Drake perfoming in Chile 2023

<h1>Drake Is Dropping “Scary Hours III” Tonight!</h1>At 3am EST Drake announced the release of “Scary Hours III” in a highly produced Instagram post in which he says:“I’ll say this to you, I feel no need to appease anybody. I feel so confident about the body of work I just dropped that I know, I could go and disappear for whatever, six months or two years. Even though I’m not really into the lengthy disappearances for the sake of mystery.”Immediately dispelling any rumors that this is quick turnaround to redeem himself for criticisms made toward “For All The Dogs.” This announcement comes just a few days after announcing a tour alongside J. Cole and also just hours after the viral release of the &quot;First Person Shooter&quot; music video with Cole.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xty2gi5cMa8It’ll be interesting stylistically to see what Drake’s “Scary Hours III” sounds like and who he got to feature on this project in such a short time. Drizzy claims that he’s been making these songs in the last five days and that these are all brand new bars, comparing this to the mindstate he was in while writing “If You’re Reading This, It’s Too Late.”Watch Drake&#39;s Full Announcement: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CzsxsceO3c-/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA%3D%3D">https://www.instagram.com/reel/CzsxsceO3c-/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA%3D%3D</a>Drake dropped Scary Hours in 2018 which gave us the “God’s Plan,” and in 2021 Scary Hours 2 gave us the ““Lemon Pepper Freestyle.” Scary Hours had 3 songs and Scary Hours 2 had 2 songs, so expect between 2 and 6 songs on a limited-EP dropping at midnight on November 17, 2023.

Drake Is Dropping "Scary Hours III" at Midnight!

Mar-31-2

It's certainly a Good Friday. Today's (April 7) New Music Friday includes albums from Jermaine Dupri & Curren$y, Mississippi duo, Rae Sremmurd and R&B crooner Daniel Caesar. This week's single releases include Drake, Kaytranada, Anime and Pharrell, Joyner Lucas and Joey Bada$$.<h2 class="has-text-align-center" id="h-jermaine-dupri-curren-y">Jermaine Dupri & Curren$y</h2>Grammy Award-winning producer and rapper Jermaine Dupri and New Orleans-based rapper Curren$y have teamed up for their collaborative EP entitled For Motivational Use Only Vol 1. The seven song EP features appearances from T.I and 2 Chainz. The first volume of three, For Motivational Use Only was spawned by JD's appreciation for Curren$y naming a song after the decorated producer. Curren$y only expected to receive a track from Jermaine Dupri, but a budding friendship quickly escalated and over 40 songs were created.https://music.apple.com/us/album/for-motivational-use-only-vol-1/1679668445<h2 class="has-text-align-center">Daniel Caesar</h2>Daniel Caesar's third album Never Enough is finally here. As the title states, Caesar sings about the constant struggle of balancing insecurity and confidence in life and love. The 15-track album has no features, focusing on Caesar's rich-falsetto vocals.https://music.apple.com/us/album/never-enough/1671667136<h2 class="has-text-align-center">Rae Sremmurd</h2>Party-starting duo, Rae Sremmurd, is back after a long hiatus with Sremm 4 Life. Fans have waited roughly five years for new music since 2018s, SR3MM. Their last album was a triple-length project, featuring SR3MM (an album as a duo) and their solo projects Swaecation and Jxmtro. Their latest 14-track EP, features Young Thug and Future. Months prior to the anticipated release, the group dropped multiple singles like “Denial”, “Suckaor Sum”, "Torpedo", and “Tanisha (Pump That).”https://music.apple.com/us/album/sremm-4-life/1676016761<h2 class="has-text-align-center has-hot-yellow-100-color has-dark-gray-background-color has-text-color has-background">Singles</h2><h2 class="has-text-align-center">Animé, Kaytranada, Pharrell</h2>https://music.apple.com/us/album/4eva-feat-pharrell-williams/1680244273?i=1680244274<h2 class="has-text-align-center">Drake</h2>https://music.apple.com/us/album/search-rescue/1681131987?i=1681131989<h2 class="has-text-align-center">Joyner Lucas and Future</h2>https://music.apple.com/us/album/blackout/1680769055?i=1680769422<h2 class="has-text-align-center">Joey Bada$$</h2>https://music.apple.com/us/album/fallin-single/1678818420

