Lil Wayne Tweaks, Coi Leray Addresses Drama, Key Glock Goes Japanese, And Other New Hip-Hop Releases

GELO Featuring Lil Wayne – “Tweaker (Remix)”

GELO has taken over the first quarter of 2025 and he made a genius decision to continue the momentum of “Tweaker” by adding Lil Wayne to the remix.

After all, this bounce is reminiscent of early Big Tymers and Mannie Fresh work in the 2000s, whom Weezy F Baby was closely associated with. And it was executed well, because Wayne provided a vintage, lyrical gymnastics-esque performance.

Admittedly, it would’ve been nicer to get a longer verse from the New Orleans rapper, but he’s been noticeably holding back on verses lately. Perhaps because he wants people to hear all of him on Tha Carter VI in June. Nonetheless, enjoyable remix. – Armon Sadler

Coi Leray – “Keep It”

Coi Leray bears her soul on “Keep It,” reflecting on Trippie Redd allegedly cheating on her while she was pregnant. The record is more of a therapy confessional over piano keys, but still structured for musical consumption.

She delivers her high-pitched, autotuned vocals on the hook and switches to legitimate talking in verses. Difficult content and her trauma aside, she puts together a well-arranged track.

Coi reflects on the void her father left, how her former partner couldn’t fight off the temptation for other woman, and how he claimed she was his home yet he was still for the streets. Emotive and powerful. – AS

Key Glock – “3am In ToKEYo”

Key Glock jumps into his timestamp bag on “3AM In ToKEYo.” The record starts slow and he matches the cadence with his bars before the drums, hi-hats, and synths kick in.

Glock’s signature float over the Memphis bops is always welcome, and he hits the mark once again. “All this money in my pockets, got me walking like a penguin” is a great line as well. Key Glock is so consistent, and his story of being self-made is one people can resonate with even if it isn’t their reality.

“3 AM In ToKEYo” is as fun as it is motivating. – AS

Larry June, 2 Chainz, The Alchemist – ‘Life Is Beautiful’

On paper, Life Is Beautiful, the new collaborative album from Larry June, 2 Chainz, and The Alchemist, conjures intriguing, with 2 Chainz’s presence adding an unpredictable element to June and Alc’s fine-tuned chemistry.

Yet, while moments are had on the introductory cuts “Munyon Cannon” and “Colossal,” much of the fare on the tracklist is pedestrian at best, failing to recapture the magic made on the previously-released singles “Bad Choices” and “I Been.”

Falling short of being a bargain-bin throwaway, Life Is Beautiful is merely a victim of misplaced expectations, as the hype surrounding its arrival outweighs the quality of its returns. – Preezy Brown

Cardi B X Pardison Fontaine – “Toot It Up”

Pardison Fontaine and Cardi B continued their “Up” series, following “Backin It Up” with their new record “Toot It Up.”

The record aligns with the title, as it is a booty-shaking record through and through. The Bronx rapper is as vulgar as ever, but the “Apache” sample and Pardi’s bars shine the brightest.

The duo has strong chemistry, handling the hook together and matching energy on their verses. Once again, Cardi delivers a strong collaboration, but how long will it stick?

Her album is more elusive than Saquon Barkley running the football, and people seem to be less interested than ever before.

It’s a situation of “Thanks, but this isn’t exactly what we wanted.” – AS

DJ Premier, Roc Marciano – “Armani Section”

Fine linens are at the top of mind on this joint venture from legendary producer DJ Premier and lauded wordsmith Roc Marciano, which includes vocals samples from Biggie, Nas, and Lil Kim speaking to Armani’s branding power on the streets and within the culture.

Marci gets comfortable on the track, easing into verse as he shares recollections of him bagging cashiers in the midst of a shopping spree. Powered by jittery drums and belied by a blaxploitation feel, “Armani Section” doubles as the first warning shot from Premo and Roc’s recently announced collab EP, due to drop later this year. – PB

Trae Tha Truth Featuring Chance The Rapper, Yolanda Adams – “Thankful”

After delivering the latest edition in his “I’m On” series last month, Trae Tha Truth returns on a gracious note with his new single, “Thank You,” a joyous selection that finds him voicing his appreciation for the blessing bestowed.

Featuring appearances from Chance The Rapper and Gospel singer Yolanda Adams, “Thank You” is the first single from Trae’s forthcoming album, *Angel,* which is due for release this spring. According to the Houston native, the song is a preview of the triumph and spirituality that will be an overarching theme on *Angel.*

“’Thank You’ is about acknowledging the blessings we often overlook and embracing the journey,” the rapper shares. “Life can be tough, but it’s crucial to stay thankful for the blessings, lessons and the people who help you along the way. This song represents that mindset.” – PB

K Camp – Watch It Fall

K Camp is just excellent. “Watch It Fall” blends his warm vocals, a slightly somber sounding beat, and bouncy drums.

It’s a “vibe,” as the kids call it, a record one can drive to, sing along to, and put on a woman’s playlist they’re trying to court.

He pushes all of that forward by proudly bragging about “turning” a woman up by spending money on her and specifically naming a few of them.

The repetitive “You see her” and “She love to watch it fall” is Instagram Story and TikTok sound galore.

K Camp will forever be a undersung gem in music, which is unfortunate but hey he doesn’t miss. – AS

Ransom, Dave East Featuring 22Gz – “Meyhem”

Dreary strings and crisp drums soundtrack this meeting of the minds from Ransom and Dave East, as the East Coast stalwarts team up to bring “Mayhem” to rivals of all varieties.

Produced by V Don, the song opens with a verse from Ransom, who vows gunfire and retribution by any means, while guest 22Gz joins them in their onslaught, with East following up with more threats to take the track out of its misery.

“Mayhem” precedes a collaborative album from Ransom and Dave East, titled The Final Call, is set for release on Feb. 21 and will include additional features and production from Jay Electronica, Method Man, MadeinTYO, V Don, and Prophecy. – PB

Saba & No ID – “Woes Of The World”

An enchanting soundscape greets listeners on “Woes of The World,” the latest offering from burgeoning duo Saba and No ID from the pair’s forthcoming collaborative album, From the Private Collection of Saba and No ID.

Presenting himself as an everyman despite his rap fame on the track’s opening stanza, Saba makes it clear that although his surrounding have altered, little has changed, including his contact info.

Contemplations on self and outward conflict abound on the subsequent verse, as the Midwestern native admits his selfishness and jade amid ego trips over lyrically devouring his competitors.

Following up the prior one-offs “Back In Office,” “hue_man nature,” “head.rap,” and “How To Impress God,” “Woes of The World” is a continuation of the excellence displayed from Saba and No ID thus far, to the point we’re nearly pining for a release date for their looming body of work. – PB

DDG – “The Method”

G-Eazy – “Kiss The Sky”

Montana 700 – ‘700 Reasons’

Nardo Wick – ‘Hold Off’

DeeBaby – “Private Planes”/”Controversial”

Morray – “Breakthrough”

Lil King – “White Chalk”

Sy Ari Da Kid – ‘The Last Shadow In The Shade’

MulaManDam – “T’d Up”

Soulja Boy – ‘The Influence’

JPEG MAFIA – ‘I Lay Down My Life For You (Directors Cut)’

EST Gee – ‘I Ain’t Feeling You (Bonus Edition)’

Krept & Konan – ‘Young Kingz 2’

Rio Da Yung OG – ‘Rio Free (Something Happen)’

Rema – “Baby (Is It A Crime)”

P-Lo, E-40, Too $hort – “Had To”