Hip Hop Music Month: The Best New Releases
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This month is Hip Hop Music Month, and we’ve got a roundup of the best new releases for you! From Drake to Kendrick Lamar, these are the hottest tracks out right now.
Hip Hop Music Month
What is Hip Hop Music Month?
Hip hop music, also called hip-hop or rap music, is a music genre consisting of a stylistic blend of African-American gospel music, rhythm and blues, jazz, and disco. Hip hop music developed as part of hip hop culture, a subculture defined by four key stylistic elements: MCing/rapping, DJing/scratching with turntables, break dancing, and graffiti writing. Other elements include sampling (or synthesis), and beatboxing.
While often used to refer to rapping, “hip hop” more properly denotes the practice of the entire subculture. The term hip hop music is sometimes used synonymously with the term rap music, though rapping is not a required component of hip hop music; the genre may also incorporate other elements of hip hop culture, including DJing, turntabling and scratching, beatboxing, and instrumental tracks.
Hip Hop Music Month is an annual celebration of hip hop culture and music. It was founded in 2006 by Shawn Setaro, a journalist and historian who has written extensively about hip hop. Every year in October, Hip Hop Music Month showcases the best new releases in hip hop with features on album reviews, artist interviews, opinion pieces and more.
The Best New Releases
Hip Hop Music Month is the perfect time to check out the best new releases in Hip Hop music. From new albums to singles and mixtapes, there is something for everyone. Here are some of the best new releases in Hip Hop music for Hip Hop Music Month:
Albums:
-DROGAS WAVE by Lupe Fiasco
-Pyrex Scholar by Denzel Curry
-TA13OO by Denzel Curry
-invasion of privacy by Cardi B
Mixtapes:
-QUARTERTHING by Joey BADA$$
-DAYTONA by Pusha T
-WRATH OF THE GODS byVA$HTIE & DJ Mr. Rogers
Singles:
-“Hot Shower” by Chance the Rapper featuring MadeinTYO & DaBaby
-“Racks in the Middle” by Nipsey Hussle featuring Roddy Ricch & Hit-Boy
-“Old n*ggas” by YG featuring Lil Wayne
-” Wassup” by A$AP Rocky featuring Wiz Khalifa, French Montana & Juicy J
Kendrick Lamar
Kendrick Lamar is one of the best rappers in the game and he always comes with fire. This month is no different as Kendrick has released a new album called “DAMN.”. The album is already being hailed as a masterpiece and Kendrick is being praised for his production and lyricism. If you’re a fan of hip hop, you need to check out Kendrick Lamar’s new album.
DAMN.
DAMN. is the fourth studio album by American rapper Kendrick Lamar. It was released on April 14, 2017, by Top Dawg Entertainment, Aftermath Entertainment and Interscope Records. The album features production from a variety of record producers, including 9th Wonder, Sounwave, Greg Kurstin and Mike Will Made It; as well as executive production by Lamar himself and Top Dawg CEO Anthony “Top Dawg” Tiffith. DAMN. features an ensemble of guest appearances including U2, Zacari Pacaldo, Rihanna and X Ambassadors.
Lamar wrote the album across the world in destinations like Canada, Europe and New Zealand; while the album was produced primarily in studios located in his hometown of Compton and Downtown Los Angeles. Accompanying its release was DAMN.’s lead single “Humble”, which peaked at number two on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. The album received widespread critical acclaim upon its release, with many critics deeming it as Lamar’s best work to date; it went on to win the Pulitzer Prize for Music, making Lamar the first non-jazz or classical artist to do so in the award’s history.
To Pimp a Butterfly
To Pimp a Butterfly is the third studio album by American rapper Kendrick Lamar. It was released on March 15, 2015, by Top Dawg Entertainment, Aftermath Entertainment and Interscope Records. The album was recorded in studios throughout the United States, with production from Top Dawg in-house producers Sounwave, Terrence Martin, Thundercat and Rahki. Flying Lotus, Boi-1da, Pharrell Williams, Sounwave, Knxwledge and others contributed to the album’s production.
J. Cole
4 Your Eyez Only
4 Your Eyez Only is the fourth studio album by American rapper J. Cole. It was released on December 9, 2016, by Dreamville Records and Interscope Records. The album was preceded by two singles, “Deja Vu” and “No Role Modelz”, both of which peaked in the top 40 of the US Billboard Hot 100. Upon its release, 4 Your Eyez Only received generally positive reviews from critics and debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200, selling 492,000 album-equivalent units in its first week. The album was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) on April 18, 2017.
2014 Forest Hills Drive
2014 Forest Hills Drive is the third studio album by American rapper J. Cole. It was released on December 9, 2014, by ByStorm Entertainment, Dreamville Records and Roc Nation Records. The album was named after the address of Cole’s childhood home in Fayetteville, North Carolina. Recording sessions took place over a span of more than two years, beginning in June 2012 and ending in December 2014. Its production was primarily handled by Cole himself, along with several others such as Illmind, Vinylz, Willie B., T-Minus and WondaGurl. The album features guest appearances from Jermaine Dupri and Bas.
The album was supported by three singles: “Apparently”, “No Role Modelz” and “Wet Dreamz”. Upon its release, 2014 Forest Hills Drive received generally positive reviews from critics; many of whom praised its production and themes. It debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200 selling 353,000 copies in its first week— this became Cole’s second album to do so—and wascertified Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) on February 17, 2015.
Chance the Rapper
May is Hip Hop Music Month, and we’re celebrating with a look at some of the best new releases from Chance the Rapper. The Chicago-based rapper has been making waves with his unique blend of hip hop, jazz, and soul, and his latest album, Coloring Book, is one of the most critically acclaimed releases of the year. If you’re a fan of hip hop, or just looking for something new to check out, Chance the Rapper is definitely worth a listen.
Coloring Book
After a three year wait, Chance the Rapper’s third mixtape, Coloring Book, was finally released on May 13, 2016. The project is a gospel and hip hop hybrid, with features from Justin Bieber, Kirk Franklin, Lil Wayne, 2 Chainz, and more. Coloring Book is Chance’s first release since 2013’s Acid Rap, and it definitely doesn’t disappoint. With soulful beats and uplifting lyrics, the mixtape is a feel-good summertime listens.
Acid Rap
Chance the Rapper’s second mixtape, “Acid Rap,” was released in 2013 to widespread critical acclaim. The mixtape is credited with helping to launch Chance’s career, and is often considered one of the best hip hop releases of the 2010s.
Logic
Hip-hop has had a incredible year so far. The best new releases have come from a variety of different artists, but one artist in particular stands out from the pack: Logic. Logic’s new album, Everybody, is a tour de force of inventive rhyming and masterful production, and it’s one of the best hip-hop albums of the year.
Everybody
In celebration of Hip Hop Music Month, we’ve rounded up the best new releases from some of our favorite artists. From Logic to J. Cole, there’s something for everyone on this list. So turn up the volume and enjoy!
The Incredible True Story
The Incredible True Story is the second studio album by American hip hop duo Logic, released on November 13, 2015, by Def Jam Recordings and Visionary Music Group. The album was preceded by three singles: ” Young Jesus”, “Like Woah”, and “Fade Away”. The album debuted at number three on the US Billboard 200, selling 134,000 equivalent copies in its first week of release. It received positive reviews from critics, who praised Logic’s lyrical ability and the production.
