New Music Friday: Top Releases You Need on Your Weekend Playlist

The workweek dust has settled, and it’s time to escape into the world of music. This New Music Friday delivers the perfect soundtrack for unwinding, recharging, and setting the mood for the weekend ahead. This week’s drop is packed with everything from infectious beats to heartfelt lyrics, guaranteeing a soundtrack for every mood. Get ready to update your playlists with these must-hear releases, perfect for kicking off your weekend on a high note.

Teni — Money

For her first single of the year, Teni teased “Money” a week ago, sporting a cowboy hat and coat on her social media pages. With a stripped-down, intimate, and emotionally raw delivery, Teni expresses her desire for “all the money in the world” and a taste of the good life. During the rollout, Teni declared that this year is about “getting the bank” and that she should be “met at Money Boulevard.” Considering her profession, this could hint at a slew of singles waiting to drop—or even an album. Whatever the case may be, Teni kicks off her music year with solid momentum, releasing the new single alongside its visuals.

Magixx — Winter & Summer

On January 12th, Magixx kicked off the new year teasing “Winter & Summer,” sporting a new, rockstar-like hairstyle while appearing somewhat desolate, holding a bottle of liquor that evokes memories and confessions. Magixx’s delivery on “Winter & Summer” is exceptionally impressive—a creation of artistic freedom and innovation. In the slightly over three-minute song, it is quite poignant to learn Magixx is in this state due to a muse he has not spoken to in two years. He evokes strong emotions from listeners with his newest release, delivering a rendition with less heavy percussion, accompanied by the consistent strings of a guitar.

Qing Madi — Ali Bomaye

With great anticipation, we await Qing Madi’s debut album, “I Am The Blueprint,” which arrives exactly a week from now. Starting her rollout in late October last year, Qing Madi and her team have done an impressive job creating an engaging experience for fans, particularly this month. From opening the year with a captivating performance of the emotive “Goosebumps” on Colors to releasing weekly singles compiled into an EP, and finally revealing an album tracklist with no guest features, Qing Madi has kept her audience hooked. What makes Qing Madi’s artistry intriguing is her ability to share stories from every possible phase of a “lovecycle.” Unlike the chaotic “Favorite Psycho,” “Ali Bomaye” introduces a love-struck Qing Madi, referring to her muse as her “peace.” That’s progress for her—and we’re here for it.

Tml Vibez x Young Jonn x 4kerty — Paper

Still signed with Dapper Music, unlike his former label mates Seyi Vibez and Muyeez, Tml Vibez collaborates with Young Jonn and 4kerty on “Paper.” Since joining the Dapper family, with Seyi Vibez playing a pivotal role in his career, Tml Vibez continues to demonstrate why he is one of the preferred new street-hop artists, perhaps due to his ability to create a calm, groovy track like “Paper” while retaining elements of a street-hop song. Young Jonn, with his track record as a stellar collaborator, complements Tml Vibez’s delivery, resulting in an undeniably addictive track.

Olamide – Idan Buruku

“Idan Buruku” feels long overdue, considering Olamide has been teasing this gritty side of himself on tracks like “Synchro System” from Ikigai. Clearly, Olamide couldn’t keep his raw essence locked away forever. Out of nowhere, he surprises the industry with a little over a minute-long freestyle titled “Idan Buruku.”While he certainly doesn’t need to prove anything at this point in his career, moments like this serve as necessary reminders. On “Idan Buruku,” Olamide, with commanding confidence, reaffirms that he’s still got it and can unleash it at will: “Fuck that top 3 convo shii mosafejo, Always on my demon time jenja tebafegbo, Tobati de di rap iyalayin ema shu sabo, Lyrical Kim Jung-Un o ya werey ju maluuu, Eyin lokan mi wa timba gbo beat ma di evil, Devil mama tremble ama ki igbe eje Jesu, ‘Cause I’m really bloody with it, nobody on my level.”