Olamide — Carpe Diem

Nigerian hip-hop icon Olamide returns with Carpe Diem, a 12-track album that features Fireboy DML, Omah Lay, Peruzzi, Phyno, Bella Shmurda, and Bad Boy Timz. It’s his 11th project, and second of 2020 following February’s 999 EP, one that finds him embracing his voice as a singer across bright, upbeat production mainly from P.Priime. “The project is a reflection of my mind, and also the current sound that is brewing underground in Nigeria,” says Olamide.

BlocBoy JB — FatBoy

BlocBoy JB shot his way into public consciousness in 2018, riding a Drake feature to the No. 5 song in the US and pioneering a dance so instantly folded into the zeitgeist that it was co-opted by Fortnite and its millions of adolescent players. While his cultural contributions have left his direct control, BlocBoy JB remains one of Memphis’ most colorful personalities, balancing serious aggression with plenty of lighthearted one-liners. FatBoy, his major-label debut, features Yo Gotti, Trippie Redd, NLE Choppa, G Herbo, and Tay Keith.

REASON — New Beginnings

In August 2018, Carson, CA rapper REASON officially joined one of hip-hop’s most vaunted labels, Top Dawg Entertainment. One month later, he re-released his 2017 debut mixtape There You Have It, which showcased the technical proficiency and storytelling ability that impressed TDE CEO Anthony “Top Dawg” Tiffith. Two years later, REASON unveils his long-awaited official debut album, the celebratory New Beginnings, featuring ScHoolboy Q, Vince Staples, Isaiah Rashad, JID, Rapsody, Ab-Soul and more.

Read our feature interview: “REASON Is Celebrating New Beginnings”

Capolow — Kid Next Door

Capolow’s been busy in 2020. Kid Next Door is his third project of the year following March’s Room 304 and his joint tape with Kamaiyah, Oakland Nights, released last month. Featuring Luh Kel, Jaydayoungan, and Haiti Babii, the 16-track set is full of sunny-day bops and East Oakland personality from the rising Bay rapper.

Bella Alubo — Popstar

Nigerian singer Bella Alubo releases her sultry new EP Popstar. Featuring four tracks recorded in her London apartment, including “GBOLAHAN,” one of the best pop tracks on Audiomack in September, the project molds R&B, Afro-pop, Afro-house, reggae, dancehall and more into a warm, inviting sound. Pop music for a posh dancefloor.

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