Drake, Central Cee, Tyler The Creator, Lupe Fiasco, And More New Hip-Hop Music To Beat The Heat

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.

• Drake Featuring Central Cee – “Which One”

  

  Drake finally unleashed “Which One” featuring Central Cee, a record he teased during the final day of Wireless Festival a few weeks ago.

  This record finds him in his full patois bag, wooing the ladies over an island beat. Cench shines in his verse, flipping T-Pain’s name and his classic “I’m Sprung” to describe his feelings on a woman’s body.

  Drizzy takes over after the beat changes into something more house-inspired, but still primed for booty shaking. This is nothing to overthink; simply a fun song for the summer and specifically for the ladies.

  It will likely inspire discourse about the 6 God being a culture vulture or his standing on the charts, but as long as the people who go outside enjoy it, it’s a win. – Armon Sadler

• Tyler, The Creator – ‘Don’t Tap The Glass’

  

  Tyler, the Creator’s surprise drop Don’t Tap The Glass proves once again that he’s not just riding a wave—he is the wave. The album pulses with invention, cementing Tyler’s role as a modern vanguard in hip-hop.

  From the Pharrell-assisted “Big Poe” with Sk8brd, to the breezy, sun-drenched vibes of “Sucka Free,” each track offers a distinct flavor. “Stop Playing With Me” is pure chaos—in the best way—sounding like a rampage ripped straight from a vintage GTA radio station.

  Features from Madison McFerrin and Yebba add rich texture to an already layered project. Unpredictable yet cohesive, Don’t Tap The Glass feels like another bold stroke in Tyler’s already genre-bending catalog – Preezy Brown

• Lupe Fiasco – “SOS”

  

  When Lupe Fiasco drops, it’s not just another release—it’s an event. His new single “SOS” is no exception, showcasing the kind of lyrical precision and depth that has kept him in a class of his own.

  Over a sublime, meditative beat crafted by Nicolas Isaiah, Anthony Perkins, and Lupe himself, he weaves razor-sharp bars like, “Try to lock me out like I’m Jason Vorhees/ I just use my sword as the door key,” placing substance over style without sacrificing an ounce of technical brilliance.

  With Samurai DX set to drop August 22nd, “SOS” feels like a call to attention—Hip-Hop’s thinking man is back, and he’s moving with purpose. – PB

• Offset – “Professional”

  

  Offset continued his high vibes and indulgence in the women on “Professional.” This feels like a cousin to “Ten,” albeit not the same BPM or subgenre.

  Nonetheless, he brings the bars and punchlines galore as always. It is one thing to get a lot of women, but a whole other bag to refer to oneself as a professional in doing it. Needless to say, he seems to be recovering well from his public, dramatic divorce.

  Offset tweeted that his album was done recently, and with this single it feels like it will be coming soon. Once again, if this is the energy he is bringing, he may release his best solo effort yet. – AS

• Freddie Gibbs – ‘Alfredo 2’

  

  Freddie Gibbs and The Alchemist prove once again why they’re one of rap’s most formidable duos with Alfredo 2, a sequel that not only lives up to its predecessor but sharpens the formula.

  Gibbs is in rare form, dropping cutting lines like “Took the high road on ni**as, I’m riding over passes / Nothing in your catalog classic” on “1995,” while Alchemist’s production remains equal parts gritty and cinematic.

  Tracks like “Lavish” deliver pointed shots and heartfelt tributes, and guest appearances from Anderson .Paak, JID, and Larry June add flavor without crowding the vision.

  Alfredo 2 isn’t just a reunion—it’s a reaffirmation of greatness. For fans of intricate bars and lush, textured beats, this is as good as it gets. – PB

• Culture Jam, Wale, Pusha T – “Damage Control”

  

  Culture Jam tapped Wale and Pusha T for the upbeat “Damage Control,” a triumphant, horn-laced production that doesn’t sacrifice lyricism for having a bop to it.

