Best New Tracks: Rae Sremmurd, Metro Boomin, Drake, Blocboy JB, PARTYNEXTDOOR, Sonder and More
Capping off a major week in music.
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For this week’s music roundup, HYPEBEAST curates a list of releases by some of our favorite artists. Kendrick Lamar’s executive produced Black Panther soundtrack hit the internet and included impressive tracks from Travis Scott, James Blake, Future, Anderson .Paak and The Weeknd, amongst many others. Drake also became a trending topic this week after he made an appearance on a track with up-and-coming rapper Blockboy JB just a day after donated roughly dropping $175K USD to various charities and causes in Miami while he was out there shooting a video for “God’s Plan.” In addition, we saw the worlds of Rae Sremmurd and Metro Boomin collide once again for another potential hit off the much anticipated SremmLife 3 project.
We would also like to pay our respects to rap pioneer Lovebug Starski who was widely known for inventing the term “hip-hop.” He tragically passed away this week at the age of 57 in Las Vegas after a sudden heart attack. Rest in Peace, Lovebug Starski.
Drake & BlocBoy JB – “Look Alive”
OVO
After teasing the song earlier in the week, fast-rising Memphis rapper BlocBoy JB officially unveiled his new song and video with Drake this week titled, “Look Alive.” This stemming from a trip back in January, when the 6 God flew down to Memphis to spend a few days with BlocBoy after the young rapper began gaining some buzz around his two respective bangers, “Rover” and “Shoot.”
Rae Sremmurd & Metro Boomin – “T’d Up”
Interscope
Despite facing some delays on the much anticipated SremmLife 3 project, Rae Sremmurd went ahead this week to bless fans with a new album cut titled, “T’d Up.” The Metro Boomin, Chopsquad, and Swae Lee-produced track has all the makings of hit, boasting catchy melodies and hard-hitting beats. Meanwhile, SremmLife 3 was recently confirmed to be a triple-disc collection.
MGMT – Little Dark Age (Album)
Columbia
It’s been five years in the making, but MGMT‘s follow-up to 2013’s self-titled LP finally arrived this week. Little Dark Age delivers 10 new tracks from the beloved rock outfit, including previously-released records such as “Me & Michael” and last month’s “Hand It Over.” In addition, the project also features producer Dave Fridmann and ex-Chairlift musician Patrick Wimberly, who also worked closely in the past with Empress Of and Das Racist.
PARTYNEXTDOOR & Calvin Harris – “Nuh Ready Nuh Ready”
Universal Music
After becoming the highest paid DJ of 2017, Calvin Harris is continuing his powerhouse collaborations into 2018. This week, the Funk Wave producer dropped off a new record with PARTYNEXTDOOR and to much surprise, it’s pure tropical vibes. Not entirely EDM as is the case with most of Harris’ material. Listen in below.
Black Panther: The Album – Executive Produced by Kendrick Lamar & Anthony “Top Dawg” Tiffith
Marvel/TDE
With Marvel‘s heavily promoted Black Panther film set to hit theaters next week on February 16, the movie’s just as anticipated soundtrack officially arrived this week. Executive produced by Kendrick Lamar and TDE honcho Anthony “Top Dawg” Tiffith, Black Panther: The Album features 14 tracks, featuring a star-studded lineup that includes The Weeknd, Jay Rock, Future, James Blake, Vince Staples, Travis Scott, 2 Chainz, ScHoolboy Q, Ab-Soul, Anderson. Paak, Khalid, Swae Lee, Jorja Smith and more. Listen below.
Sonder – “One Night Only”
Sonder
With hopes of resurrecting the R&B genre, Sonder has been emerging as one of the genre’s brightest stars. This week, the trio came through with a new soulful track called “One Night Only.” The smooth R&B cut features low-lit vocals from Brent Faiyaz, throwing in unmistakable P.M. lines, “I’m in town, for one night, for one night only.” Listen below and check our recent discussion with the Grammy-nominated singer.
Young Scooter featuring Future & Young Thug – “Trippple Cross”
Freebandz
Young Scooter came up under the tutelage of Future and as of late, the young rapper has been getting some solid looks from his mentor. This week, the “I Need More” rapper joined forces for arguably one of his biggest tracks to date, thanks to the assistance of Future Hendrix and Young Thug. Stream “Trippple Cross” below and stay tuned for his mixtape of the same name, set to drop on February 23.
Black Atlass – “My Life”
XO Records
In conjunction with the release “My Life,” singer/model Black Atlass has officially announced his signing to The Weeknd’s ever-expanding XO imprint. The Montreal native now joins an XO roster that includes NAV, 88Glam and Belly. Before all this, his songs were amassing millions of streams and even landed on several esteemed fashion campaigns with Louis Vuitton, Saint Laurent and Alexander Wang. He’s poised for big 2018—stay tuned.
2 Chainz – The Play Don’t Care Who Makes It EP
Def Jam
Tity Boi dropped off a surprise EP this week titled, The Play Don’t Care Who Makes It. Offering four tracks in total, the “Love N Hennessy” rapper called upon the likes of YG, Migos, T-Minus, June James, and Street Runnerz to join him for the project. Listen in below.
Be sure to check out our previous music roundups for the best drops of weeks past.
