA” (click here to listen/click here to watch) will be on his new forthcoming album PARADISE out August 8^th via PDE Records/RCA Records – click here to preorder/presave.

Ahead of the album release Nudy is launching ROAD TO PARADISE, a free show experience leading up to the release of PARADISE in select cities for his fans who preorder the album on his website (first-come basis until venues are sold out) – click here to preorder the album and RSVP to shows.

PARADISE is Nudy’s first solo album release since his critically acclaimed album Gumbo in 2023. It received glowing reviews from fans and critics such as Rolling Stone, Pitchfork, Stereogum, XXL Magazine, and more. The album is Nudy’s highest debuting album in his career and features his most mainstream, successful single “Peaches & Eggplants” featuring 21 Savage. After reaching the top spot on the US Hot 50 TikTok charts last July, the song peaked at #49 on the Billboard Hot 100, his first song to make this chart. 

Listen to “ICED TEA” and stay tuned for Young Nudy’s new album PARADISE coming out August 8^th.

39. Lazarus & Rakim – Not To Be Defined

Today, hip-hop history is reborn, as Rakim, widely regarded as The God MC and one of the most influential lyricists of all time, returns with the announcement of a new project The Re‑Up.  Setting the stage is the powerful first single, “Not To Be Defined”, featuring Detroit-based, global hip-hop artist Lazarus (who is also a board certified physician, and featured in the U.S. Library of Congress for being the first artist to premiere a song from outer space—check your googles), and produced by Dem Jointz (of Aftermath Entertainment).  “Not To Be Defined” is a monumental union of legacy and lyrical mastery. 

A recent recipient of the Peabody Medal (the first ever rapper to receive the prestigious award) which he graciously accepted as commencement speaker for the 2025 Peabody conservatory graduation ceremonies at Johns Hopkins University (where Ra also received an honoree degree), for an artist who has seemingly done it all, “Not To Be Defined” marks a first in Rakim’s storied career, as it’s the first time he has worked with a Detroit emcee.  Together, Rakim and Lazarus bridge generations and cultures, delivering a bar-heavy anthem that defies trends and reaffirms hip-hop’s timeless essence.

“You can’t put me in no box, I am not to be defined.”

Some artists don’t fit the mold, they break it.  “Not To Be Defined” is a statement piece.  A manifesto.  The chorus alone captures the mission behind the track: to break boundaries and as always, central to Rakim, push the culture forward. Rakim’s signature wisdom and laser-sharp cadence mesh seamlessly with Lazarus’ Detroit grit, global perspective, and surgical lyricism.  Backed by Dem Jointz’s cinematic production, “Not To Be Defined” stands as a bold manifesto in an era of disposable singles, proving that true hip-hop never dies.

The Re‑Up, featuring “Not To Be Defined”, and a brand new Rakim solo-single, I’m Good,” produced entirely by Big Ghost will be released on 8.29.25 across all digital streaming platforms, with physical editions—including vinyl, CDs, and cassettes—available now at www.1332Records.com.

40. Millkzy – thenarrator

Dallas-based and St. Louis-raised artist Millkzy debuts his new mixtape, “thenarrator”, out now via broke. Listen HERE. Millkzy is known for blurring the lines between melodic rap, alternative R&B, and spoken word into a sound entirely his own. Millkzy delivers a cinematic and confessional body of work that challenges the boundaries of genre and storytelling.

The mixtape features 9 tracks, each unfolding a different layer of Millkzy. As the story progresses, listeners are drawn into a journey of self doubt, reflection, emotional unraveling, and artist fatigue. The mixtape depicts where the artist questions his voice, his purpose, and whether he still wants to keep telling the story at all.

Millkzy shares about the project:

“thenarrator plays into the fact that the artist is having trouble deciding if he loves his job narrating stories, thus making him question the man above him about love and personal problems.”

