Layoffs seem to be a common theme of late, and there are a couple below that we couldn’t pass up. Sans the services of 9th Wonder, hip-hop duo Little Brother came back to drop an atomic bomb that certainly measures up to their most noted work. Add to that, Akon is back with his first official release in more than a decade.
Common – Let Love
It’s no secret that the word “love” is one of Chicago-bred Common’s favorite, and per recent rumblings about his budding romance with CNN’s Angela Rye, this one’s right on time. Predictably the “L” word provides a “common” theme, boasting features from the likes of Daniel Caesar, Swizz Beatz, BJ The Chicago Kid and more.
Little Brother – May The Lord Watch
This one slipped past us (released Aug. 20) because, well, Phonte and Big Rapper Pooh kept it a secret. With that said, this could potentially go down as Little Brother’s most complete work to date. Even without the services of 9th Wonder, May The Lord Watch is a gem that proves the man upstairs had more work for these two to do.
SiR – Chasing Summer
The former recording engineer and newfound jewel of Top Dawg Entertainment is back in the mix after dropping the well-received November nearly a year ago. Kendrick Lamar makes an unsurprising visit, while Smino, Kadhja Bonet, Lil Wayne, Sabrina Claudio, Jill Scott, and Zacari round out the features.
Akon – El Negreeto
If the lead single, “Get Money,” is any indication of what to expect, El Negreeto will have a heavy Latin influence, per Puerto Rican singer-rapper Anuel AA’s appearance. Akon has obviously been busy with otherworldly responsibilities to tend to, and fittingly this release marks the 46-year-old rapper’s first full-length album since 2008.
Kevin Gates – I’m Him
There’s been a lot of chatter surrounding Gates’ new project and while we couldn’t confirm his third studio album dropped today, our Dallas connect, DJ Asap, could. While details are scarce, it’s almost certain that the inspiring single, “Push It,” will make the cut.
Hidden Gems – Check out the albums below that were either under the radar or recently released. Either way, we are here to help.
Big Omeezy – Evolution
Money Man – Paranoia
Saint Jhn – Ghetto Lenny’s Love Songs
Yella Beezy – Baccend Beezy
Playlist-ready singles
ZaZa – “What I Do?”
Yo Gotti – “Pose” ft. Lil Uzi Vert
Lil Gotit – “Da Real HoodBabies Remix” ft. Lil Baby
Chance The Rapper – “Big Fish” ft. Gucci Mane
Big Sean – “Bezerk” ft. A$AP Ferg and Hit-Boy
Quality Control, Offset, DaBaby – “Pink Toes” ft. Gunna
Quality Control, Quavo, City Girls – “Pastor” ft. Megan Thee Stallion
Trippie Redd – “Mac 10” ft. Lil Baby, Lil Duke
Smino – “Reverend”
Snoh Aalegra – “I Want You Around”
Dreamville – “Got Me” ft. Ari Lennox, Omen, Ty Dolla $ign, Dreezy