  Folarin runs the Oklahoma drill in his verse, delivering haymaker after haymaker, whether they be clever metaphors or big flexes. As for King Push, he has been in his zone for seven years now so it’s expected for him to float, and he did.

  His verse has some shots at Birdman and Drake, so it may cause some annoying conversation but for those who just want to enjoy good raps, he brought them in spades. – AS

• Bay Swag – ‘Damaged Thoughts’

  

  Bay Swag’s Damaged Thoughts further proves that you can’t box him into the sexy drill, Slizzy movement. The 15-track album surely features his indulgent mindset, but there is also vulnerability, storytelling, and luxurious flexes.

  The immediate standout is “Lil Jasmine” featuring Young Thug, the Atlanta rapper’s third appearance of the year; he makes it worthwhile and reminds people how much of a chameleon he can be. “

  Idk Why” featuring A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie is also special, creatively flipping Eamon’s “F**k It” into a NY anthem. Bay is more versatile than people may give him credit for, and this was an impressive effort. – AS

• Joyner Lucas – “ROUND 2 K.O”

  

  Joyner Lucas pulls no punches on ROUND 2 K.O, a blistering diss track that finds the lyricist continuing his onslaught against his newfound adversary, Skepta.

  Calling himself “the Black Eminem,” Lucas channels peak Rap God energy, unleashing rapid-fire bars that target Skepta’s perceived privilege, masculinity, and alleged obsession with OVO. “You started it / I ain’t ducking no smoke…” he declares, opening the floodgates for over three relentless minutes of lyrical heat.

  There are no hooks, no breathers—just a surgical takedown that feels both personal and theatrical. Lucas isn’t just throwing shots; he’s crafting a performance.

  Whether you’re a fan or just a spectator to hip-hop’s latest feud, this track demands a listen. It’s fierce, technically sharp, and impossible to ignore – PB

• French Montana, Lil Durk – “Big Bag”

  

  French Montana and Lil Durk’s “Big Bag” is a fine record. It’s got your standard drum pattern and a high-energy feel, but nothing to really sink your teeth into. If this were to play in a party, and then seven records along a similar vein, it would be difficult to pick it out. Both are talented and have made standout records, but this one is not that. It’s middle of the road and there aren’t any lines to write home about. Hopefully, they link up another time and get more creative, or have more collaborations on a hard drive somewhere. – AS

Paul Wall, DJ.Fresh – ‘The Tonite Show’

NBA YoungBoy – ‘Masa’

Evidence Featuring The Alchemist – “Rain Every Season”

Apollo Brown – ‘Funeral For A Dream’

Lelo – ‘New Detroit’

BIA – “One Thing”

Kodak Black Featuring DJ E Money, G6reddot – “By Myself”

Sada Baby – ‘The Green Tape DX’

Ovrkast. Featuring MAVI – “MAVKAST!”

OT The Real, 38 Spesh – “Never Saw Me”

Homeboy Sandman – ‘Soli Deo Gloria’

MARCO PLUS Featuring Smino – “Out My Way”

K Camp Featuring Qiuntellii – “Your Type”

C Stunna Featuring Baby Mel – “Missy”

Kurupt – “Special”

BunnaB – “Fine Shyt”

Rio Da Yung OG Featuring Zillionaire Doe – “What U Spend”

Hanumankind – ‘Monsoon Season’

Hit-Boy – “What’s The Deal”

Chow Lee – “Hold It Down 4 Me”

Peysoh – ‘FinallyFed’

Rich Amiri – “Paranoid”

Asake Featuring Tiakola – “BADMAN GANGSTA”

OBN Jay Featuring HD4president – ‘Tequila Talk’

MAVI, Niontay – “Jammers Anonymous”

Iamsu! – ‘IAMSUMMER: Enjoy The Ride’

Eddie Valero – ‘Gangsta Blues 2’

Jdot Breezy – ‘My Return’