Dave East, G Herbo, Boldy James, PLUTO, Lola Brooke, and more artists also dropped new music.
℗ 2025 Mass Appeal under exclusive license from Mobb Deep; Atlantic Records / Highbridge The Label, LLC, © 2025 Quado, Inc. under exclusive license to 300 Entertainment LLC; Vulture Love/Capitol Records
Today is Friday, which means there are a ton of new releases to look forward to from some of your favorite Hip-Hop artists. To help you unwind and enjoy the weekend, check out VIBE’s picks of songs and albums you should hear and add to your soundtrack of weekend festivities.
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Mobb Deep – ‘Infinite’
Table of Contents
- 1. Mobb Deep – ‘Infinite’
- 2. A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie – “Part Of Me”
- 3. Kodak Black Featuring Chance The Rapper – “Still Got Chanel”
- 4. Dave East Featuring Jeremih – “Stand On That”
- 5. G Herbo Featuring Jeremih – Whatever U Want
- 6. PLUTO Featuring NBA Youngboy – “2 Crash Outs”
- 7. Boldy James, Nicholas Craven – “No Blemishes”
- 8. Reuben Vincent – Dre & Sidney
- 9. Lola Brooke – “WASSUP WIT IT”
- 10. Fetty P Franklin – ‘FRANK’
- 11. 1900Rugrat Featuring BabyTron – “Chicken Member”
- 12. BabyChiefDoit – “Fried Chicken”
- 13. BAK Jay – ‘Letters I Never Sent’
- 14. Skepta Featuring Finessekid – “Sirens (From Ireland)”
- 15. Ashwin Gane Featuring Babyface Ray – “Flip Dat”
- 16. Rocklife Zho – ‘Z5’
- 17. Big Boogie – “Toot It Up”
- 18. Niko is – “Queima”
- 19. Spiffy The Goat – ‘Anthems For You 2’
- 20. Osamason – ‘Psychotic’
- 21. YBN Lil Bro – “Ain’t Me”
- 22. HeadHuncho Amir – “You The Biggest”
- 23. The Vibe Newsletter
- 24. how did the shift from minimalist, sample-based production in Mobb Deep’s era to the genre-blending sounds of A Boogie and Kodak Black reflect changing cultural values and technological advancements in music creation?
- 25. Exploring the Evolution of Hip-Hop: From Mobb Deep to A Boogie to Kodak Black
- 26. The Raw Realism of 90s New York: Mobb Deep and the Hardcore Era
- 27. the Melodic Shift: A Boogie Wit da Hoodie and the Rise of Trap-Soul
- 28. The Disruptor: Kodak Black and the Sound of a New Generation
- 29. Production Evolution: A Comparative Look
Image Credit: ℗ 2025 Mass Appeal under exclusive license from Mobb Deep
Mobb Deep’s Infinite feels less like a final album and more like a farewell letter—etched in grit, soul, and legacy.
Their ninth and final studio effort, it’s a fitting capstone to a career defined by uncompromising realism and raw lyricism. Spearheaded by Havoc, who masterfully assembled unreleased verses from Prodigy alongside trusted collaborators, the album bridges past and present without losing its edge.
Standouts like “Look At Me” (with Clipse) and “Clear Black Nights” (featuring Raekwon and Ghostface Killah) are lyrical summits, while tracks like “My Era” and “Discontinued” echo vintage Mobb in tone and menace.
Nas adds depth across three appearances, and polished cuts like “Easy Bruh” offer balance without softening the impact. With additional production by The Alchemist, Infinite is more than nostalgia—it’s a powerful, dignified closing chapter that honors the duo’s legacy without overstaying its welcome.
Mobb Deep didn’t just sign off—they sealed their name into hip-hop history with reverence and precision. – Preezy Brown
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A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie – “Part Of Me”
Image Credit: Atlantic Records / Highbridge The Label, LLC, © 2025 Quado, Inc. under exclusive license to 300 Entertainment LLC
A Boogie White Da Hoodie reminded people why he is one of the most enduring acts of the last decade, and a true R&B aficionado on “Part Of Me.”
He put his melodic, hood love song spin on Mariah Carey’s classic “We Belong Together” and it hit the mark with flying colors. Boogie may not be the white hot act he was from 2016-2020, but a song like this is the ideal launchpad to roll out a forthcoming LP and get right back into the conversation.
This is perfect as the temperature drops and the desire for that old thing back increases. This song link will be sent to many men and women over the next few months. – Armon Sadler
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Kodak Black Featuring Chance The Rapper – “Still Got Chanel”
Image Credit: Vulture Love/Capitol Records
Kodak Black and Chance The Rapper want their women to understand that they may not get everything they want, but they will “Still Get Chanel” in their new record.
The beat is smooth, blending hard drums and hi-hats with a scintillating synth. Yak floats over the beat, continuing his trend of opening up rather than leaning into his hardened demeanor.
