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A New Music Friday Guide: Essential Releases to Tune Into 

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There’s no better way to kickstart your weekend than by immersing yourself in the latest hits from your beloved hip-hop artists. As we welcome another Friday, we also usher in a plethora of fresh music releases that are sure to set the mood for your weekend festivities. Here are some noteworthy releases from the likes of Lil Yachty, Sauce Walka, and other impressive acts that you should definitely add to your playlist. 

Sauce Walka and His Unrestrained Mastery in ‘Dat Boy Den’ 

Sauce Walka's 'Dat Boy Den' Album Cover2023 The Sauce Familia / EMPIRE 

When you think of rappers who treat their craft as a leisure pursuit rather than a full-time job, Sauce Walka‘s name definitely comes to mind. This Houston-based rapper has a knack for effortlessly infusing his tracks with his laid-back charisma, making each release a testament to his undeniable talent. His latest offering, ‘Dat Boy Den’, continues the narrative he started in ‘Sauce Ghetto Gospel 3’, featuring 18 tracks of pure hip-hop bliss. 

The album’s main track, carrying the same name as the album, finds Walka confidently showcasing his influence while asserting his dominance. His lyrical prowess is evident as he delivers lines about utilizing his connections to his advantage. His rhymes flow smoothly over the ominous rhythm created by Iceman Chamberlain, setting the tone for the album from the get-go. 

Lil Yachty’s Electrifying Experiment in ‘Tesla’ 

Lil Yachty 'Tesla' cover artQuality Control Music, LLC, under exclusive license to UMG Recordings, Inc. 

Continuing the trend of his striking releases, Lil Yachty‘s ‘Tesla’ is a track that blends the familiar with the new. This latest addition to his ‘Strike’ and ‘Slide’ series incorporates an increased number of electric guitars and synths, giving it a distinct sound. Yachty employs a subtle autotune effect on his vocals, switching between crisp raps and unintelligible murmurs. The track bears a resemblance to Playboi Carti’s style, making listeners wonder if he had a hand in its creation. 

While ‘Tesla’ might not be Yachty’s most memorable release, it further solidifies his exploration into alternative rap. Despite this, Yachty’s recent ventures into this genre have been widely appreciated by fans and critics alike. 

DJ Muggs’ Prolific Output Continues with ‘Soul Assassins 3: Death Valley’ 

DJ Muggs 'Soul Assassins 3: Death Valley' Album Cover2023 Soul Assassins Records 

Few in the industry can match the productivity of DJ Muggs. The seasoned producer has been on a roll, releasing three projects in just a few months. After the instrumental album ‘Notes & Tones’ with Sun Ra, the collaborative album Champagne For Breakfast with Meyhem Lauren and Madlib, and ‘Lofi Punk EP’ with 8tari Lofipunk, Muggs is back with his fourth release of the year, ‘Soul Assassins 3: Death Valley’. 

This compilation album, the first in over a decade, features collaborations with long-time associates and is packed with resounding instrumentals and impressive lyricism. Tracks like ‘Sicilian Gold’, ‘Street Made’, ‘Metropolis’, ‘Skeleton’, and the lead single ‘Dump On Em’ are sure to captivate listeners. Guest appearances by Boldy James, Jay Worthy, Rome Streetz, Roc Marciano, and CRIMEAPPLE add to the album’s allure, making ‘Death Valley’ a worthy continuation of the ‘Soul Assassins’ series. 

Gucci Mane, J. Cole, and Mike Will Made-It Team Up for ‘There I Go’ 

Gucci Mane ft. J. Cole & Mike Will Made-It 'There I Go' cover art2023 1017 Global Music, LLC and Atlantic Recording Corporation 

J. Cole continues his impressive streak of features, this time on Gucci Mane‘s ‘There I Go’. With Mike Will Made-It providing the beats, the track is a bass-heavy trap anthem that’s sure to get your head bobbing. Cole kicks off the track by acknowledging the producer before delivering a slick verse, expertly maneuvering between whispers and loud, inflected tones. “Lowkey, only show up for a large fee,” he boldly asserts. Gucci Mane follows with an impressive verse of his own, demonstrating his knack for multi-syllabic rhymes and flexing. This track is sure to pass the “car test” with flying colors, making it a must-listen for any hip-hop fan. 