The mixtape wraps up the first part of Millkzy’s creative journey, tying together themes introduced in his prior singles like “aseverancesickness” and “consofbeingthenarrator.” Blending soft sounds, lo-fi percussion, ambient samples, and powerful spoken moments, the result is a moody, late-night soundscape steeped in vulnerability.

Rather than hiding behind a polished image, Millkzy leans into emotional discomfort, using “thenarrator” to explore identity, emotional exhaustion, and the uncertainty of being honest in the moment. The project values honesty and raw emotion over polished perfection, offering more than just music. It’s a raw and intimate journey of self-discovery, that values truth over image, and presence over performance.

With this release, Millkzy continues to redefine what it means to be an artist today — pushing creative boundaries, encouraging honest self-reflection, and crafting music that lingers long after the final beat fades. He’s not only unafraid to blur genres, but also willing to question his place within them.

41. Yeat & BNYX – Im Yeat

Following his co-headlining performance with Don Toliver at Lyrical Lemonade’s Summer Smash Festival and last weekend’s performance with Drake at Wireless Festival in London, multi-platinum rap visionary Yeat is back with his newest single “IM YEAT“, alongside an accompanying video – out now via Lyfestyle Corporation / Field Trip / Capitol Records. It was produced by longtime collaborator BNYX – the mastermind behind “IDGAF”, “Talk”, “IDGAF”, “Talk”, and “Flawless”, songs that have defined the sound of the 2020s. “IM YEAT” begins with a sample of the iconic “yah yeet yah” vine that set the internet ablaze in 2014, as well as an ecstatic fan filmed outside Yeat’s 2023 Atlanta show who declares “If you see the money that’s Yeat / If you smell the money that’s Yeat”. It arrives in the midst of his rampage across Europe, where he drew over 120K fans to his closing set at Romania’s Beach, Please! festival last week and wrapped up the three-day Clout Festival in Poland. 

Yeat’s last project, the #1 Billboard 200 charting LYFESTYLE, kicked off last summer when he teased new music during his special three-show North American run across New York, Los Angeles, and Portland. Within its first week of release, the 22-track album sold 89K+ equivalent album units, his highest first-week sales to date, and marked Yeat’s first-ever No. 1 album on the Billboard 200. This milestone was his fifth top 10 debut in under three years, following Lyfë (No. 10 in 2022), 2 Alivë (No. 6 in 2022), AftërLyfe (No. 4 in 2023), and 2093 (No. 2 in 2024). Building on that momentum, Yeat has kept up a relentless pace in 2025. He first previewed “Feël no wayz (Yeat mix)”, his extraterrestrial, autotune-drenched cover of Drake’s Views classic, during his set at the Sahara Stage during Coachella Weekend 1, where a 50-foot golden bell towered over the crowd in homage to his breakout hit “Gët Busy”. The remix follows this year’s standout single “The Bell” and his feature on “Work” with Anyma, the solo project of Tale of Us’ Matteo Milleri. Most recently, Yeat completed a nine-city international tour across the EU and UK, including his first-ever headlining show in London, which The Guardian hailed as a “ribcage-reverberating success”.

42. Joyner Lucas – ADHD 2

Two-time Grammy-nominated rapper Joyner Lucas officially releases his third studio album, ADHD 2, out now on all streaming platforms. The album builds on the legacy of his acclaimed debut ADHD with a bold mix of lyricism, global sounds, and deeply personal themes.

ADHD 2 features a powerhouse lineup of collaborators including J Balvin, Fireboy DML, DaBaby, Chris Brown, T-Pain, Ava Max, Ty Dolla $ign, Big Sean, and Blackbear, blending hip-hop, pop, R&B, and international influences in a way only Joyner can.

The project rollout included fan favorites “White Noise” and “Time Is Money” featuring J Balvin, Fireboy DML, and DaBaby, setting the stage for a global, genre-bending record. Today, Joyner doubles down with the release of the visual for “Tear Me Down” featuring Ava Max, premiering at 12 PM EST on YouTube.

