Finesse2Tymes (@1finesse2tymes) caps off a monumental year with the release of his latest album, Art of War. It’s a 17-track project inspired by the timeless strategies of Sun Tzu’s classic text. The Memphis rapper delivers a compelling mix of raw honesty, soulful melodies. In addition, he drops off hard-hitting bars that highlight his calculated ascent to the top of the game.
The album opens with the track “They Won The Battle,” a declaration of Finesse’s unapologetic authenticity as he crowns himself the “Prince of Memphis.” From the defiant energy of “Duckin No Action” to the reflective vulnerability of “No Love,” Finesse captures the complexities of fame, loyalty, and personal growth. Tracks like “Fallin” and “Pretty Ricky” show his softer side, weaving soulful samples with lyrics about romance and devotion. As the album concludes, songs like “Jail Talk” and “Loyalty, Respect & Business” highlight the lessons learned from his tumultuous journey.
Moreover, while Finesse’s solo tracks shine, the album’s star-studded features amplify its impact. Kodak Black and Luh Tyler join him on the fiery “Miami With The Heat,” while Rob49 and GloRilla energize the crowd-favorite “Show Dat Work.” On “Knowledge Is Power,” Lil Tjay brings his Bronx flair, driving home themes of resilience and ambition. However, additional appearances from DaBaby, NLE Choppa, and Hunxho add depth and variety to the album’s narrative.
Stream Finesse2Tyme’s ‘Art Of War’ below
Finesse’s journey to Art of War has been anything but ordinary. From his early years spent navigating the streets of East Memphis and prison cells to his breakthrough hit “Back End,” he’s built a career on grit and determination. Furthermore, backed by Mob Ties, Bread Gang, and Atlantic Records, Finesse2Tymes is poised to solidify his legacy. With Art of War, he’s more than ready to claim his throne.
Kendrick Lamar maximizes his power trip with the release of the surprise album GNX. Without an announcement, kendrick unleashes a 12-song full length album. Earlier today, Kendrick shared a one minute teaser of the same name “GNX” which has already accumulated over 600K views on YouTube. Immediately, the album GNX hit streaming platforms causing an uproar amongst fans while stiring up the current new music Friday conversation.
Furthermore, Kendrick Lamar recruits a host of features for the surprise release. In light of it’s surprise, features do not appear on streaming platforms. However, the album includes features from SZA, Deyra Barrera, Ink, and Sam Dew and tons more. Aside from features, kendrick utilizes several recognizable samples including Luther Vandross’s 1982 single “If this world were mine” included on the song “Luther” featuring SZA. Additionally, he samples Debbie Deb’s breakthrough single “When I Hear Music” featured on the album’s second song “Squabble Up,” which kendrick teased earlier this year. Most notably, Kendrick poses an ode to one of his top influences, Tupac, sampling his song, “Made Ni***z” on the song “reincarnated.” This album also includes production from DJ Mustard among others.
“Watch “GNX” by Kendrick Lamar
Moreover, Kendrick puts rumors of an upcoming album to rest with the release of this project. While in the work’s, Kendrick has maintained the spotlight with his nearly year long public rap feud with Drake. Since, Kendrick has made waves with his groundbreaking Diss record, “Not Like Us,” which Kendrick released a music visual loaded with gems. For starters, the single surpassed 300 million streams in just 35 days. This month, the song accumulated a whooping five grammy nominations among the seven he is nominated for at the upcoming 2025 Grammy Awards.
Overall, Kendrick Lamar is far from finished with his run this year. He is set to headline Super Bowl LIX at the top of the upcoming year. Super Bowl LIX will be held on Sunday, February 9th, 2025 at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. Kendrick drops off GNX just in time for his return to the big stage. You can stream Kendrick’s latest album GNX below.
It’s Friday and Remixd Magazine is back with our weekly roundup of the best new music from the week of November 17th. This week is loaded with tons of the latests Hip-Hop and R&B tunes you need on your playlist. Moreover, this week’s roundup includes artists such as Kendrick Lamar, Ice Cube, Skilla Baby, Alex Vaughn, and tons more. You can check out this week’s new music friday picks down below.
