As the week in music comes to a close, Hypebeast has rounded up the best projects for the latest installment of Best New Tracks.
This week’s lineup is led by Nicki Minaj, Nas and Lucky Daye, who released the singles "FTCU (SLEEZEMIX)" with Travis Scott, Chris Brown and Sexxy Red, "Define My Name" with DJ Premier and "HERicane," respectively. Also joining this selection are offerings from Headie One with Stormzy, LUCI, Mez, Blue Lab Beats, Tee Grizzley, Taylor Swift and Boldy James with Rich Gains and MadeinTYO.
Nicki Minaj joins forces with Travis Scott, Chris Brown and Sexxy Red for a “SLEEZEMIX” of her Pink Friday 2 cut “FTCU.” The updated four-minute version features full verses from the trio of new guests and a set of new bars from the Barbie herself, transforming the cut into an even catchier release.
Listen: Spotify | Apple Music
Nas and DJ Premier deliver their latest collaborative single "Define My Name," which arrives alongside the announcement of their first and highly-anticipated joint album that will release some time this year. To tie it all together, both the news and the single are shared to the public on the 30th anniversary of Nas' seminal debut album Illmatic.
Listen: Spotify | Apple Music
Lucky Daye drops off his newest single "HERicane," which he describes as a "song is about being grounded in a chaotic relationship." He continues, "It’s important for people to be reminded that it’s a good time to be yourself and shine. Just be grounded and fierce in who you are.”
Listen: Spotify | Apple Music
Headie One delivers his first cut of the year "Cry No More," enlisting previous collaborator Stormzy for the track. The single is set to appear on his upcoming album The Last One, which drops this June, and is produced by Tay Keith. “This is one of my favorites from the album. I loved the sample and 808s straight away when Tay (Keith) and Pooh (Beatz) played it in the studio. Stormzy went crazy on it too,” Headie One says. “The video concept was to show people that everyone has struggles they have to deal with daily. That’s no different to myself and Stormzy, regardless of what people think we’ve achieved in our careers. We still have things in life we have to deal with like everyone else.”
Listen: Spotify | Apple Music
Charlotte's own LUCI drops off her debut album They Say They Love You, a 10-track effort that follows her 2022 EP Juvenilia. Described as "an immersive auditory experience akin to savoring mushroom tea—warm, layered, and ultimately enlightening," the project hears her journey of self-love as she bends genres to create her unique sound.
Listen: Spotify | Apple Music
Mez f.k.a. King Mez shares his latest offering, The Loading EP. The seven-track effort features work with Isaiah Rashad, Childish Major, Kurtis Wells, SAINt JHN, MAVI and Leon Bridges, and marks his return to music following his directorial work for the likes of J. Cole's "MIDDLE CHILD" visual.
Listen: Spotify | Apple Music
Taylor Swift drops her double album The Tortured Poets Department, which hears her team up with the likes of Post Malone and Florence and the Machine. Her 11th studio album features a whopping 31 tracks — offering a fun surprise to fans.
Listen: Spotify | Apple Music
Boldy James continues his return to music with "Yokohama Slim," the Rich Gains-produced cut that features MadeinTYO. The cut follows his January 2024 collab Penalty of Leadership with Nicholas Craven.
Listen: Spotify | Apple Music
Tee Grizzley drops off his first solo single of the year with "Suffer In Silence," which follows his work with 21 Aavage on "Loophole" and Kash Doll on "Pressin'."
Listen: Spotify | Apple Music
UK duo Blue Lab Beats debut their fourth studio album Blue Eclipse — paying homage to their first EP, Blue Skies — which features the likes of IDK, Jay Prince, Kojey Radical and more. “We wanted to embrace some themes and sounds that we’ve used throughout our career and make an album that truly represents us," the pair says. "Using sky titles acts as a reminder of people in our lives who inspired us and left a very important mark on us. We wanted to welcome old friends as well as new ones onto this project and we are so happy with everyone’s amazing contributions.”
Listen: Spotify | Apple Music
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