New Music Friday: Drake, Jermaine Dupri & Curren$y, Rae Sremmurd, Kaytranada

HOT 97 is a platform that strives for inclusivity and diversity. In this music column, some of the best <a href="https://www.hot97.com/new-hip-hop-music/international-picks-of-the-week-davido-rosalia-kranium-coblaze-more" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">international musician</a>s that are impacting listeners here in the U.S will be highlighted each week.Asake - "2:30"Asake is back with another banger “2:30,” produced by BlaiseBeatz and Magicsticks. This will be the Nigerian superstar's second project of the year, following his hit single “Yoga,” which conveys mindfulness, and meditation. In “2:30,” where he displays his luxurious lifestyle, it seems as if Asake made an effort to mix Afrobeats and Amapiano with Fuji, a popular Yoruba musical genre. For those who don’t know, Yoruba is a West African ethnic group that mainly inhabit parts of Nigeria. For the official music video, which received over 1.4 million views in less than 24 hours, he collaborated with award-winning filmmaker and director Edgar Esteves. See below.https://youtu.be/pn26zia2_KkDarkoo ft. Ayra Starr - "Disturbing U"Nigerian-born British rapper Darkoo has released a new hit titled “Disturbing U” featuring “Sability” singer, Ayra Starr. When you listen to this song, you can just dedicate it to your haters. "All my friends say I'm loyal/ If no be money na focus/ I don't have time for no one/ That's not putting food on my table/ I'm unstable, I no send, I no send you/ I no fear, I no fear you/ I no pretend, no strength/ No strength, I no go fit lie/ This is the reason I just keep things to myself/ I mind my business, I don't mind nobody else's/ I stack my cash in silence, no one has to know/ I'm on my own," Ayra Star sings, as she kicks off the record. "More love to my real day one/ Enemies we dey hate on us we go still show love/ All this while na God/ I fit give my life for love/ Them don chop my eye taya/ But I still no reason am/ 'Cause I dey live my life," Darkoo adds in the second verse.The music video for the project features graphics inspired by video game series, "Grand Theft Auto." Take a look below.https://youtu.be/VytuuG2q-jsVictony ft. Don Toliver, Rema and Tempoe - "Soweto"Nigerian singer Victony just released the music video to the newest version of his popular song "Soweto" featuring rapper Don Toliver, Nigerian singer Rema and Nigerian record producer Tempoe. The original version, off his 7-track debut EP, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CdNaylrIyoh/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">OUTLAW</a>, is already a vibe but mixing the unique melody and different styles of each artist into the remix, made it an even bigger hit.You can watch the music video featuring the many swags of Victony, Don Toliver, Rema, and Tempoe below.https://youtu.be/OGAngW1BZ04Look out for more each week. What are your thoughts so far?

International Picks Of The Week: Asake, Darkoo, Victony, & More

Mar-31

This week's (March 31) New Music Friday includes new releases from Chloë Bailey, Larry June & The Alchemist, DJ Drama and Juicy J as well as singles from Coi Leray, Khalid, Nardo Wick, and Jhene Aiko.<h2 class="has-text-align-center" id="h-chloe-bailey">Chloë Bailey</h2><a href="https://www.hot97.com/hot-news/chloe-bailey-trends-online-after-posting-another-set-of-sexy-selfies">Chloë Bailey</a>'s solo debut album, In Pieces has finally arrived. After releasing a slew of singles ("Treat Me", "Surprise", "Have Mercy"), Bailey is showcasing her creative prowess as a songwriter and producer on her latest project. The 14-track album, featuring Chris Brown, Future and Missy Elliot, displays the tribulations with bad relationships. Sonically, In Pieces ranges from slow ballads ("In Pieces") to up-beat and bubbly ("Body Do") tracks. Weeks prior to it's release, Bailey teased fans with the cover art, release date and track-list for the project. The entire project is a masterclass display of vocal range.https://music.apple.com/us/album/in-pieces/1672433529<h2 class="has-text-align-center">Larry June & The Alchemist</h2>San Fransisco's very own, Larry June, has released his sixth collaborative album, The Great Escape with production vet, The Alchemist. The project features prior June collaborators, Curren$y (Barragán Lighting) and Jay Worthy (Exitó). There are also appearances from Joey Bada$$, Wiz Khalifa, Slum Village, Big Sean and Action Bronson. The album perfectly blends June's laid back- health conscious-optimistic style of rap over The Alchemist's mosaics of sound.https://music.apple.com/us/album/the-great-escape/1677236538<h2 class="has-text-align-center">DJ Drama</h2>After releasing trailers for his forthcoming project, <a href="https://www.hot97.com/hot-news/dj-drama-admits-he-feels-terrible-for-removing-nicki-minaj-from-gucci-manes-mixtapes">DJ Drama</a>'s I’m Really Like That is finally here. The trailers are a recreation from the record store scene in the 1991 film, Juice. Drama recruited Jim Jones to play 2Pac's role as Bishop and Queen Latifah to reprise her role as Ruffhouse M.C. I'm Really Like That, Drama's first solo album since Quality Street Music 2, features a star-studded line-up. Roddy Rich, Gucci Mane, Tyler, The Creator, T.I, Rick Ross and Wiz Khalifa are only a few that make appearances throughout the 14-track album.https://music.apple.com/us/album/im-really-like-that/1677442926<h2 class="has-text-align-center">Juicy J</h2>Juicy J's new mixtape, Mental Trillness is all about mental health. He opens the project with a PSA from former first lady, Michelle Obama, "today nearly 1 and 5 Americans are living with a mental health condition." The mixtape touches on drug abuse, relationship problems, depression and confusion. He pays homage to the late Gangsta Boo by using a sample of her hit "Where Dem Dollas At" on "Work Out". He features her again on the mixtape's closing track "Follow Home Robbers."https://music.apple.com/us/album/mental-trillness/1675964472Singleshttps://music.apple.com/us/album/calm-patient/1680046125?i=1680046351https://music.apple.com/us/album/players-tokischa-remix-single/1679078202https://music.apple.com/us/album/valentina/1671667136?i=1671667138https://music.apple.com/us/album/hot-boy-feat-lil-baby/1679091520?i=1679091522https://music.apple.com/us/album/softest-touch/1677451277?i=1677451279