New Music Friday Picks
Kendrick Lamar- ‘GNX’ (Album)
This year has been full of surprises from Kendrick Lamar. Just two months away from his upcoming Super Bowl LIX halftime show, Kendrick shares his latest surprise album, GNX. The project features 12 songs including “GNX” where he shared a one minute visual teasing the release of this project. The project arrives two years after his past work Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers. The “Not Like Us” rap heavyweight continues to let it all off his chest with his surprise release.
Skilla Baby- ‘Crack Music 3’ (Mixtape)
Skilla Baby unleashes his third full length release of the year, Crack Music 3. This project serves as the third official installment to his “Crack Music” series. Earlier this year, Skilla baby released the The Coldest album which briefly followed up with a deluxe version. Furthermore, Crack Music 3 houses 16 slings including the previous released single “JWETT” and “So Bad” featuring 4batz. The mixtape includes additional features from Toosii, Tee Grizzley, Peezy, and Hunxho.
YTB Fatt- ‘The Richest Foxx’ (EP)
YTB Fatt continues his drop spree with The Richest Foxx. The project arrives just months after his highly anticipated On Zia which followed up with a deluxe version. The 8 song EP includes one feature from Quavo on the single “When Dey Come.” Throughout the project, Fatt delivers and authentic high energy performance with bold lyricism.
Ice Cube- ‘Man Down’ (Album)
Legendary rap powerhouse, Ice Cube returns with his highly anticipated album Man Down. Following a six year solo project hiatus, Cube returns with full force delivering a 19 song full length project. For this project, cube recruits additional rap legends including Kurupt, Too $hort, Busta Rhymes, Xzibit, and Killer Mike among others. Additionally, the project include previous released singles such as the critically acclaimed “It’s My Ego” and “Ego Maniacs” featuring Busta Rhymes and Killer Mike.
Finesse2tymes- ‘Art Of War’ (Album)
Memphis’s own, Finesse2tymes returns with Art of War album. The two disc project is loaded with 22 singles. For the release, Finesse2tymes taps into his personal narrative as he has shared he wrote most of it while incarcerated. The project includes features from artists such as Hunxho, Kodak Black, Luh Tyler, Glorilla, and Rob49 to name a few.
Blxst-‘I’ll Always Find You (Deluxe)’- Album
Blxst shares the latest rendition of his debut album I’ll Always Come Find You. The project includes 5 new singles alongside fresh new features from artists such as K Camp and Dej Loaf who are both featured on the single “Make Room.” The release is also accompanied by a short film with the same name.
Miguel- “Always Time”
Following a brief year hiatus, Miguel returns with a personal more acoustic ballad, “Always Time.” Throughout the song, Miguel expresses the heartbreak behind fighting for a love of the past. Additionally, Miguel took to Instagram to share the difficulty he faced while writing this song. Nonetheless, he bares all with an emotional yet personal single that signifies his healing.
Fivio Foreign- “Jason’s Plan”
New York’s own Fivio Foreign shares latest single, Jason’s Plan. The Drill rap heavy weight accompanies the single with vulnerable and bold lyricism. He utilizes raw storytelling embedded in the slower paced drill record. For this release, Fivio shares a music visual filled with dynamic storytelling and tons of lane switches.
Alex Vaughn -“ Hit A Wall”
R&B songstress, Alex Vaughn delivers heartfelt anthem “Hit A Wall.” Known fr her dynamic range and rich vocals, Alex accompanies this release with two alternate versions to the song including a key notes version and a voice notes version. Throughout the song, you can expect a relatable storyline complimented by Alex’s versatility vocal delivery.
Bossman Dlow- “The Biggest Pt.2”
Bossman Dlow shares an updated cut to his “The Biggest” single. Appropriately named “The Biggest Pt.2,” Bossman Dlow shares a self boosting anthem filled with his traditional clever lyrical delivery. For this single, he goes featureless which differs from the original version. Currently, Bossman Dlo is up for Rap Caviar’s “Rookie of The Year” award for his breakthrough performance this year.
