Hypetrak's Weekly Set - Volume 54

After sampling issues initially postponed the release, J. Cole’s new single “Work Out” has finally hit the blogosphere last week. Although the sample-heavy track caused mixed reactions within our readership, it has the potential to grow on the listener and make an impact on (non-) digital (radio) waves. Following the announcement that Queens duo Capone-N-Noreaga have split, N.O.R.E. seems to be just fine on his solo path. In preparation of his upcoming album, Superthug, the rapper offered “Finito,” a track that features the prominent talents of Lil Wayne and Pharrell Williams. By releasing his Royal Flush 2 mixtape last week, CyHi Da Prynce has shown tremendous potential for a promising rap career. In accordance, his collaboration with fellow G.O.O.D. Music representative Big Sean, “Woopty Woop,” has been chosen as one of the standout cuts of the project. After Maybach Music Group’s Self Made Vol. 1 has been received very well, Wale is keeping his momentum in check with his new tune “Lacefrontin,” which is reminiscent of the DC native’s pre-MMG days. Virgina-based genre-crossing trio Mansions on the Moon are currently in 100% album mode. Thus, the band has unleashed the audio version of their new jam, “Darkness,” which increases the anticipation surrounding the promising debut long-player, titled Lightyears.

Further highlights include XV’s aerial “30,000 Feet Up in the Sky,” The Foreign Exchange’s “All The Kisses” featuring Amber and Paris Strother of KING, Wu-Tang’s “225 Rounds” featuring RZA, U-God, Cappadonna and Bronze Nazareth, Destructo’s “Technology,” and Best Coast’s “Gone Again.”

Plenty of high quality music videos have reached us last week – we’ve seen Frank Ocean’s “Novacane,” MellowHype’s “64,” Talib Kweli’s “Mr. International,” Metronomy’s “The Bay,” Big Sean’s “I Do It,” a vintage-infused clip for Jacques Renault’s rendition of Breakbot’s “Fantasy” as well as the official video for the official version. Lady Gaga presented the shockingly normal video for her new single “Edge of Glory” whereas Chris Brown and Justin Bieber’s got apocalyptic in their video “Next 2 You,” and last but not least Diplo and Dillon Francis getting all trippy for “Que, Que” featuring Maluca.

Also make sure to check out the full album stream of Big Sean’s Finally Famous debut, Cee Lo Green’s Neptunes-produced tune “Bridges,” and JoJo’s interesting take on Drake’s new single. Enjoy in the audio recap below!