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Chris Brown — Indigo
Two years ago, Chris Brown wowed fans with quantity through a whopping 45-song album, Heartbreak on a Full Moon. That same year, he unleashed the LP’s deluxe edition, containing 57 cuts. Now, the controversial R&B singer returns with another long effort, a new 32-song set.
The stars came out for Breezy. Drake appears on the previously-dropped “No Guidance” while Nicki Minaj and G-Eazy show up on the “Wobble Up” single. Justin Bieber, Lil Jon, Tyga, Lil Wayne, Joyner Lucas, Gunna, Tory Lanez, Trey Songz, and Tank also lend their voices here.
To go along with these names, Brown also enlisted some high-profile producers for Indigo. Scott Storch, Hitmaka, Cardiak, Dem Jointz, OG Parker, Boi-1da, Frank Dukes, Vinylz, 40, and D.A. Doman are among this LP’s various beat makers.
Chris has been teasing this project for several months across socials. In November, he vowed to give fans something new and something helpful. “I promise,” he wrote. “Never been one to brag, but I’m pushing myself harder and harder to make sure you feel it and it helps you internally.”
Listen to Indigo below.
Mustard — Perfect Ten
Mustard, formerly known as DJ Mustard, is back with another summer-ready compilation. The 10 Summers boss rallied his comrades together for a star-studded ten-song effort that spans different regions and styles.
Coming off “Pure Water” with Migos, Mustard tapped A$AP Rocky, A$AP Ferg, A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie, Future, Meek Mill, NAV, Young Thug, Gunna, and Roddy Ricch on this project. The late Nipsey Hussle also provides the thoughtful closer, “Perfect Ten.”
Mustard also called on other familiar faces for help in rounding out this project. Of course, some of his longtime friends, including YG and Ty Dolla $ign, show up. His newest star, Ella Mai, pops up, and so does frequent collaborator Tyga.
Mustard has been hyping up Perfect Ten on social media. Last month, he promised it would feature plenty of anthemic bangers. “I am the summer,” he wrote on Instagram. “Trust me. I got us! Anthems on anthems on my album.”
Stream Perfect Ten below.
Johntá Austin — Love Angel
Johntá Austin has lent his pen game to some of your favorite artists like Trey Songz, Justin Bieber, and the legendary Mariah Carey. But now he’s penning some hits for himself with the introduction of his new single “Love Angel.” The smooth track grabs influence from Austin’s R&B roots and his forthcoming album is inspired by some of today’s biggest acts in the genre.
“There is a return to more substance as far as songwriting with H.E.R., Daniel Caesar and Bruno Mars. R&B feels like it’s in a space where everyone wants to hear and be a part of it. I feel like now it’s the perfect time…” he told Billboard. Listen to “Love Angel” below and be sure to stream his Love, Sex & Religion album set to release on August 2.
Ed Sheeran feat. Khalid — “Beautiful People”
Ed Sheeran keeps the creative collaborations coming. After unleashing “I Don’t Care” with Justin Bieber and “Cross Me” with Chance the Rapper and PnB Rock, the United Kingdom crooner drops the Khalid-assisted “Beautiful People.”
Produced by Max Martin, Shellback, FRED, and Sheeran himself, “Beautiful People” focuses on the lifestyles of the rich and gorgeous. “That’s not who we are,” Sheeran sings. “We are not beautiful.” Khalid adds: “We don’t fit in well / We are just ourselves.”
Ed and Khalid teamed up for this track during a studio session, according to a teaser that the latter released. Prior to that, Khalid teased a Sheeran collaboration during an interview with Beats 1. “I don’t wanna say too much about it,” he slyly said at the time.
“Beautiful People” will act as the introductory track on Sheeran’s forthcoming album, No. 6 Collaborations Project, which is out July 12. Travis Scott, Cardi B, Camila Cabello, Eminem, and 50 Cent are among the LP’s other collaborators. “I’m a huge fan of all the artists I’ve collaborated with,” he recently revealed on social media. “It’s been a lot of fun to make [this project].”
Listen to “Beautiful People” below.
Freddie Gibbs & Madlib — Bandana
Five years removed from their Piñata joint project, Freddie Gibbs and Madlib join forces once again for Bandana. This time around, the critical darlings have some major support in the form of a new label deal and some high-powered guests.
Killer Mike and Pusha T both join Freddie for “Palmolive;” Anderson .Paak provides vocals for “Giannis;” and Yasiin Bey and Black Thought show up on “Education.”
On the business end, Gibbs and Madlib have support from Keep Cool/RCA. ”This is what we’ve been waiting for and what we’ve been grinding for,” Gibbs told Billboard. “This is an opportunity to compete with the best on the best level. I could run circles around these little independent niggas all day. I want to be up there with the top echelon rappers because that’s what the fuck I am.”
Daniel Caesar — Case Study 01
Rising vocalist Daniel Caesar broke out with 2017’s Freudian. He made his name thanks to songs like “Best Part” with H.E.R. and “Get You” with Kali Uchis. Now, he returns with a brand new 10-song effort via Golden Child Recordings.
This time around, Daniel enlists some seasoned names for guests. Brandy, for example, lends her vocals to “Love Again,” Pharrell to “Frontal Lobe Muzik,” and John Mayer to “Superstition.” Sean Leon and Jacob Collier also appear as featured acts while Boi 1da, Jordan Evans, Matthew Burnett, and Caesar himself are among the LP’s producers.
The aforementioned Freudian earned Daniel two Grammy nods, including Best R&B Album and Best R&B Performance (“Get You”). Even before winning the latter award, Caesar told Billboard that he’s ready to showcase everything he’s got. “I didn’t realize the power that I have,” he said at the time. “But now? I’m coming to understand it.”
Listen to Case Study 01.
Iggy Azalea — “Just Wanna”
Iggy Azalea tackles ASMR on her newest single, “Just Wanna.” After whispering all over the intro, the Australian rapper rolls out a raunchy and sensual track.
“I just wanna fuck,” she raps on the cut. “I just wanna nut / I’ma put this pussy on your face / Open up, boy, come and get a taste.” She adds: “They call my big Iggy and I’m a bit freaky / If he hit it, then he love it, there’s a big reason / I’m trying to take a ride.” The explicit lyrics continue from there.
“Just Wanna” is set to appear on Iggy’s forthcoming album, In My Defense, which is due June 28. Azalea has not released a new album since 2014’s The New Classic due, in part, to quarrels with her former label.
Things are much different now, according to the “Fancy” rapper. “I’m in the best place right now. I feel really happy,” she recently told “Rupaul.” “I was stuck in a rut, maybe a business rut or a contractual rut, you might say, that affects other elements of your life…Since then, I’m happy.”
Chance the Rapper — 10 Day & Acid Rap
Before releasing his new album next month, Chance the Rapper decided to take a little trip down memory lane. Along with his new LP’s pre-sale link, Lil Chano from 79th dropped his heralded 10 Day and Acid Rap mixtapes on major streaming services for the first time ever.
10 Day was Chance’s first release. Created while on a ten-day suspension from school, the 2012 project features Vic Mensa, Sulaiman, Nico Segal, and Peter CottonTale, among others. The 2013 fan favorite, Acid Rap, also includes major guests like Childish Gambino, Saba, BJ The Chicago Kid, Action Bronson, Ab-Soul, and Twista.
Chance dropped merch to go along with each of these projects. He also released the pre-order link for his upcoming debut album, which is slated to arrive next month. Stream 10 Day and Acid Rap below.
