Best New Music: Hip Hop
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Best New Music is a site that provides new music reviews for hip hop fans.
Best New Music: Hip Hop
There’s a lot of great new music out there, and hip hop is no exception. In this post, we’ll be taking a look at some of the best new hip hop music. We’ll be including a mix of both mainstream and underground artists, so there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re a fan of Kendrick Lamar or Chance the Rapper, you’ll find something to enjoy in this list.
Kendrick Lamar – DAMN.
Kendrick Lamar’s DAMN. is the best hip-hop album of 2017 so far. The Compton MC delivers his most focused and personal record to date, touching on everything from the current state of race relations in America to his own inner demons. On “DNA.,” he expertly weaves together verses from 2Pac and Fox News anchor Geraldo Rivera, while “LOYALTY.” finds him teaming up with Rihanna for a steamy ode to monogamy. But it’s Lamar’s willingness to be vulnerable that makes DAMN. so special–on “FEAR.,” he opens up about his fear of dying young, while on “DUCKWORTH.” he tells the true story of how his father almost died at the hands of a rival gang member, only to be saved by the man who would become Kendrick’s mentor and friend. With DAMN., Kendrick Lamar has cemented his place as one of the greatest MCs of our generation.
J. Cole – 4 Your Eyez Only
This week’s best new music comes from J. Cole, with his new album ‘4 Your Eyez Only’. The album is a follow-up to his previous release ‘2014 Forest Hills Drive’, and features 10 new tracks.
On ‘4 Your Eyez Only’, J. Cole returns to his roots, with a focus on story-telling and personal lyrics. The result is an album that is both introspective and thought-provoking, and sure to please fans of Cole’s earlier work.
standout tracks on the album include ‘For Whom the Bell Tolls’, ‘Neighbors’, and ‘She’s Mine, Pt. 1’.
Chance the Rapper – Coloring Book
Chance the Rapper’s Coloring Book is one of the best hip hop albums of 2016. Released independently on Apple Music, the album features Chance’s signature mix of positive and spiritual lyrics, catchy hooks, and innovative production. Chance also enlisted some big names for guest appearances, including Kanye West, Lil Wayne, 2 Chainz, and Justin Bieber. With its great songs and uplifting message, Coloring Book is an essential album for any hip hop fan.
Best New Music: EDM/Dance
In recent years, there has been a resurgence in the popularity of electronic dance music, or EDM. This genre of music has its roots in the disco era of the 1970s, but has evolved into a much more complex and sophisticated sound. Today, EDM is one of the most popular genres of music, and is enjoyed by people of all ages.
Calvin Harris – Funk Wav Bounces Vol. 1
Calvin Harris’ Funk Wav Bounces Vol. 1 is a return to form for the Scottish producer, after a few years of experimenting with different styles. The album is packed with big-name guest collaborators, including Nicki Minaj, Katy Perry, PARTYNEXTDOOR, and Khalid. The result is a fun, summery record that will get you moving.
The Chainsmokers – Memories…Do Not Open
The Chainsmokers are an American electronic dance music duo consisting of Andrew Taggart and Alex Pall. The duo achieved a breakthrough with their 2014 song “#Selfie”, which became a top twenty single in several countries as well as reaching number one on the US Dance Chart. Their debut EP, Bouquet, was released in October 2015, receiving positive reviews from critics.
The duo’s second EP, Collage, was released on November 4, 2016. The EP’s lead single, “Closer”, featuring vocals from Halsey, became their first song to top the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States.
Kygo – Stargazing
Kygo – Stargazing is an outstanding album that represents the best of what EDM/Dance has to offer. This Norwegian producer/DJ has crafted a beautiful and unique record that is sure to please fans of all genres. Featuring guest appearances from Selena Gomez, Justin Bieber, and Ellie Goulding, Kygo – Stargazing is a must-listen for any music fan.
Best New Music: Pop
There are a lot of new music genres out there and it can be hard to keep up with all of them. Hip hop and pop are two of the most popular genres right now. They both have a lot to offer listeners. Let’s take a look at some of the best new music in these genres.
Taylor Swift – Reputation
Taylor Swift’s highly anticipated sixth studio album, Reputation, is finally here. After laying low for most of 2017, Swift has re-emerged with a new look and a new sound. The first single from the album, “Look What You Made Me Do,” was a dark and vengeful anthem that signaled a new era for the pop superstar. The rest of the album continues in that vein, with Swift exploring her darker side on tracks like “I Did Something Bad” and “Don’t Blame Me.” There are also a few more lighthearted moments, like the lead single “Ready for It” and the ballad “Gorgeous.” But make no mistake: this is Swift at her most aggressive and unapologetic. It’s a bold statement from one of the biggest stars in the world, and it’s sure to be one of the year’s most talked-about albums.
Kesha – Rainbow
Kesha returns with her first album in five years, and it’s a triumph. It’s been a long road for Kesha since her last album, 2012’s Warrior. She’s battled through a very public legal battle with former producer Dr. Luke, and come out the other side with a new lease on life – and art.
Rainbow is Kesha’s third album, and it finds her in a much different place than she was on Warrior. This time around, Kesha opens up about her struggles with mental health, addiction, and body image issues. The result is an album that feels both raw and cathartic; Kesha bares her soul on tracks like “Praying” and “learn to Let Go.”
But Rainbow isn’t all heavy subject matter. Kesha also delivers some of the funkiest, most danceable tracks of her career on this album. “Woman” is an anthem for female empowerment, while “Boots” is a slinky ode to booty-shaking. And “Hymn,” Kesha’s duet with rock legend Steven Tyler, is a gorgeous ballad that will leave you feeling uplifted.
If you’re looking for an album that will make you laugh, cry, and dance all in the span of 45 minutes, Rainbow is the one for you.
P!nk – Beautiful Trauma
P!nk – Beautiful Trauma
With her seventh studio album, the pop powerhouse confirms herstatus as one of the genre’s most fearless and accomplished performers. On Beautiful Trauma, she delivers an emotionally charged set of songs that find her grappling with motherhood, love, and loss with her signature mix of honesty, humor, and hope.
Lead single “What About Us” is a gorgeous, impactful call for unity that sets the tone for the rest of the record. Throughout the album, P!nk reflects on her own life experiences with wisdom and compassion, offering listeners a much-needed sense of understanding and empowerment. On standouts like “Try” and “Wild Hearts Can’t Be Broken” she infuses her pop sensibilities with country and rock influences, resulting in some of the most sonically adventurous tracks of her career. With its mix of personal introspection and political commentary, Beautiful Trauma is P!nk at her best – a fearless artist who isn’t afraid to speak her mind or bare her soul.