The Summer’s at its very peak and our job is to stir the pan every Hot Music Friday. This week, we’re bringing a party as well as a kickback straight to you in the form of a curated list of music, so all you have to do is switch gears and get ready to have a good time.
With fresh picks from the United States and beyond, check out these fire new joints by Stormzy, E-40, Ciara and many more!
Hot Music Friday – August 11, 2023
“Angel in the Marble”– Stormzy
To open this week’s Hot Music Friday, we bring you the finest from across the pond. Stormzy has been at the top of UK’s hip-hop scene for a minute and seems like he’s going nowhere anytime soon.
“The Bay” – E-40 & Turf Talk
No one reps the California Bay Area better than hyphy pioneer E-40. With Turf Talk assisting him on this absolute banger, the 55-year-old rap veteran proves that he hasn’t lost any steam in his 30-plus year career.
“How We Roll” – Ciara & Chris Brown
It’s time to switch up the mood of the party real quick with this smooth and silky joint from two of R&B’s most prized singers. On this new collaboration, Ciara and Chris Brown prove why they’re still placed beside the best in the game.
“Dimma (Last Chance U)” – Asher Roth
This is what we were referring to by kickback. In case you ever missed out on the introspective side of Asher Roth, here’s a quick sample. Though we love to turn it up on Hot Music Friday, we value a stony approach to creativity just as much — “Dimma (Last Chance U)”is a prime example of that.
“Jericho” – Iniko
Dim the lights for this one and close your eyes. Iniko has the unique make listeners smile and swerve involuntarily, so might as well take advantage of someone who has that power over us. It’s a beautiful feeling.
“how u feel?” – Destroy Lonely
A prototype of distortion rap, Destroy Lonely has been on a steady rise since he signed to Playboi Carti’s Opium label. We had to feature his latest single this Hot Music Friday because he is on fire right now. Join the club now so you can tell everyone “I told you so” in a few years.
“Just 4 Me” – JBEE
Let’s take it back to the UK one last time before closing out. JBEE surfs over a laid-back beat on “Just 4 Me,” giving us yet another reason to start paying more attention to rap and hip-hop from his region. We’ll be the first ones to admit that it has been slept on for too long.
Prestige – Girl Ray
Let’s call it a day with our weekly curve ball. Though we kept it strictly R&B and hip-hop this Hot Music Friday, our finisher for the weekend is English trio Girl Ray’s funky new album. We don’t know your preferred way to have a good time, but here’s a fun dance record that’s sure to work anywhere and for everyone.
