Cardi B, Offset, Clipse, And More Hip-Hop Releases

Cardi B – “Outside”

Cardi B accomplished a few things with her new single “Outside.”

She dropped her best record since 2021’s “Up,” delivered a summer bop amid people asking where the “songs of the summer are, gave women recovering from a heartbreak an anthem to get motivated by, and triggered the men who broke their hearts and may not want to see them happy.

“Outside” is petty, vengeful energy galore and the raps are just as good. For everyone ready to move on from Cardi and her elusive album, this may inspire some confidence that she can overcome the sophomore slump. Fellas, be careful this summer. – Armon Sadler

Offset Featuring JID – “Bodies”

Offset continues to improve as a solo artist. “Bodies,” which samples the 2001 record of the same by American rock band Drowning Pool, is an earth-shattering lyrical clinic.

The Atlanta rapper brought his hard-nosed, aggressive flow, which matches the 808s and drums, and fellow ATLien JID dropped one of his best guest verses ever.

There are often complaints about how sampling is executed, but Set and JID do such a good job making this song their own that it’s completely inoffensive to just loop the Drowning Pool bars as the hook.

This is the quintessential launchpad for Offset’s forthcoming third solo album. – AS

Clipse – “So Be It”

Clipse’s new single “So Be It” is a triumphant return to form—sharp, stylish, and unapologetically elite.

Pusha T sounds as focused as ever, declaring, “Sixteen thousand square / Eight million up there, two million down here,” while casually flexing the cold confidence fans have come to expect.

Malice delivers with cryptic flair, rapping, “Ain’t no more Neptunes, so P Saturn,” a line that echoes the duo’s evolution. Pharrell’s production is masterful—strings and Arabian flourishes swirl into a backdrop that feels celebratory and menacing all at once.

With shots fired (Travis Scott included) and elite bars throughout, “So Be It” adds even more anticipation to Let God Sort Em Out, one of 2025’s most awaited albums.

Clipse haven’t missed a step—they’ve just been sharpening the blade – Preezy Brown

Central Cee, Sexyy Red – “Guilt Trippin”

Central Cee beat the “He can only rap on drill beats” allegations once again on “Guilt Trippin.” The island-infused track samples Akon’s “Sweetest Girl,” and slightly matches the 2000s hits message.

It also presents a nice contrast with the presence of Sexyy Red, as the two utilize commonly negative labels endearingly with their partners.

Once again, we have another record sneaking into the “songs of the summer” conversation and a nice way to heat up Sexyy Red after she’s been chilling for some time.

Most of all, Cench jumps back into the conversation just five months after releasing his debut album, Can’t Rush Greatness. He isn’t rushing, but he isn’t letting too much time pass either. – AS

Anycia, Quavo – “Put Up”

Anycia and Quavo’s “Put Up” is a fine release. Even in 2025, you can’t go wrong with Huncho on a hook.

Anycia’s endearingly raspy whisper does what it does best on this track, to the point where it would’ve been nice if the song was a bit longer.

Once you get into the two-minute, 17-second song, it’s over. Nonetheless, beggars can’t be choosers; she talks slick and Quavo capitalizes on a woman leaving her ex.

“Put Up” has all of the elements that the current Hip-Hop landscape enjoys: toxicity, luxury, and a hard beat. What else can you ask for? – AS

Lola Brooke – “Bon Appétit”

Lola Brooke turns up the heat with her latest release, “Bon Appétit,” a fiery follow-up to her recent one-offs “Disgusted” and “You The One.”

Unveiled during her headlining set at Maryland Pride, the Brooklyn starlet officially drops the track on streaming platforms, calling it a moment of personal release. “I’ve been keeping a lot inside, so think of this as me just letting it all out and dropping what I want whenever I want.”

Over an up-tempo instrumental, Brooke delivers raw, unfiltered one-liners like “I ain’t no crash-out dummy, but I might crash out,” laced with her signature edge and a devilish laugh.

She drives the point home with a mission statement: “I’m here to feed the streets, Bon Appétit.” Bold and brash, this track adds another banger to her growing catalog. – PB

Che Noir – ‘The Color Chocolate 2’

Che Noir’s The Color Chocolate 2 is a rich, introspective continuation of her artistic evolution, following the critically praised The Lotus Child and Seeds In Babylon.

With her pen sharper than ever, she spares no punches on tracks like “Painting Class,” lacing vivid bars over frosty production: “Hunger pains, I was starving for food/ On this road to riches, y’all drove, I had to walk the commute.”

Noir paints raw portraits of survival and sorrow, especially on “Buy vs Sell” and “Stories,” which unflinchingly tackle addiction, grief, and resilience.

Standout collaborations with Elzhi (“Who’s the Greatest”), 7xvethegenius (“Show & Tell”), and Son Little on the soulful “New Beginning” deepen the album’s emotional core.

The Color Chocolate 2 isn’t just worthy of a listen—it’s another undeniable testament to Che Noir’s lyrical mastery and her place among hip-hop’s most compelling storytellers – PB

Wale – “Where To Start”

One thing about Wale, he always knows the exact vibe that summertime needs. “Where To Start” is a bouncy record with love oozing through each lyric and chord.

The D.C. mastermind delivers four (!!!) verses over an SWV “I’m So Into You” sample, covering the reality of caring about someone: being impatient, not seeing yourself the way they see you, not wanting to come on too strong, but ultimately bearing your soul.

With the recent conversations about his legacy, this is a statement record and strong momentum heading into his eighth studio album.

Make all the jokes you want, but he may have added yet another timeless record to his already lengthy resume. – AS

Dave East, Young Chris – ‘Fine Dining’

Fine Dining, the new collab tape from Harlem’s Dave East and Philly’s own Young Chris, is a sharp, no-frills offering that stands tall among the week’s strongest drops.

The chemistry is real—evident from the jump on “Pablo & Gunner,” where the duo trades bars over gritty production, saluting Nipsey Hussle and fallen soldiers.

With minimal skips across its eight-track run, the project lets both artists shine solo (“Ain’t Adding Up,” “We Won’t Stop”) while boasting strong features from Cruch Calhoun, Ransom, and ElCamino.

It’s especially refreshing to hear Young Chris in fine form again, reminding heads of his lyrical pedigree. Fine Dining proves that sharp bars and street poetry still have a home—and East and Chris serve it up with style – PB

Rob49 Featuring G Herbo – “WTHelly (Remix)

Lettuce, Styles P – “Better Than Money”

Teddy Swims Featuring BigXThaPlug – “All Gas No Brakes”

Bas & The Hics – ‘Melanchronica’

YTB Fatt – ‘Da Foxprint’

X-Raided, Tech N9ne – “Damnation”

PlaqueBoyMax – ‘Five Forever (Deluxe)’

Allstar JR – “Ball”

Pluto – ‘BOTH WAYS’

Lil Double 0, LUCKI – “Ace V2”

Kenny Muney – ‘Kenjamin Franklin’

Hurricane Wisdom – “Woosah”

FBLManny – ‘Airplane Mode’