Rakim, Benny The Butcher, Joey Bada$$, And More

Rakim Featuring Lazarus – “Not To Be Defined”

We’re not sure what’s sparked the fire in Rakim lately, but it’s a welcome surprise. After spending much of his legendary career in relative silence, the God MC has been more active and outspoken than he’s been in decades.

His latest offering, “Not To Be Defined” featuring Detroit wordsmith Lazarus, is a sharp continuation of the resurgence that began with last year’s G.O.D.’s Network: Reb7rth. Over a textured, hard-hitting beat from Dem Jointz, Rakim reminds us exactly why his pen is still revered—”Still one of the illest you might hear…” he drawls with calm confidence.

Lazarus holds his own, delivering a cerebral verse that matches the tone: “Even if you raise your eyes to the ravenous sky, you’ll never ever get a peek.” Accompanied by rooftop visuals that radiate classic NYC grit, “Not To Be Defined” is both a statement and a signal that The Re-Up, Ra’s forthcoming album, is on its way. And that he clearly has more to say. – Preezy Brown

Benny The Butcher – ‘Summertime Butch 2’

Benny The Butcher returns with Summertime Butch, aiming to heat up the season with gritty verses and heavyweight features—but the impact doesn’t quite match the bar set by its predecessor.

While tracks like “Told You So,” bolstered by Mike WiLL Made-It’s production, and “Gold Plated Leica” with OT The Real, deliver sharp moments, the overall project leaves a bit to be desired.

Collaborations with Westside Gunn, Bun B, and G Herbo add flashes of energy, and “Pandoras” featuring Elcamino and Duckman taps into Benny’s signature sound. “Summer ’25” hints at making the Summertime Butch series an annual affair, though this installment feels more like setup than statement. – PB

Joey Bada$$ – “ABK”

Joey Bada$$ carried the energy from his rap beef against the West Coast into his new single “ABK.” There is a clear hunger and momentum he is operating on, and he is rightfully talking big cash after his performance this year.

The hook, where he creatively flips multiple acronyms, is awesome. If that wasn’t enough, the beat switches, and he directly talks about the “G League ni**as” he took down from January to May.

Needless to say, Bada$$ isn’t the tree that just anyone should bark up; he is armed and ready for whomever. Where’s the album Joey! – Armon Sadler

Travis Scott – ‘Jackboys 2’

Jackboys 2 landed with little warning, but Travis Scott and his Cactus Jack crew clearly knew the timing was perfect. Dropping right into the heart of summer, the surprise compilation has quickly become one of the week’s strongest releases.

From Sheck Wes and Don Toliver’s standout “2000” to the hazy bounce of “PBT” featuring Tyla and Vybez Kartel, the project pulses with versatility. Travis, unfazed by Pusha T’s recent shots, sounds locked in on “Champain & Vacay,” as well as “Kick Out,” where he quips, “Platinum slugs and princess cuts for the Tooth Fairy.”

With a star-studded lineup that includes Future, Playboi Carti, GloRilla, Kodak Black, and Sahbabii, Jackboys 2 feels less like a randomly tossed-off sequel and more like a curated summer playlist with replay value. – PB

GELO – ‘League Of My Own’

LiAngelo Ball’s pivot from the hardwood to the mic as GELO is as unexpected as it is intriguing, and his debut album League of My Own proves he’s not just riding the wave of viral fame.

While GELO’s transition from athlete to artist might raise eyebrows, there’s no denying his breakout single “Tweaker” set a compelling foundation—enough to catch Def Jam’s attention.

League of My Own is packed with flashes of potential, especially in cuts like the kinetic opener “POLLASEEDS,” the confident “Shook Da Game,” and the punchy GloRilla-assisted “Can You Please.”

But the momentum dips at times, with tracks like “Humble Abode” and “Watcha Gon Do” feeling less inspired. Thankfully, GELO regains traction with “Beware of Dog” and sticks the landing with “1 Deal,” closing on a high note.

