New Music 2015: Hip Hop and R&B

There’s a lot of new music out this year, and Hip Hop and R&B are two of the most popular genres. If you’re a fan of either genre, or both, then you’ll want to check out this list of the best new music of 2015. From Kendrick Lamar to The Weeknd, there’s something for everyone.

Kendrick Lamar- “To Pimp a Butterfly”

Kendrick Lamar’s “To Pimp a Butterfly” instantly shot to the top of the charts when it was released in early 2015. The album is a masterful blend of hip hop and R&B, with Lamar’s trademark lyrical prowess on full display. From the anthemic “Alright” to the beautiful ballad “u,” there’s something for everyone on this album.

J. Cole- “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 Dreamville Records, Roc Nation and Columbia Records. The album’s cover art was designed by Kendrick Lamar collaborator Vlad Sepetov, who had also designed the packaging for Cole’s previous album Born Sinner (2013).

The album features guest appearances from Amber Coffman, CeeLo Green, Bas, Omen and Rick Ross. Along with Cole himself, it was primarily produced by Elite, IBGMovin’Nada and Sidney Swift. The production draws influence from 1970s soul and 1980s hip hop music. Lyrically, the album addresses themes of adolescence and economic hardship, as well as exploring libido and introspection.

“2014 Forest Hills Drive” was a commercial success; it debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200 chart, selling 354,000 copies in its first week of release. Upon its release, the album received generally positive reviews from music critics and was ranked as one of the best Hip Hop albums of 2014 by multiple publications.

Drake- “If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late”

On February 13, 2015, Drake surprise-released his fourth studio album, If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late. The album, which was not preceded by any singles or promotion, debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 with first-week sales of 535,000 copies in the United States. In Canada, the album sold 84,000 copies in its first week and debuted at number one on the Canadian Albums Chart.

Big Sean- “Dark Sky Paradise”

“Dark Sky Paradise” is the third studio album by American hip hop recording artist Big Sean. It was released on February 24, 2015, by GOOD Music and Def Jam Recordings. The album features guest appearances from Ariana Grande, E-40, Lil Wayne, Jhené Aiko, Chris Brown, Detail and Ty Dolla Sign. “Dark Sky Paradise” was supported by three singles: “Blessings”, “I Don’t Fuck with You” and “Play No Games”.

Future- “DS2”

DS2 is the third studio album by American rapper Future. It was released on July 17, 2015, by A1 Recordings, Epic Records, and Freebandz. The album features production from Metro Boomin, Southside, Buddah Bless, and DJ Spinz, among others. DS2 received generally positive reviews from critics and debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200, selling 134,000 equivalent copies in its first week. It was supported by three singles: ” Fuck Up Some Commas”, “Where Ya At” featuring Canadian rapper Drake and “Stick Talk”.

New Music 2015: Country

With a new year comes new music, and there’s a lot to be excited about in 2015. In the hip hop and R&B world, we’re seeing a new wave of artists who are putting their own spin on the genre. In country music, meanwhile, a number of established artists are releasing new albums that are sure to please fans. Here’s a look at some of the most anticipated new music of 2015.

Chris Stapleton- “Traveller”

Chris Stapleton’s “Traveller” is one of the most memorable and touching albums to come out of Nashville in recent memory. A perfect blend of country, rock, and blues, the album is anchored by Stapleton’s strong, resonant voice. The result is an album that feels both classic and contemporary, with songs that will stay with you long after the last track has ended.

Carrie Underwood- “Storyteller”

Carrie Underwood’s fifth album, “Storyteller,” is her most personal and introspective work to date. The 14-track album is a collection of stories about her life and relationships, told through the perspective of different characters. Carrie co-wrote eight of the songs on the album, which was produced by Mark Bright.

“Storyteller” is a more mature album than Carrie’s previous releases, with a mix of uptempo and ballad tracks that showcase her growth as an artist. The first single, “Smoke Break,” is a mid-tempo song about taking a break from life’s stresses, while “Heartbeat” is a slower, more personal track about the power of love. Other standout tracks include “Choctaw County Affair,” “Church Bells,” and “The Girl You Think I Am.”

