Fredo Bang — UNLV

Since 2018’s 2 Face Bang, Baton Rouge rapper Fredo Bang has flooded fans with mixtapes and studio albums packed with grisly bars. His latest project UNLV features the usual suspects—piano-driven productions home to a series of threats and boastful Southern pride—with Fredo never running out of steam. Features include G Herbo, the late JayDaYoungan, and more.

Watch Fredo Bang perform live for Fine Tuned

Young Jonn — Love Is Not Enough, Vol. 2

“I feel like Young Jonn the singer and Young Jonn the producer are two different people,” the producer-turned-solo-artist shared with Audiomack World in September. The man behind hits for some of Africa’s biggest acts—Olamide, Davido, and more—began producing as a means to an end, and his widespread success has been an encouraging surprise. Continuing the Love Is Not Enough series with Vol. 2, listeners get an even deeper picture of the artist as subject. The album is delicate, with Young Jonn’s confidence propelling every song.

Read our feature interview “Young Jonn’s Reinvention”

Armani Caesar — THE LIZ 2

Armani Caesar debuted on Buffalo rap powerhouse Griselda with THE LIZ back in 2020. Today, she delivers the artful sequel, with features from Westside Gunn, Kodak Black, Stove God Cooks, and more. Inspired by the greats—Missy Elliott, Lil’ Kim—Armani’s powerful delivery is matched only by her flyness. She sounds like she’d win any fight 10-to-1, but also like she’s the coolest person in the room. THE LIZ 2 evades the sophomore slump and has Armani coming out the winner of the “Survival of the Littest.”

Read our feature interview “Armani Caesar Is Ready for Her Star Moment”

Melvoni — THIS IS NOT A DRILL

Despite what the title suggests, don’t panic, just vibe. Melvoni’s debut album THIS IS NOT A DRILL is a moment of celebration for the Brooklyn rapper. Standout “COUNTING SHEEP” with 21 Savage features the breathless, melodic flows that helped Melvoni break out when “No Man’s Land” dropped in ‘19. That single was recorded during a studio session in Canarsie, in just a few hours, and the rest was drippy history. THIS IS NOT A DRILL feels like a formal introduction to the young artist, honing in on the successes of his 2020 EP WHO TF IS MELVONI.

Moliy — Honey Doom

Accra native Moliy busted into the music scene with a 2020 debut EP and a 2021 breakout feature on “SAD GIRLZ LUV MONEY.” Since then, the Ghanaian artist has released a project packed with hometown pride and put on for outspoken women in music. Honey Doom is Moliy’s vibrant new offering, her honeyed vocals front and center for eight songs. The EP runs just long enough to encourage immediate, repeat listens and continues to affirm the independent singer’s place in the Ghanaian music world.

Read our feature interview “Moliy, From Ghana to the World”

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