Lil Baby Loads The Extended Clip, Mac Miller Goes On A Pony Ride, Rod Wave Makes A Westside Connection, And Other New Hip-Hop Releases

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Today is Friday, which means there are a ton of new releases to look forward to from some of your favorite Hip-Hop artists. To help you unwind and enjoy the weekend, check out VIBE’s picks of songs and albums you should hear and add to your soundtrack of weekend festivities.

Lil Baby – WHAM (Extended Version)

Lil Baby is looking to secure another #1 album, in part due to the extended version of his fourth studio album WHAM. He added four new tracks to his 15-song effort, one of which being “99” with Future.

Aside from the name draw, it stands above the rest with its immersive production and Baby’s spirited delivery.For all of his complaints about formulaic, this trends toward the positive side of his signature rap style and sound. Future also has an especially swaggy flow.

The internet narratives may say Baby is done, and a No. 1 album at the beginning of the year with no competition doesn’t necessarily say otherwise. Yet, he continues to give signs that he could reach the artistic heights that people hoped for. – Armon Sadler

Mac Miller – “5 Dollar Pony Rides”

Mac Miller’s latest posthumous effort, “5 Dollar Pony Rides,” is a soulful and instrumental groove. His raspy vocals float over the piano keys and soft drums.

He also switches up his delivery, crooning in certain parts and layering his belts in the chorus. Throughout his career, Mac constantly showed that his Hip-Hop roots weren’t his ceiling, and this record is a reminder of the artistic level he reached before passing.

Imagining this song with a live band almost hurts knowing that it will never happen, but it is beautiful nonetheless. And the beat switch? Masterful. It contributes even more to one’s ability to envision this in a coffee house, open mic-type setting. – AS

Rod Wave – “Westside Connection”

Rod Wave has all but mastered the composition of emotive serenades, as he rarely misses when sticking to his tried-and-true script.

The Floridian rap singer finds a “Westside Connection” on his latest single, reflecting on love lost and the possibilities of what could’ve been.

“I don’t get it, let’s switch this chapter, I don’t like the story, I’m changin’ it/ Just met a uphill battle, it’s okay I was made for this,” Rod croons, exuding a spirit of perseverance in spite of his heartache and sorrow.

Powered by a backdrop driven by piano keys and 808 drums, “Westside Connection” is a lovelorn salvo that serves as a holdover as the hitmaker gears up for his next full-length offering. – Preezy Brown

Jack Harlow – “Tranquility”

Jack Harlow’s “Tranquility” is one of his most impressive lyrical displays in years; a nice reminder of what he can do given the fact his big tracks of late have leaned more toward popular rap that appeals to the masses.

The most salient aspect of the track is his self-awareness; he understands people question his place in rap and he doesn’t care.

His last project Jackman was daring, which is conflicting since it was a pure rap project, but he’s focused on getting back to showing his versatility.

He sounds at peace with his current stature and who can really be mad at that? – AS

Joy Crookes featuring Vince Staples – “Pass the Salt”

Songstress Joy Crookes pairs up with Vince Staples for this disarmingly addictive groove, as the British singer-songwriter and the Long Beach export urge haters to “Pass the Salt” amid their side-eyes and grievances.

“Listen to this, I got plenty to get off my chest,” Crookes purrs on the opening verse, setting the tone for Staples to swoop in with his timely stanza midway through.

Produced by Crookes and Blue May, “Pass the Salt” is a sure shot to serve as Crookes’ gateway to increased notoriety amongst Hip-Hop heads unfamiliar with her game, which is as soulful as it is distinct. – PB

EST Gee featuring Veeze, Rylo Rodriguez – “My Love”

EST Gee & Veeze Feat. Rylo Rodriguez “My Love” cover art

Who could have predicted EST Gee, Veeze, and Rylo Rodriguez would link up for an earnest-sounding record like “My Love?”

Don’t get confused though, it’s not a romantic record as much as it is a stream of consciousness. Each rapper’s affection is for the grind, the important people in their lives, their discernment, and the fact they made it out of the trenches.

It was actually an impressive way to flip such a simple, repeated concept. Three rappers who are thriving and working through their PTSD opening up in this way makes for a nice listening experience. And their distinct vocals make it an interesting play throughout its three-minute run time. – AS

Duke Deuce – “The Right 1”

People constantly call music “fun,” and while that might be true, nobody captures that more than Duke Deuce. “The Right 1” feels vintage and nostalgic, yet fresh.

He provides a caption-worthy line in “F**k your cosign, I was viral when you met me.” Deuce’s flow matched with his funny, relatable punchlines makes him a must-listen any time he drops.

There is something to knowing and honing your style; he has continually refined what he does best and “The Right 1” feels like a crystallization of that. Press play in the car, at the gym, at a bar, anywhere, and you’ll have a blast. – AS

Memphis Bleek featuring Smoke DZA, Benny The Butcher – “3 Kings”

Memphis Bleek, Smoke DZA, Benny the Butcher - "3 Kings" Cover Art

Memphis Bleek comes out of hibernation with “3 Kings,” a bruising offering that finds the Bed Stuy native volleying menacing bars atop a rollicking soundscape. Battling lead-off, Bleek commands respect for his tenure while making it clear his bank accounts are far from famished.

“I ain’t from Cali, but all the watches is Blueface/ I made a bag this week, and it’s only Tuesday,” he boasts, before guests Benny The Butcher and Smoke DZA carry on the proceedings with blistering stanzas of their own.

Once handpicked as the prince of the Roc, Bleek coronates himself as a self-made ruler of his own throne, with “3 Kings” finding the veteran in prime form. – PB

Eddie Kaine, Rim – Welcome To StuyVille

Bedford Stuyvesant and Brownsville, two of Brooklyn’s most storied neighborhoods, link up on Welcome To StuyVille, a collaborative project by borough natives and rising rap talents Eddie Kaine and Rim.

Running eleven songs in length, Welcome To StuyVille opens with the brisk wake-up call, “What’s This,” which presents a glimpse at the grit and despair that overlies headlines focused on the gentrification of their stomping grounds.

Buffalo wordsmith Che Noir drops a verse on the early highlight, “Never Stop,” whereas joints like “Stay Focused” and “Chop House,” the latter inspired by Hip-Hop legend Don Pooh’s swanky eatery, find Kaine and Rim doing the heavy lifting by their lonely.

Bolstered by features from Hus KingPin (“Da Whispers”), Benny The Butcher (“Salute”), and Fred Tha Godson, who makes a posthumous appearance on the album’s finale cut, “Made Men,” Welcome To StuyVille is a sturdy longplayer that captures the aura and spirit of its namesakes. – PB