With its honesty and vulnerability, “Storyteller” is sure to appeal to Carrie’s longtime fans as well as new listeners.

Sam Hunt- “Montevallo”

Montevallo is the debut studio album by American singer and songwriter Sam Hunt. It was released on October 27, 2014, by MCA Nashville Records. The album includes four singles: “Leave the Night On”, “Take Your Time”, “House Party”, and “Break Up in a Small Town”. It received generally positive reviews from critics and debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200, selling 86,000 copies in its first week.

Eric Church- “Mr. Misunderstood”

On his sixth studio album, the North Carolina native offers up another set of country anthems built on his truest musical values: an abiding love for classic rock & roll, a thorough knowledge of country tradition and a penchant for persistent melodies. Mr. Misunderstood was produced by Jay Joyce, who also worked on Church’s last three albums, and the pair have crafted another batch of songs that feel simultaneously familiar and novel, with plenty of electric guitar crunch to sweeten Church’s already rich voice.

Florida Georgia Line- “Anything Goes”

The duo of Brian Kelley and Tyler Hubbard have been ruling country radio since they broke out with their debut album, Here’s to the Good Times, in 2012. The boys are back with a brand new album, Anything Goes, and it looks like they’re ready to take over the world once again.

The lead single from the album, “Dirt,” is a typical FGL anthem about country living, trucks, and cold beer. It’s catchy as hell and will no doubt be stuck in your head for days. The rest of the album follows suit with more fun songs about girls, drinking, and good times. If you’re a fan of Florida Georgia Line, you’ll love Anything Goes. And if you’re not a fan yet, this might just be the album that converts you.

New Music 2015: Pop

It’s hard to keep up with all the new music that’s coming out these days. It seems like every day there’s a new artist or a new album to check out. This can be especially overwhelming when it comes to pop music, which tends to be super catchy and addictive. To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best pop songs that have come out so far in 2015.

Taylor Swift- “1989”

On October 27, 2014, Swift released her fifth studio album, 1989. The album’s lead single, “Shake It Off”, was released to radio on August 18, 2014. The song peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and became Swift’s second chart topper from 1989. It also topped the charts in Australia and Canada. The album’s second single, “Blank Space”, was released to radio on November 10, 2014 and also topped the Hot 100, becoming Swift’s third number one single from 1989 and her second consecutive chart topping single. In total, 1989 has spawned three number one singles on the Billboard Hot 100 (“Shake It Off”, “Blank Space”, and “Style”), making it her most successful album to date in terms of top 40 singles.

Adele- “25”

Adele’s “25” is the long-awaited follow-up album to her chart-topping “21.” “25” features the lead single, “Hello,” as well as other songs like “When We Were Young” and “Send My Love (To Your New Lover).”

Justin Bieber- “Purpose”

The long-awaited album from Justin Bieber, “Purpose”, was released on November 13th, 2015. The album features collaborations with Skrillex, Diplo, and Big Sean. “Purpose” is Bieber’s first album in over 3 years, and fans are eager to see what the young artist has been up to.

So far, the album has received mixed reviews from critics. Some say that Bieber has finally found his purpose in life and has made an amazing comeback, while others claim that the album is just another forgettable pop record.

What do you think of Justin Bieber’s “Purpose”?

One Direction- “Made in the A.M.”

One Direction’s fifth studio album is sure to be a hit with fans. “Made in the A.M.” features the group’s signature pop sound, but with a more mature twist. The album is full of upbeat tracks that will get you moving, as well as slower ballads perfect for a rainy day. Whether you’re a longtime Directioner or just getting into the band, this album is sure to please.

Meghan Trainor- “Title”

“Title” is the debut single by American singer-songwriter Meghan Trainor. The song was released on June 30, 2014, as the lead single from her debut EP and major label debut studio album, Thank You (2016). The song debuted at number 84 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and peaked at number one, becoming Trainor’s first number-one single in the United States. Additionally, it peaked at number one in the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada and New Zealand. “Title” was ranked as the ninth best-performing song of 2015 worldwide.

New Music 2015: Hip Hop and R&B