It might be too early in the year to declare this, but this week’s New Music Friday might very well be among 2023’s most stacked. Lil Wayne, Bas, Gorillaz, The Weeknd, Don Toliver, Bas — you’d think we’re listing off a fantasy dream team, but those are just some of the artists that dropped this weekend.
Check out our favorite new releases from February’s closing weekend below:
New Music Friday – February 24, 2023
“Kant Nobody” – Lil Wayne feat. DMX & Swizz Beats
The rollout for Tha Carter IV has begun, and our first glimpse of it is … well, let’s just say we’re already itching for more. This comes a year after the release of Exodus, DMX’s final studio album that was released posthumously. On it, Lil Wayne and Swizz Beats were featured artists on the song “Dogs Out.” The trio is back on a track together, though this time with the spirit DMZ punctuating the track. “All I need is a beat with a DMZ sample,” raps Weezy as the late legend screams his trademark “What” percussively between the bars. No more spoilers — you’ll just have to listen yourself.
“One of Those Days” – Zack Bia feat. Lil Yachty & 347aidan
It’s better we get used to Lil Yachty’s absence from traditional hip-hop sooner rather than later. On DJ and producer Zach Bia’s latest single, the Georgian shapeshifter teams up with Canadian rapper 347aiden on a track reminiscent of pop-punk angst, but with a glimmer of positivity. Yet, just like Yachty’s most recent album, it still has some elements of hip-hop, which suggests that he’s not trying to fully distance himself from the craft that gave him his start either. Today, we’re witnessing multiple genres fusing into one another, and this is a rare instance of its seamless execution.
“Blood, Sweat & Tears” – Bas & Black Sherif feat. Kel-P
Dreamville’s newest release is part of a campaign to bolster the upcoming boxing film, Creed III. The title’s a dead giveaway because this joint is exactly the kind of motivation you need before stepping into the ring. You could either work out to it or dance, but this crossover between Bas, Black Sherif and Kel-P is practically guaranteed to get your blood flowing and body moving. If you insist on sitting this one out, it’ll at the very least elevate your spirit.
“Okay” – Atmosphere
Released as a four-piece package with one previously-released song, “Okay” was released alongside the announcement of Atmosphere’s 13th studio record. The Minnesota duo will drop So Many other Realities Exist Simultaneously on May 5, moving further away from their emo rap days and deeper into the era they refer to as “dad rap.” Yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like, but if you have any doubts, listen to the new single and you’ll have no questions left. It’s wholesome, it’s comforting, it’s classic Atmosphere.
“Die For You (Remix)” – The Weeknd feat. Ariana Grande
This one’s a little overwhelming, but hey, we aren’t complaining. It’s just a lot to take in when the Weeknd and Ariana Grande, two of the biggest stars of the modern era, trade vocal duties on a track that’s already a colossal hit. But that’s show business baby! Of all the great stuff we’ve picked out this New Music Friday, this one is the easiest to sell because … it just kind of sells itself!
Cracker Island – Gorillaz
The Gorillaz Cinematic Universe has entered yet another phase. The virtual group formed by multifaceted musician Damon Albarn and cartoonist Jamie Hewlett in 1998 has gone through several changes in its cartoon lineup as well as its sound, but it’s never been boring this whole time. Cracker Island keeps its spark alive with a diverse lineup of features, compact tracklist, and colorful yet dark themes. Stay tuned for Respect My Region’s review of the new album!
College Park – Logic
Logic has endured a lot of undue hate over the years, yet he somehow manages to land the deepest features. There’s one simple explanation for this: he’s a student-turned-master of the culture, and hip-hop practitioners recognize that. He loves rap and everything surrounding it, and we at Respect My Region endorse that. From RZA to Seth McFarlane to Norah Jones, College Park has it all and then some. For the love of hip-hop, we’re always rooting for Bobby.
Love Sick – Don Toliver
We’d say this one is long overdue even though Don Toliver’s last full-length record dropped just a year and a half ago. Maybe he just needs to be around more, so we’re lucky that he’s at least attentive to our demands and back soon enough to adorn New Music Friday. His new 16-piece is ripe with collaborations, from GloRilla to Kali Uchis to Justin Bieber, and is projected to be among the most-played tracklists this week (and hopefully beyond).
Aftërlyfe – Yeat
Yeat’s been hot ever since his 2021 mixtape 2L broke through. Taking advantage of the raging fire surrounding his product, he’s made the wise decision to keep stoking it. He dropped his debut studio album that same year, and then followed it up with another the next. Just two months in and his quota for 2023 has already been fulfilled. The hype around Aftërlyfe is well-earned, and we can’t think of a valid reason for you to skip this rising star’s third album.
Glockoma 2 – Key Glock
Though Young Dolph is no longer with us, his protégé has done him proud and carried on his legacy. Over five years since his breakthrough mixtape, Glock Season, Memphis rapper Key Glock is cruising steadily on the highway of success and bringing glory to the Tennessee brand. Glockoma 2 us out, but check this — it has no features on any of its 15 tracks, which, by modern hip-hop standards, is a power move. That alone piqued our curiosity, so we just had to feature him this New Music Friday. The dude clearly believes in himself to the point where assists don’t seem the least bit important to him.
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