Earlier this week, Joyner dominated headlines with his viral diss track “NOBODY CARES” aimed at Skepta. While the song does not appear on ADHD 2, it amplified the momentum leading into this release, reminding fans of Joyner’s competitive edge and lyrical firepower.

ADHD 2 explores themes of mental health, resilience, identity, and growth, with Joyner delivering intricate bars, conceptual storytelling, and music that resonates globally.

43. Trap Dickey – Don't Trip

Turning up with a “song of the summer” contender,  buzzing South Carolina rap phenomenon Trap Dickey uncovers a confident and charismatic new single and music video entitled “Don’t Trip” out now.

The track hinges on a throwback-style R&B sample punctuated by melodic keys and a silky female harmony. Against this backdrop, Trap Dickey leans into the production and showcases his emotional side for the first time. The smooth bars are meant to soothe his girl’s worries until he goes on to assure, “Baby girl quit flexin’ on me, I don’t know why you trippin’ out. You done been through a lot of things, but you with Trap Dickey now.” It’s his most heartfelt and hypnotic banger yet. The accompanying visual follows him on a date, shooting hoops, roller skating, and sharing a tender moment in a red Mercedes-Benz convertible on a rooftop.
 
In other big news, XXL just touted him as part of its coveted program “The Break,” proceeding to praise, “Trap Dickey calls himself The Preacher’s Grandson for a reason. He preaches real life over classic sample flips and pure South Carolina grit. Songs like “No Love” and “Blue Devils” show why he’s next up from the South.” Additionally to help launch his new business venture in South Carolina, The Breakfast Club host Charlamagne Tha God named Trap Dickey the guest of honor at the grand opening of his Krystal burger restaurant
 
Trap Dickey has unleashed no shortage of heat in 2025. He teamed up with GoJuney on “Rich Right Now” and dropped the fan favorite “Day Shift” plugged by XXL and more. During the Spring, he unveiled “Gettin Money” featuring OJ Da Juiceman. Beyond amassing millions of YouTube views on the music video, it landed acclaim from the likes of Hip-Hop Vibe who proclaimed, “With this track, Dickey proves once again why he’s one of the most promising figures in trap music today.” 
 
Keeping up the momentum of Southern street anthems, Trap Dickey also released “Yeah Yeah” featuring Boosie Badazz with a performance of the song on From The Block. He kicked off the year by igniting the stage during DaBaby’s “Billion Dollar Baby Bash” at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. He joined a stacked bill alongside 50 Cent, Moneybagg Yo, Sexyy Red, and more.
 
Everything just sets the stage for more music in 2025.
 
Trap Dickey closed out an explosive 2024 with “No Love” featuring BigXthaPlug, which landed on Spotify’s “New Music Friday” playlist and garnered coverage from Hits Daily Double, HipHopDX, and more, with antiMusic dubbing him “the next breakout rapper out of The Carolinas.” He kept the momentum going with “Bird Business” featuring Rylo Rodriguez and the “Blue Devils (Remix)” with DaBaby, which trended at #10 on YouTube within 24 hours. The original “Blue Devils” put him on the map, amassing nearly 15 million streams and leading to standout performances on On The Radar and From The Block, plus interviews with No Jumper, Dirty Glove Bastard, and more. With AllHipHop crowning him “The New Face of South Carolina,” Trap Dickey is proving he’s here to stay.
 
Stay tuned for more music and announcements coming soon from Trap Dickey.

44. 1900Rugrat – Sup Freestyle

Fast-rising South Florida rapper 1900Rugrat is putting extra heat on the summer with today’s premiere of “Sup Freestyle,” available here via Remain Solid/300 Entertainment. An official music video directed by DrewFilmedIt is streaming now here.

Produced by Trenchmadedat, SP, and Icyboiii, “Sup Freestyle” follows the recent release of the piercing track “Stop Runnin,” available now alongside an official music video that sees 19 and his crew taking in the pleasures of Miami.

