Slick Rick, Will Smith, Gunna, And More Hip-Hop

Slick Rick – ‘Victory’

Slick Rick’s Victory marks a triumphant return from one of hip-hop’s most revered storytellers.

The album opens with a succinct definition of its title, quickly giving way to “Stress” featuring Giggs—a vivid, introspective opener that explores psychological confinement with a bounce that belies its weight.

Tracks like “I Did That” showcase Rick’s swagger and legacy, punctuated by the line, “I flipped being blind into a luxury brand.” On “Landlord,” he leans into his classic style with effortless charm, while “Documents,” a silky collaboration with Nas, feels like a seamless continuation of their storied synergy.

The album’s range is impressive—from the international flair of “Foreign” to the quirky romance of “So You’re Having My Baby” and the narrative flair of “Another Great Adventure.”

Victory isn’t just a return—it’s a reaffirmation of Slick Rick’s place as one of the genre’s most creative voices. A solid and stylish comeback. – Preezy Brown

Will Smith Featuring O’Banga – “Pretty Girls”

Will Smith proves he’s still got plenty of flair with “Pretty Girls,” a slick, club-ready anthem that could quietly become a summer sleeper hit.

Fresh off his Based on a True Story album, Smith drops smooth lines like “Five plus five, you a dime tonight/ It’s a full house, better play your cards right,” channeling his signature charm with a renewed swagger.

The track celebrates attractive women worldwide with playful confidence, underscoring his re-emergence not as a nostalgia act, but as a viable artist in today’s pop-rap landscape.

As he gears up for his first-ever headlining tour—spanning Morocco, Europe, and the U.K.—and a string of international festival appearances, “Pretty Girls” feels perfectly timed.

It’s catchy, confident, and surprisingly sharp—a reminder that Big Willie still knows how to turn heads and craft a jam with global appeal. – PB

Gunna – “Won’t Stop”

Gunna’s “Won’t Stop” is possibly one of the best records he has dropped since his last album One Of Wun.

From the dark, opening piano keys, to the way the drums and kicks come in, to his spirited flow, it has all of the elements of a signature Gunna record. He sounds hungry here, which is a departure from the somber tone of A Gift & A Curse and the triumph of One Of Wun.

It feels like the momentum he had since getting out of jail has tapered off a bit, and now he can establish a legitimate run. “Won’t Stop” is the right approach. – Armon Sadler

Lil Wayne – ‘Tha Carter VI (Bonus)’

Lil Wayne isn’t letting the momentum fade. Riding high off the hype of Tha Carter VI, the rap icon seizes the moment with a bonus edition that sharpens the spotlight already burning on him.

While initial reactions to the album have been mixed, Weezy’s strategic additions—most notably a fiery new version of “Banned From NO (Remix)” featuring Nicki Minaj, and the emotionally-charged “Momma Don’t Worry” with Lil Baby and Future—remind fans why he remains a master of reinvention.

It’s a savvy move that not only extends the album’s life but reinforces Wayne’s enduring presence in rap’s upper echelon. – PB

Roddy Ricch – “Underdog”

Roddy Ricch dropped off what may be his last single before The Navy Album, though “Underdog” is actually for the F1 soundtrack.

Nonetheless, it is one of his best releases of the last few years in large part because it sounds like it could have been on his highly popular 2019 debut album, Please Excuse Me For Being Antisocial.

The production is thumping, his chorus is strong, and there are catchy lines that got him to the level he was at during his peak. There’s a chance this makes the album, but even if it doesn’t, this could raise the optimism levels for him getting back to his best music. – AS

Bay Swag, Meek Mill – “Seventeen”

Bay Swag continues to show that he is more than a sexy drill rapper making music for people to hit the reemski to. “Seventeen” is a street anthem, and though it is still dedicated to his indulgent lifestyle, he doesn’t focus solely on all the different ways he wants to engage with women.

