Houston kendrick
Source: Houston Kendrick
This week's round-up of new albums includes a Michigan rap dissertation, a new DJ Muggs project, and more.
With the amount of new music that drops nowadays--between the EPs, deluxe editions and reissues--finding new talent can be a hassle. We here at Okayplayer understand that, which is why every New Music Friday, we round up the best new albums for your listening pleasures.
This time around, we've got new albums from Moneybagg Yo, Lil' Yachty, and a deluxe edition to Young Thug's Slime Language 2 compilation album. Find all your favorites on your preferred digital streaming platform.
Lil Yachty - Michigan Boy Boat
Source: Quality Control Music
Lil Yachty has been singing the praises of the Michigan rap scene since his 2017 collaboration with Tee Grizzley. In 2020, he further immersed himself in the state by spending weeks in the Mitten, culminating in a slew of features with raucous Flint newcomers Rio da Yung OG, Louie Ray, and YN Jay. Michigan Boy Boat does that and showcases established Detroit stars like Icewear Vezzo, Sada Baby, and Babyface Ray.
Moneybagg Yo - A Gangster's Pain
Source: CMG/Interscope Records
Memphis MC Moneybagg Yo has been quietly gaining steam in the last couple of years. With a barreling flow growing more refined by each project, Bagg's at his best these days. Though his latest project is more radio-focused than previous efforts--three well-known samples jump out the speakers early--he still sounds as sharp as ever.
Young Thug & YSL - Slime Language 2 (Deluxe)
Source: Young Stoner Life Records
Just last week, after a pretty quiet 2020, Young Thug dropped 23 new tracks featuring Gunna, Yak Gotti, and the rest of his YSL roster. On the following Friday, he dropped eight bonus tracks, this time around with DaBaby, Jim Jones, and his daughter Mego making guest appearances.
Cordae - Just Until...
Source: Atlantic
In his solo full-length debut effort, Cordae earned a Grammy nomination. As demand builds for more content, the Maryland MC drops four new tracks to tide fans over before releasing his sophomore album. The project features guest appearances from Q-Tip and Young Thug.
Topaz Jones - Don't Go Tellin' Your Momma
Source: New Funk Academy
New Jersey rapper/filmmaker Topaz Jones releases the audio component to his Sundance award-winning film, Don't Go Tellin Your Momma. The music is just as experimental and autobiographical as the film, blending breezy production with new-age funk over the course of 13 tracks.
Toumani Diabaté and the London Symphony Orchestra - Korolen
Source: World Circuit Limited
The six-track Korolen finds Malian kora virtuoso Toumani Diabaté teaming up with balafon player Lassana Diabaté and the London Symphony Orchestra to blend traditional Mande music with a western orchestra. The project also features an early recording from the late Kasse Mady Diabaté.
Snoop Dogg - From Tha Streets 2 Tha Suites
Source: Doggystyle Records
Forever a student of the game, the 49-year-old Boss Dogg is a crisp as ever on his latest album. With production from West Coast titans like Rick Rock and guest appearances from old friends like Devin the Dude and Tha Eastsidaz, the album is a return to the G-Funk era from one of rap's still-active living legends.
Houston Kendrick - Small Infinity
Source: Houston Kendrick
As the title may suggest, Houston Kendrick's latest project focuses on the inner worlds of himself and his listeners. The Nashville musician delivers triumphant self-affirmations as well as anthems for introverts, dancing between rap, R&B, and soul along the way.
ssgkobe - Ko.
Source: Field Trip Records
Louisiana MC ssgkobe shows a broad range and flashes a lot of potential on his latest project, Ko. The 17-year-old sounds comfortable on acoustic ballads like "Why Are You Scared" as well as uptempo trap cuts like "Angels."