City Girls’ Energetic New Release, ‘Face Down’ 

City Girls 'Face Down' cover art2023 Quality Control Music, LLC, under exclusive license to UMG Recordings, Inc. 

The title of City Girls‘ new song ‘Face Down’ is a clear indicator of the track’s direction. The Florida duo, known for their high-energy, twerk-ready tracks, don’t disappoint with this release. Their lyrics, filled with explicit references and unabashed expressions of their desires, perfectly capture the essence of the duo’s music. Reading the lyrics on a screen doesn’t do justice to the raw energy and conviction with which they deliver them. This track has all the hallmarks of a City Girls hit, and it’s exactly what fans have been waiting for. 

Open Mike Eagle’s Latest Offering, ‘Another Triumph Of Ghetto Engineering’ 

Open Mike Eagle 'Another Triumph Of Ghetto Engineering' Album Cover2023 Auto Reverse 

After the success of his previous album, ‘Component System with the Auto Reverse’, Open Mike Eagle is back with his latest release, ‘Another Triumph Of Ghetto Engineering’. With an artist as unpredictable as Open Mike Eagle, you never know what you’re going to get when you hit play. However, one thing is certain – good things are sure to follow. 

The album’s opening track, ‘I bled on stage at first ave’, features the veteran rapper unburdening his thoughts over a beat by Quelle Chris. “The wrong way on a one way/ I’m off base in a fun way,” he raps, before acknowledging his various interests and moods. 

Vic Mensa’s Personal Reflection in ‘Blue Eyes’ 

Vic Mensa 'Blue Eyes' Album ArtworkRoc Nation Records, LLC 

As anticipation builds for his upcoming sophomore album, Vic Mensa has released a new song called ‘Blue Eyes’. In it, he grapples with the struggles of being biracial. Produced by Bongo ByTheWay, the track is one of Mensa’s most personal to date. It explores the effects of European beauty standards on African minds, a topic close to Mensa’s heart. Inspired by his late aunt, who passed away from complications related to skin bleaching, ‘Blue Eyes’ is a raw, heartrending track that sparks thought and conversation. 

Peezy and Key Glock’s Fashion Statement in ‘No Amiris’ 

Peezy Featuring Key Glock 'No Amiris' Cover2023 #Boyz Entertainment LLC / EMPIRE 

Peezy, joined by Key Glock, warns listeners that he might just retire all his Amiris in this fiery track. The pair glide effortlessly over a pounding beat created by CHASETHEMONEY, Noanalu, and CaseyProd, changing up their style and setting their own trends. 

French Montana, Swae Lee’s Musical Reunion in ‘Wish U Well’ 

French Montana ft. Swae Lee 'Wish U Well' cover art2023 Montana Entertainment, under exclusive license to gamma. 

French Montana and Swae Lee are back together, creating what could be considered a successor to their 2017 hit ‘Unforgettable’. ‘Wish U Well’ follows a similar drum pattern and Afrobeats vibe, with Swae opening the track with his signature celestial croons. French Montana jumps in for his verse, exploring pockets in the pop record and mimicking Swae’s high register on the song’s bridge. 

Cash Cobain and Chow Lee’s Summer Ready ‘Rump’ 

Cash Cobain and Chow Lee‘s ‘Rump’ instantly stands out due to its clever use of a familiar sample. While some might write it off as a simple flip of Drake’s ‘Dreams Money Can Buy’, the innovative rapper has instead reimagined Jai Paul’s ‘BTSTU’, which Drake originally sampled, resulting in a drill-EDM hybrid that’s perfect for summer dance parties. 

As you prepare for the weekend, make sure to add these tracks to your playlist for an immersive musical experience. With such a diverse range of releases, there’s something for every hip-hop fan to enjoy. Happy listening! 

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