Best New Tracks: 21 Savage, Kid Cudi, JAY-Z x D'Angelo and More
Enjoy the weekend with these 10 music projects.
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As the week in music comes to a close, Hypebeast has rounded up the best projects for the latest installment of Best New Tracks.
This week’s lineup is led by 21 Savage, Kid Cudi and JAY-Z with D’Angelo, who each released the albums american dream and INSANO, and the track “I Want You Forever,” respectively. Also joining this selection are offerings from Lil Nas X, Ariana Grande, Kali Uchis, Faye Webster with Lil Yachty, Four Tet, MGMT and Benny The Butcher.
21 Savage - american dream
21 Savage releases his first solo studio effort in six years, american dream. The 15-track effort serves as the accompanying soundtrack to his debut film of the same name, and features guest appearances from Doja Cat, Metro Boomin, Young Thug, Lil Durk, Travis Scott, Burna Boy, Summer Walker, Brent Faiyaz and Mariah The Scientist. The album arrives as a cohesive body of work that narrates the peculiar story of the rapper; he is lifted up by the record’s stellar production, while his brutally honest pen work and delivery brings listeners back in time to put them in his shoes.
Listen: Spotify | Apple Music
Kid Cudi - INSANO
After a short delay, Kid Cudi‘s newest album INSANO is finally here. The record work with DJ Drama, Travis Scott, Pharrell, A$AP Rocky, Lil Yachty, the late XXXTentacion, Young Thug, Take A Day Trip, Dot da Genius, WondaGurl, BNYX, Clams Casino, Keyon Christ, Da Honorable C.N.O.T.E. and more. To top it off, KAWS provided the album artwork with his 2019 painting IT TAKES WHAT IT NEEDS.
Listen: Spotify | Apple Music
JAY-Z x D’Angelo – “I Want You Forever”
JAY-Z and D’Angelo release their debut collab “I Want You Forever” with Jeymes Samuel, an almost-10-minute cut taken from the soundtrack of The Book of Clarence. The biblical comedy-drama film, helmed by Samuel, officially premieres today and stars LaKeith Stanfield, Omar Sy and more.
Listen: Spotify | Apple Music
Lil Nas X – “J CHRIST”
Lil Nas X returns with “J CHRIST,” his first single in two years. It arrives with a music video that marks the artist’s solo directorial debut, and features a story written by Nas X himself. He fights an inner battle and is victorious, choosing faith over evil.
Listen: Spotify | Apple Music
Kali Uchis – Orquídeas
A massive congratulations to Kali Uchis, who recently announced her pregnancy with partner Don Toliver and released her latest album Orquídeas. She enlists Peso Pluma, El Alfa, JT, KAROL G and Rauw Alejandro for the Spanish 14-track effort, and follows her March 2023 album Red Moon in Venus.
Listen: Spotify | Apple Music
Ariana Grande – “yes, and?”
Ariana Grande drops off “yes, and?” which is set to join her upcoming seventh album. She returns to solo music after four years, with her latest release dating back to 2020’s positions. In addition to her next project, Grande is starring in the movie adaptation of the famed Broadway musical Wicked, which is scheduled to hit theaters this November. The two-part adaptation will see her return to her Broadway roots and play Glinda opposite Cynthia Erivo’s Elphaba.
Listen: Spotify | Apple Music
Faye Webster x Lil Yachty – “Lego Ring”
Faye Webster forges an exciting partnership with Lil Yachty for her track “Lego Ring.” The cut arrives alongside an announcement for her new album Underdressed at the Symphony, which drops March 1.
Listen: Spotify | Apple Music
MGMT – “Nothing To Declare”
MGMT debuts their newest single “Nothing To Declare” as they prepare to release Loss of Life on February 23. The accompanying visual is helmed by Joey Frank and stars Inga Petry, the social media star who raises awareness about the disabled community.
Listen: Spotify | Apple Music
Benny The Butcher – “BRON”
Benny The Butcher preps his next album EVERYBODY CAN’T GO, which drops January 26, with the single “BRON.” In its monochromatic visual, it shows him in a Hapeville, GA school gymnasium at 5 in the morning, accompanied by local basketball players who are up and early to hone their skills.
Listen: Spotify | Apple Music
Four Tet – “Loved”
Four Tet teases a new project with the release of his latest single, “Loved.” Although Kieran Hebden did not confirm a release date yet, he did reveal that “Loved” will serve as a the first track on the album, which is now finished. “Just finishing the artwork and making the vinyl and CDs,” he wrote on Instagram Story.
Listen: Spotify | Apple Music
