Kevin Gates, Jack Harlow, Lil Durk, And More Hip-Hop

Kevin Gates – ‘I’m Him 2’

​Kevin Gates‘ latest release, I’m Him 2, reaffirms his position in the hip-hop landscape with a solid collection of tracks that blend introspection and assertiveness.

The album opens with “Therapy Sessions,” featuring Lingo, setting a reflective tone that permeates the project. “Big Bruddah (Don’t Be Mad)” showcases Gates’ storytelling prowess, while “Right Where I’m Supposed To Be” reflects his journey and growth.

“Brasi The Eagle” stands out with its energetic delivery, embodying Gates’ alter ego. In “Be Somebody,” he inspires listeners with motivational lyrics, and “Kiss The Ring” serves as a triumphant closing, as Gates remains one of the most reliable wordsmiths in the rap game. ​- Preezy Brown

Jack Harlow Featuring Doja Cat – “Just Us”

Jack Harlow tapped Doja Cat for his next pop-rap bop “Just Us.” The duo spits over the trap-influenced beat, leaning into the intimate and sensual nature that both have become popular for throughout their career.

This is a collab many may not have predicted, but it comes together well. Add in the vocal sample in the chorus and Jack’s bridge at the end where he references “Just Friends,” “Slow Down,” and the Temptations.

They found a way to nod to soul and R&B while making likable bubblegum rap. This one has the chance to be something with the weather getting warmer. – Armon Sadler

Lil Durk Featuring Jhene Aiko – “Can’t Hide It”

Lil Durk has excelled at the gritty, trenches raps but his love bag should never be overlooked. “Can’t Hide It” strips away all of the aggression and slows things down.

He taps Jhene Aiko on the type of beat she floats over, a very slow BPM with smooth synths and light drums. The duo both croon about their inability to repress their feelings and how their infatuation increases their ravenous sex drives.

The track’s climax comes when they harmonize over the chorus before he lets Jhene cook on her own. This is a nice switch-up for Durk, something that he does often enough to have a track record but not too often to where it feels overdone. – AS

Moneybagg Yo – “Close The Door”

Moneybagg Yo doesn’t reinvent the wheel and it’s fine here on “Close The Door.” It is hard to get tired of a trap beat with piano key-like synths and hi-hats.

The real treat is him letting go of his playful, girl-friendly punchlines and doing my storytelling. Bagg lately has focused a lot on his success but not necessarily his grind. Being further away from his come up has yielded new perspectives on his past and present, and they come through well on “Close The Door.”

It may be some time before we get another album, but it is nice to see the Memphis rapper is still keeping sharp and on top of his game. – AS

JT – “Ran Out”

​JT returns with her latest single, “Ran Out,” which finds Miami’s resident City Cinderella on a paperchase.

With a thumping beat and an infectious hook, this up-tempo track celebrates women’s relentless pursuit of success and financial independence. JT’s assertive lyrics and confident delivery shine, reinforcing her status as a formidable solo artist.

The accompanying music video feeds off that energy, featuring scenes of JT amidst mounds of cash and scantily clad baddies, embodying the song’s themes of empowerment and affluence. – PB

Wale – “Blanco”

Wale frees his mind on this new drop, which finds the DMV rep meshing melodicism with pinpoint lyricism, as he touches on the complexities that arise amid matters of the heart.

Drowning his feelings with spirits, Folarin laments his sorrow atop a string-laden backdrop produced by Red Vision, as admissions of sleepless nights and solitude give insight into his fragile psyche.

Accompanied by a music video directed by Pierre Edwards, “Blanco” finds Wale playing to his strengths while adding yet another sultry slow-burner to his catalog. – PB

NAV & Metro Boomin – “Real Me”

NAV’s “Real Me” is produced quite well, as usual regarding his collaborations with Metro Boomin. Otherwise, it is unfortunately a slightly boring drone.

