Quavo, Lil Baby, Lola Brooke, And More Hip-Hop

Quavo, Lil Baby – “Legends”

Quavo and Lil Baby linked up for their first collaboration in several years. “Legends” is their standard mid-tempo trap record, but this honestly feels more about the moment than the music. Now, a better song would have made it even grander.

Baby’s verse is fine, and Huncho delivered his occasional strong performance, but there’s something about the song that feels a bit empty. Nonetheless, it is nice to see bygones be bygones. If they have more music coming, this song doesn’t make anyone less excited about it.

However, in a rap space that is craving people to step up, “Legends” isn’t going to get it done. It does cement them as two of Atlanta’s stars, but that is something that has already long been known. – Armon Sadler

Lola Brooke – “Disgusted”

Lola Brooke is gearing up for the summer time with “Disgusted.” She traded the gritty, aggressive bars for lighter vocals and a more sensual tone over an 80s-esque dance beat.

Make no mistake, though; she still talks down on other women who think they can compare, acknowledging that their men still want her and how she’s got an attitude. Because you can change the beat, you can change the topic, but you can’t change the Brooklyn rapper.

So, while the record may be palatable for more audiences, you still have to take Lola as she is: bold, bored with the nonsense, and hungry to remain the best. With all of that in mind, it is natural to be disgusted at what one sees in the surrounding space. – AS

Sheck Wes Featuring Travis Scott – “ILMB”

Sheck Wes is back for his first release of 2025, “ILMB” is an homage to the apple of his eye; no matter what is going on, how busy he is, or who is hating, his queen is No. 1. Unfortunately, he has to question if she views him the same way he views her.

Wes wonders if fame has changed her, and that’s a valid inquiry. The Cactus Jack artist taps his leader Travis Scott to pop in and echo the sentiment. Given their lifestyles, it is fair to believe some potential partners want to enjoy the fun and rage but not the entire package.

They convey their chaos all over a nimble trap beat, one that sounds like it would play during a racing scene in a film. Love can sometimes be a race, so they nailed the implied visual through the sonics. – AS

Tech N9ne – “J6’s”

Tech N9ne’s latest single “J6’s” is a slick, high-energy ode to perseverance, passion, and his love for the iconic Air Jordan 6s.

Opening with a motivational bar about staying focused through life’s setbacks, Tech quickly ramps into his signature rapid-fire delivery, spitting lines about overcoming adversity and finding unexpected luck in a fresh pair of kicks.

The track follows the success of “RDV” and drops just as his North American tour with Hollywood Undead kicks off. With its personal touch and razor-sharp flow, “J6’s” is easily one of the week’s standout releases, proving the Kansas City rap god has yet to lose a step, age notwithstanding. – PB

Icewear Vezzo – ‘Let Me Pop My Sh*t”

Icewear Vezzo delves into flexing mode on “Let Me Pop My Sh*t,” as the Detroit repper expresses his insistence on generating motion in the streets and taking no prisoners.

Produced by Gentle Beats, the backing instrumental has a haunting undertone, with pounding percussions, ghastly synths, and terse piano keys enveloping Vezzo’s vocals.

“See me let that pape talk/ A whole lot of motion, ni**a, this sh*t a cakewalk/ Pop out and let that Drac talk,” the Midwestern spitter drawls on the opening verse, waxing poetic about penchant for evening the score on the following stanza.

Accompanied by a musical video that captures Vezzo flaunting money stacks and iced-out jewelry, “Let Me Pop My Sh*t” extends the rollout of the rapper’s latest project, Undefeated, which dropped in March to favorable reviews. – Preezy Brown

billy woods – “BLK ZMBY”

billy woods returns with “BLK ZMBY,” a standout single from one of the most compelling voices in underground hip-hop.

Produced by Steel Tipped Dove, the track opens with jagged guitars and rides a rock-tinged beat that complements woods’ signature abstract flow and densely layered lyricism. It’s the second single from his anticipated album GOLLIWOG, out May 9, and follows his previous teaser, “Misery.”

With an all-star production lineup—including The Alchemist, EL-P, and Kenny Segal—GOLLIWOG is shaping up to be a must-hear. Add in guest appearances from Bruiser Wolf, Despot, Al.Divino, and Yolanda Watson, and “BLK ZMBY” serves as a gripping preview to what hopes to be another masterful work from woods. – PB

Werenoi, Gunna – “Gulfstream”

Gunna takes a trip to France on “Gulfstream.” He handles the hook and first verse on the harp-laced beat, and it is all everything one would love about the Atlanta rapper.

He flexes, he brags, he describes brands beyond the average person’s pay scale, but it is all enjoyable, nonetheless. A treat in this record in Gerenoi getting bars off in French.

Though non-speakers may require a translation app to understand, anyone can appreciate how he stays so in pocket and switches up his cadences.

It almost makes one wish that Gunna got some French bars off himself, but this is a great track regardless. You have to imagine “Gulfstream” was an exaggerated nod to how often Gunna discusses his drip as well. – AS

LaRussell, Mike G Beatz – ‘Make Hip-Hop Fun Again!’

LaRussell’s Make Hip-Hop Fun Again! is a vibrant, self-assured statement that blends charisma, hustle, and heart with help from producer Mike G Beatz.

The Vallejo artist leans into his independent grind, proudly flaunting his business savvy on standout solo cuts like “Proud Of Me,” “Bout Bidness,” and “No Comprende.”

Guest appearances from legends like Busta Rhymes, Snoop Dogg, and Wiz Khalifa elevate the energy, while contributions from T-Pain and others add texture.

The album wraps beautifully with the guitar-laced “Who Do You See” and “If You Knew.” It’s one of the week’s must-hear releases. – PB

Will Hill – ‘Job Ain’t Finished’

Will Hill’s Job Ain’t Finished conveys everything he offers as an artist in a breezy 18 minutes. The Chicago-born, Atlanta-bred lyricist brings the swagger of a classic New York rapper but does not fully lean on nostalgia, outside of the clear nod to Kobe Bryant’s classic quote in the project title.

Whether he is celebrating success on “Champagne Toast,” living a luxurious life on “All Around The World,” or reiterating that the mission isn’t complete on the title track, there is much to enjoy here. Not to mention, a slew of sports references that are atypical to the ones most rappers deliver.

Chase N. Cashe has produced for some of the best and brightest artists in the game, but the chemistry he displays here with Hill could etch the rapper’s name on the list of Cashe’s top collaborators. – AS

Berner – ‘Carbon’

Berner’s new EP Carbon is a tight, focused project that plays to his strengths—luxury raps, West Coast cool, and an ever-present grind mentality.

On “Envy,” the cannabis mogul reflects on his wins while staying cautious of lurking jealousy, setting the tone for an EP that’s both celebratory and street-smart.

Standout track “Million Bags Sold” pairs him with Young Chowder and OHGEESY for a hustler’s anthem, while Mando and Chevy Woods round out the project with gritty verses. Carbon is a worthy spin—short, sharp, and true to Berner’s formula. – PB

Ken Carson – ‘More Chaos’

Abstract Mindstate Featuring David Banner – “Bar Louie”

Murda Beatz, Elijah Scott – Turnin Into Something

DJ.Fresh & The Musalini – “Red Eye”

Yung Bans – ‘Before RR’

Sturdyyoungin Featuring Ohthatsmizz – “Speed It Up”

Ro$ama Featuring That Mexican OT – “Show Me The Money”

Chuckyy – “We Got Buttons”

KayCyy, Sign Crushes Motorist – ‘Saddest Truth’

9lives, adore – ‘die for someone’