Top ATL Sounds | Featured Videos, New Hip-Hop Joints & Trending Rumors

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.

GloRilla, Megan Thee Stallion, Cardi B – “Wanna Be (Remix)”

Cardi B elevates “Wanna Be” with her verse on the remix. This mid-tempo pocket is ideal for her powerful delivery and braggadocious energy. “I pop sh*t and pop a** on jet ski,” she spits. She also fires shots at BIA who has been throwing subliminal disses at her over the last few months for allegedly copying her style. GloRilla and Megan Thee Stallion had already smoked this record, but turning this into the new women’s “Big 3” anthem was very smart. It would’ve been nice to hear Cardi go back and forth with the other two as they did in the track’s original version, but we can’t get everything we want. – Armon Sadler

Roddy Ricch – Survivor’s Remorse

2024 Atlantic Recording Corporation

This is the Roddy Ricch the streets need. “Survivor’s Remorse” leans on a powerful vocal sample from Kelly Clarkson’s “Me” and throws in a gospel chorus. He expresses his PTSD from the critiques he has received over the last year and reflects on his early success in music. It is the exact type of self-awareness and confidence that he needs to change the narrative about his music and stance in the game. The only issue is that you get so lost in the song and composition that the ending feels abrupt. Alas, it is still a strong record. – AS

Mo3 – Legend

Nearly four years after his tragic passing, MO3’s voice continues to loom over the airwaves. The Dallas native’s melodious vocals have only increased in popularity in the wake of his physical absence, making the release of MO3’s new album, Legend, a reminder of a rising talent lost and a dream deferred.

Yet, upon pressing play, it’s evident that MO3’s essence remains present. He examines his progression on “Came Up,” an introductory offering that finds him reflecting on the road traveled. “I made it out, took me some time, my momma proud of that/ Locked in the cell, I did that time, they must forgot the facts,” the crooning lyricist drawls over a terse soundscape.

Legend includes a bevy of well-placed guest spots. BigXThaPlug, That Mexican OT, Money Man, Fredo Bang, Finesse2tymes, Ralo, NoCap, Tory Lanez, and more turn in impassioned appearances alongside their fallen comrade. Street testimonials are tempered by tracks leaning towards MO3’s romantic side, as the highlights “Tidal Wave,” “3 AM,” “Middle of The Night” present a strong trifecta of moments that are strong contenders to emerge as fan favorites. – Preezy Brown

Meek Mill – “5AM In Philly”

Meek Mill’s “5AM In Philly” is a nice departure from his usual high-energy releases. It reminds us that he can rap extremely well when he tones things down, leaves the trap drums alone, and gets introspective. He reflects on how he has put on for Philadelphia and elevated the lifestyles of the people around him.

The earnest nature of his tone and delivery, coupled with the “I’m just a man” vocal sample in the background, makes this one of his best records in quite some time. Whatever motivated him here needs to remain the motivation for whatever he has coming next. – AS

Dave East – Apt 6E

Finally giving in to fans’ request to lean more into his penchant for smooth-talking on his last release, For The Love, Dave East is back to concrete-inspired musings on APT 6E. Waxing poetic on his formative stomping grounds, the ball player-turned-rhymer spends much of the project detailing his life and times between Queens and East Harlem, resulting in a raw look into the makings of the man and artist he is today.

Entirely produced by longtime collaborators Mike & Keys, APT 6E gets off to a strong start with “Doin Great” and “God Produced It,” on which he reflects on the impact of his late friend and artist Kiing Shooter, Nas, and others had on his evolution. East takes a look in the mirror on “Me VS Me,” rhyming, “The biggest fight I have is with my own emotions/ Some of the biggest nights I had, me and my homies joking,” amid vocal wails by the Stacy Barthe.

The songstress, who also appears on the lead single, “So Much Changed,” is one of multiple costars who contribute to APT 6E, as Kurupt (“This Lifestyle”), Shaggy (“Dangerous Riddum”), and Buddy (“Ballin”) are all present throughout the tracklist. Finishing the album on a strong note with the reflective salvos “Intervention,” “Can’t Even Know,” and “Out The Way,” Dave East feels at home on APT 6E, which ranks as one of his more impressive offerings of this decade. – PB

Hit-Boy, The Alchemist, Big Hit – Black & Whites

Big Hit is joined by Hit-Boy and The Alchemist on Black & Whites, a collaborative effort that doubles as one of the best-produced releases of the year thus far. Not far removed from the prison system, the realism in Big Hit’s voice and rhymes is palpable, as he shines on highlight like the opener “Drug Tzar,” declaring, “I don’t shoot for the stars, I look past Mars” atop an ominous instrumental.

Bolstered by features from Boldy James (“Godfather, Pt. 2”), HitgirlLENA (“Gank Move”), and more, Black & Whites includes strong moments such as “Foreclosure,” “Sly, Slick & Wicked,” and “Dirtball,” on which Big Hit comes correct, but wanes a bit towards the end. This results in the project being a sonically rich, yet uneven offering that packs enough punch to take a flier on. – PB

Lancey Foux ft. Teezo Touchdown and Cash Cobain – Daylight

Lancey Foux floats once again on “Daylight.” His London accent and melodies blend to create a beautiful sense of yearning on the Cash Cobain production. The beat is a bit downtempo and is elevated by synths and his delivery. Teezo Touchdown also pops in with his rich voice for a nice verse.

There’s a beautiful outro as well, loaded with piano keys. This is a real composition. You may come for Lancey and Teezo, but you’ll stay for the musicality found in the production. Whatever women they are singing about, even if they’re jaded, they won’t be able to help pressing repeat on this record. – AS

Veeze – “Pop Yo Sh*t”

Veeze’s “Pop Yo Sh*t” is a fun track. The production is strong, and the xylophone-like sounds are a nice touch. His delivery, though a bit rough around the edges, captures the ears and is true to his artistry. The hook is clear, concise, and catchy: “Young ni**a pop yo sh*t.” It’s motivating in the face of hating oldheads. Veeze is an incredibly energetic and humorous rapper. He has been on a strong run over the last year and this ought to continue it. In the words of his song, he should keep on popping his sh*t. – AS

FendiDa Rappa – “Show Dat”

After a breakout year that saw her score smash collaborations with Cardi B (“Point Me 2”) and GloRilla (“In Da Trunk”), FendiDa Rappa is back with “Show Dat,” the burgeoning star’s first solo release of 2024. Produced by Ricosuparich, “Show Dat” captures Fendi rhyming atop a jittery backdrop, riding the beat in an aggressive, yet controlled manner while urging the ladies to show off their assets. The Chicagoan builds on her hot streak with her latest banger, which has the potential to be a darkhorse hit and a staple in the clubs. – PB

Action Bronson – “Nourish A Thug”

Rap’s favorite foodie is back, as Action Bronson unleashes “Nourish A Thug,” the Queens rep’s lead single from his forthcoming album Johann Sebastian Bachlava The Doctor. His first drop since 2022’s Cocodrillo Turbo, “Nourish A Thug,” features production by Daringer and finds Bronson delivering a flurry of imaginative couplets recounting his zany adventures.

“Life is just a highway, speedin’ towards the lake house/ Just a little hideaway, few cases of the Cham now/ If it’s my last dance underneath the moonlight/ Fire in my blue eyes—baby, this is true life,” he rhymes on the opening verse, observations reflected in the track’s accompanying visual, directed by Sean Kelly. – PB