All The Best New Music From This Week That You Need To Hear

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Keeping up with new music can be exhausting, even impossible. From the weekly album releases to standalone singles dropping on a daily basis, the amount of music is so vast it’s easy for something to slip through the cracks. Even following along with the Uproxx recommendations on a daily basis can be a lot to ask, so every Monday we’re offering up this rundown of the best new music this week.

This week saw Lil Yachty make a left turn and Chlöe pivot away from revenge. Yeah, it was a great week for new music. Check out the highlights below.

For more music recommendations, check out our Listen To This section, as well as our Indie Mixtape and Pop Life newsletters. Also find our Uproxx HQ Spotify playlist, which is updated weekly with the best new music, at the end of this post.

Lil Yachty — “Say Something”

Lil Yachty shocked the music world last week (despite a warning from over a year ago) with Let’s Start Here, a new album that sees Yachty going in a new-to-him psychedelic rock direction. He mirrored that vibe in his appropriately trippy video for “Say Something.”

Chlöe — “Pray It Away”

Chlöe made some noise by announcing In Pieces recently, and then continued the rollout with “Pray It Away.” Uproxx’s Alex Gonzalez notes of the track, “On the first piece of In Pieces, Chlöe recovers from a broken heart by getting in touch with her spirituality. Initially, she is angry and vengeful over a man who did her dirty. But instead of exacting revenge, she chooses to pray the hurt and the heartache away.”

Rosalía — “LLYLM”

Rosalía takes an organic approach on “LLYLM,” which is propelled along with handclap-driven percussion. She even busts out some English here, too, singing on the hook, “I don’t need honesty / Baby, lie like you love me, lie like you love me / Cover me in a dream, I’ll be yours or fantasy / Who needs the honesty?”

Cordae — “Two Tens” Feat. Anderson .Paak

Cordae and .Paak apparently recorded enough songs together for an EP. Who knows if all that music will ever surface, but some of it has. Last week, the pair dropped “Two Tens,” a smooth new tune that sees the pair going back and forth in a most delightful way.

Sam Smith — “I’m Not Here To Make Friends”

Sam Smith found an ally in Kim Petras, who helped him land a No. 1 single recently with “Unholy.” In other areas of his life, though, he doesn’t need anybody else, as he declared on a song that borrows its title from the mouths of countless reality show contestants, “I’m Not Here To Make Friends” (although Calvin Harris, presumably at least an acquaintance, co-wrote this one).

Zach Bryan — “Dawns” Feat. Maggie Rogers

A couple weeks ago, Bryan put some pressure on the Philadelphia Eagles: He declared that if the team beat the New York Giants in the NFL playoffs, he’d drop “Dawns,” a fan-favorite that hadn’t yet been given an official release. Well, the birds pulled through, and sure enough, Bryan released the Maggie Rogers-featuring tune, a heartbreaking rock ballad.

Rich Brian — “Sundance Freestyle”

Rich Brian is in movie star mode right now, as his film Jamojaya recently debuted at Sundance. Music is part of the equation, too, though, as much like himself IRL, in the movie, he plays an up-and-coming Indonesian rapper. So, to coincide with the film, he dropped “Sundance Freestyle” last week, a quick-hitter accompanied by a comedic video.

The Kid Laroi — “Love Again”

Laroi will continue to establish himself as a star with The First Time, his upcoming album. He continued teasing the LP last week with “Love Again,” an acoustic guiter-driven track, on which he wonders whether a past love will find their way back into his life.

Gorillaz — “Silent Running” Feat. Adeleye Omotayo

Gorillaz are on a productive streak and it’s set to culminate next month with Cracker Island, a new album. On the new “Silent Running,” Uproxx’s Alex Gonzalez says the band “recalls a hypnotic love, as they fall through an intoxicating wormhole in their mind,” adding, “Adeleye Omotayo adds some smooth, seductive vocals to the song, glistening the background, and giving it a magical touch.”

Ava Max — “One Of Us”

Diamonds & Dancefloors tragically leaked last year, months before its release date, but fans who honored Max’s intentions and waited for the album to drop were treated to its official release last week. Max also dropped a visual for “One Of Us,” a driving pop banger on which Max contrasts her passion with the relative lack of it from the other half of a relationship.

Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.



source https://uproxx.com/music/best-new-music-this-week-lil-yachty-chloe/

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Hip Hop and Music: A Cultural Evolution

Hip Hop and Music: A Cultural Evolution and What Listeners Look For Hip hop is more than just a genre of music; it is a cultural movement that has deeply influenced the world for over four decades. Originating in the South Bronx during the 1970s, hip hop was birthed from the creative expression of marginalized communities. What started as a fusion of DJing, breakdancing, graffiti art and MCing (rapping) quickly became a global phenomenon. Over the years, hip hop has expanded its reach, influencing various aspects of society, from fashion and language to politics and social movements. But what exactly do listeners seek when they tune in to their favorite hip hop tracks? Let’s explore.