New Music Friday: Chloë Bailey, Larry June & The Alchemist, DJ Drama, Juicy J

HOT 97 is a platform that strives for inclusivity and diversity. In this music column, some of the best <a href="https://www.hot97.com/new-hip-hop-music/international-picks-of-the-week-adekunle-gold-tiwa-savage-major-league-djz-jaido-p-more" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">international musicians</a> that are impacting listeners here in the U.S will be highlighted each week.Davido - TIMELESSIn November of last year, Davido, took a break from the public eye to deal with the tragic loss of his three-year-old son, Ifeanyi. After being away for almost six months, except for his 2022 FIFA World Cup closing ceremony performance, the Afrobeats superstar has released his highly anticipated fourth studio album, TIMELESS. The 17-track album features appearances from Morravey, Musa Keys, Dexta Daps, Fave, The Cavemen., Angélique Kidjo, Skepta, Asake, Logos Olori, and Focalistic.TIMELESS is currently No. 2 on the U.S. Apple Music Top Albums chart, making it the highest charting album by a Nigerian artist in U.S. Apple Music history. It also peaked at No. 1 on Nigeria’s Apple Music Top Albums Chart, UK’s Apple Music Top Albums Chart, as well as in 17 other countries. The album explores a mixture of Afrobeats, Amapiano and dancehall.“On the album, you will hear a couple of songs that might take you back and into some emotions... you will definitely hear me talk about a couple of things I’ve been through personally,” Davido told <a href="https://twitter.com/LarryMadowo/status/1641732491739275266?s=20" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CNN in a recent interview</a>. “At some point I couldn’t open my Instagram for weeks. One day, I just checked it and I saw messages from every kind of person in the world. I was like ‘you’re fine, you see everybody is rooting for you.’ That was one thing that really made me strong enough to stand up again, get back in the studio and do what I love.”https://music.apple.com/us/album/timeless/1675379314ROSALÍA and Rauw Alejandro - RRBarcelonian superstar ROSALÍA and Puerto Rican reggaetón star Rauw Alejandro have joined forces on their their first-ever joint project, RR. The three-track EP, which consists of singles "BESO, "PROMESA," and "VAMPIROS," is a public and passionate declaration of love through techno and pop with reggaetón and latin music influences.After almost four years of dating, the couple announced their engagement last Friday (March 24), the same day they released RR. ROSALÍA tearfully showcased her diamond ring at the end of the recently released music video for "BESO." The single is currently No. 4 on Spotify's Top 50 Global charts with over 4.5 million streams.https://youtu.be/QXQQAsIhHMwKranium - "Mona Lisa"Jamaican singer <a href="https://www.hot97.com/new-hip-hop-music/kranium-makes-side-chick-rules-in-gal-policy-video" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kranium</a> has blessed us with a new classic "Mona Lisa," which showcases his unique sound. The song, which was produced by STARS, Ovarich Kid, Johnny808, and 17TMI, is a follow-up to his 2022 EP, In Too Deep. https://music.apple.com/us/album/mona-lisa-single/1678138151Coblaze - Orbit Last Thursday (March 23), Nigerian R&B singer released his debut EP, Orbit. The six-track project includes his 2022 singles "Hallelu," and "Good Girl," alongside his 2021 "Come" and latest single "Lady Fiona," which features Nigerian DJ SPINALL. "Now I’ll be sharing this piece of me to you guys," Coblaze wrote in an <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CqKgAEpjt61/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Instagram post</a>. "Thanks for loving me all the way."You can watch the music video to "Lady Fiona" below.https://youtu.be/MWDnD2F7fP4Look out for more each week. What are your thoughts so far?

International Picks Of The Week: Davido, ROSALÍA, Kranium, Coblaze, & More

HOT 97 is a platform that strives inclusivity and diversity. In this music column, some of the best <a href="https://www.hot97.com/hot-playlists/international-picks-of-the-week-j-hope-libianca-vybz-kartel-lojay-more" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">international musicians</a> that are impacting listeners here in the U.S will be highlighted each week.Adekunle Gold ft. Zinoleesky - “Party No Dey Stop" Adekunle Gold is back with a new single "Party No Dey Stop" off his forthcoming album, which is set to be released this summer. The new Def Jam signee recruited fellow Nigerian Zinoleesky as both artists touch on some of the most important themes of life, including grace and having a great time.“I’m not moved by what I see, I know who I be, I just want my peace/ Make money eh, I go get everything I need, in my own timing, koni kọja mi, koni delay, so many people deny/ Oluwa don co-sign, can’t believe this is my life, everything come align/ They looking me so surprised, shọmọde lo dun bayi, I know it’s hurting your pride, believe me I don’t mind, party no dey stop, when we pop,” Gold sings.The record accompanies a video that gives fans an inside look of the studio session when the song was created.https://youtu.be/AB6BzsTGo_ETiwa Savage ft. Ayra Starr and Young Jonn - “Stamina”Tiwa Savage has teamed up with Ayra Starr and Young John for their new single "Stamina." The record is a harmonic blend of Afropop, Afrobeats, and EDM. Tiwa Savage’s sharp Nigerian sound is complemented by Ayra Starr’s soulful vocals. Together, adding producer turned singer Young Jonn’s energetic beats, the trio created a song that definitely gets people out of their seats."Stamina" highlights the undeniable love and trust that can exist between two people. It speaks of the comfort and reassurance that someone can give to another person when everything in life is falling apart. "Na you take my breath away/ Omo one question sho fe pami/ Live to fight another day/ Live to fight another day/ So many things I can do to you/ If only you give me the permission to/ Give me the permission to/ Show you the thing I carry," the lyrics read.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=90uaFhWaT_YMajor Lazer and Major League DJz - "Mamgobhozi"“Mamgobhozi" is the third and latest single from South African Amapiano duo Major League DJz and Jamaican-American EDM trio Major Lazer's joint album <a href="https://maddecent.ffm.to/PianoRepublik?mc_cid=9db869a977&mc_eid=a0a3df7c93" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Piano Republik</a>. The track features vocals from the late South African legend Brenda Fassie, and samples her 1997 single “Vuli Ndlela,” one of South Africa's most celebrated hits.“Brenda Fassie was not only an icon but she inspired many black South Africans to be their authentic selves,” Major League DJz said in statement. “Her music catalog brought joy to the many South Africans that filled stadiums to see her perform and is a true reflection of South African history.”Piano Republik is set to be released tomorrow (March 24).https://youtu.be/E2onw-oirQQJaido P ft. Fireboy DML - "One Of A Kind""One Of A Kind" featuring YBNL superstar Fireboy DML is Nigerian rapper Jaido P's first single of 2023. It follows his 2022 double released tracks, "Disturb" and "Pablo Move."The new drop, produced by Cracker Mallo, is a song where both artists are heard reminiscing about how life was for them in the past and now they can enjoy the outcome of their accomplishments. In the chorus, Fireboy DML sings, "See I’m one of a kind/ Been a go-getter all of my life/ From the place where the sun never shines/ So I dey on the grind all the time/ All the time, all the time/ Got a lot on my mind/ I’ve been writing the songs of my life/ Many tears wey don fall for my eyes/ So today I go chop all my life.""Sitting on the chair mo dẹ n think about life mi/ Life mi o n shen nkan ti mo n think about lightly/ Think about knife tori wọn le backstab mi/ N**gas shine white teeth but wọn shi backbite mi/ Think about home ’cause my life like a road trip...Think about my goals when I feel like I’m folding/ The clock ticking mo mọ time must tell/ Anyhow e be ọmọ man must flex/Got my mind heavy and it can’t compress/ I need to have some Hennessy and then have some girls/ Cooking no apron/ When my work done I go play small/ People never know what my life is based on," Jaido P raps in the first verse. "One Of A Kind" is accompanied by a visualizer of the duo in the streets of what it looks to be their hometown of Nigeria.https://youtu.be/KDkPF-_CSNcLook out for more each week. What are your thoughts so far?