This debut isn’t a slam dunk, but it’s a solid first step that hints at more refined work to come. GELO has the charisma—now it’s about finding consistency to match. – PB

Trippie Redd – “Woke Up / The Face”

Trippie Redd is in full rage mode on “Woke Up.” His first lines are literally “Woke up feeling like I might kill somebody,” though he transitions into discussing his lady.

Conflicting feelings aside, the record is endearing as he bears his soul vocally right before the horror theme-esque beat drops. “The Face” is more of an alternative trap anthem, and his flow is pristine.

Redd leaves little room to breathe on this record, delivery boxing jab-like flow in alignment with the heavy drum pattern. These are strong releases for one of the most enduring artists of the Soundcloud era, and it is exciting to see where he will go next. – AS

Yeat & BNYX – “IM YEAT”

Yeat and BNYX are a real dynamic duo. “IM YEAT” is as much of a declaration of who he is, as it is a stamp of where he stands in the current landscape of alternative rap and rage music. BNYX knows his constant collaborator very well, lacing him with synths, drums, and the proper BPM to fully dive into a high-energy flow. It is especially enjoyable to hear the Irvine, Calif. artist be more articulate than he normally is. The ability to understand the lyrics only makes the track more memorable and able to rap along to. “IM YEAT” is a strong release. – AS

41, Kyle Richh, Tata & Zeddy Will – “Pucci”

Four artists making some of the most fun music right now came together for “Pucci.”

41, Kyle Richh, and Tata’s vocals and cadences are infectious earworms that normally operate on faster-paced beats, but they work on this downtempo production.

The vocal loop in the background and synths make this a true vibe, and their lyrics make clear this track is meant to be more for the ladies than those looking to get sturdy at a party.

Zeddy Will may the stay of the party, offering to Zelle a woman for whatever she wants to buy. “Pucci” is a winner. – AS

Saweetie Featuring J White Did It – “Boffum”

Saweetie is back doing what she has done best throughout her career; sampling an old classic to make an anthem for the ladies. “Boffum” flips Young Buck’s “Shorty Wanna Ride” and displays her desire to indulge in all the good of life, whether it be fancy food, rich men, or luxurious clothing.

The record thrives because of its simplicity; the Santa Clara, Calif. artist has rarely tried to do too much and she succeeds in using popular lingo, catchy choruses, and easy one-liners. “Boffum” is fun and it will not be shocking when this finds its way into reels, Instagram stories, and TikToks within the weekend. – AS

Raekwon – ‘Emperor’s New Clothes’

Young Nudy Featuring 21 Savage, Project Pat, Coupe – “ICED TEA”

Joyner Lucas – ‘ADHD 2’

Loe Shimmy – ‘Rockstar Junkie”

Pardison Fontaine – “Better Than Me?!!”

Jermaine Dupri, BunnaB, Bankroll Ni Featuring Jay Money, Sean Paul (Young Blood) – “Magic City Money”

Anycia – ‘Grady Baby’

Breeze Mantana – ‘Breakfast At Christie’s

Che – ‘Rest In Bass’

FattMack Featuring G Herbo – “White Lines”

Che Noir Featuring 38 Spesh, The Other Guys – “Smooth Jazz”

EBK Jaaybo – “Someone You Love”

Toosii – “Even Then”

araabMUZIK – “3 AM”

Rio Da Yung Og – “Great Day”

Montana 700 – “Boosie Flow”

Abstract Mindstate – ‘The Art Project’

Lil Poppa, Yungeen Ace – “1 Hellavah Life”

Lakeyah Featuring Stunna Girl – “Raw Btch”

1900Rugrat – “Sup Freestyle”

Ace Hood – ‘S.O.U.L.’

Big RASNA – ‘Window Pain’

Billacheck Featuring Skrilla – “OMW To A M”

1Shista – “Then Us”

Hurricane Wisdom – “Afraid”

Millkzy – ‘TheNarrator’