The best new music from the week of August 7th!
It’s New Music Friday, and this week brought a handful of surprise releases alongside some highly anticipated drops. From new projects to unexpected collaborations, the latest round of releases offers plenty to tap into across hip-hop and R&B. This week’s roundup features new music from Lil Uzi Vert, Pooh Shiesty, Beyoncé and JAY-Z, Brent Faiyaz, and more.
New Music Friday Picks
Lil Uzi Vert – ‘Maverick “Almost Forever”’ (EP)
Across Maverick “Almost Forever,” Uzi taps back into the confidence and playful energy that have defined different eras of his career. The EP pulls from several sides of his sound while keeping each track concise and focused. With Maverick “Almost Forever,” Uzi revisits familiar territory while showcasing the versatility and experimentation that have long shaped his place in rap.
Brent Faiyaz – ‘Icon’ (Deluxe Album)
Brent Faiyaz expands Icon with three new songs for the album’s Director’s Cut. The additions lean further into the project’s cinematic qualities while introducing tracks that hold their own beyond the original release. Together, the new material adds another layer to Icon while extending the world Brent created across the album.
Pooh Shiesty – ‘All Eyes on Shiest’ (Album)
Pooh Shiesty brings his signature grit back to the forefront on All Eyes on Shiest. The project arrives during another complicated chapter for the Memphis rapper, who returned home in October 2025 after serving more than three years on a federal firearms conviction and now faces new federal kidnapping and robbery charges in Texas. Against that backdrop, Shiesty keeps the music rooted in the raw lifestyle and vivid street storytelling that have long defined his sound.
FLO – ‘THERAPY AT THE CLUB’ (Album)
FLO continues to make a case for the return of the R&B girl group with their new album, THERAPY AT THE CLUB. The trio puts their vocal chemistry front and center while experimenting with different sides of contemporary R&B. The project builds on the sound FLO has developed so far while showing just how much room they still have to push it forward.
Beyoncé – ‘MORNING DEW’ ft JAY-Z (Single/Remix)
Beyoncé brings JAY-Z into the mix for a new version of “MORNING DEW,” reuniting the pair for another high-energy collaboration. Their familiar chemistry recalls past records like “Drunk in Love,” while the remix leans into hype-driven production and samples that give it a stadium-ready feel. Arriving just as football season gets underway, “MORNING DEW” feels right at home on a big stage.
Cardi B – “AH HA” (Single)
Although it arrives toward the end of summer, Cardi B’s “AH HA” carries the kind of playful energy made for the season. Her infectious personality drives the record, giving it plenty of replay value while she confidently takes on a Detroit-style beat. The production offers a slight switch from her usual sound and gives Cardi another opportunity to showcase her versatility as a rapper.
Ari Lennox – “Hookah Baby” (Single)
Ari Lennox appears to be entering a freer chapter of her career, with recent releases showing a more playful side of the singer. That energy carries into “Hookah Baby,” a lighthearted record that finds Lennox having fun without taking herself too seriously lyrically. The track also reflects an artist who understands her audience while allowing her sound to grow alongside them.
Malaya – “Knees” (Single)
Finally, Detroit singer-songwriter Malaya closes out this week’s New Music Friday with her vibrant single, “Knees.” The track finds Malaya carving out her own lane with an indie R&B sound that’s difficult to box into one genre. Though short and sweet, “Knees” makes the most of its runtime with hypnotic vocals and a distinct sound that offers a glimpse into what else the rising artist has to offer.
That wraps up this week’s New Music Friday. Check back next week for another round of the latest releases in hip-hop, R&B and beyond.
Catch up on more New Music Friday picks from Remixd Magazine.