International Picks Of The Week: Adekunle Gold, Tiwa Savage, Major League DJz, Jaido P, & More

mar-17-1

For this week's (March 17) New Music Friday, new projects have dropped from T-Pain, Alex Vaughn and EST Gee. Outside of albums, a slew of hip-hop & R&B singles have dropped including Usher, Hit-Boy & The Alchemist, K. Michelle & Deante Hitchcock.<h2 class="has-text-align-center">T-Pain</h2>The ruler of robotic vocals, T-Pain, has released a new album but for this one, the autotune is set aside. On Top of The Covers, is "covered" in vocal range as he dips into country, soul and rock and roll. The eight song album includes covers from "A Change is Gonna Come" (Sam Cooke), "War Pigs" (Black Sabbath), "Tennessee Whiskey" (Chris Stapleton) and more. On Top of The Covers is the Tallahassee native's first studio album since his 2019, 1UP LP. Production for the album began shortly after T-Pain won The Masked Singer competition.https://open.spotify.com/album/3nrTn6ARC5PpGw1DZysRNU?si=RZ23p5JfQiaEsqIXb3lC5Q<h2 class="has-text-align-center">Alex Vaughn</h2>Prince George’s County native Alex Vaughn, has released The Hurtbook (Homegirl Pack), the second installment of The Hurtbook EP. Within the 11-track project, Vaughn sings about self-love and taps Summer Walker, Ari Lennox and Muni Long to bring home the message. Vaughn has been an opening act for Ari Lennox's "Age/Sex/Location" tour since January. Outside of her own projects, Vaughn has lended her vocals to projects by Wale, IDK and 6LACK.https://music.apple.com/us/album/the-hurtbook-homegirl-pack/1676681781<h2 class="has-text-align-center">EST Gee</h2>Louisville native, EST Gee hopes his sophomore project, MAD, will leave listeners happy. With 19-tracks, Gee maintains his gritty flow while warning his opps and boasting his successes. Boosie Badazz (HOTBOYS), Young Scooter (SLAM DUNK) and Kada (KADAS SONG) make appearances. While Gee has released several mixtapes, MAD is his second studio album since I Never Felt Nun.https://music.apple.com/us/album/mad/1676724939<h2 class="has-text-align-center has-hot-yellow-100-color has-text-color has-background" id="h-singles" style="background-color:#090000;text-transform:uppercase">SINGLES</h2>Usherhttps://music.apple.com/us/album/glu/1675122463?i=1675122464Hit-Boy & The Alchemisthttps://music.apple.com/us/album/slipping-into-darkness/1676745820?i=1676745825Deante' Hitchcockhttps://music.apple.com/us/album/drunk-af/1675132768?i=1675133009Money Man & Babyface Rayhttps://music.apple.com/us/album/drums/1677043033?i=1677043306K.Michellehttps://music.apple.com/us/album/you/1675445193?i=1675445194