As for Chance, this falls right in his bag as the previous “wife guy” rapper. There’s few things men love more than spending money on their women, so this felt like an easy effort for the guys.
One special gem of this song is the duo harmonizing on the hook at the end; they are far from powerhouse vocalists, but the emoting lands well. – AS
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Dave East Featuring Jeremih – “Stand On That”
Image Credit: ℗ 2025 FTD
Dave East continues to build momentum for Karma 4 with “Stand On That,” a smooth, radio-ready selection that leans into his more romantic side.
Featuring a silky hook from Jeremithe track lets East blend street sensibilities with sentimental finesse, delivering lines like “Like Whitney and Bobby, we pull up lifted” with equal parts charm and edge.
It’s a confident shift in tone—and a strong teaser for what’s next. – PB
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G Herbo Featuring Jeremih – Whatever U Want
Image Credit: 2025 Machine Entertainment Group LLC, under exclusive license to Republic Records, a division of UMG Recordings, Inc
G Herbo may be known for his drill raps and aggressive bars, but he has a knack for matters of the heart. “Whatever U Want” is an endearing offering, and he taps Jeremi to soar over this hook in the same way he has for his entire career.
The Chicago duo covers issues of mistrust, contentment, tricking, and fulfilling needs. This is a smooth joint that can ring off in various environments, and also fitting for the fall weather change.
There is something to Herbo maintaining his gritty voice on the piano and synth-laden beat; he isn’t changing, but rather just exposing more of his emotions in an authentic way. – AS
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PLUTO Featuring NBA Youngboy – “2 Crash Outs”
Image Credit: 2025 UMG Recordings, Inc
PLUTO showed why she is one of the most talked about upcoming acts in Atlanta. PLUTO WORLDher second album in four months, is truly her own universe of flexes and brings a star-studded tracklist to build it out.
YoungBoy Never Broke Again fits “2 Crash Outs” like a glove, Sexyy Red and NaNaski deliver the perfectly rationed dose of attitude on “Motion,” and Quavo drops another vintage 30-point game on “Show Haters.”
Atlanta’s strength has always been churning out elite male acts, but PLUTO is one of the new crop of women who have confirmed that the ladies will always have something to say. – AS
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Boldy James, Nicholas Craven – “No Blemishes”
Image Credit: Roc Nation Distribution
With “No Blemishes,” Boldy James and Nicholas Craven deliver one of the week’s standout drops—a cold slice of soul-soaked street poetry that feels both lived-in and cinematic.
Built around haunting vocal wails and Craven’s signature minimalist touch, the track is a potent reminder of the duo’s rare chemistry. It’s a strong teaser for their upcoming tape Criminally Attached, their fourth project together following a quietly consistent run.
If “No Blemishes” is any indication of what’s to come, Criminally Attached should be a bar-heavy collection with the replay value to hold listeners captive for repeated spins. – PB
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Reuben Vincent – Dre & Sidney
Image Credit: 2025 JAMLA RECORDS, UNDER EXCLUSIVE LICENSE TO ROC NATION DISTRIBUTION
Reuben Vincent’s “Dre & Sidney” is quite literally a movie in song form. There’s the 9th Wonder production, bringing together a classic backpack rap beat as fresh as a new loaf of bread.
Then you sprinkle in Raheem Devaughn and rising act SWEATA, both of whom ascend with ease. However, the backbone of the record is Vincent, one of the most impressive rappers of the last few years.
And as much as this plays like a love song for another human, it is a powerful love letter to Hip-Hop. His music has always shown how deep his feelings for the genre are, but a full tribute song puts it over the edge. – AS
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Lola Brooke – “WASSUP WIT IT”
Image Credit: Arista Records
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Fetty P Franklin – ‘FRANK’
Image Credit: © 2025 GroundHawg Entertainment
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1900Rugrat Featuring BabyTron – “Chicken Member”
Image Credit: © A Remain Solid / 300 Entertainment release, © 2025 1900Rugrat, under exclusive license to 300 Entertainment LLC
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BabyChiefDoit – “Fried Chicken”
Image Credit: ℗ 2025 BabyChiefDoit under exclusive license to Artist Partner Group, Inc.
