Gunna, JID, DJ Premier, Roc Marci, And More Hip-Hop

Gunna – ‘The Last Wun’

Gunna is back with his third album in as many years, which also closes the YSL chapter of his career. The Last Wun is overwhelming in volume, clocking in at 25 songs and just under 70 minutes.

The production gets a bit drab at points with many of the songs using the same drum patterns, kicks, and snares. The highs are high though, such as the opener “Many Nights,” the Burna Boy-assisted “WGFT” and “Forever Be Mine” featuring WizKid.

Nechie, who is normally a low point on Wunna albums, actually puts his best foot forward as well on “I Can’t Feel My Face.” In the end, we are left seeking some evolution from Gunna and hoping he expands his producer rolodex. – Armon Sadler

JID – ‘God Does Like Ugly’

JID’s God Does Like Ugly is a layered, compelling addition to his already airtight discography—an album that reaffirms his standing as one of the most technically gifted lyricists in hip-hop today.

Westside Gunn’s unfiltered rant on the opener “YouUgly” sets the tone, clearing the lane for JID to wax poetic on angels, devils, and inner-city chaos. Standouts like “Community” with Clipse and the razor-sharp “VCR’s” featuring Vince Staples showcase JID’s pen at full strength (“Only one shot can cause a Second Line” hits hard).

“Wholeheartedly,” with 6LACK and Ty Dolla $ign, offers a woozy break in the action, while cuts like “On McAfee” and “Of Blue” find him effortlessly outrunning even the most chaotic beats. With guest spots from EARTHGANG, Jessie Reyez, Mereba, and more, God Does Like Ugly is a testament to JID’s relentless evolution and undeniable presence. – Preezy Brown

DJ Premier, Roc Marciano – ‘The Coldest Profession’

The Coldest Profession is exactly what real rap heads were hoping for when DJ Premier and Roc Marciano first teased the collab—a no-frills, all-skills exhibition of beats and bars.

Premier sets the tone on “Arrival,” reminiscing about the album’s inception before Roc steps in with “Armani Section,” a lead-off heater that defines the project’s icy elegance. “Prayer Hands” finds Roc dropping gems like, “Me and Preme, we like the town car, we Lincoln, fam,” over boom-bap perfection.

“Good To Go” floats on eerie synths, while “Glory Hole” sees Roc ramp up the pace with surgical precision. “Travel Fox” is soaked in fly talk and vintage swagger. No gimmicks, no shortcuts—just elite craftsmanship from two masters of their craft. – PB

Bryson Tiller – The Vices

Bryson Tiller has unleashed the first part of his forthcoming double album, Solace & The Vices, and it is heavily rap-focused.

The Louisville slugger leans into his swaggy rap cadences, but doesn’t fully depart from the melodies that have made him beloved over the last 10 years. There are also some nice samples, such as the opener “On The Way,” which flips Chris Brown’s cult classic “Ain’t No Way.”

New rap sensations Luh Tyler and Bossman Dlow join the fun, in addition to veterans such as Plies, T-Pain, Rick Ross, and Bun B. For those who enjoy Rap Tiller, this is a nice 12-song offering. – AS

Sheff G – “Grind 4”

Sheff G is such a fun artist, and “Grind 4” is the quintessential example of that. Whether it is his oddly endearing rap voice, his calculated flow, or his ear for production choices.

This particular beat is highly musical, as if one could remove the drums and have no issue seeing this being played by an orchestra. The outro features a runback of the beat, and honestly, letting all of the elements play out into a fade was a great choice.

It is difficult to identify a “miss” in Sheff’s catalog, and “Grind 4” only makes that an even bigger challenge. – AS

Lady London – “Rotation”

Lady London remains one of the most slept on gems of New Jersey. “Rotation” packs in everything a rap fan could want: a simple, catchy hook, heavy bars, and a voice that is beyond enjoyable to listen to.

She skates across the beat, and her inflections make the record both fun and feel like a conversation. Throw in a bop-like beat and she’s got an easy win here.

It’s been two years since her last album, so let’s just say it’s time for another LP to find its way into our…rotations. Dad joke aside, it’s always good to hear from her. – AS

Yung Nudy – ‘PARADISE’

Young Nudy’s PARADISE is a worthy successor to Gumbo, balancing eerie, trunk-rattling production with his signature off-kilter charm.

The album kicks off with “17,” a mood-setting opener that lays the groundwork for a tracklist full of swagger and menace. Highlights include “WHAT’S HAPPENIN’” with Latto and Coupe, and the relentless “BTA,” where Nudy storms in, pockets loud and confidence louder.

“ICED TEA” reunites him with 21 Savage and Juicy J for a syrupy standout, while “SUPER SLIME” and “CHAINS ON” offer smoother, flirtier vibes. PARADISE proves Nudy’s world is still weird, still wild, and still worth the trip. – PB

Jim Jones – “Summer Where You Been At”

Larry June, 2 Chainz, Alchemist – ‘Life Is Beautiful (Deluxe)’

MGK – ‘Lost Americana’

Hurricane Wisdom Featuring Lil Baby – “Drugs Callin”

Mozzy – ‘Intrusive Thoughts 2’

Hit-Boy Featuring Spank Nitti James – “Eat Couch”

Dyce Payso – ‘2Mar Ain’t Promised’

K Camp Featuring Ty Dolla $ign, Chase Shakur – “Early Morning”

Raq baby – “Committing Crime”

OMB Peezy, Kocky Ka – “Fall Down”

Kaash Paige – ‘KAASHMYCHECKS’

Sugarhill Ddot Featuring BabyChiefDoit, Baby Kia – “Crashouts”

OBN Jay – “New Wave”

Chuckyy – ‘I Live, I Die, I Live Again (Resurrected)’

Duke Deuce – “Eat The Man”

AD, O.T. Genasis, RJMrLA – “Wassup”

Dro Kenji – ‘The End Of Nothing 2’