Redman, Ice Spice, Kodak Black, And Other Hip-Hop Releases To End Off The Year

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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.

Redman – Muddy Waters Too

An esteemed emcee whose penmanship is above reproach, Redman is one of the most lauded rappers of all-time. Renowned for his balance of entertainment and skillful lyricism, the New Jersey native returns from a lengthy hiatus with Muddy Waters Too, the sequel to his acclaimed studio album released nearly three decades ago.

If you’re expecting an album that matches or trumps its predecessor, you’ll be left desiring more, but if you’re content with hearing Redman rip off potent stanzas atop a smorgasbord of backdrops, the time is well spent. Kicking things off with “Da F**k Goin On,” Redman fully embraces his O.G. status, a trend that continues on “Whuts Hot,” as he scoffs at a pursuit of relevance. “I’m damn near 50, I don’t need the homage/ I can still drop an album and change the climate,” Redman raps atop tumbling drums, sending a nod to the true school in the process.

Partner in rhyme Method Man pops up on “Lalala,” while a mix of New Jersey’s rap royalty join forces on the bouncy posse cut “Lite It Up.” Redman shines on the standouts “Why U Mad,” “Soopaman Luva 7,” and “Smoke Wit Me,” with Snoop Dogg (“Kush”), KRS-One (“Looka Here”), Sheek Louch (“Dynomite”), and Faith Evans and Kid Capri (“Hoodstar”) among the guest stars.

A robust 32-songs in length, Muddy Waters Too would’ve been a stronger effort with half the tracks omitted, that said, the highs are worth the price of admission alone. Redman’s curation may be rusty, but his greatness as a wordsmith remains squarely intact – Preezy Brown

Ice Spice – Y2K!: I’m Just A Girl (Deluxe)

Just under 5 months after releasing her debut album Y2K! and the bonus edition, Ice Spice shared the LP’s deluxe version. Y2K!: I’m Just A Girl brought five new records into the mix with features from NLE Choppa, DaBaby, BB Trickz, and Anuel AA. “Hannah Montana” is the highlight record, with the Bronx star flanked by Choppa and DaBaby.

It’s fun, energetic, and incorporates all of the elements of an Ice Spice verse that fans have come to love: confidence, catchy punchlines, and an easy flow. “So What?” was refreshing as it featured a slower BPM and new flow from Spice. RiotUSA showed his production mettle all over this deluxe effort, and while many people wish she would work with another producer, he continues to tell the detractors to hold his Arizona iced tea. – Armon Sadler

Kodak Black – Gift For The Streets

Did anyone have Kodak Black dropping a Christmas album on their bingo cards? Doubtful. Yet, here we are with the 12 new tracks that make up Gift For The Streets. He simultaneously leaned into the festive energy but also flipped it on “Nightmare Before Christmas,” a midtempo bop where he raps about his come-up and some overall dark content.

This theme continues on records like “Sh*t Show,” “Penitentiary,” and “Demons & Angels.” The Pompano Beach, Fla. doesn’t play grinch alone; Veeze, Lil Yachty, Rob49, Juvenile, and B.G. also appear on the project. This may not be what you play around grandma when opening gifts, but there are some gem records and strong verses. Kodak is nothing if not consistent. – AS

Young Thug – Slime Season

Many people have been waiting for Young Thug’s first musical move after being freed from prison in October and he served up a helping of nostalgia on Christmas. His 2015 mixtape Slime Season, the first of an amazing series, was added to streaming services. This means that people who weren’t hip at the time will freely be able to hear records like “Quarterback,” “Again,” “Rarri,” “Power” and more.

He also had an all-star cast of acts such as Lil Wayne, Quavo, Offset, and Gucci Mane. This project hosted some of his classic tracks that powered his breakthrough and are held dear by Young Thug truthers. Thankfully, now everyone can go back and see why he has such a loyal fanbase. – AS

Young Thug – Slime Season 2

But wait, there’s more! In 2015, Young Thug dropped the second iteration of the Slime Season series one month after the first and arguably outdid himself. Missiles like “Big Racks,” “Thief In The Night,” and “Pull Up On A Kid” highlight this 22-song effort. It also served as an early introduction to Lil Uzi Vert, who went on a crazy run the years after appearing on “Big Racks.”

