New Music Friday: The Biggest Drops of 2025 So Far

This week’s New Music Friday is undoubtedly the most exciting of the year so far, delivering a dynamic mix of hip-hop and R&B from some of the genre’s brightest stars. With new albums, surprise singles, and unforgettable collaborations, this week offers a little something for every music lover. From Travis Scott’s long-awaited album previews to Bruno Mars linking up with Sexyy Red, let’s dive into the biggest releases of the week.

Albums

Central Cee — Can’t Rush Greatness
Features: 21 Savage, Lil Baby, Lil Durk, Skepta, Dave, Young Miko
Production: Harley Arsenault, Gabe Lucas, Fraxille, Mason Beats, Kid Hazel
Label: Columbia Records / CC4L

Central Cee’s highly anticipated debut album, Can’t Rush Greatness, brings the UK’s hottest new rapper to the global stage. The album showcases his diverse style, blending his London roots with US hip-hop’s biggest names. Featuring 21 Savage, Lil Baby, and Skepta, among others, Central Cee’s lyrical prowess is matched by the album’s hard-hitting production, making it a must-listen for any rap fan.

Hunxho — For Us
Features: Lil Yachty, Real Recognize Rio
Production: 6jugg, Twysted Genius, Cubeatz, ChopSquad DJ, Diego Ave
Label: 300 Entertainment

Continuing his prolific streak, Hunxho drops For Us, another full-length project that proves he’s one of Atlanta’s most promising stars. The album includes standout features from Lil Yachty and Real Recognize Rio, with production that blends trap bangers with laid-back vibes. Hunxho’s versatility shines throughout, setting him up for an even bigger 2025.

Boldy James — Permanent Ink
Features: Sir Michael Rocks, Jai Imani
Production: Roger Goodman, Julian Suleiman
Label: Royal House

Boldy James continues to build on his impressive discography with Permanent Ink, an album that’s bound to satisfy fans of street rap. After dropping five projects in 2024, the Detroit rapper is back with a vengeance. His vivid storytelling and raw lyricism are as potent as ever, although the absence of those signature Alchemist beats is noticeable.

Uncle Murda — Murda He Wrote
Features: Tony Yayo, Giggs, Millyz, Dusty Locane, Que Banz
Production: Great John, Buckroll, Bluey Bluetooth, Roma Beats, Boy Wonda
Label: ATM WorldWide Inc. / EMPIRE

G-Unit’s own Uncle Murda brings us Murda He Wrote, an album that’s equal parts gritty and cinematic. With a Tony Yayo feature and production that’s as hard-hitting as it is atmospheric, Murda proves he’s not just the mixtape king—he’s a full-fledged album artist.

Jordan Adetunji — A Jaguar’s Dream
Features: Lil Baby, Kehlani, Bryson Tiller, kwn
Production: Take A Daytrip, Prodbyli, Villa Beatz, Jordan Adetunji, Danny Casio
Label: 300 Entertainment / Indigo Kid

Jordan Adetunji’s A Jaguar’s Dream is a stellar mix of R&B and hip-hop. With impressive features from Lil Baby, Kehlani, and Bryson Tiller, the album blends smooth melodies with trap-influenced beats. Adetunji’s ability to deliver both soulful and hard-hitting tracks ensures he’s a rising star in the industry.

Singles

Travis Scott — “4X4”
Produced by: Tay Keith & FNZ
Travis Scott gives fans their first taste of his highly anticipated upcoming album with “4X4.” The track showcases his signature atmospheric production and captivating flow. As always, Scott balances experimentation with mainstream appeal, and with proceeds from the song going to victims of the Los Angeles wildfires, it’s a powerful return to the spotlight.

Sexyy Red & Bruno Mars — “Fat Juicy & Wet”
Produced by: The Stereotypes & Bruno Mars
In one of the most unexpected collaborations of the year, Bruno Mars teams up with Sexyy Red for “Fat Juicy & Wet,” a sexually charged strip-club anthem. Mars’ smooth vocals shine alongside Sexyy Red’s playful and bold verses, making this track a surprising yet irresistible jam. Plus, keep an eye out for Lady Gaga’s cameo in the video.

Offset — “Antisocial”
Produced by: G1
Offset returns with “Antisocial,” his first single since his split from Cardi B. The track is a hard-hitting trap anthem, with Offset’s icy delivery and confident lyrics proving he’s more than ready to continue his solo career. Fans of his earlier work will be pleased with this slick comeback.

Tyga feat. Lil Wayne — “Pop It Off”
Produced by: Pliznaya
In a mini-Young Money reunion, Tyga and Lil Wayne come together on “Pop It Off.” The track brings together two legends from the golden era of Young Money, delivering a nostalgic banger. While Tyga keeps it fun, Lil Wayne brings the lyrical heat, reminding listeners why he’s still one of the best.

Larry June, 2 Chainz & The Alchemist — “Bad Choices”
Produced by: The Alchemist
Larry June joins forces with 2 Chainz and The Alchemist for “Bad Choices,” and the results are nothing short of spectacular. Alchemist’s psychedelic beats provide the perfect backdrop for Larry June’s laid-back flow and 2 Chainz’s sharp, standout verse. This track is a lesson in how to craft a timeless hip-hop record.

Chance The Rapper — “Quiet Storm”
Produced by: DexLvL & Dwayne Verner Jr.
Chance the Rapper returns with “Quiet Storm,” a politically charged track that touches on themes of imperialism and exploitation. The song serves as a taste of his long-awaited Star Line album, with Chance using his platform to voice powerful messages through his unique sound.

DaBaby feat. Big Boogie — “HIM”
Produced by: Bandplay
DaBaby’s comeback continues with “HIM,” a fiery track that features Big Boogie. The duo delivers a high-energy anthem with DaBaby’s trademark quick-witted verses and Big Boogie’s hard-hitting flow. This collaboration packs a punch and is sure to dominate the charts.

De La Soul feat. Choklate — “Bigger”
Produced by: Vitamin D
De La Soul fans get a treat with the release of “Bigger,” a track that was recorded 20 years ago during their Grind Date days. Featuring Choklate, the track offers a nostalgic vibe while showcasing the group’s signature blend of jazz, soul, and classic hip-hop.

Other Notable Singles:

• 1900Rugrat feat. Kodak Black — “One Take Freestyle (Remix)”
• Reason feat. Bas — “Not What You Think”
• FKA twigs feat. North West — “Childlike Things”
• Ty Dolla $ign feat. Wiz Khalifa & Snoop Dogg — “Highway to Heaven”
• Quentin Miller — “What It Takes…”

This week’s New Music Friday has set the bar high for 2025, delivering albums that will have a lasting impact and singles that will keep fans coming back for more. With releases from global stars like Travis Scott, Offset, and Chance the Rapper, alongside fresh collaborations from artists like Bruno Mars and Sexyy Red, it’s clear that this year is already shaping up to be one for the books. Whether you’re vibing to the latest album or enjoying some new tracks, this week is a reminder of the incredible diversity and creativity shaping the music scene.