New Music Friday: T-Pain, Alex Vaughn, EST Gee, Hit Boy & The Alchemist

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On Friday (March 10), Memphis music label, <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fbreadgangthebrand%2F%3Fhl%3Den&data=05%7C01%7Cniani.patterson%40hot97.com%7Cea97d926fd874f9f930f08db21750202%7C5f3194f942424eec961e424d543ec9e0%7C0%7C0%7C638140558673710435%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=OiP8pQSfbiX57EINSTvGaxiWhmpjLJwJKA5fQ5L212o%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bread Gang</a> dropped a new video called "Shot Off Gumbo" with new signee YTB Fatt featuring <a href="https://www.hot97.com/hot-news/moneybagg-yo-apologizes-for-making-comments-about-not-wanting-pandemic-to-end">Moneybagg Yo</a> and Fat Wizza. https://www.instagram.com/p/Cplz5I5oIsF/?hl=enYTB Fatt recently celebrated his official signing with the label at Mau Miami. The private event had over 80 attendees including friends, family, and social media influencers. During the dinner, Fatt was gifted with two lavish diamond chains and a Goyard bag filled with cash. He has since dropped a number of records, stamping his place within the Bread Gang Entertainment family.Founded in 2015, Bread Gang is a label founded by rapper and entertainer Moneybagg Yo. The roster includes Tripstar, Big Homiie G, Finesse2Tymes, Big30 as well as four producers. As the newest signee, Fatt joins the label already having millions of stream downloads and a solid fan base.Check out the new video below:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2RxB6wpXxiU

Moneybagg Yo Drops New Video 'Shot Off Gumbo' With Latest Signee, YTB Fatt

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<h4 id="h-this-is-the-first-single-from-lucas-forthcoming-album-not-now-i-m-busy">This is the first single from Lucas' forthcoming album, Not Now, I’m Busy.</h4>On Friday (March 10), two-time, Grammy-nominated artist and entrepreneur <a href="https://www.hot97.com/hot-news/thoughts-joyner-lucas-sparks-debate-w-im-not-racist-visual-video">Joyner Lucas</a> unveiled his new single “Devil’s Work Part 2”. The single serves as the first release from his upcoming album, Not Now, I’m Busy.In “Devil’s Work Part 2,” Joyner reimagines a world where he can reverse celebrity deaths, eliminate social justice issues, and overturn pop culture tragedies. https://www.instagram.com/p/CpncIPtAJ_4/He raps about changing the course of time and stopping <a href="https://www.hot97.com/hot-news/will-smith-says-theres-never-been-infidelity-in-his-marriage-with-jada-pinkett-smith">Will Smith</a> from slapping <a href="https://www.hot97.com/hot-news/tony-rock-says-will-smith-chris-rock-had-a-genuwine-friendship-before-oscar-slap">Chris Rock</a>, preventing <a href="https://www.hot97.com/hot-news/mamba-forever-kobe-bryants-sister-gets-a-tattoo-in-honor-of-kobe-and-gianna-bryant">Kobe Bryant</a> from taking a helicopter, and eradicating the vape cartridges from <a href="https://www.hot97.com/hot-news/brittney-griner-sentenced-to-nine-years-in-russian-prison">Brittney Grine</a>r’s bag before her trip to Russia. He also delivers lyrics about overturning <a href="https://www.hot97.com/hot-highlights/how-pop-smoke-created-a-new-wave-in-hip-hop-bridged-the-gap-for-drill">Pop Smoke</a> and PnB Rock’s deaths while keeping Tekashi 69 locked up in prison.At one point, Joyner takes aim at political pundit Candace Owens’ comments around the cause of George Floyd’s death, rhyming that “maybe they should trade places so she can see how it feels”in this reimagined scenario where Joyner envisions that Owens has a knee on her neck.“Devil’s Work Part 2” serves as a sequel to the New England native’s song <a href="https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3D_WrMzFlLk7Q&data=05%7C01%7CNiani.Patterson%40hot97.com%7Ce0ca859a1bdc450ff2f608db23fd8b8f%7C5f3194f942424eec961e424d543ec9e0%7C0%7C0%7C638143344132441588%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=BBXUexIp24n8B4ugqAS3XoTkeLaj%2Faj8rXQa%2BFlL1ug%3D&reserved=0">“Devil’s Work”</a>, which appeared on his acclaimed album, ADHD¸ in 2020. The original “Devil’s Work” took listeners on a journey through Joyner’s thoughts as he reflected on the deaths of Tupac, <a href="https://www.hot97.com/spotlight/life-after-death-remembering-the-legacy-of-the-notorious-b-i-g">The Notorious B.I.G</a>., XXXTentacion, Nipsey Hussle, Trayvon Martin and others, while asking God to bring them back in exchange for lives of George Zimmerman, Donald Trump, Martin Shkreli, Tomi Lahren and many others.https://open.spotify.com/track/17NiQhpGEQZUlTBqRKeKve?si=7c60d9b5d64c49de

Joyner Lucas Drops Thought-Provoking Single + Video,“Devil’s Work Part 2”

