4Batz & Drake, DJ Premier & Russ, YoungBoy Never Broke Again, And More Fresh Hip-Hop Releases

Today is Friday, which means there are a ton of new releases to look forward to from some of your favorite Hip-Hop artists. To help you unwind and enjoy the weekend, check out VIBE’s picks of songs and albums you should hear and add to your soundtrack of weekend festivities.

4batz Feat Drake – “act II: date @ 8 remix”

4batz has taken over the internet with just three records and now he’s got the ultimate cosign in a highly coveted Drake feature. “act ii: date @ 8” was already a woozy, “spend money on your lady” anthem, and the 6 God takes it to another level. He delivers his signature underwater treatment on the slowed down beat, croons in autotune about almost telling a woman he loved her after sex, not being insecure about her past lovers, and being a stand up guy like Dave Chappelle. Drizzy honestly just adds his own song to the end of the record, but it works. Now it’s up to 4batz to continue his momentum and capitalize on the expanded spotlight he will receive from Drake. – Armon Sadler

DJ Premiere & Russ – “Work This Out”

When Russ first linked up with legendary producer DJ Premier, the pairing spawned the track “Inside Job,” a collaboration from Russ’ CHOMP album that checked off a personal mark on his musical bucket list. The rap star recently decided to spin the block on Premo with their latest single “Work It Out” finding the pair changing course from the prior release.

“I just wanna work this out and be good/ Don’t you wanna work this out, we should,” Russ croons on the hook, which envelope the Gang Starr member’s percussion driven backdrop. The flawless Russ and Premier hit once again with “Work It Out,” which lends further credence to the thought that the unlikely duo may have more of an innate chemistry than once assumed. – Preezy Brown

YoungBoy Never Broke Again – Compliments Of Gravedigger Mountain

YoungBoy Never Broke Again unveils Compliments of Gravedigger Mountain, the rapper’s first drop of 2024 that finds him shining the light on his Never Broke Again label’s roster. While undoubtedly the headliner, YB largely plays the background aside from the timely appearance every few tracks. Rapper BBG Baby Joe sets the project of with “4sh*t,” an explosive offer that bodes well for the proceedings ahead.

YoungBoy Never Broke Again lends his touch to the early standouts “Bling,” “My Bobo,” and “How We Get” before he acts like Lil Dump (“Bloody”), Vontina (“Yummy”), and Meechy Baby (“Got Them Pack”) round out the proceedings. – PB

Quavo and Rich The Kid – “Real One”

Quavo and Rich The Kid’s “Real One” is an interesting listening experience. The two artist attempt to deliver back-and-forth energy but don’t fully commit, making the track feel chaotic. Production-wise, it is a grand endeavor loaded with boisterous drums, thumping hi-hats, and orchestral instruments.

However, none of their bars land well, and there isn’t much that is memorable to hear. As two artists who excel at creating hooks, the hope here was that they would at least create a chorus that would hold up the effort, but even that is lacking. “Real One” is a reminder that it isn’t 2017 anymore, and that Quavo and Rich have to elevate their abilities to cut through the very busy current music landscape. – AS

Busta Rhymes Feat 5ive Mics – “This Ain’t No Game”

It’s impossible to threaten Busta Rhymes with a good time, but the veteran rhymer reminds us that no games are to be played on this party-friendly single from rising New York lyricist 5ive Mics. The first single from 5ive Mics’ forthcoming studio album The Drop Is In, “This Ain’t No Game” finds the Brooklyn legend and Mics trading verses atop production courtesy of Ted Smooth, who employs a sample of Chubb Rock’s 1991 single “Treat ‘Em Right.”

5ive Mics provides insight into the inspiration behind the collaboration, likening it as a byproduct of an ongoing cultural renaissance. “Hip Hop ain’t no game,” the rapper said in a statement accompanying the song’s release. “The five Hip Hop elements are celebrated by the new generation of lyrical artists being elevated. For that fact alone I love that Busta Rhymes was just as excited to jump on this track as I was. It was an honor working with him as it’s been a lifelong dream of mine.”

Five Mics’ The Drop Is In releases May 17th via AEMG. – PB

Babyface Ray – “Money On My Mind”

Babyface Ray is reflecting on his past life on “Money On My Mind.” In the chorus, he takes the perspective of people from his hood who talk to him about how he doesn’t come around anymore, doesn’t show love, and doesn’t “bust juugs.” His simple response: he’s focused on getting to the paper and can’t risk it by living like he used to.

The downtempo production blends piano keys and soft drums, creating the visual of him having hard conversations with his hometown friends and his raspy voice adds more emotion to that image. The toughest part of elevating is leaving your past self behind, but Ray has seemingly made peace with that on this track. – AS

Ransom and Harry Fraud – Lavish Misery

The ills of devilish decadence are countered by Lavish Misery on this collection from Ranson and Harry Fraud, as the lyrical menace and trusty beatsmith present eight tracks that prioritize spellbinding stanzas and thudding instrumentals. “I was born in a manger,” Ransom laughingly jokes on “Immaculate Conception,” the opening selection on the album which finds him anointing himself as a messiah.

“A God was born in a human form/ Skin of brass, a head full of nappy hair and a clueless charm,” he muses amid witty couplets filled with nods to Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic and exotic vehicles. Boldy James provides reinforcement on “Live From The Roxy,” and 38 Spesh lays verse on “Wilson Fisk,” yet, it’s when Ransom are Fraud are left to their own devices (“Chain of Command,” “The Losses”) that Lavish Misery is truly a joy to listen to – PB

Jay Worthy and LNDN Drugs – Affiliated 2

Nearly five years removed from their first joint-effort, Affiliated, Jay Worthy and producer LNDN DRGS band together once again for the latest installment in the collaborative series. Assuming ceremonial duties while DRGS tends to the boards, Worthy glides over the array of groovy soundscapes with an effortless breeze synonymous with the SoCal palm trees.

Much like their previous pairing, Affiliated 2 includes contributions by a slew of guest stars who turn in supportive roles alongside Worthy, as Compton’s Most Wanted, Trae tha Truth, Clyde Carson, Domo Genesis, Del the Funky Homosapien, Lil’ Keke, Stalley, K-Dee, and more make appearances throughout. Noteworthy slappers includes the likes of “Bolt 45,” “Amafi Drive,” “Real Original,” “Sepulveda,” and “Heathrow.” – PB

Pressa Feat. Fridayyy – “Get Back Up”

Pressa’s “Get Back Up” showcases how exceptional Fridayyy is at making songs sound larger than life. Outside of that, the track isn’t very remarkable. Pressa has a solid autotune sound, but none of the bars land. His flow here feels one-dimensional and can easily be likened to the many other autotune-heavy artists in the space. The production does the exact same, with a steady drum and hi-hats pattern. It certainly doesn’t show the full extent of what he has delivered throughout his discography. “Get Back Up” likely would have been better with another lead artist, as Pressa and Fridayyy are a bit too similar sonically. – AS

Sule – Written On Wides Corner

Sule has been a hidden gem in rap for a long time. The Englewood, N.J. native got an early co-sign from Benny The Butcher before being signed to his Black Sopranos Family label. Now, he’s fully here with his debut project Written On Wides Corner.

The nine-track effort shows his ability to deliver face-scrunching punchlines, relatable storytelling, and a palpable passion for the craft of rapping. Whether it’s mid-tempo backpack beats or slightly upbeat trap-infused production, Sule skates across those musical canvasses with ease. Benny, Inspectah Deck, The Hoodies, and Sy Ari Da Kid provided solid feature appearances, but make no mistake: Sule is the star of the show and the best is yet to come for him. – AS