The best new music from the week of January 16th!
It’s New Music Friday! Although, we are only halfway through January, there has been a lot to be excited about. On this occasion, there are some highly-anticipated releases that finally seen the light of day. This week’s edition of New Music Friday features standout releases from A$AP Rocky, NBA Youngboy, Veeze, and many more. Read on to find the latest tracks and albums that dropped this week.
New Music Friday Picks
A$AP Rocky – ‘Don’t Be Dumb’ (Album)
Given that it’s been 8 years since Rocky last dropped, so much has changed in the world. Nevertheless, this wait has given him endless material and time to experiment with some new sounds. Be that as it may, no one could have forecasted him ever crossing over to jazz, which speaks to his versatility and longetivity for not losing his touch.
Youngboy Never Broke Again – ‘Slime Cry’ (Album)
In most cases, more is better, but when it comes to Youngboy, he takes this sentiment too seriously. As you can see, he has returned with another project, completely outdoing himself with a whopping 30-songs. Simply put, there’s no new idea he hasn’t done yet that justifies this overload of music. The only track of any value has to be “Teary Eyes” featuring Burna Boy which could’ve flourished as a standalone single.
Veeze – “One of Them Ones” ft Lil Baby & Rylo Rodriguez
Admittedly, at this day & time, there is no rap collective having the amount of success as CBFW (except Opium.) Although this may be true, it really becomes undeniable on Veeze’s new single. It’s quite remarkable how they’ve built their own lane/universe with what I like to call “degenerate rap,” and revitalize the career of Lil Baby & LUCKI. In fact, Lil Baby gives an all-star performance on his feature, which builds more anticipation for their eventual “CBFW” collab album.
R&B Corner
Ella Mai – “100”
As with Valentine’s Day being around the corner, Ella Mai couldn’t have picked a better time to put out “100.” It should be noted that this track is produced by no one other than DJ Mustard, who provides some soulful production for Ella to flourish. Ultimately, this has surely set the stage and excitement for her third album.
DESTIN CONRAD – “NOTHING IS REAL” ft Terrace Martin
In spite of his early success from Vine, no one could have predicted that Destin Conrad would grow into one of the most important players in R&B right now. “NOTHING IS REAL” couldn’t come at a better time as it’s fresh off his phenomenal “Tiny Desk” live performance. In a nutshell, it’s dope that he’s spoiling us with so much music & content to assert his dominance for 2026.
Rapper’s Delight
Deanté Hitchcock – “Reminders” ft 6lack, Childish Major, and Anna Field
Generally speaking, the average person is likely not familiar with Deanté Hitchcock and there’s no better time to get acquainted than with his new single. “Reminders” has him teaming up with some of the most underrated artists of our era such as 6lack & Childish Major. In this case, this ragtag team of creatives joined forces, and the end result is truly beautiful.
Don Cannon – “James Freestyle” ft Wale
More often than not, anytime a lyrical rapper works with Don Cannon, instant magic is made. That certainly is the case for “James Freestyle” as Wale blesses us with an introspective freestyle from the heart. However, if Wale could miraculously find a way to craft an album filled with tracks like this, then he would be rightfully ranked among his peers.
BunnaB – “SEEUMSAYIN”
Lastly, our last spot of NMF goes to ATL’s BunnaB and “SEEUMSAYIN.” In short, it really feels like one of those tracks where she isn’t trying too hard, but still hits hard. Certainly, if this is the direction she’s headed towards, kudos to her for staying true to herself.
We hope you enjoyed this week’s edition of New Music Friday!
