The best new music from the week of February 6th!
It’s New Music Friday! Over time, Black History Month has gone under the radar as a cheat code for black artists to lock in. In essence, you can sense the spirit of the ancestors metaphorically overlooking them in the studio, especially with this week’s releases. This week’s edition of New Music Friday features standout releases from J Cole, Ella Mai, Joji, and many more. Read on to find the latest tracks and albums that dropped this week.
New Music Friday Picks
J Cole – ‘The Fall-Off’ (Album)
Normally, I would say 24 songs is entirely too much for an artist like Cole, but this album somehow maintained my full attention. Truthfully speaking, this is one of those albums that hit like a full-circle moment as if Cole was building up to this his whole career. To be clear, ‘The Fall-Off’ won’t be remembered as a classic per se, but more like a career-defining album similar to ‘4:44.’
Ella Mai – ‘Do You Still Love Me?’ (Album)
Regardless of all the hits Ella Mai and Mustard have made over the years, it’s time to have a real conversation about their collaborations. Simply put, their musical relationship has very much run its course as their chemistry is not as prevalent as it once was. In fact, on the first listen it’s almost impossible not to get bored with the same monotonous sound, which makes it feel like a complete drag.
Joji – ‘Piss In The Wind’ (Album)
Initially, when it was first announced that Joji would be leaving 88rising, I immediately felt it was a great decision to help maximize/evolve his sound. In hindsight, it actually didn’t change anything as he refused to take many notable risks on this album as you would hope. It should be noted that this is the longest gap between any of his albums, and it’s rather disappointing that he didn’t fully take advantage of the hiatus.
R&B Corner
PJ – ‘Why Do Feelings Matter Anyway’ (EP)
In light of Valentine’s Day being around the corner, everyone should start being proactive about their Valentine’s Day-themed playlist. In light of that, I’d be doing a disservice if I didn’t tell everyone to listen to Atlanta-based R&B singer/songwriter, PJ’s newly released EP. Lyrically speaking, she has an impressive pen game and knows how to effectively communicate what she’s thinking in an elegant way.
Rapper’s Delight
Fredo Bang – “Baby Please”
At first glance, it’s easy to get lost in translation behind all of Fredo Bang’s personal shenanigans. Beneath it all, there is actually a real artist with substance, and his latest release proved that he’s more than meets the eye. From the first bar and throughout the track, he is able to show off his more vulnerable side with his unfiltered honesty about his love life.
EsDeeKid – “Omens”
Currently, EsDeeKid has to be one of the most polarizing artists in the game, especially after being able to secure a feature from the one and only Timothee Chalamet. Because of this, there was certainly a lot of anticipation for his next release and he definitely delivered. For this reason, it’s about that time to admit he has further separated himself from the underground scene and has begun to put himself in mainstream conversations.
Wallie the Sensei – “Fed Up”
Historically, West Coast rap has always received the short end of the stick when it comes to receiving proper recognition. At this point in time, there seems to be a new era of Cali rappers being ushered in and Cactus Jack’s Wallie has the potential to be at the forefront based on his newest release. After making his presence felt on ‘JACKBOYS 2,’ he is strategically building off of that momentum and likely positioning himself to be a 2026 XXL Freshman.
BTG Pasto – ‘MUDDY CHILD 2’ (Album)
Lastly, our final spot of New Music Friday is going to Massachusetts-based emerging artist, BTG Pasto. Similarly, to LA, the New England scene has quietly been building up some future stars that sound nothing like their Jersey or NY peers. Without a doubt, if you’re someone who appreciates intricate wordplay, then this is the project for you.
We hope you enjoyed this week’s edition of New Music Friday!
