Drake & 21 Savage — Her Loss

I mean, of course this record is titled Her Loss. After Drake veered into house music with Honestly, Nevermind this summer, there was general chatter about the future of his rap career. Album standout “Jimmy Cooks” was a light for fans who just wanted Drake to spit some toxic bars and call it a day—and the 21 Savage feature was a nice, menacing contrast. Today, those fans get their wish as Drake and 21 team up to lay on the toxicity thick. The magic of “Knife Talk,” “Sneakin’,” “Mr. Right Now” and “Jimmy Cooks” now has its own full-length presentation.

Seyi Vibez — Billion Dollar Baby

Seyi Vibez lives by a simple motto: there are no good vibes without him. The Nigerian artist made a name for himself without following industry trends, or relying on game-changing handouts, thanks to 2020 hit “God Sent.” Two years on, Seyi is one of the most-streamed artists on Audiomack across genres. Billion Dollar Baby, featuring Simi and Mayorkun, grooves and pulses with confidence. This is an album made by an artist who knows he’s earned his seismic rise.

Read our feature interview “Who The F*ck Is Seyi Vibez?”

PsychoYP — YPSZN3

PsychoYP has placed Nigerian rap on his back, and he’s taking it to the moon. The third installment in the YPSZN record series, YPSZN3 borrows from the American trend of making a blockbuster, victory-lap album and injects it with the fun YP is known for on the mic. Backroad Gee, JeriQ, Zlatan, and many more lend guest features.

Read our more in our “10 African Artists You Should Know” feature

SURF GANG — AT LEAST WE TRIED

On Halloween, Brooklyn-based rap collective SURF GANG released AT LEAST WE TRIED. The new record follows their 2021 debut album SGV1, which put them on the map in the city and turned critics’ eyes towards their raucous style. On AT LEAST WE TRIED, the group sounds more polished, but doesn’t exchange growth for charisma. Basking in chaotic DIY sensibilities, SURF GANG hit because they’re just like you and your friends, except maybe a little more musically inclined.

Read more in out “10 Rappers You Should Know Right Now” feature

Jucee Froot — Down In The Valley

Memphis rapper Jucee Froot’s mixtape game aims to recall the greatness of Lil Wayne. October’s Feeling Like Tunechi Again reveals as much, with Jucee Froot unloading a clip of bars over 40 minutes. Down In The Valley takes the grisly edge of her raps on previous efforts and smoothes them out to fit in under stark club lights. Standout “Nasty” features an otherworldly synth line, but don’t let that distract you from Jucee Froot rapping about pulling the glock out.

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