It’s car test certified, and Meek Mill joined the fun to continue his impressive feature run. Bay Swag may be viewed as part of the larger Slizzy movement collective, but his efforts to distinguish himself as being versatile in content have not gone unnoticed. “Seventeen” feels like the brother to “Drank,” and let’s just say the family is fortified. – AS

Cash Cobain – “Sick N Tired”

Cash Cobain said that we’re running back the slizzy summer after he took over 2024, and “Sick N Tired” with OnlyHeaven may be the soundtrack to do so.

The Bronx drill crooner follows the sonic journey he began with “Trippin On A Yacht,” but this song shows a level of exhaustion with women that he doesn’t display too often. Cobain surprisingly admits that he is tired of h*es, but all of the good women are taken; that’s not good energy for a summer of romance and slizzy activity.

The worst part is, the harlots (his words, not ours) can’t get over him! Hopefully things work out better come July. Nonetheless, the bop and OnlyHeaven’s contribution make this a record easy to party to, but harder to accept once one truly connects with the narrative. – AS

Smiley – ‘Don’t Box Me In’

OVO Sound’s Smiley dropped his latest album Don’t Box Me In, which is highlighted by Drake’s first proper rap feature of 2025. “2 Mazza” is a slow burner loaded with Toronto lingo and luxurious flexes, which is the signature of Smiggs’ music; nobody leans more into their hometown roots on that label than him, between the slang and references.

Outside of Drizzy, Smiley tapped Icewear Vezzo, Baka Not Nice, and Why G for this nine-song, 22-minute effort. Album standouts include “6ixSideKids” and “Spill The Tea.” In the end, listeners get what the Toronto rapper always provides: hilarious punchlines, a voice that people have to hear to believe, and great production. – AS

Wu-Tang Clan, Method Man Featuring Erick Sermon, Keith Murray, Jamal – “Sinners (Mo’ Better Blues)”

Wu-Tang Clan has delivered a surprise trifecta with “Warriors Two, Cooley High / Roar of the Lion,” and “Sinners (Mo’ Better Blues)”—and they absolutely hit.

These tracks, featuring sharp verses from Method Man, U-God, and guest bars from Benny the Butcher, feel like a time warp in the best way, channeling classic Wu energy while staying fresh.

With Mathematics at the helm and appearances from Erick Sermon, Keith Murray, and Jamal, the production and lyricism are airtight. Tied to the upcoming short film inspired by Black Samson: The Bastard Swordsman, these releases aren’t just throwbacks—they’re statements. – PB

Wu-Tang Clan, Method Man, U-God, Benny The Butcher – “Warriors Two, Cooley High / Roar Of The Lion”

Babyface Ray, Mozzy – “Hood Cry”

Nemzzz Featuring Latto – “ART”

Jermaine Dupri Featuring T.I., 2 Chainz, Young Dro – “Turn Around”

Lil Tecca – ‘Dopamine’

Juicy J, Logic – ‘Live And In Color’

Trae Tha Truth Featuring Lecrae, Baby Truth – “Alright”

EST Gee – ‘My World’

Loe Shimmy – “Kill The Scene”

Cory Gunz Featuring Grafh – “Bag”

Baby Money – “TEN”

Tre Loaded, 03 Greedo – ‘Memphis to LA’

Bktherula – “Dumb Sh*t”

Lil Double 0 – “Johnny Test”

Shoreline Mafia – “Broski”

Raq Baby – “Goodbyerz”

BLP Kosher – “Jack and Jill”

Lelo – “Bathing Ape”

Thirteendegrees, BNYX – “PALACE”

Foggieraw – “Nefertiti”

Pi’erre Bourne – “POP”

Leikeli47 – ‘Lei keli ft 47 / For Promotional Use Only’

KayCyy – ‘Before I Was Born’

Skylar Blatt – “I Look Good”

Iann Dior – ‘Cycles’

Skaiwater – ‘pinkPRINT 3’

Sniper Gang – ‘Zap Stars’

Nino Breeze – ‘Til The Tape’

Reason – ‘I Love You Again (Extended)’

DJ Drama Featuring Kai Ca$h, Cristale – “Fine Art”

Amadeus 360, Devine Carama – ‘Guardians of the Boom Bap’

FourFive – ‘Ugh After Ugh’