Music
The Best New Hip-Hop This Week
Getty Image / Uproxx Studios Uproxx’s new column includes albums, videos, and songs from Megan Thee Stallion, Jeezy, Chief Keef, and more. …
Welcome to The Best New Hip-Hop This Week! You may have noticed that my usual column, The Best Hip-Hop Albums Coming Out This Week… did not come out this week. You also may have noticed that Uproxx’s other faithful hip-hop column, All The Best New Rap Music To Have On Your Radar, is also kaput, as its author Andre Gee has moved on from Uproxx. We wish him well and we’re all very proud of him.
His departure has left a void, however — a void that must be filled, due to both the laws of nature and the hunger hip-hop fans have for new writing about the latest and the greatest content the culture has to offer. To that end, this new column will sort of combine both the old columns into a “best of both worlds” situation, only without the creepy R. Kelly connection. Basically, I’ll be a one-man Watch The Throne — or Super Slimey, if you’re a little younger/more Southern — delivering commentary on all the best releases in hip-hop each week, from albums to songs to videos and even the occasional Verzuz battle. It’s a work in progress, so bear with us as we get this thing off the ground.
Here is the best of hip-hop this week ending November 20, 2020.
Albums
Courtney Bell — Poverty Stricken
Detroit newcomer Courtney Bell brings streetwise raps and progressive thinking to his debut tape, which features a verse from TDE’s Reason. Riding the line between backpacker’s density and mainstream accessibility, Bell counts Nipsey Hussle as one of his primary influences.
Jeezy — The Recession 2
Smartly pairing the release of his latest album to the hotly anticipated Verzuz battle between himself and former rival Gucci Mane, Jeezy gave a preview of what to expect from the sequel to his fan-favorite 2008 album with the single “Therapy To My Soul.”
LVRN — Home For The Holidays
Hip-hop could always use more Christmas albums. 6lack, Boogie, Summer Walker, and the gang are more than happy to oblige.
Megan Thee Stallion — Good News
Overshadowing just about any other release this year, Houston hottie Megan Thee Stallion finally delivers her long-awaited major-label debut album. Boasting appearances from Big Sean, City Girls, DaBaby, Lil Durk, Popcaan, SZA, and Young Thug, it’s certainly a star-studded affair. However, ahead of its release, fans’ attention remained sharply focused on the opening track “Shots Fired,” on which Megan was expected to finally address her alleged shooting by Tory Lanez on record. The song didn’t disappoint, using Biggie’s “Who Shot Ya?” to refute Tory’s smear campaign.
Rexx Life Raj — California Poppy 2
Over the course of the last few years, Berkeley’s Rexx Life Raj has carved himself a lane as a provider of mellow, thoughtful tunes that weave breezily between soothing R&B singing and tongue-twisting, eyebrow-raising rap. The sequel to his popular 2018 EP delivers more of the same, from the motivational “Tesla In A Pandemic” to the boastful “Look At This.”
Russ — Chomp
Refocusing fans’ attention on his raps instead of his antics, Russ hangs right in there with rap luminaries like Black Thought and Busta Rhymes, even though he ultimately becomes an afterthought on most of his own EP.
YSN Flow — Long Story Short
Ohio rapper YSN Flow has been building his buzz over the past year and a half, paying off their patience with this mixtape produced by Iceberg Beatz.
Events
Verzuz: Gucci Mane Vs. Jeezy
In what could very well have been the best Verzuz matchup yet, two of Atlanta trap rap’s founding fathers met up for the first time in fifteen years to dispel all the bad blood between them — of which there is plenty. Of course, it wasn’t all water under the bridge; Gucci Mane brought some serious aggression to Atlanta’s fabled Magic City, where the battle took place, dredging up quarrelsome mixtape classics like the taunting “Truth.” In the end, as always, the real winner was the culture, as the two united to perform their only collaboration (and the song that kicked off their feud in the first place), “So Icy.” The battle ended with the sense the pair would never be friends but would at least keep the violence to a minimum — for the kids.
Singles
Boldy James feat. Stove God Cooks — “Thousand Pills”
Old-fashioned boom-bap drug rap at its finest.
Kembe X feat. Ab-Soul & IceColdBishop — “Back At It”
Ab-Soul goes bonkers on this one, Kembe X does his thing, and newcomer IceColdBishop brings uncommon energy.
YFN Lucci — “September 7th”
A heartbroken anthem of betrayal and survival, Lucci is at his caterwauling best.
Yung Baby Tate — “Rainbow Cadillac”
Bringing the same sort of raucous, estrogen-powered energy as Flo Milli did earlier this year, the Atlanta rapper introduces her next phase.
Videos
Chief Keef & Mike Will Made-It — “Status”
One part horror movie score, one part classic drill revenge fantasy, “Status” reunites the two collaborators seven years after Keef’s debut album.
Lil Tjay — “Move On”
Mellow guitars and heavy 808s backdrop Lil Tjay’s wistful anti-love letter.
Saweetie feat. Jhene Aiko — “Back To The Streets”
The long-awaited video references everything from the beauty shop to Steven Spielberg.
Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.
Stay updated! Click the Google News follow button for more news and updates.
Follow on Google NewsArtist Spotlight
Louise Goffin unveils her most introspective masterpiece yet with EP “What I Love The Most”
Delivering a rich tapestry of emotion and artistry, Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter and producer Louise Goffin takes listeners on a profound sonic journey with her latest EP, “What I Love The Most.” Seamlessly blending soulful introspection with melodic brilliance, this three-track masterpiece is a testament to Goffin’s evolution as an artist and a heartfelt homage to her creative collaborations with family and celebrated musicians.
The EP’s opening track, “Whole Damn Reason,” sets the stage with its vibrant pop sensibilities and heartfelt lyrics. Co-written and co-produced with her youngest son, Hayden Wells, the song exudes an infectious energy while exploring themes of passion, purpose, and possibilities. It’s an instant oozes with a classic pop charm that captures the euphoria of life’s defining moments, resonating deeply with Goffin’s signature sound.
Next, “Backseat” shimmers with introspective warmth and takes the listener on a reflective adventure of prolonged adversities. Co-written with her eldest son, Elijah Wells, and Puerto Rican songwriter Salomé Monroig, the track unfolds as a sonic declaration of empowerment, reclaiming self-worth and vulnerability. Its therapeutic undercurrent creates a vivid tapestry of resilience and personal growth, encouraging listeners to take control of their narrative, moving from the backseat of life into the driver’s seat of their own lives.
The EP closes with the hauntingly evocative “Dominoes,” a track that seamlessly intertwines poetic lyricism, pulsating rhythms, and masterful instrumentation. With contributions from Caleb Elliot on cello and Colin Lott on drums, this song is a powerful exploration of love, vulnerability, and self-discovery. Its timeless dynamism and soulful insights leave a lasting impression, showcasing Goffin’s ability to craft universal experiences through profoundly personal storytelling.
Recorded across iconic music hubs like Muscle Shoals and Memphis, “What I Love The Most” is a perfect blend of homegrown charm and studio polish. Goffin’s velvety vocals, layered harmonies, and intricate arrangements create a lush, immersive soundscape that transcends genres. Collaborations with her talented sons, legendary bassist David Hood, and other esteemed musicians elevate the EP, adding depth and authenticity to its rich tapestry.
With “What I Love The Most,” Louise Goffin solidifies her reputation as a vital voice in contemporary music. This collection of songs conveys a refreshing amalgamation of unparalleled experiences, sophisticated production, and a profoundly personal manifesto of love, resilience, and artistic expression. It is highly recommended for enthusiasts of introspective and emotionally impactful music, as this release is poised to become a cherished addition to playlists globally. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with the artistry of Louise Goffin at her finest!
For more information about Louise Goffin, please visit [website].
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Louise Goffin’s EP “What I Love The Most“ on Spotify.
CONNECT WITH Louise Goffin | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook |
Artist Spotlight
“Walking Away” by Kelsie Kimberlin evokes an anthemic brilliance of empowerment to liberation
Recognized for her emotive pop prowess, Kelsie Kimberlin starts 2025 with a soulful masterstroke, delving deep into themes of resilience and rebirth in her evocative new single, “Walking Away.” This release marks her initial offering, 2025, which pairs impactful lyricism with a striking music video that Kimberlin herself directed. Shot on the hauntingly resilient streets of Kyiv, Ukraine, the visuals weave personal and political symbolism into a narrative centered on courage and transformation.
Kimberlin’s emotive vocal delivery captures the ache of breaking free from a toxic relationship, while the imagery in the music video enhances the storytelling. As she traverses the desolate, early-morning streets, she metaphorically sheds layers of clothing, representing the relinquishment of pain and abuse. By holding a stuffed toy, she subtly illustrates the concept of finding solace in vulnerability, embodying the notion of a fresh beginning marked by freedom and fearlessness.
The choice to film in Kyiv adds a significant layer of poignancy to “Walking Away.” Just as Kimberlin’s journey mirrors personal liberation, it parallels Ukraine’s ongoing fight for freedom and independence amidst persistent oppression. The song becomes a rallying cry for individuals trapped in toxic relationships and entire nations striving to reclaim their autonomy.
Musically, “Walking Away” thrives on its polished pop production, harmoniously balancing anthemic crescendos with Kimberlin’s heartfelt vocal performance. The melody lingers long after the track ends, a reminder of the strength it takes to walk away and the beauty that awaits on the other side. Kimberlin’s courage to candidly share her experiences boldly inspires others to embark on their journeys of self-discovery.
This single is essential for anyone seeking motivation to initiate a new life chapter. With “Walking Away,” Kelsie Kimberlin proves herself as an artist, a profound storyteller, and an advocate, delivering a universal message of resilience that resonates far beyond the music.
For more information about Kelsie Kimberlin, please visit [website].
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Kelsie Kimberlin’s “Walking Away“ on Spotify.
CONNECT WITH Kelsie Kimberlin | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook |
