It’s our favorite time of the week and that’s not just because it’s time to relax after the work week. It’s also the time of the week that most artists release brand new music.
We’ve selected a handful of newly released songs that are worth a play to get you ready for the Halloween weekend.
Megan Thee Stallion, Something for Thee Hotties
For those who fell in love with Megan Thee Stallion after seeing her freestyle in a parking lot or during a cypher in her Houston hometown, her latest project Something for Thee Hotties feels like a treat. Just in time for the spooky holiday, the “Thot Shit” rapper released the 21-track mixtape which features a collection of freestyles she’s shared over the past year on social media including “Southside Forever,” “Outta Town,” and “Tuned In,” as well as unreleased singles.
Megan Thee Stallion also tried her hand at producing on the mixtape with songs like “Megan’s Piano. [artist info]
I played the piano part in the beat lol I’m excited for y’all to hear it https://t.co/LjPZdv4CEj
— TINA SNOW (@theestallion) October 27, 2021
Reason, No More, No Less: Demo 1
A year since releasing his 2020-project New Beginnings, Carson’s very own, Reason, has returned with No More, No Less: Demo 1. The brief 3-track project clocks is just 10 minutes long, but it is bound to still leave you feeling full. It features TDE label mates Isaiah Rashad and Zacari, Griselda affiliate Benny the Butcher, DMV emcees Ade and Wale. Reason described No More, No Less: Demo 1 as “a small collection of thoughts and moments that I’ve been asked for repeatedly.” [artist info]
BENEE, “Doesn’t Matter”
The New Zealand pop star hasn’t released much music since her debut album Hey u x, which featured the likes of Flo Milli, Lily Allen, Grimes, and included her breakout single “Supalonely” with Gus Dapperton. But this week (Oct. 28), she returned with a new single titled “Doesn’t Matter.” Over the mellow, slow-burning beat, Benee sings about her struggles with mental health.
In a statement she said, I wrote “Doesn’t Matter” during one of these periods when I felt truly overwhelmed, anxious, and stuck. I was diagnosed with OCD, which actually helped me understand myself better. This song ponders on what it would be like to feel truly carefree and how much easier life would be. Sometimes, it’s hard for people who don’t suffer from anxiety or depression to really understand what it’s like for us. People telling you not to worry or saying “It doesn’t matter” don’t understand that it’s not that simple. Having had help to learn how to deal with my own anxiety and depression, I want others to know that there is a way through.” [artist info]
Big Sean and Hit-Boy ft. Bryson Tiller and Lil Durk, “Loyal To A Fault”
Last Friday, Big Sean and Hit-Boy released the single, “What a Life” with an accompanying video that showed Sean covered in more than 65,000 bees. (Yes, you read that right.) This week the duo is back, but this time with a six-track EP titled What You Expect.
Big Sean tweeted on Thursday that he was initially just going to drop one new song, but he changed his mind and decided to release the EP. Clocking in at nearly 20 minutes, What You Expect, features appearances from Detroit rappers Babyface Ray and 42 Dugg on “Offense” and Bryson Tiller and Lil Durk on “Loyal To A Fault,” which is the second single for the project. “Loyal To A Fault” arrives with a visual as well. [artist info]
I was bout to drop a new song tonight, but then I thought… nah, instead I’m a drop 5 new songs tonight!
— Sean Don (@BigSean) October 28, 2021
Ama Lou, “Trust Nobody”
It’s been about two years since Ama Lou released her intoxicating EP Ama, who? Today, the London singer is back with a new single titled “Trust Nobody,” which arrives with a visual as well. If this is a hint that she’s planning to put out a full length project soon, then we’re ready for it. [artist info]
Mick Jenkins, Elephant in the Room
Since the start of his career, Mick Jenkins has been the type of artist to speak authentically about the highs and lows of life, rhyming about subjects ranging from anxiety, love, and social issues such as police brutality. His latest offering, Elephant in the Room, which is out today is no different. The Chicago-bred rapper opens up even more about the “unspoken personal and general truths” surrounding his life on the 12-track project, which features guest appearances from serpentwithfeet, greensllime, Ben Hixon, and Ayinde Cartman.
“From my estranged relationship with my father to friendships that don’t feel the same anymore to the even more basic idea of acknowledging that I need help,” Jenkins said in a statement. “We become accustomed to allowing none progressive qualities and truths to occupy so much space in our lives simply by ignoring them, or ignoring them despite them being right in our faces! I intend to face several of those dormant issues/topics head-ons in the hopes that others can, at the very least, identify with the spaces I’ve grown from.”
Jenkins consistently shows versatility throughout his own catalog and on the guest appearances he chooses to do including his latest with Los Angeles-based pop artist HARLOE. The upbeat disco-esque single, “PWR RNGR,” released last week with an accompanying music video. [artist info]
Other worthy mentions
We’re also vibing with Ed Sheeran’s latest feel-good track, “Overpass Grafitti.” (He also appeared on NPR Music’s Tiny Desk (Home) Concert this week.) And the hilarious new videos from Portland rapper Aminé (“Charmander“) and Yung Baby Tate (“Pedi“), which is bound to make your day.
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