If you’re a fan of lyrical gymnastics and vocal inflections, they are all throughout this project. Not to mention, cult favorites like “Up,” “She Notice,” and “Bout (Damn) Time.” And now, people can also dive into this fantastic effort from the Atlanta enigma. What a time to be a slime. – AS

OMB Peezy and GloRilla – “Lay Down (Remix)”

OMB Peezy put a spin on his slapper “Lay Down” by adding GloRilla to the remix and honestly, who better to call for a verse to end 2024? This roof-raising, trunk-rattling record is loaded with vibrant synths and energetic bars galore. It’s got football highlight film track written all over it due to the production and delivery.

Peezy and Glo have impeccable chemistry, which is always concerning when it comes to remixes; while it is clear she just filled in an open space, she matched his energy seamlessly. The “Lay Down” remix is fun and a clear message to their opps; you can’t stop them so just submit. – AS

NLE Choppa – Picasso: Sluffin SZN x Slut SZN

NLE Choppa ends 2024 off on a high note with Picasso: Sluffin SZN, a companion piece to his Slut SZN album released earlier this year.

Consisting of 15 new tracks, the deluxe project has quite a few offerings that are likely to resonate with listeners, beginning with “Sinking Slowly” featuring vocalist Carey Washington, and continuing with the piano-laden solo groove “Ballin.”

Packed with plenty of star power, Picasso: Sluffin SZN includes appearances from Summer Walker (“Stingy”), Yung Bleu (“Still At Home”), Skilla Baby (“Lifted”), and T-Pain (“Get Money”), all of whom turn in favorable performances.

“Fireworks, “Or What (Orchestra Mix)” featuring 41 and Kyle Ricch, and the festive “What A Christmas,” also rank among the noteworthy inclusions on Picasso: Sluffin SZN, as NLE Choppa showcases the melodicism and lyricism that has driven his staying power thus far. – PB

Don Trip – Christopher Season 4

Don Trip has been on a tear that’s been preceded by few artists, as the veteran spitter has accounted for a dozen full-length musical projects this calendar year.

The fourth installment of his Christopher Season series, the latest release in Don Trip’s ongoing run, is a thoughtful and contemplative body of work, presenting the reflections of a man weathering the pitfalls and disappointments of life.

A sleeping giant is awaken on “Baba Yaga,” a rugged intro cut that finds Don Trip in an aggressive and vengeful mode, whereas “Time Will Tell” features a verse by his late In Loving Memory collaborator Pif.

Devoid of any additional contributions, Christopher Season IV includes contrasts between the Memphis native’s observations and confessions, such as “Accountability” and “Me vs. Everybody,” the latter of which serves as a man in the mirror moment.

A rollercoaster of emotions, Christopher Season IV is a raw, unfiltered expression of Don Trip’s grievances and the sum of his experiences. – PB

Grafh and 38 Spesh featuring Peedi Crakk, Young Chris, Neef Buck – “Rocafella Chain (Remix)”

Grafh basks in the aura of being adorned a “Rocafella Chain” alongside Roc alums Peedi Crakk, Young Chris, and Neef Buck.

Produced by 38 Spesh, the track is led by an opening verse by Grafh, who is followed by Peedi Crakk, as the Philly native plasters his sinewy flow atop the horn-powered soundbed.

Rounded out by Young Chris and Neef Buck of the Young Gunz, “Rocafella Chain (Remix)” serves as a rememberance and significance that a Roc-A-Fella cosign once, and continues, to yield. – PB

Diversify – KRIPPMAS 2

Producer and songwriter Diversify rounds up a murderers row of emcees for KRIPPMAS 2, a compilation heavy on high-end lyricism and beats that range from pulsating to subdued.

Featuring Snoop Dogg, Lil Wayne, Nipsey Hussle, DMX, Big Pun, Rakim, Conway the Machine, Benny The Butcher, Ghostface Killah, Rick Ross, and plenty more, KRIPPMAS 2 is a compilation that may have arrived in time for the holiday season, but sticks to its own script.

Instead of joints inspired by Christmas, it’s the endless rhyme schemes and layered production that proves to be the gift that gives on KRIPPMAS 2. – PB