This week is packed with major hip-hop releases, offering a diverse selection of albums for every kind of rap fan. Lil Durk delivers Deep Thoughts, an introspective project recorded before his arrest, while Will Smith makes his long-awaited return to music after 20 years. NAV drops his first album in three years, and Boldy James continues his streak as one of the most prolific rappers of 2025.
Legendary producer Timbaland takes an unexpected creative turn, experimenting with jazz and funk influences. Meanwhile, underground artists like Reuben Vincent, Babyfxce E, and Lord Sko showcase their skills with strong new projects.
Lil Durk — Deep Thoughts
📀 Features: Future, Lil Baby, Jhené Aiko, Hunxho
🎛 Production: Metro Boomin, Southside, Lil Yachty, Will A Fool, Benny Blanco
🏷 Label: Alamo / Sony
Despite ongoing legal troubles, Lil Durk refuses to let his circumstances silence him. Deep Thoughts finds him in a more reflective space, exploring the highs and lows of his journey.
NAV — OMW2 REXDALE
📀 Features: Playboi Carti, The Weeknd, Metro Boomin, Don Toliver
🎛 Production: Metro Boomin, Wheezy, NAV, Rance, Allen Ritter, OZ
🏷 Label: XO / Republic / UMG
NAV’s latest album stays true to his signature moody, atmospheric style. With a standout collaboration featuring Playboi Carti and The Weeknd, OMW2 REXDALE reinforces the dark, introspective sound NAV has built his career on.
Will Smith — Based on a True Story
📀 Features: Big Sean, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Jaden, Joyner Lucas, Russ, Teyana Taylor, Fridayy, Sunday Service Choir & more
🎛 Production: Omarr, LeXoskeleton, FNZ, LastNght, Kyle Townsend
🏷 Label: Rave in the Wasteland / SLANG
Will Smith is back with his first album in two decades, reflecting on his life and legacy in Based on a True Story. No longer the carefree Fresh Prince, the 56-year-old Oscar winner delivers honest insights on fame, family, and personal struggles.
Timbaland — Timbo Progression
📀 Features: N/A
🎛 Production: Timbaland, Jordan Mosley, Justin Mosley
🏷 Label: Rave in the Wasteland / SLANG
Known for crafting hits for Missy Elliott, Justin Timberlake, and JAY-Z, Timbaland explores new territory with Timbo Progression, blending jazz, funk, and African rhythms into his futuristic sound.
Boldy James & Antt Beatz — Hommage
📀 Features: Baby Money, Band Gang Lonnie Bands
🎛 Production: Antt Beatz
🏷 Label: Boldy James / Antt Beatz / EMPIRE
Boldy James refuses to slow down, dropping his fourth project of 2025. His vivid street storytelling remains as sharp as ever, proving he can balance both quality and quantity in his relentless output.
More Notable Releases:
- Reuben Vincent & 9th Wonder — Hit Me When You Get Here (Soulful, classic hip-hop vibes)
- Vory — You Made Me This Way (Melodic, emotionally charged storytelling)
- Sada Baby — Bridge Kard Blessings (High-energy Detroit rap with infectious charisma)
- KRS-One — Temple of Hip Hop Global Awareness (A masterclass in hip-hop culture and philosophy)
- Babyfxce E — M Block (Street storytelling with an underground edge)
- Lord Sko — Piff (Lyricism-driven, featuring Conway The Machine, Curren$y, and Grand Puba)
With such a wide variety of styles and influences, this week proves that hip-hop continues to evolve in exciting and unexpected ways. Which album are you checking out first? 🔥
