Welcome to Press Play Fridays!, rolling out‘s weekly guide to which new albums and singles you have to check out this weekend. This Friday, we got releases from a range of artists, including some of the biggest names in the game, new albums from some of our favorites and a posthumous album from an Atlanta legend.
Albums and EPs
Forever Goin In – Rich Homie Quan
First and foremost, rest in peace, Rich Homie. Atlanta is still not over his surprise passing. Rich Homie was one of the originators of New Atlanta. From his iconic mixtape series to creating one of the greatest rap groups of all time with Young Thug in Rich Gang, what Rich Homie brought and did in hip-hop will never be forgotten or recreated — and it’s on full display on his posthumous album Forever Going In. It’s everything we loved about Rich Homie Quan, from his harmonizing to his honesty about his struggle that eventually took his life.
Standout tracks: “Own 2 ii’s,” “Aaliyah,” “Even Score,” “No Tears” ft. Lil Tjay
“Lost Cause” – Tory Lanez
A decade ago, Tory Lanez released his first mixtape, Lost Cause. As Lanez explained in an Instagram post, this tape was the beginning of his story, the tape that got him signed and started his unique sound that has become so popular. On the tape’s 10th anniversary, which was Oct. 1, Lanez announced he would re-release his classic mixtape on streaming services — and it is finally here. If you are a new Tory Lanez fan, this tape is definitely worth the spin-back. If you are an old one, rejoice in the fact you don’t have to only listen to it on Soundcloud anymore.
Standout tracks: “The Mission,” “Henny In Hand,” “Grandma’s Crib”
Jaded – Toosii
Toosii is on an incredible ride right now. He is coming off his biggest year yet: He dropped his debut album, NAUJOUR, which was one of the best listens of 2023; he had one of the biggest songs of 2023 as well. “Favorite Song” became everyone’s favorite sing-along. And now he’s back with his next project, Jaded, and he has delivered once again. That’s why Toosii keeps becoming more and more popular: he doesn’t ever stray too far from what his fans want. We love his melodies; we love the deep cuts about love, sex and his struggles. And he even gave us a banger with Gunna! If you don’t know who Toosii is yet, don’t waste any more time and give Jaded a spin.
Standout tracks: “Meet Me Outside,” “Foxxy Brown,” ‘Ok… Whatever” ft. Kehlani,” “I Do” ft. Muni Long
310degrees – 310babii
310babii might just be the hottest West Coast artist not named Kendrick Lamar. 310babii burst on the scene earlier this year with “Soak City (Do It),” which went on to become one of the biggest songs of the year. He would follow that up with “Rock Your Hips,” cementing that he is indeed a hitmaker and not just a one-hit wonder. He knows how to float on West Coast beats, and his voice compliments them perfectly — and he proves that on his new project, 310degrees. Once you turn on the tape, you’ll find yourself West Coast boppin’ to his music in no time!
Standout tracks: “Pink Whitney,” “7 Days A Week,” “Rock Your Hips” ft. Saweetie, “The Hills II”
Singles
“Monitoring Me” – Lil Durk
Lil Durk is prepping for his new album release dropping in two weeks. In the meantime, he warms us up by dropping some gangsta bars on a Chicago Drill Beat.
“Lose” – J.P.
J.P’s vocal range is ridiculous, and he shows us once again on his latest single. He really might be the melody king.
“So Bad” – 4Batz & Skilla Baby
The two XXL freshman rappers connect to give us more of what we love from them: music for the baddies!
