If you’re a music lover (or you’ve been keeping up with music as of late) you are probably just about drowning in new music. You’re likely hyped about all these new releases and looking forward to upcoming events. Although the year is in its last quarter, music is far from it- as we can see with fresh jams, anticipated albums and looming shows from elite artists. I’ll be taking you through ten new releases from all the favorites, including Nicki Minaj, John Summit, and more.
“Last Time I Saw You”- Nicki Minaj
As the lead single for Nicki Minaj’s much-anticipated Pink Friday 2 album, “Last Time I Saw You” is being very well-received by audiences. Clearly leaning towards her classic pop sound that listeners love hearing, this new release gives fans what they want to hear in an emotional manner. Pink Friday 2 is set to release on November 17, 2023, and Nicki is set to start touring the first quarter of 2024.
Five years marks the longest break between albums in Minaj’s entire career thus far. Even so, she’s been far from inactive. Since debuting Queen in 2018, she’s been busy dropping countless hit singles. Such as “Super Freaky Girl” which debuted at #1 on the Billboard Top 100 becoming Nicki’s first solo single, lead single, and third single overall to reach this achievement. This will be her first album to include a #1 single and with this September 1 release, it’s the start of a new era for our modern-day Queen of Rap.
“Demons”- Doja Cat
While gaining a deal of controversy for its hellish undertones, Doja continues to build hype for her dark themed upcoming LP, Scarlet. “Demons” is the newest addition following the hit single, “Paint the Town Red,” which has quickly become one of social media’s faves. It’s already her most played song. In fact, she has already released multiple versions including a sped up, slowed, instrumental, and a non-explicit version.
You can listen to the different versions and the new release called Demons + Paint the Town Red, released as an EP. Said LP, Scarlet has a set release date for September 22, 2023. The Scarlet tour begins on Halloween 2023 (10/31) at the Chase Center in San Francisco and will include special guests Doechii and Ice Spice.
“Dying Star”- Ashnikko ft. Ethel Cain
One of the many new releases from Ashnikko is the breakout hit, “Dying Star” from their newly dropped album WEEDKILLER. To close out the album, her and Ethel Cain sing about yearning for somewhere soft to land. This song closes out an album that tells us a story through feminine rage in a dreamy post-apocalyptic world. It’s a surprisingly tender and beautiful finale to an album that talks us through all the emotions, as heard in the contrast between “Chokehold Cherry Python.”
Not only did this album add five songs to their top ten most played songs, but in addition to that she’s got an upcoming tour to commemorate it. The WEEDKILLER tour kicked off on September 10 in Austin, Texas at Stubb’s Waller Creek Amphitheater.
“Falling or Flying”- Jorja Smith
In the namesake single off of her highly anticipated album, “Falling or Flying,” Jorja shows off her beautifully unique tone in her usual genre-bending fashion. If gorgeous female vocals in experimental R&B is a genre favorite, you’ll want to give this a listen. Combining elements of funk, aged pop, and rock with her R&B influence, she produces yet another a genre-defiant sound. Additionally, she makes her directorial debut with the video for this track. Without a doubt, with this song she rolls out yet another magnetic single and stunning visuals that make listeners excited for Falling or Flying, out on Sept. 29, 2023. This will be her first full-length album released in five years.
That being said, our U.S. listeners are going to have to wait to see Jorja perform her new album live, as all of her album launch performances will be done overseas in the UK. See her album launch show dates by going to the menu on her official website here.
“Wicked Butterflies”- Coi Leray
“Wicked Butterflies” is one of the newest bangers from Coi’s new EP Blue Moon, released during the Blue Supermoon at the end of August. Definitely exclusive CL fashion, combining high energy rapping and singing in what was truly a satisfying listen. This was Coi’s pop-rap blend style EP that had lots of anticipation due to her blue dyed hair in preparation for its release and snippets posted to social media. This coupled with the striking visuals for its rollout and release of dedicated merchandise led to an EP that does not disappoint.
Coi will be touring in Australia and NZ until Oct. 6, where you can see her perform at Austin Music City Limits Festival on Saturday both weekends.
“Ice Slippin”- Omar Apollo
If you like a mixture of indie rock and ballad type R&B, then this is definitely the new release for you. In true Omar Apollo experimental R&B form, “Ice Slippin” is an important voyage into his experience as a queer POC coming out to his family. He wrote the touching piano ballad one winter while growing up after coming out to his family and getting an icy reaction. It’s the luring lead single for his upcoming EP Live for Me, expected October 6.
His next show is In London, on Sept. 20, and U.S. listeners can see him perform next at Life Is Beautiful Music and Art Festival in Las Vegas on Sept. 22.
“Take Me Away”- Trippie Redd
This is something emo trap/rap fans have been looking forward to since the last ALLTY tape (A Love Letter To You 4) came out in 2019. “Take Me Away” is an addictively melodic namesake track belonging to the new album. A Love Letter To You 5 is a refreshingly nostalgic body of work with his rock, R&B and punk influences greatly showcased in songs like “Last Days” and “Left 4 Dead.“
Due to his many Take Me Away tour cancellations and completely wiped clean slate Instagram page, it is unclear whether or not Trippie will still be touring, though there is one date it looks like he may still perform. It looks like the show for Oct. 4, in Inglewood, CA at the Kia Forum is still on.
“Rapper of the Year”- Luh Tyler
A breakout rapping sensation, at just 17 years old Luh Tyler has broken onto the scene with his trademark relaxed tempo and clever lyrics. His influences, like L.O.E. Shimmy and Wizz Havin, have helped shape his taste. This inspiration created the unique sound that his listeners have come to love through his debut album My Vision, which is also incredibly clear in ROTY. If you are a fan, you can catch him live on Moneybagg Yo’s Larger Than Life Tour. Next stop is in El Paso, TX on Sept. 22.
“Fade Out”- John Summit with MKLA
If you’re a fan of EDM, you’ll probably enjoy “Fade Out” with MKLA. This is the newest release from John Summit, a uniquely energetic, life of the party type EDM artist that’s taken the industry by storm. Smooth vocals from MKLA and Summit’s signature production create a sound that combines house music and psychedelic trance in what is truly a satisfying composition. He just performed with Dom Dolla on Sept. 9 in Seattle, WA at Gas Works Park. Next, he’ll be at Imagine Festival on Sept. 14.
“Burn the Playbook” DJ Muggs, Domo Genesis, and Evidence
A couple months after his Red Corolla release and his album with The Alchemist, No Idols, Domo Genesis is back with another fire collaboration. “Burn The Playbook” is one of the latest tracks from DJ Muggs new album, Soul Assassins 3: Death Valley, and the lyricism combined with the effortless mesh of their styles makes it quite the listen.
See Domo Genesis live this November at Camp Flog Gnaw Carnival on November 11 and 12.