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Jim Jones is back with a new EP.The Harlem legend teamed up with Hitmaka, who produced the project, Back In My Prime. Earlier this week, they had an exclusive private event with industry executives and media personal at NYC's Brooklyn Chophouse. Our Vice President of Artist and label relations, TT Torrez, was in the building—as well as our DJs, Drewski, Juanyto, and Pretty Lou. The spot was packed with hip hop legends like Lil Cease, Fabolous, Maino, and some of the hottest new artists, Dyce Payso, Neek Bucks and Capella Grey.Take a look at photos: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cpl76Q5tOmb/https://www.instagram.com/p/CplF9aeu_pf/https://www.instagram.com/p/CplYqwcvEPM/Jimmy said fans would see a different side of him on this EP, and he got more personal about his emotions. He also said many of the songs are dedicated to his better half, Chrissy. Per the press release: Released through EMPIRE, Harlem hero Jim Jones teams up with producer HitMaka for their EP Back In My Prime. The eight-track project displays Jim’s ability to adapt his sounds to the ever-changing times in hip-hop culture. The stand-out singles “Gunshot” featuring BEAM and “I Am” featuring Stefflon Don prove their musical chemistry. “YKTV” featuring Ty Dolla $ign shows Jim rapping in a graceful manner. He opens the song with lines reflective of his failures leading to success. He raps, “I’m trying to leave my son a legacy, for my dogs I’m trying to leave a better pedigree… So many nights I slept in a crack den, I done took a bunch of L’s trying to stack M’s”. Jim’s mature cadence compliments his signature fly talk where he talks of having his lover covered in “furs dragging like a broken exhaust” and flooded with jewelry on her neck. Back In My Prime is what happens if Harlem: Diary of A Summer was a wine aged by eighteen years. The beats are smoother and the maturation of Jim’s storytelling and cadences packs a stronger punch than his 2005 run in music. Rather than what the title of the EP implies, Jim is entering into a new prime at this point of his career.Take a listen:https://music.apple.com/us/album/back-in-my-prime/1674064605TRACKLIST:<ol><li>“Gunshot” feat. BEAM</li><li>“FU Better” feat. Jeremiah</li><li>“Bet It All” featuring Benny the Butcher and Trav </li><li>“YKTV” feat. Ty Dolla $ign</li><li>“First Plug” feat. Pleasure P</li><li>“Let It Go” feat. Tink & Ball Greezy</li><li>“Status Update”</li><li>“I Am” feat. Stefflon Don</li></ol>

Jim Jones & Hitmaka Take Over NYC Restaurant For ‘Back In My Prime’ EP

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HOT 97 is a platform that strives for inclusivity and diversity. In this music column, some of the best <a href="https://www.hot97.com/hot-playlists/international-picks-of-the-week-ayra-starr-kes-tayc-pheelz-more" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">international musicians</a> that are impacting listeners here in the U.S will be highlighted each week.J-Hope feat. J. Cole - "On The Street"BTS member J-Hope has collaborated with J. Cole for his new single "On The Street." This song expresses gratitude towards the fans who helped make the K-pop star who he is now. “Even my walk was made of your love and your faith,” he says to his fans. J. Cole then comes in during the second verse as he looks back with appreciation on his journey: “All hail the mighty survivor of hell…/ Fought tooth and a nail/ Just to prevail mongst it’s ruthless.”One of the best parts of the song is the catchy whistle hook and according to a press release, the whistling was provided by J-Hope himself. In the music videos, both rappers are seen hanging out in the subway and streets of New York City. J-Hope has always shared his admiration for his favorite rapper J. Cole.https://youtu.be/r6WbbU_lLCALibianca feat. Ayra Starr and Omah Lay - "People"For the remix of her breakout single "People," Cameroonian-American singer Libianca teamed up with Nigerian singers Ayra Starr and Omah Lay. The original, which was inspired by her mood disorder cyclothymia, first became viral on TikTok and peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart. “I’ve been drinking more alcohol for the past five days. Did you check on me, Now, did you look for me? I walked in the room, eyes are red and I don’t smoke banga. Did you check on me Now, did you notice me,” she sings.In a <a href="https://www.bellanaija.com/2023/03/libianca-talks-about-her-music/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">recent interview</a>, Libianca opened up about how she didn’t expect the outpouring of her personal emotions to become a global hit. “I was going through a lot during Thanksgiving week and felt so unseen. Nobody noticed what was going on," the 2021 "The Voice" contestant said. "I remembered thinking, I have to stay consistent with my content on social media, so I can’t afford to sit around in my emotions right now. So I walked past my room to the studio, found a beat and recorded it.”https://music.apple.com/us/album/people-feat-ayra-starr-omah-lay-single/1674043689Vybz Kartel feat. Masicka - "Shootaz"Dancehall artists Vybz Kartel and Masicka are back with another collaboration since their 2017 hit "Infrared." Their new single "Shootaz," produced by Adidjahiem Records, is the typical "badman" anthem. Both artists manage to seamlessly introduce a number of various flows. This collaboration came at pivotal points in both these Jamaican natives' lives. Masicka, originally an independent artist, was recently signed to Def Jam Recordings. Meanwhile, Vybz Kartel, while still being a consistent artist behind bars, encountered a major hiccup during his quest for freedom. An application to introduce fresh evidence to overturn his murder conviction was denied.https://youtu.be/tkVXK93gw0ELojay - GANGSTER ROMANTICNigerian singer Lojay has finally released his highly anticipated EP GANGSTER ROMANTIC. The seven-track includes hit songs "MOTO," "LEADER!" and "CANADA" featuring DJ Maphorisa, Herc Cut The Lights and Kabza De Small. This project as a whole has influences of Afrobeats, amapiano, and R&B.“For one, [GANGSTER ROMANTIC] was just an expression of a lot of negative emotions from past relationships,” Lojay told Apple Music. “The album is very brutal, honest, raw and rough. It gives off this gangster vibe, but is still a very romantic project.”https://music.apple.com/us/album/gangster-romantic/1662531615Look out for more each week. What are your thoughts so far?