1900Rugrat’s unpredictable bars and quotable punchlines have established him as one of the South’s breakout rappers, earning him prestigious placement on XXL’s Freshman Class 2025, along with accolades from such high profile publications as The New York Times, which named him an “Artist To Watch” for 2025. Meanwhile, Billboard crowned 19 as “Hip-Hop Rookie of the Month for April” and The FADER ranked him one of “The 30 Coolest Artists Right Now.” 

1900Rugrat’s incredible rise kicked off last summer with the release of the RIAA Gold certified smash, “One Take Freestyle.” Propelled by 19’s snarling delivery and an electric On The Radar live performance, the track went viral, amassing over 100M worldwide streams and counting. The Palm Beach County native kept the momentum going with his debut mixtape, Porch 2 The Pent, highlighted by such crafty fan favorites as “Never Dat,” “Way 2 Geeked,” “Cheat Codes (feat, BossMan Dlow),” and  “One Take Freestyle Remix (feat. Kodak Black),” the latter of which spent more than a month on YouTube’s “Trending” chart, and currently serves as the walk-up anthem for Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Mookie Betts. A series of new tracks flowed steadily throughout the spring, including the J.R. Rotem-produced “Ain’t No Love (feat. BabyChiefDoIt & BAK Jay),” joined by an official visual now boasting more than 2.5M views.

Along with his prodigious studio output, 19 has spent much of 2025 honing his onstage skills with show-stealing performances at Rolling Loud California, The Lyrical Lemonade Summer Smash, and dates alongside BossMan Dlow on his sold-out “Dlow Curry Tour.” Upcoming dates include the all-star Girls Are Dr*gs concert event, featuring Trippie Redd, Lil Skies, Iann Dior, and more, set for Ontario, CA’s Toyota Arena on September 12.

45. The Amours – Clarity

R&B sister duo The Amours—Jakiya and Shaina—return with “Clarity,” a raw, emotionally charged anthem about choosing transparency, knowing your worth, and putting yourself first. Produced by longtime collaborator Camper, “Clarity” offers a powerful glimpse into their next chapter—culminating in the release of their new project, Girls Will Be Girls, arriving August 15. Listen to “Clarity” HERE.

“‘Clarity’ is for the true yearners. As you all know, we’re lover girls for real! And we can attest that all we truly want is for the love that our hearts desire to be as clear as possible. Especially, when you know your worth and you don’t want to waste your time carrying avoidable emotional damage,” the sisters share.

“We’re excited for you all to witness us dive into a different level of vulnerability with ‘Clarity,’ along with the songs on our upcoming album. Cheers to accepting nothing less than Clarity in your relationships and putting yourself first!”

“Clarity” follows the release of their critically praised EP CHANGES, which featured standout tracks including “Pick Me Up” ft. TA Thomas, “On The Run,” and “Before I Met You.” Entirely executive-produced by Camper, CHANGES explored the emotional landscape of womanhood and love, underscored by the duo’s signature harmonies, rich arrangements, and genre-blending sound. The project served as a celebration of women at every stage of their evolution.

With the announcement of Girls Will Be Girls, The Amours step even deeper into their artistry—offering a body of work that is unfiltered, feminine, and deeply human. Known for their ability to balance softness with strength, Jakiya and Shaina continue to craft timeless R&B while forging a space that is uniquely theirs.

From touring as background vocalists and contributing to Grammy Award-winning records to headlining their moment in the spotlight, The Amours are shaping the future of modern soul—and they’re just getting started.

46. Danny Singh – Full Picture

47. Saweetie – Boffum

Pressure’s on! The Icy Girl Saweetie is back in her bag and hotter than ever. The multi-hyphenate, Grammy-nominated artist, style icon, and global trendsetter returns with a flawless new EP, HELLA PRESSURE, on August 1 and a sizzling single, “boffum” (pronounced bow-fum), a high-energy banger produced by Grammy-winning hitmaker J White Did It. Listen HERE via Warner Records.