He has excelled at these more downtempo records in the past due to more interesting songwriting and song structures. On “Real Me,” his cadence, delivery, and vocal tone don’t change much aside from some crescendo in the chorus.

Make no mistakes, NAV excels at describing matters of the heart and abandoning the confident flexes; this effort just lacked a bit of the inspiration he has had in the past. Time will tell if he rights the ship on his full album coming out soon. – AS

Saba, No ID – ‘From The Private Collection Of Saba And No ID’

​Saba and No ID‘s collaborative album, From The Private Collection of Saba and No ID, stands as a masterful body of work that seamlessly blends Saba’s poignant lyricism with No ID’s soulfully measured production.

The project opens with “Every Painting Has a Price,” featuring BJ The Chicago Kid and Eryn Allen Kane, setting a reflective tone that permeates the album. “Crash,” featuring Raphael Saadiq and Kelly Rowland, showcases a lush soundscape, whereas “Acts 1.5” and “Stomping” highlight Saba’s lyrical prowess.

While “30secchop,” featuring Joseph Chilliams and Jean Deaux, offers a dynamic collaboration, “She Called It,” featuring Frsh Waters, delves into themes of loyalty and resilience.

Preceded by singles such as “head.rap,” “Woes of The World,” and “How to Impress God,” the album presents a cohesive narrative that reflects both artists’ Chicago roots and stands among this year’s best, thus far. ​- PB

Reign – ‘It’s Up Forever’

Brooklyn rapper Reign may open It’s Up Forever having a conversation with his adorable daughter, but there is nothing cute about the next 15 minutes of this project.

The title track is a headshot, blending a thumping bassline, confident yet introspective lyricism, and a calculated delivery. “One Day At A Time,” arguably the best song on the project, peels back the ego; he drops the early line “Hard to imagine heaven when you closer to the demons” upon a backpack-friendly, awe-inspiringly layered beat loaded with horns and piano keys.

It’s Up Forever is a carefully crafted, proper reintroduction to a local talent many have come to know and have been waiting to see hit that next level. And just in case you questioned whether Reign could stand next to the big dogs, he closes the project with a nearly six-minute flip of Drake’s “Pipe Down,” aptly titled “Strong.” – AS

Billy Blue – ‘The Life Of Pedro’

​Billy Blue‘s latest album, The Life of Pedro, marks a compelling return for the seasoned Miami rapper, blending gritty storytelling with refined production.

The standout track, “Broken Love Story,” delves into the complexities of a deteriorating relationship, showcasing Blue’s narrative prowess.

On “Fundamentals,” featuring Lupe Fiasco, the duo’s chemistry shines through thought-provoking verses. “Uncle’s Prayer” offers a heartfelt glimpse into familial bonds, while “Therapy” provides solemn thoughts over soulful beats.

This project underscores Billy Blue’s evolution as an artist, delivering a robust and authentic addition to his discography. ​- PB

Jada Kingdom – ‘G.A.D’

Zeddy Will – “Uh Oh”

1900 Rugrat Featuring Bossman Dlow – “Cheat Codes”

Antt Beatz, Boldy James – “Street Cred”

Money Man – ‘Insomnia’

Tech N9ne – “RDV”

Uche – “FN”

Shoreline Mafia – “Back In Bidness”

Lecrae Featuring Miles Minnick – “Heaven Sent”

Plaqueboymax – ‘5$TAR SESSIONS: LONDON’

Gashi Featuring Jimi Banks – “Halos & Dracos”

Lil Poppa – “I Hate You”

Supa King Big Pope Featuring Tay Money – “Tell On Me 3”

.idk. Featuring Joey Valence, Brae- “Clover”

No Savage Featuring Hunxho – “Made It”

The BLK LT$ – “Damage”

Scorey – ‘If You Feel Lost’

Skylar Blatt – “Major League”

Masio Gunz – ‘Masey Baby’

Che – “Love (MKB)”