Jill Scott – “Beautiful People”
The return of Jill Scott with “Beautiful People” is the exact spiritual lift we needed to truly create a happy new year. This neo-soul legend, affectionately known as “Jilly from Philly” has delivered a lush anthem reminiscent of Marvin Gaye, reminding us why we must cherish our icons while they’re still here. This wasn’t on my 2026 bingo card, but I’m elated it happened; since the long-felt absence of D’Angelo from the forefront of the genre, there has been a void that no modern artist can truly fill. Who better than one of the architects of that sound to step back in the ring and show us how it’s done?
Released under her Blues Babe imprint and donning her mother on the cover art, the song’s lyrics and structure are incredibly intentional, but Jill’s vocal performance is the real star. Her voice is stronger than ever—especially in that powerhouse moment post-bridge—proving she is a rare talent who only gets better with time. It’s a masterclass in soul that further confirms that nobody can step into her shoes.
Doechii & SZA – “girl, get up.”
TDE queens Doechii and SZA teamed up for an empowering anthem to close out 2025 that showcases both artists’ distinctive vocal styles and raw lyricism. The track blends alternative hip-hop with R&B sensibilities, creating a sound that’s both confrontational and deeply personal. With SZA’s melodic prowess complementing Doechii’s fierce delivery, “girl, get up.” is a standout moment of creative synergy that offers positive affirmations for girls who look and feel like them.
Hip-hop heads have speculated that the surprise song serves as a classy clapback to notorious Kick streamer Adin Ross, who has insulted the trap Grace Jones on multiple occasions. Doechii has yet to confirm or deny those claims, but as the record suggests, she’ll reveal more on the album (and perhaps, at The Grammys.)
Nick Jonas – “Gut Punch”
Nick Jonas set the tone for the year (live!) with “Gut Punch,” an acoustic number that explores how he navigates his relationship with himself. It’s a song that will stick with you on the first listen and hopefully encourage you to be kinder to the person you see in the mirror.
This Jonas brother sounds the most mature and self assured he ever has. With his polished vocals and the song’s rising production, it’s an instant earworm that resonates with anyone who’s experienced negative self talk (aka all of us). If one of your new year’s resolutions is to stop people pleasing or to revive your inner child, keep this record in your rotation as a reminder.
Chief Keef – “Harry Potter”
At 16, Chief Keef became a rap legend. He also bought “hella choppers,” but anyone who has been listening to his music since the 2010s already knew that. In his latest work, the self-produced “Harry Potter,” Keef conjures up magic.
The 5-minute 4-verse song, a rarity in the TikTok era, is Keef’s first solo record since Almighty So 2 and is currently only available on YouTube. True to form, Keef delivers quotable bars with the confidence that’s made him a drill music icon and keeps familiar territory sounding fresh.
French Montana & Max B – “Whippin That Wave”
French Montana reunites with Max B for “Whippin That Wave,” a collaboration that brings together two brothers who go way back. Max B has been on an elite run since completing his 16-year bid and he shows no sign of slowing. The “Whippin That Wave” music video comes a week before Max and French’s joint album Coke Boys 3.5: Narcos, out January 9, serving as the perfect prologue of what’s to come.
Framed by nostalgic production and understated cinematography, the track highlights a natural chemistry that has remained untouched by time, proving their joint ability to craft the definitive street anthems that first cemented their legacies.
The Kid LAROI – “BACK WHEN YOU WERE MINE”
The Kid LAROI kicked off the new year in a melancholy mood as he reflects on love lost love in “BACK WHEN YOU WERE MINE,” a down-tempo track that’s about exactly what it seems. In his most vulnerable song yet, he does what he does best, singing introspective lyrics that capture the bittersweet nostalgia of remembering better times.
Many are speculating the song is about his ex-girlfriend, “TIT FOR TAT” singer Tate McRae. LAROI’s sincere vocal delivery via pristine falsettos and catchy melodies makes this track a relatable anthem for anyone processing the end of a meaningful relationship that they couldn’t leave in 2025.
JayDon, Paradise, & USHER – “Lullaby (megamix)”
A few weeks back, JayDon and Paradise enlisted their mentor, the legendary USHER, for “Lullaby (megamix),” creating a smooth R&B experience that benefits from the icon’s timeless vocal presence. The megamix treatment adds layers and depth to the original, transforming it into an expansive new record, and now it has an official video.
With smooth new verses, a new arrangement, and USHER’s contributions elevating the track, this collaboration bridges generations of R&B excellence. JayDon couldn’t have chosen a better way to usher in 2026 (pun intended).
Mag!c & Lil Novi (prod. North West) – “Justswagup”
Last week, North West was posting other artists’ work. This week, she’s posting her own. Between her version of Che’s new music video and this song she produced, North continues to make evident that she’s her father’s daughter.
I’d like to think I’m pretty tapped into the underground rap scene, but North just put me on to Lil Novi (Lil Wayne’s son) and Mag!c, who are so early in their careers, that they’re distributing their music through Distrokid and their Topic page isn’t merged with their main YouTube pages (yet). Nevertheless, that raw passion is there so I’m excited to see what these young musicians have in store.
Drake and Molly Santana?
What can we expect for the rest of January? Who knows, though Drake followed Molly Santana the other day, so maybe a collab will appear on ICEMAN.
A$AP Rocky continues to tease his highly anticipated return DON’T BE DUMB which has amassed around half a million pre-saves on Spotify alone. Playboi Carti leaves fans in suspense with the deluxe of 2020’s Whole Lotta Red reportedly still on the horizon despite not dropping on Christmas, which marked the gamechanging album’s 5-year anniversary.
All we can do is stay tuned!
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source creators.yahoo.com ’
