Things We Loved in Music This Week: October 18
Our favorite music-related moments from the past seven days.
As the week comes to a close, we’re rounding up the most notable music-related headlines – new releases, live performances, tour announcements, merch drops, fashion campaigns, footwear collaborations, and more.
Jean Dawson Announces New Album
Hypetrak cover star Jean Dawson is back with big news. As we broke the news in the magazine back in September, the Hypebeast-affiliated OG has officially lifted the veil on the details of his next studio project to the rest of the world. The deluxe edition of his Glimmer of God, the new sonic selection is dubbed Rock A Bye Baby, Glimmer of God, and, in his own words to Hypetrak, is “The end of the story.” “It’s different, but it’s informed by everything I’ve done.” A confirmed tracklist hasn’t been revealed (to the masses, that is) quite yet, but expect the project to drop on streaming services on November 14.
Schools In With Solange At USC Thornton
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That’s Professor Knowles, to you. Solange is signing on to USC’s Thornton School of Music as the institute’s first-ever scholar-in-residence. “I am eager to use the coming year to further develop and solidify my syllabus, Records of Discovery, with Saint Heron, as well as the curriculum I look forward to teaching on the methodologies of musical curation,” the Grammy winner said in a press release, set to teach classes in music curation, work with students across different areas of the school, and serve as a member of the Dean’s Creative Vanguard Program. “My goal is to nurture students’ curiosity in this field while advancing educational frameworks that reflect the expansiveness of the landscapes—both sonically and visually—that surround musical expressions.” Is “Cranes In The Sky” on the tracklist? Because we’re sat.
Playboi Carti Takes Los Angeles By Storm
With the Antagonist 2.0 Tour in full swing now, Playboi Carti brought the Opium gang to Los Angeles for a star-studded spectacle of a show. In addition to a joint performance with tourmates from the Opium label Homixide Gang, the rapper also brought out A$AP Rocky for “Long Time,” Kendrick Lamar for “Good Credit,” and Fakemink for an on-stage appearance.
Jordan Ward Announces New Album, BACKWARD
The good news? The above. The bad news? We have to wait until January 30, 2026, for it to drop.
Young Thug Throws SP5DER’s First Rodeo
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So this actually is SP5DER‘s first rodeo. The Young Thug-helmed label took over Houston, Texas, on October 16 for the Sweet Tooth Rodeo, a 100% real rodeo with 50 athletes and seven competitions going down over the course of the night. Thugger himself made an appearance – though not on a horse. Limited-edition merch was also stocked on-site. All proceeds from the event went to the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo Foundation for programs empowering Black cowboys and cowgirls, youth, and communities.
Grateful Dead Jams On the Nike Air Max 90
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Don’t trip! Grateful Dead x Nike is back. The latest Grateful Dead sneaker takes the shape of a Nike Air Max 90, crafted in collaboration with the Oregon Ducks. The new model pays tribute to the band’s 1990 show at Autzen Stadium, and, of course, is covered in tie-dye. The Dancing Bears have shapeshifted into Dancing Ducks, and the Steal Your Face is stamped on the heel.
Tame Impala Makes Tiny Desk Concert Debut
It’s hard to believe Tame Impala is just now stepping into NPR’s storied Tiny Desk; Kevin Parker did appear on it one other time though it was mid-pandemic so it was Tiny Desk At-Home. In support of the new Tame Impala album, Parker and his live band performed a medley of classics and current favorites for the long-overdue debut.
Summer Walker (Finally) Announces New Album
Finally Over It is finally releasing on November 14.
Kid Cudi’s “Maui Wowie” Finally Getting Its Flowers…
Real ones have been there since its release 17 years ago, but new fans are just finding out about the A Kid Named Cudi gem. Kid Cudi‘s now-viral “Maui Wowie” has climbed almost 1080% in streams on Spotify globally since September 5, 2025.
JPEGMAFIA x Danny Brown Are Extending SCARING THE HOES
Still on loop since its release in March 2023, SCARING THE HOES by JPEGMAFIA and Danny Brown is getting a deluxe edition at last. Billed as Peggy tends to, as its “Director’s Cut,” the extended version of the album is confirmed to drop on his birthday, October 22. It will include three new tracks, including “Manic!”
And These New Releases:
Ty Dolla $ign – TYCOON
A rarity, Ty is fully in the driver’s seat; at the top of his game and the apex of his global fame, he swerves between R&B pockets with a lineup of his regular collaborators.
WHATMORE – WHATMORE
5 multi-instrumental New York City musicians who blindingly ignore the confines and constraints of genre – what more do you need?
Gucci Mane – Episodes
Guwop came correct on this year’s October 17th, presenting a pair of Episodes entitled projects: an introspective book and a high-octane new album.
Joji – “PIXELATED KISSES”
This is not a drill. The first new Joji in three years (and not under 88rising)…
IDK x DMX – “START TO FiNiSH”
The three-letter-acronymed pair pass the Kaytranada-produced beat back and forth with fiery finesse and flow.
Tame Impala – Deadbeat
Kevin Parker is one of the few modern musicians who can connect fans from all corners of the industry; Tame Impala’s communally anticipated new project does it again.
Jean Dawson – “White Lighter”
If binge-listening to this brings bad luck, we’ll suffer the consequences with grace.
PARTYOF2 – AMERIKA’S NEXT TOP PARTY!
The duo who did the “Yonkers” freestyle proves they have far more in the tank than just a viral hit.
Sudan Archives – The BPM
Aptly entitled.
Jordan Ward x Sailorr – “SMOKIN POTNA”
Dream blunt rotation.
Veeze – “Signed a Napkin”
Worst day when Veeze drops.
JPEGMAFIA – “Manic!”
Mood.
Magdalena Bay – “Human Happens / Paint Me A Picture”
Two very different songs that only Magdalena Bay could package together and make it make sense.
Tommy Richman – “SAN ANDREAS”
A solid, soulful return to form.
REASON x WESTSIDE BOOGIE x Gio Genesis – “Paralyzed_BLUE”
Sounds like the color blue.
fakemink – “Fidelio”
Continuing to rack up co-signs, collaborative appearances, and singles of his own, fakemink’s current run is captivating.
redveil – “mini me”
A more psychedelic-leaning, pared-back presentation from the ascending rapper.
Sherwyn – Spin City
Still confined to his IYKYK area code, your favorite emerging artist’s favorite artist is surely one to keep an eye one – especially after his new EP.
Armand Hammer x The Alchemist x billy woods x E L U C I D – “Super Nintendo”
I don’t think we’re ready for Mercy.
Danny Brown x underscores – “Copycats”
We’re living for hyperpop Danny Brown.
