Source: Rick Kern / Getty
Solange — When I Get Home
Nearly three years after releasing her critically-acclaimed album A Seat at the Table, Solange makes a highly-anticipated return to music with When I Get Home. The singer-songwriter announced the project just hours before its release, making for quite the splash amongst fans.
When I Get Home features contributions from a variety of artists across genres, including Pharrell Williams, Gucci Mane, Sampha, Playboi Carti, Tyler, the Creator, The-Dream, Metro Boomin, Steve Lacy, Earl Sweatshirt, and more. John Key, Standing on the Corner, and John Carroll Kirby are among the album’s frequent collaborators.
“I can’t be a singular expression of myself,” Solange thoughtfully explains on “Can I Hold the Mic (Interlude).” “There’s too many parts, too many spaces / Too many manifestations / Too many lines, too many curves…Too many journeys / Too many mountains, too many rivers.”
Last year, Solange told The New York Times that her next album would feature a wide range of influences. “There is a lot of jazz at the core,” she explained. “But with electronic and hip-hop drum and bass because I want it to bang and make your trunk rattle.”
Solange celebrated the new album shortly after its release. “I’m filled w so much joy right now,” she tweeted. “Wow! I can’t thank y’all enough for this moment and for all the feelings i feel in my body! I’m bringing home w me everywhere I go yalll and I ain’t running from shit no more. Your love lifts me up so high. Thank you!”
Stream When I Get Home below.
2 Chainz — Rap or Go to the League
2 Chainz brings hip-hop and basketball together once again on his newest album, Rap or Go to the League. The former college athlete teams up with Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James, who A&R’d this 14-song effort.
The King wasn’t the only guest star who contributed to this project. In fact, Tity Boi also enlisted Kendrick Lamar, Ariana Grande, Ty Dolla $ign, Marsha Ambrosius, Young Thug, Travis Scott, Lil Wayne, E-40, Kodak Black, and Chance the Rapper here. He also assembled an all-star team of producers, including 9th Wonder, Pharrell Williams, Mike Dean, Wondagurl, FKi 1st, and Da Honorable C.N.O.T.E.
Two years after Pretty Girls Like Trap Music, Chainz unleashes his newest body of work as a therapeutic one. “It’s been quite the journey to get here,” he wrote on social media. “All night studio sessions, reflecting, & opening up on these records or as I call it therapy! This is my each one teach one body of work, I wanna celebrate black excellence!”
Chainz makes sure to get personal on this LP too. “The best story that was never told / Keep in mind, that I have several episodes,” he raps on “Treat 2 Society.” “A lot of things to be thankful for / A wife and three kids, I may make it four / Never get the credit I deserve / I don’t know if you’re hearing every word.”
Play Rap or Go to the League below.
Lil Skies — Shelby
Two years ago, Lil Skies released his breakthrough album Life of a Dark Rose. Now, the Pennsylvania rapper reignites his growing buzz with his newest album, Shelby.
Lil Skies handles a bulk of the album himself. However, he also tapped Gucci Mane for “Bad Girls” and Gunna for “Stop the Madness.” He also teamed back up with his “Nowadays” collaborator Landon Cube on the sequel, “Nowadays Pt. 2.”
Much like he’s done throughout his young career, Skies sing-raps about his emotions on this effort. “Haven’t been the same since I lost my bro,” he confides on “i.” “I say I’m gonna change, but I know I won’t / I get high, I love to smoke.” Later, he adds: “I don’t want the fame / I don’t wanna play these games / Tired of hiding from the pain.”
Shelby was named after the rapper’s mother, according to several online publications. He has also been open about his love for his mother throughout his career. “My dad was basically in my life because of music,” he said in his official bio. “My mom was more of my support; she was always real. She taught me how to be a man. I looked at her raising five kids and she just handled that. I always wanted to be like her.”
Listen to Shelby below.
Zacari — “Midas Touch”
Zacari stays golden with the release of his newest single, “Midas Touch.” Shortly after announcing his TDE singing with “Don’t Trip,” the rising crooner unloads a new banger.
This time around, Zacari focuses on his newfound fame. “I’ve never been afraid of being lonely,” he sings. “If you didn’t know me before, well, then you’ll never know me / Yeah, Hollywood changed up my persona / Yeah, Hollywood’s made me so much colder.”
The emerging Top Dawg Ent. star also uses the track to share some lessons. “If you don’t know that you’re the shit, it’ll never show,” he sings. “If you don’t know just who you are, you’ll never glow / If you don’t never take no risks, you’ll never grow.”
Zacari’s been making waves since appearing on Kendrick Lamar’s “LOVE.” off the critically-adored DAMN. LP. Last year, he also popped up on “Redemption” off the K-Dot-led Black Panther soundtrack. This year, he announced his TDE deal and is reportedly working on his debut album. Get “Midas Touch” below.
G-Eazy feat. Blueface — “West Coast”
Bay Area star G-Eazy represents the “West Coast” alongside blazing Los Angeles newcomer, Blueface. The California duo joins forces over JULiA LEWiS production in what could very well be the lead single off Gerald’s next album.
G kicks things off by celebrating his success over the song’s thumping production. “You can’t imagine the way that this cash feeling,” he brags. “Don’t know what’s harder, the first or the last million / My last album took care of my grandchildren.” He also reps the Bay with a shoutout to frequent collaborator E-40’s Sick Wid It Records.
Meanwhile, Blueface basks in his newfound status. “It’s the face of the West Coast,” he proclaims. Later, the burgeoning star shows pride in his shore once again. “Welcome to the West Coast,” he raps. “This the best coast / You could find the best hoes and the best dro.”
Gerald is coming off his 2017 album, The Beautiful & Damned. The project featured his highest-charting hit to date, “No Limit,” featuring A$AP Rocky and Cardi B. Head to the “West Coast” below.