International Picks Of The Week: J-Hope, Libianca, Vybz Kartel, Lojay, & More

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This week's New Music Friday includes projects from Kali Uchis, Masego, Macklemore and the new Creed III soundtrack released by Dreamville/Interscope Records.<h2 class="has-text-align-center">Creed III Soundtrack</h2><img src="https://images.ctfassets.net/bjeljlcmmjko/5GBr4Yo6hZgThApYZSAzjX/a59ba5a3bf52ebb591184ec054f329a2/Creed-3.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-96122"/>Today marks the release of the highly anticipated, Creed III. J.Cole's label, <a href="https://www.hot97.com/hot-news/j-coles-dreamville-expands-with-multimedia-devision-dreamville-ventures">Dreamville Records</a>, provided the soundtrack for the latest installment of the boxing blockbuster. The 18-track album features Dreamville signees but receives support from Kehlani, SiR, Blxst, and Arya Starr to name a few. Dreamville Records teased fans with "Ma Boy" in February which features J.I.D and Lute but kept the album under wraps. The label shared in a press release, "Dreamville/Interscope Records worked closely with the franchise’s producers MGM, Proximity and Outlier to create a musical experience that fit not just the film’s needs but one that will be celebrated as its own piece of art."https://music.apple.com/us/album/creed-iii-the-soundtrack/1674976186<h2 class="has-text-align-center" id="h-kali-uchis">Kali Uchis</h2>R&B songbird, <a href="https://www.hot97.com/hot-news/kali-uchis-on-her-journey-tyler-the-creator-the-n-word-video">Kali Uchis </a>has released her third studio album, Red Moon in Venus. The 43-minute album is a dreamy listening experience with appearances from Summer Walker, Don Toliver and Omar Apollo. It's been two years since we received a full length project from Uchis. Similar to her previous Grammy-nominated album, Sin Miedo, Uchis brings bilingual lyricism over hypnotic R&B beats. <img src="https://images.ctfassets.net/bjeljlcmmjko/47Yqv8jQzdMIM8i68p3nYW/4460798b2332e75ad2b6ae915e0a6b75/kali-uchis-new-album-1024x683.webp" alt="Kali Uchis" class="wp-image-96123"/>https://music.apple.com/us/album/red-moon-in-venus/1665311474<h2 class="has-text-align-center">Masego</h2><img src="https:undefined" alt="Masego performs with rapper GoldLink at Coachella" class="wp-image-10332"/>Trap-house jazz musician, <a href="https://www.hot97.com/hot-news/masego-announces-his-debut-album-is-officially-coming-shares-tracklist">Masego</a> has released his second studio album, Masego. It's been five years since he dropped his critically-acclaimed debut album, Lady, Lady. In between that time, Masego released a slew of singles including viral hit, "Yamz". During the pandemic he offered fans international escapism with his 2020 EP Studying Abroad. His latest self-titled project follows his flirtatious player attitude while fusing jazz and R&B. The album has no featured guests, a testament to his growth and confidence as a multi-instrumentalist.https://music.apple.com/us/album/masego/1674970698<h2 class="has-text-align-center">Macklemore</h2>Seattle's very own, <a href="https://www.hot97.com/on-air/mackemore-gets-real-on-relapse-parenting-dj-premier-getting-robbed-new-project">Macklemore</a> is back with a new solo project, Ben. The album name, a play on his birth name Benjamin, has eleven featured guests including DJ Premier, NLE Choppa, and Morray. Ahead of the release, Macklemore <a href="https://uproxx.com/music/macklemore-relapse-inspired-new-album/">shared </a>with Kelly Clarkson that Ben was influenced by his relapse with alcohol addiction during the pandemic. The opening track, "CHANT", offers a strong rebound after being in a dark place, "They told me that I'm gone/ I told em' don't panic." Macklemore closes the album with "TAIL LIGHTS", a track expressing that his "compass is broken" but he's still trying to find the right path.<img src="https://images.ctfassets.net/bjeljlcmmjko/6i64eLOXnjyvwNHqR4S6Gk/5668a31e99046697c904bdea67f04293/macklemore-1024x576.jpg" alt="Macklemore on Ebro in the Morning" class="wp-image-96101"/>https://music.apple.com/us/album/ben/1652882956

