NSG — Roots

East London’s NSG collective—a six-piece group that includes Kruddz, ODG, Papii Abz, Dope, Mxjib and Mojo—has generated plenty of hype over the last few years. Synthesizing Afrobeats, Afroswing, hip-hop, and dancehall into a polished and magnetic package, they’ve racked up millions of plays for hits like "Options" and "OT Bop" and left fans impatiently awaiting a full-length project. Roots, that debut mixtape, delivers on the group’s promise with an 18-track set of summer-ready vibes. The global takeover seems imminent.

Teyana Taylor — The Album

Two years removed from K.T.S.E., her acclaimed but abbreviated Wyoming Sessions experiment produced by Kanye West, Teyana Taylor is back with The Album. The project’s pointed title, sprawling 23-song tracklist (segmented into five acts, or “studios”), and A-list guest list (Rick Ross, Erykah Badu, Quavo, Future, Kehlani, Missy Elliott, Davido, Big Sean) make it known that the R&B star’s third album is her biggest statement to date.

BandGang Lonnie Bands & Bandgang Javar — The Scamily

The Scamily is the latest project to emerge from Detroit’s influential BandGang collective. Officially a joint tape between members Lonnie Bands and Javar, the project is a showcase for the city’s thriving rap scene as Lonnie’s stoned drawl and Javar’s steamrolling growl are joined by a barrage of hilarious and intimidating bars from Sada Baby, Teejayx6, Damedot, GT, Drego & Beno, Kasher Quon, Veeze and more.

Slayter — WORLD GOT ME FUCKED UP, Vol. 1

Slayter might have shot the cover to his new project over six months ago, but it’s hard to peel away the state of the world looking at it now. “I love mayhem because that’s what exposes everybody’s true colors,” he said, regarding his decision to release the project now. WORLD GOT ME FUCKED UP, Vol. 1—again, fitting—is a dark visit to the Puerto Rico-born, Dyckman-raised rapper’s New York: a melting pot of styles and personalities built on foundations of East Coast lyricism.

Joey Fatts — Olive Boy

Since 2012, Joey Fatts has been a staple of the West Coast underground, routinely releasing mixtapes that blend his roots and realities in the streets of Long Beach with inspiration, production, and guest features from across the map and internet. His 10th mixtape, Olive Boy, might be his most laid-back to date, complete with production from Cardo and a verse from cousin and longtime collaborator Vince Staples.

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