This week’s best new hip-hop features albums, videos and songs by Nas, GloRilla, and more.
The year-end downturn is upon us, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t new music coming out – just that the flood has become a much more manageable flow. Independent artists would do well to take the advice from Brian Zisook of Audio Mack, who pointed out “this represents a great window to land editorial with less competition.” Meanwhile, a few artists who have come up with new music this week include Slowthai, Channel Tres, Stormzy, DDG and the artists named below.
Here’s the best of hip-hop this week ending November 11, 2022.
David Sabastian & DJ Drama — Gansta Grillz: God Save the Rave
David Sabastian has been circling the LA underground fashion scene for a while, but it seems like he’s been serious about rapping lately, signing with Warner Records and releasing a handful of singles. This week, like his label mate Symba, he teams up with DJ Drama for an episode of Gangsta Grillz that shows just how seriously he takes his music.
GloRilla — Anyway, life is good…
Talk about a year in small groups; Glo’s single “FNF” was a fan favorite, but its sequel, “Tomorrow 2” featuring Cardi B, took all that forward momentum and supercharged it. Now, the lovable ratcheting bundle of energy is releasing its first collection of major label songs, packing its stellar hits with a handful of new songs, featuring features from its new label boss, Yo Gotti.
Nas & Hit-Boy — Illness of King III
I’d say Nas and Hit-Boy scored a hat trick with this one, but given that they parted ways K.D. trilogy with Magic last year, the most apt sports analogy might be the relatively rare four-point play. Consider this one the free throw made, putting the punctuation on an incredible feat. To sweeten the deal, Nas goes solo avoiding contemporary features to prove he can finish just as strong.
Yung Blue — Tantra
Yung Bleu still lands firmly in the “hip-hop new” categories on DSPs despite his love for mellow melodies and emotive subject matter, so we’ll keep him here until further notice (DRAM, sadly, has gone completely neo-soul on me, which means I have to let Wongo have it this week). Notable features of this one include Lil Wayne, Nicki Minaj, Ty Dolla Sign and Zayn Malik (!!).
38 Spesh X Harry Fraud – “Band Of Brothers” Feat. Benny the Butcher and the Ransom
38 Spesh and Harry Fraud are two of underground rap’s go-to producers for soulful, nostalgic beats, so seeing them team up is exciting enough on its own, but doubly so when you consider who they’re probably bringing. Obviously, pairing the polysyllabic flows of Benny and Ransom is a mouthwatering glimpse of what guests like Curren$y, Wiz Khalifa, Conway The Machine and Stove God Cooks will bring to Beyond belief next week.
BabyTron — “AirTron”
Coming from BT Bin Reaper 3: Old Testament last week, “AirTron” grabbed a snippet of Kurtis Blow’s classic “Basketball” to set the backdrop for the Michigan rapper’s choppy NBA punchlines. A sports fan’s dream come true.
Dusty Locane – “Rolando 2 (Catch The Rain)”
For my life, I can’t understand why this Brooklyn exercise stalwart hasn’t caught fire yet. I can only assume it’s because the genre as a whole has become so cluttered that it’s hard to cut through the noise. Between his distinctive voice and consistent work ethic, it should really only be a matter of time.
G Herbo – “It’s Something Inside Me”
Lil Herb’s new album Survivor’s remorse oddly flew under the radar last week, but that doesn’t stop him from backing it as a top ten. “It’s Something In Me” is a prime example of the Chicago vet’s rugged yet tortured perspective and the cavernous instrumental underpins some of his most engaging bar work on the project.
Gucci Mane – “Sh*t Crazy Remix” Feat. BIG30, Sett and Mac Critter
Gucci is sharing the limelight here with its Icy Gang, letting the youngsters shine while staying consistent as usual.
Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.