Built around a hypnotic bassline, slick Bay Area bounce, and her signature West Coast swag, “boffum” brings Saweetie back to her hyphy roots—with a modern-day twist. Laced with slick talk, savage punchlines, and Saweetie’s own slang-laced dialect, the track is playful, powerful, and primed to take over every speaker from the club to the cookout.

With her forthcoming EP HELLA PRESSURE, Saweetie is reminding the world she’s not just in the conversation- she is the conversation. Stay tuned for the official “Boffum” music video and more music dropping soon.  

The cover art says it all—Saweetie’s ‘Icy Hot’ juxtaposition is on full display as she stuns in a bikini with snow white fur, diamonds, and a luxe trapper hat with a bold red visor. Saweetie embodies the spirit of her new single “boffum,” meaning both of ‘em. She’s a bold, confident woman who doesn’t have to choose between sides because she’s all of it, all at once.

“New music? New era? Why not boffum?” Saweetie teases. “This track is all about embracing your duality and owning every side of who you are. I’m so excited for the ICY Gang to hear it, and I can’t wait to finally share the project I’ve been working on.”

This latest chapter follows a series of major milestones that have cemented Saweetie’s place in music and culture. With nearly 6 billion global streams, she’s delivered chart-topping hits like the platinum-certified “Tap In,” the 4x platinum smash “My Type,” and the multi-platinum anthem “Best Friend” featuring Doja Cat, which earned her two GRAMMY® nominations. Beyond music, Saweetie has landed roles in STARZ’s BMF and the fashion comedy Idiotka, which premiered at SXSW, as well as secured high-profile brand partnerships with McDonald’s, MAC, Postmates, NYX, Corona Premier, True Religion and more. 

Whether through her viral moments, bold fashion statements, or community-driven initiatives, Saweetie continues to shape the culture—and with “boffum,” she’s turning up the temperature and stepping fully into her power.

48. Kanii – #BLUE

Today, D.C. alt-pop provocateur Kanii releases his new EP #BLUE via Warner Records. The project carves out new sonic territory for Kanii exploring R&B, house-infused pop, club beats and something closer to pop punk. The songs are urgent, restless, and undeniably catchy. Atop driving percussion and vibrant chords, he unleashes the emotional poetry that’s become his trademark. “I want that versatility,” he says. “I want to be able to make pop songs, rap songs, rock songs, and have them all be hits.”

Accompanied with the EP release Kanii shares a new music video for the song “sober” featuring Kanii dancing as a puppet pulled by strings and in the midst of a love snow storm. The EP includes previous singles “less than” and “skin,” the later which came alongside an immersive music video introducing the world of #BLUE and depicting a dream-like visual of teens jumping on furniture, shooting silly string and bubble guns, and dancing with abandon. Much of #BLUE serves up a complicated look at the things we do to protect ourselves, as well as those who get hurt along the way. “I’ve been around substance abuse,” says Kanii, “but I see both sides, and also notice the actions people take to get rid of pain.”

Kanii kicked off 2024 with “hate me” featuring wolfacejoeyy and The Heart Racers EP, a joint project with Riovaz and Nimstarr, that includes the retro-leaning singles “tell me” and “lost without you.” His swelling discography also boasts streaming hits like “nightcrawler,” “it was nice knowing u,” and “pretty photos.” His ascent first began in 2023 with the RIAA Gold-certified earworm “I Know,” which cracked the Billboard Hot 100.

The result of his sonic explorations is a global streaming tally that amasses nearly one billion streams. Now, with the forthcoming EP #BLUE the stage is set for an ambitious new phase that demonstrates the full scope of Kanii’s ever-evolving artistry.

49. Alex Sampson – Growing Pains

Today, buzzing singer, songwriter, and vocal powerhouse Alex Sampson unveils an introspective and intimate new single entitled “Growing Pains” out today via Warner Records – listen HERE.