The Evolution of Hip Hop Music

The Evolution of Hip Hop Music At its core, hip hop music is built on rhythm and lyricism. Early pioneers like DJ Kool Herc, Grandmaster Flash, and Run-D.M.C. laid the foundation for what we now recognize as hip hop. They mixed disco, funk, and soul beats with rhythmic rapping to create a unique sound. Through the 1980s and 1990s, iconic artists such as Tupac, The Notorious B.I.G., Nas, and Jay-Z further shaped the genre, adding deeper narratives that explored social issues, struggles, and triumphs.
In the 2000s, hip hop saw its golden age evolve into new sub-genres, from Southern hip hop (e.g., OutKast and Lil Wayne) to the rise of trap music (led by artists like Future, Gucci Mane, and Migos). Today, artists continue to experiment with hybrid sounds, blending trap with pop, rock, and electronic music, creating a more diverse landscape for the genre.

What Listeners Look for in Hip Hop Music

What Listeners Look for in Hip Hop Music While the genre has evolved, the heart of hip hop music still beats with certain core elements that listeners continue to seek. Here’s what attracts audiences to hip hop music:

1. Authenticity

One of the most important qualities of hip hop is its authenticity. Listeners are drawn to artists who stay true to themselves, their roots, and their experiences. Whether an artist is rapping about overcoming hardship, life in the streets, or personal triumphs, their genuineness resonates with fans. Authenticity gives hip hop its raw edge, connecting the artist's voice with listeners on a deeply personal level.

2. Lyricism and Wordplay

Hip hop has always been a platform for storytelling, and the craft of lyricism is highly valued. Fans look for clever wordplay, metaphors, punchlines, and deep storytelling in their favorite tracks. Rappers like Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, and Nas are revered for their intricate lyricism and ability to convey powerful messages through their words. A song with sharp bars, vivid imagery, and emotional depth can elevate a listener’s connection to the music.

3. Beat and Production Quality

The beat is often the first thing people notice in a hip hop song. A catchy, hard-hitting beat can make or break a track, and producers play an integral role in shaping the sound of hip hop music. Producers like Dr. Dre, Kanye West, and Metro Boomin have become household names for their distinctive production styles. From boom-bap beats to trap drums, the instrumental elements are essential in drawing listeners into the rhythm and groove of the song.

4. Innovation and Evolution

Hip hop is known for its constant evolution. Fans of the genre are often on the lookout for artists who push boundaries and experiment with new sounds. This spirit of innovation keeps the genre fresh and exciting. From the rise of auto-tune with artists like T-Pain to the blend of electronic and rap seen with artists like Travis Scott, listeners are eager for new music that challenges the traditional limits of hip hop.

5. Vibe and Energy

Hip hop isn’t just about the lyrics or the beat—it’s also about the energy the music brings. Whether it’s a party anthem, an introspective track, or a political statement, the vibe and energy of a song play a crucial role in how it resonates with fans. Artists like Drake, Cardi B, and Lil Uzi Vert have mastered the art of creating tracks that make listeners feel a certain way, whether it’s hyped up, laid back, or reflective.

6. Relatability and Emotional Connection

Hip hop has always been an outlet for self-expression and commentary on life experiences. Because of this, listeners often gravitate toward songs that reflect their own lives, struggles, and aspirations. Whether it’s a song about the challenges of growing up in a tough environment, the celebration of personal success, or the experience of love and heartbreak, hip hop has the unique ability to connect emotionally with audiences. Fans often seek songs that speak to their individual journeys and provide comfort, validation, or empowerment.

The Global Reach of Hip Hop

What was once confined to the streets of New York City has now become a global cultural force. From Tokyo to Paris, hip hop has spread across continents, influencing artists and listeners worldwide. In recent years, artists from outside the U.S. have brought their own cultural influences to the genre, blending hip hop with local sounds, languages, and traditions. The genre’s global reach is a testament to its universal themes of struggle, self-expression, and empowerment.

Conclusion

Hip hop music is an ever-evolving cultural powerhouse that has grown from a localized subculture into a global sensation. The authenticity, lyricism, production quality, innovation, energy, and emotional depth are the main ingredients that attract listeners to hip hop. While the genre continues to change, its core values remain consistent—offering a space for self-expression, storytelling, and connection. As hip hop continues to evolve, it will undoubtedly remain a major force in shaping the future of music. Whether you’re a fan of classic boom-bap or modern trap, hip hop’s diverse range offers something for everyone, proving that its cultural impact is here to stay.