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 a new side of Nicki Minaj and a J summit. 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 Flash newsletters.

Nicki Minaj — “Red Ruby Da Sleeze”

Nicki Minaj is Nicki Minaj, but she’s also a number of other people, like Roman Zolanski and Chun-Li. Now, she has added Red Ruby Da Sleeze to her list of alter egos by debuting them on a new self-titled song. Ruby introduces herself by rapping, “Only on them Cs if it’s breeze / Red Ruby Da Sleeze / Chinese on my sleeves / These wannabe Chun Lis / Anyway, ni hao / Who the f*ck told b*tches they was me know.”

Kali Uchis — “Deserve Me” Feat. Summer Walker

Uchis had one of last week’s most hyped new albums with Red Moon In Venus, her well-received third full-length. She carries the LP but gets assists here and there, like from Summer Walker on “Deserve Me,” a smooth number that’s ready for nighttime.

J-Hope and J. Cole — “On The Street”

The biggest J’s of hip-hop and K-pop have linked up at last with “On The Street.” This collaboration is especially meaningful for BTS member J-Hope, as he’s long been a passionate fan of J. Cole and has been forthcoming about the rapper’s influence on him.

Boygenius — “Not Strong Enough”

Phoebe Bridgers, Lucy Dacus, and Julien Baker are finally doing it: releasing a full-length album under their collaborative project, Boygenius. They’ve offered enticing advance tastes of the project so far, the latest being last week’s “Not Strong Enough,” which comes with a video that shows off just how much the three enjoy basking in each other’s auras.

6lack — “Since I Have A Lover”

6lack recently announced when his anticipated new album Since I Have A Lover Is Dropping (later this month), and now we have the title track. 6lack called the track “the highs of having a healthy love, compressed into song format,” adding, “It’s a note to self, that I’m no longer who I was or where I was, and that there’s a bigger purpose starting to reveal itself in the things I create.”

Arlo Parks — “Impurities”

My Soft Machine is coming in May but before that, Arlo Parks has offered a taste of her forthcoming album with “Impurities.” Uproxx’s Alez Gonzalez notes that on the song, Parks “celebrates her chosen community, who embraces her impurities and encourages her to do the same.”

Don Toliver and Travis Scott — “Embarrassed”

Don Toliver quickly followed his new album Love Sick up with a deluxe edition, and who wouldn’t when the expanded album adds a Travis Scott collab to the proceedings? Toliver also didn’t wait long to perform “Embarrassed” live, as Scott popped up at Toliver’s release concert a few days ago.

Gorillaz — “Crocadillaz” Feat. De La Soul and Dawn Penn

Speaking of meaningful additions via deluxe albums, on the expanded version of Cracker Island, Gorillaz reunited with regular collaborators De La Soul on “Crocadillaz.” This comes at a particularly bittersweet time for De La Soul: Their music is finally streaming after years of waiting, but this follows the recent death of group member Trugoy, who leads the way on the new Gorillaz collab.

Yves Tumor — “Heaven Surrounds Us Like A Hood”

Praise A Lord Who Chews But Which Does Not Consume; (Or Simply, Hot Between Worlds) is out soon (maybe by the time you finish reading the title). Yves Tumor dropped “Heaven Surrounds Us Like A Hood” last week and Uproxx’s Flisadam Pointer notes it “spins that narrative that no matter how pure your intentions are, eventually, life will chew you up and spit you out.”

The Dare — “Good Time”

The Dare (aka Harrison Patrick Smith) earned some attention with the 2022 single “Girls,” which aesthetically hearkens back to the 2000s dance-ready indie rock of artists like LCD Soundsystem. The Dare returned last week with more of the same on “Good Time,” which Smith described as “the hangover to the celebration of ‘Girls.’”

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-nicki-minaj-kali-uchis/

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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.