“‘Growing Pains’ is the most personal song I’ve written yet. It comes from the most vulnerable part of my heart. It’s about moving away from everything I’ve ever known and trying to find out who I am as an adult,” says Alex. “I’m getting deeply personal with my lyrics and writing in a way that I haven’t before in my next chapter of my music. I hope the fans love ‘Growing Pains’ and it makes them want to give their family a call and tell them they love them.” 

The song layers loose acoustic guitar over a head-nodding beat. Alex’s nostalgic lyrics tell a Gen-Z coming-of-age story as he comes to a realization on the refrain, “I got growing pains, but I’m not getting taller.” Emotion overflows through airy harmonies, and he accepts, “I’m still a kid inside… In the end, it’s fine, and if it’s not, it’s not the end tonight.” It instantly transfixes with a raw and relatable vibe of its own.

It lands on the heels of his single “Used To You.” The latter has clocked north of 1.5 million streams and counting, emerging as a fan favorite. Alex also recently wrapped up North American and European tour dates with Jamie Miller. This summer, Alex is set to perform in Fort St. John British Columbia and New York City with additional dates to be announced soon. Tour routing below and tickets can be purchased HERE. 

Last year, he dropped his highly anticipated sophomore EP, Hopeless Romantic. Alex also appeared on America’s Got Talent where he performed songs such as “If You Were My Girl,” “Pretty Baby,” and “Wallflower.” Watch his live performance of “If You Were My Girl” HERE, “Pretty Baby” HERE and “Wallflower” HERE. 

50. Montana 700 – Boosie Flow

Uniting the Dallas rap scene under the twin banners of making meaningful music and getting money, Montana 700 has the makings of a star. The young rapper looks to keep his red-hot 2025 going, announcing The Greatest Of All Traps, his next mixtape, dropping on 8/1 via 300 Ent/Remain Solid. The follow-up to February’s 700 Reasons, the upcoming Greatest Of All Traps tape expands Montana’s sound while keeping the same motivational energy and Southern rap realness that powered his previous work. The forthcoming tape features guest spots from YFN Lucci, Loe Shimmy, and Montana’s fellow New Dallas leader Zillionaire Doe.

 

Along with the tape announcement, Montana shares his new video single, “Boosie Flow.” The track finds Montana channeling the beloved Louisiana rapper’s drawly charisma, as he dips and ducks between syncopated piano plunks and blasts of 808 with hustle-hard boasts: “Bankroll after bankroll/I just made another hunnid in the same clothes/In that trap all day, when the bank close,” he spits. Montana 700 takes the director’s seat for the video, linking up with Boosie Badazz himself to count stacks, trade bars, and tear through the city in Lamborghinis.

Lifted by Montana’s buoyant charisma and contagious plug talk, 700 Reasons introduced the world to Montana’s thrilling mix of old and new. The tape harkens back to to the heyday of the Dirty South, when labels like Cash Money, No Limit, and Grand Hustle ran the streets and the charts, with songs like “Count A Hunnit,” featuring a sample of Jeezy’s “And Then What,” which earned positive attention from Jeezy himself, and “Pipeline” (Remix), a new version of Montana’s local hit featuring BigXThaPlug. Featuring additional appearances from Tee Grizzley, Hunxho, and Montana’s frequent collaborator Zillionaire Doe, 700 Reasons is available everywhere via Remain Solid / 300 Entertainment.

 

Born and raised in South Dallas, Montana 700 is ready to make 2025 his year. He first hit the scene in 2022, making music that combined the twangy and bass-heavy Dallas rap template with broader Southern rap sounds. Along with his close friend and frequent collaborator Zillionaire Doe, Montana 700 is a leader of the New Dallas movement, an effort from the younger generation to stop the violence that has plagued Dallas hip-hop for years, and instead to build a community-focused scene that will allow the whole city to prosper. Montana spoke about the New Dallas scene on a recent episode of Million Dollaz Worth of Game.