New Music Friday: Kali Uchis, Masego, Macklemore, Dreamville

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For this week's New Music Friday, Don Toliver, Logic, Key Glock and Tink have released new albums. While the princess of jersey club, Cookie Kawaii, released a new bop for the "pretty girls."<h2 class="has-text-align-center" id="h-don-toliver">Don Toliver</h2><img src="https://images.ctfassets.net/bjeljlcmmjko/2RzVDtNOMDELi6iuTjAh71/0853263c6b0aec6dcb78dd4e57607304/GettyImages-1389424304-683x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-95786" width="159" height="238"/><figcaption> (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for The Recording Academy)</figcaption>Houston's Don Toliver is back with his third studio album, Love Sick. The 16-track album features several guest appearances including Lil Durk, GloRilla, Justin Bieber, Future, Charlie Wilson, Wizkid and more. As part of the album's promotion, the Cactus Jack artist released a short film with Amazon Music. The film heavily leans into the 1970s-mobster-disco archetype as the central theme. Toliver also dropped mini episodes on his Instagram page where each episode reflects a track name. https://music.apple.com/us/album/love-sick/1674022160<h2 class="has-text-align-center">Logic</h2>Logic has released his ninth studio album, College Park. Throughout the 17-track album Logic raps about what life what have been if he succumbed to the street life, fatherhood, battles with anxiety, and therapy. The album stylistically gives off old school vibes. He taps industry vets such as RZA, Redman, Norah Jonas, Statik Selektah to bring his vision to life. He pays homage to Ol’ Dirty Bastard and J.Dilla with “Shimmy” and "Village Slum." He ends the album with an eight-minute long track, "Lightyear", an ode to an optimistic future. <img src="https://images.ctfassets.net/bjeljlcmmjko/5CIcikjmcpvKoONQfe3Lbu/1bae51c1e4f4aca4b201ba6b26f9b225/logic-college-park-1024x1024.webp" alt="Logic College Park" class="wp-image-95794"/>https://music.apple.com/us/album/college-park/1663537099<h2 class="has-text-align-center">Key Glock</h2><img src="https://images.ctfassets.net/bjeljlcmmjko/4XJ4AFoPm0NvHdem24JSf0/86d8ff38cc38070b2c05d71915c0f3c2/GettyImages-1427117526-1024x703.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-95798"/><figcaption> (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images)</figcaption>Key Glock has released, Glockoma. Similar to it's predecessor, Yellow Tape 2 the album has no featured artists. What also remains consistent is the South Memphis slick talk over trap-heavy beats (Tay Keith, Bandplay and HitKidd among others). Key Glock raps about the joys of making money and the pain of missing his late cousin and mentor Young Dolph.https://music.apple.com/us/album/glockoma-2/1672143058<h2 class="has-text-align-center">Tink</h2>Chicago native, Tink, sings about strength and independence on new album, Thanks 4 Nothing. "Thank you for the disappointment, thank you for the betrayal, the lies, the deceit," she sings in the intro. The 14-track album includes guest appearances from Yung Bleu and Ty Dolla $ign. The albums production comes courtesy of Hitmaka. <img src="https://images.ctfassets.net/bjeljlcmmjko/5LPrgQD6Kocm4ngSQeJchm/2326481399a01b440b48dda824042838/Tink-Thanks-4-Nothing-Art-scaled-1-1024x1024.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-95801"/>https://music.apple.com/us/album/thanks-4-nothing/1668883522<h2 class="has-text-align-center">Cookiee Kawaii</h2>The princess of Jersey Club, Cookiee Kawaii has released a new bop, "Pretty Girl". The two minute track is for all the pretty girls, the singer noted on her Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/cookieekawaii/status/1629005923925561344">page</a>. Cookiee Kawaii become an international sensation with her 2020 viral song, "Vibe (Back It Up)". Her music is known for it's high energy, bass knocking beats that seamlessly blends R&B, House and hip hop. https://music.apple.com/us/album/pretty-girl-single/1666408849

New Music Friday: Don Toliver, Logic, Key Glock, Tink + Cookiee Kawaii

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Canarsie's very own OnPointLikeOP continues to make his stamp on the New York drill scene. This time around he's teamed up Dusty Locane to create their latest single "Stay Dangerous."“Stay Dangerous” is the first single of OnPointLikeOP's upcoming project, My Brother's Keeper. The track has all the ingredients that make a drill song unforgettable - gritty tones, heavy ad-libs, and story-telling. On the track, OP and Dusty have juxtaposed verses, blending their unique musical styles.https://www.instagram.com/p/CoVTEtANgTg/Amid a string of recent singles, OP continues to be consistent as this will be his first solo project. He is cementing himself as a force in New York drill, already known for his influence behind the scene for years. 'My Brothers Keeper' will feature heavy hitters such as Dusty Locane, Jim Jones, Bobby Shmurda, and many more. OP is breaking out as a solo artist who has been influencing the drill music scene for a long time. Recently he was featured on the Christmas album, 'VL: 12 Days of Xmas' with the legendary Jim Jones. With his unique tone and distinct ad-libs, OP brings something different to the New York music scene. The Empire signee is becoming one of the artists to watch in 2023.OP caught the attention of many with his music quickly gaining traction across SoundCloud, YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Music. The Empire signee and his friends Ron Suno, Dusty Locane, and Rah Swish dropped the first Drill EP 'Say Dat,' showing unity among New York rappers. He currently has over 6 million streams and 10 Million views on YouTube.Listen to 'Stay Dangerous' below:https://music.apple.com/us/album/stay-dangerous-single/1666683109

Brooklyn's OnPointLikeOP & Dusty Locane Join Forces For 'Stay Dangerous'

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Maeta turned New York City's Museum Of Sex into a lit R&B jam. Roc Nation held an intimate listening session for Maeta's seductive new single, "S(EX)." The event was packed with specialty D'ussè drinks, exotic dancers, and Maeta fans. Guests got the opportunity to hear Maeta showcase her angelic, sensual vocals. She sang her new single, previewed upcoming music, and blessed the people with her classic 2021 hit, "Bitch Don't Be Mad." https://twitter.com/lorealluchi1/status/1625497811436589058?s=46&t=JHJ9rVyF2VSTfmBJF_uP3g"S(EX)" is co-written by Kehlani and Ant Clemons and produced by OG Parker, g.ry, and Mesio Music. It also samples Floetry's classic 2003 banger, "Say Yes."The single arrives just in time for lover's day, and it might have you calling your favorite ex-lover. Maeta sings about wondering why things ended with her ex but wanting to give it a try for "old times." A notable lyric is when she sings,"All in my conscience, thoughts andAm I thinking about us too much whenYou be callingAnd I'm stalling'Cause there's skeleton's in my closetDead that it's a coffinWe on petty sh*t way too oftenAnd that's just how you rockingAnd all that probably led us to the sex."Take a listen:https://music.apple.com/us/album/s-ex/1668243362?i=1668243448Maeta announced a new project is underway. It'll feature heavyweights like Pharrell Williams, Lucky Daye, and <a href="https://ratedrnb.com/2023/02/maeta-releases-steamy-new-song-sex/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The-Dream</a>. The title or date hasn't been released yet. It'll be a follow-up to her 2021 EP, Habits. https://twitter.com/maetasworld/status/1623855315459637248?s=46&t=EkKe6JnGoHk9ONAf-HShrgLet us know your thoughts on "S(EX)."