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N.O.R.E. — 5E
N.O.R.E. keeps knocking out new joints. After rejuvenating his career with his popular “Drink Champs” podcast, Noreaga shows that he isn’t leaving music behind with his latest LP, 5E.
The veteran New York rhyme writer has at least one guest on almost every song. Famous friends like Fabolous, Fat Joe, Tory Lanez, The-Dream, Jadakiss, and Pharrell Williams pop up throughout, adding even more star power.
Meanwhile, a reflective Nore focuses on the past and the future. “I miss the streets, at least the streets had honor,” he raps on “In the Beginning.” Later, he flexes his podcast fame: “Let’s keep it real and keep it all reality / I’m about to get rich again off pure personality.”
Listen to N.O.R.E.’s latest below.
Denzel Curry — TA13OO
Denzel Curry is back. Three years after Imperial, the Carol City rhymer delivers his latest offering, TA13OO. The project is broken into three different acts: Light, Grey and Dark. It also features a series of guests, including J.I.D., GoldLink, Twelve’len, Nyyjerya, JPEGMAFIA, and ZillaKami.
Recently, Curry pulled the curtain on one of his collaborations. “[J.I.D. is] the only person in this game that got me to write,” Denzel told Beats 1. “His verse was so hard on that, I was like, ‘I’m going back in.’”
“CLOUT CO13AIN” is another highlight from this LP. The song has amassed nearly 9 million views on YouTube and more than 3 million on Spotify, even before the project’s release. Stream TA13OO below.
Dave East & DJ Holiday — Karma 2
Dave East keeps the music rolling on. Just months after releasing the original Karma, the New York spitter teams up with DJ Holiday once again for the sequel.
The 19-cut mixtape is a star-studded affair. Fabolous, Lil Durk, Blocboy JB, Don Q, Gunna, Trouble, and others lend their voices to the project. Meanwhile, Hum Beats, The Beat Menace, Weezy, and Murda Beatz provide production.
Blending street tales with personal rhymes, Dave ponders newfound success on this effort. “I’m getting money, can’t react on the hate,” he raps on “NOBU.” “Don’t care about how you knew me back in the day / Never thought that I’d be packing out shows / Don’t get too close, this shit strapped to my waist.”
Ciara feat. Missy Elliott & Fatman Scoop — “Level Up (Remix)”
Ciara levels up once again. The R&B songstress taps Missy Elliott and Fatman Scoop for the remix to her latest single, “Level Up.” Fans may recognize this combination from Missy’s beloved “Lose Control” single.
While Scoop provides his trademark screaming ad-libs (and dance instructions) in the background, Missy produces raps and melodies to go along with the dance-ready smash. “Original, no clepto,” Misdemeanor raps. “Got a new flow, got a new glow / Level up, I’m beautiful!”
“Level Up” is the first single from Ciara’s forthcoming LP. It’ll be her seventh overall album and the first since 2015’s Jackie.
YG feat. A$AP Rocky — “Handgun”
YG follows up. After dropping the star-studded “Big Bank” collaboration with Nicki Minaj, 2 Chainz, and Big Sean, the Compton rapper pops up with another musical partnership. This time around, the 4 Hunnid boss taps A$AP Rocky for the blazing “Handgun.”
“I just bought me a handgun,” YG raps on the track. “And that shit came with the drum / Do a nigga foul like and one / I need a bag and then some.”
For his part, Rocky focuses on New York’s grittiness and his upbringing. “I was 13 with fake bling,” he admits on the track. “When Killa Cam was on the corner with the pink pink / My little man was on the corner with the clink-clink.”
To go along with the new track, YG released the song’s striking military-style video.
“Handgun” is the latest single from YG’s forthcoming Stay Dangerous LP. This will be the Compton rapper’s third album overall and it will follow 2016’s Still Brazy.
Logic feat. Ryan Tedder – “One Day”
Logic and One Republic’s Ryan Tedder link up. The duo unleashes a high-powered collaboration produced by the L-O-G’s longtime producer, 6ix. Blending their styles, “One Day” is a motivational pop-rap fusion off an upcoming soundtrack for Young Sinatra’s first book, Supermarket.
The Maryland MC focuses on his message of peace, love, and positivity on this track. “One thing I can be sure, as long as I got the floor, I’ma use this power to paint a picture of unity,” he raps. “And yeah I’m rippin’ it up with that energy like it’s two of me / Fuck the lights and the cameras, right now it’s just you and me.”
Shortly after releasing this cut, Logic explained its meaning. “I’m so excited to release this single,” he tweeted. “We do the boombap shit, we do the trap shit. But this one is for everyone out their with dreams and goals!! Making music is fun, but music with a message is so more important!!! This one is for anyone with a dream!!”