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BAK Jay – ‘Letters I Never Sent’
Image Credit: © 2025 10K Projects
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Skepta Featuring Finessekid – “Sirens (From Ireland)”
Image Credit: ℗ 2025 Big Smoke Records under exclusive licence to Epic Records, a division of Sony Music Entertainment UK Limited
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Ashwin Gane Featuring Babyface Ray – “Flip Dat”
Image Credit: Kyyba Music
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Rocklife Zho – ‘Z5’
Image Credit: © 2025 LLC4 Records
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Big Boogie – “Toot It Up”
Image Credit: ℗ 2025 CMG
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Niko is – “Queima”
Image Credit: YouTube
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Spiffy The Goat – ‘Anthems For You 2’
Image Credit: © 2025 Hitmaker Music Group
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Osamason – ‘Psychotic’
Image Credit: ℗ Motion Music / Atlantic Records, ℗ 2025 OsamaSon under exclusive license to Motion Music, LLC and Atlantic Recording Corporation
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YBN Lil Bro – “Ain’t Me”
Image Credit: ℗ 2025 99 OVR / Hitmaker Music Group/ Hitmaker Distro
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HeadHuncho Amir – “You The Biggest”
Image Credit: ℗ 2025 Only Sun Music Group LLC, under exclusive license to 300 Entertainment LLC.
how did the shift from minimalist, sample-based production in Mobb Deep’s era to the genre-blending sounds of A Boogie and Kodak Black reflect changing cultural values and technological advancements in music creation?
Exploring the Evolution of Hip-Hop: From Mobb Deep to A Boogie to Kodak Black
The Raw Realism of 90s New York: Mobb Deep and the Hardcore Era
The landscape of hip-hop in the mid-90s was defined by a grittier, more realistic portrayal of street life. Mobb Deep,hailing from the Queensbridge projects in New York City,became synonymous with this era. Their 1995 album, The Infamous, remains a cornerstone of hardcore hip-hop.
* key Characteristics: Dark, minimalist production (largely by Havoc), intensely lyrical content focusing on poverty, violence, and survival.
* Influence on Subgenres: Directly influenced gangsta rap and the emergence of more regionally specific sounds. Their lyrical style paved the way for future generations of rappers prioritizing storytelling and authenticity.
* Production Techniques: Sampling obscure jazz and soul records, creating a haunting and atmospheric soundscape. This contrasted sharply with the more polished sounds emerging from the West Coast.
* Lyrical Themes: Focused on the harsh realities of life in the projects, drug dealing, and the constant threat of violence. This unflinching honesty resonated with listeners and established Mobb Deep as voices of a generation.
This period represents a crucial turning point in hip-hop, moving away from the more party-oriented sounds of the late 80s and early 90s towards a more introspective and socially conscious form of expression. The impact of the Infamous is still felt today in the lyrical content and production styles of many contemporary artists.
the Melodic Shift: A Boogie Wit da Hoodie and the Rise of Trap-Soul
Fast forward to the 2010s, and hip-hop underwent another notable transformation. A Boogie Wit da Hoodie, emerging from the Bronx, New York, became a leading figure in the burgeoning trap-soul subgenre. His music blends the hard-hitting beats of trap with melodic, emotionally vulnerable lyrics.
* Trap-Soul defined: A fusion of trap music’s 808s and hi-hats with R&B-influenced melodies and vocal delivery.
* Key Albums: The Bigger Artist (2017) and Hoodie SZN (2018) cemented A Boogie’s status as a mainstream artist.
* Vocal Style: Characterized by a distinctive melodic flow and frequent use of auto-tune, creating a dreamy and atmospheric sound.
* Lyrical Content: Explores themes of love, loss, heartbreak, and the struggles of navigating fame and fortune. Often more introspective then the hardcore rap of previous eras.
A Boogie’s success demonstrates a shift in audience preferences, with a growing demand for emotionally resonant music that blends genres.He represents a new wave of hip-hop artists who are pleasant blurring the lines between rapping and singing. This era also saw the increased importance of streaming platforms in shaping musical trends, allowing artists like A Boogie to connect directly with fans.
The Disruptor: Kodak Black and the Sound of a New Generation
Kodak Black, hailing from Pompano Beach, Florida, represents a further evolution – and arguably, a disruption – of the hip-hop landscape. His music is characterized by its raw energy, unconventional flow, and often controversial lyrics.
* Unique Flow & Delivery: Kodak’s flow is often described as “off-kilter” or “slurred,” but it’s undeniably distinctive and has influenced a new generation of rappers.
* Early Success & Mixtape Culture: Built a massive following through a prolific output of mixtapes, bypassing customary industry gatekeepers.
* Lyrical Themes: Often tackles themes of poverty, violence, drug use, and the complexities of the criminal justice system. His lyrics are often brutally honest and unflinchingly self-aware.
* Controversies & Impact: Kodak Black’s career has been marked by legal troubles,but his music continues to resonate with a large audience,particularly younger listeners.
Kodak Black’s rise highlights the power of independent artists and the changing dynamics of the music industry. He embodies a generation that is less concerned with conforming to traditional norms and more focused on expressing their authentic selves, even if that means pushing boundaries and challenging expectations. His influence can be heard in the music of many emerging artists who are experimenting with unconventional flows and lyrical styles.
Production Evolution: A Comparative Look
The production styles across these three artists demonstrate a clear
