Last week saw a surge of major hip-hop releases, with artists aiming to leave their mark before the year ends. The Game dropped his first Gangsta Grillz mixtape, Lil Baby returned with a project designed to silence critics, and Big K.R.I.T. delivered his first full-length album in three years.
Westside Gunn continued his prolific streak with his fifth 2025 release, while Erick Sermon offered a star-studded album filled with heavyweight collaborations. Rising artist redveil followed up his 2022 breakout project, Learn 2 Swim, further establishing his presence in the industry.
The singles scene was equally vibrant. New tracks from GloRilla, Ludacris, Polo G and G Herbo, Logic and Wiz Khalifa, Stove God Cooks, and Mozzy added heat to the winter season.
The Game & DJ Drama — Gangsta Grillz: Every Movie Needs a Trailer
This mixtape features Mozzy, Jeremih, OT Genasis, Eric Bellinger, Mike & Keys, and Hayley Williams. The Game blends storytelling with signature West Coast vibes, making this project a standout among recent releases.
Lil Baby — The Leaks
Lil Baby returns with features from Playboi Carti, Young Thug, Lil Yachty, G Herbo, Veeze, Rylo Rodriguez, LUCKI, Skooly, and Bino Rideaux. The project showcases Lil Baby’s versatility and keeps him relevant in a crowded rap landscape.
Westside Gunn — My Sauconys Glowin (EP)
Westside Gunn keeps momentum with Benny The Butcher and Stove God Cooks contributing. The brief EP delivers his signature grit while maintaining strong lyrical craftsmanship.
GloRilla — “March”
Produced by London Jae, Go Grizzly, and B100, GloRilla’s single combines hard-hitting production with commanding lyricism, solidifying her rising status in hip-hop.
Big K.R.I.T. — Dedicated to Cadalee Biarritz
Featuring Paul Wall, Slim Thug, Lil Keke, Z-Ro, Killa Kyleon, Propain, and Karlous Miller, Big K.R.I.T. delivers southern hip-hop anthems with soulful undertones and reflective storytelling.
Polo G & G Herbo — “Gangsta Graduation”
Produced by OZ and Charley Cooks, this track brings lyrical intensity and streetwise narratives, highlighting both artists’ growth and chemistry.
Childish Gambino — “Prototype (OutKast Cover)” [Live from Camp Flog Gnaw 2025]
Produced by André 3000, this live rendition offers a fresh take on the classic track while paying homage to OutKast’s legacy.
Erick Sermon — Dynamic Duos
Featuring Snoop Dogg, Method Man, Redman, EPMD, Conway The Machine, The Game, Nate Dogg, M.O.P., Public Enemy, Cypress Hill, Tha Dogg Pound, and Salt-N-Pepa, Sermon’s album blends old-school legends with contemporary talent for a cohesive, star-studded experience.
Stove God Cooks — “El Pueblo”
This track delivers crisp production and street-savvy lyricism, further establishing Stove God Cooks as a rising voice in the game.
Ludacris — “44 Bars”
Produced by Timbaland and Luca Starz, Ludacris combines lyrical precision with nostalgic Southern energy.
Logic & Wiz Khalifa — “700 Club”
Produced by 6IX and Jonas Lee, the track merges smooth flows with laid-back beats, reflecting both artists’ signature styles.
redveil — sankofa
Featuring Smino and Carolyn Malachi, redveil’s follow-up to Learn 2 Swim showcases his growth and experimental approach to hip-hop.
Skyzoo — Views of a Lifetime
Skyzoo offers introspective lyricism over polished production, creating an album that resonates with longtime fans.
TM88 — F.I.L.A. 25 (Forever I Love Atlanta)
Featuring Future, 2 Chainz, T.I., Waka Flocka Flame, Young Dro, OJ Da Juiceman, Travis Porter, Sleepy Brown, Pastor Troy, and Fabo, TM88 delivers a collaborative celebration of Atlanta’s rap scene.
The Pharcyde — Labcabincalifornia (30th Anniversary Edition)
Featuring J Dilla and Glen Nicholls, this edition honors a classic while introducing it to new audiences with refreshed production elements.
Mozzy — “Buick to Benz”
Mozzy’s track blends street narratives with melodic hooks, maintaining his reputation for authenticity.
Homeboy Sandman — Turns Out I Can Sell a Few More of These (EP)
Sandman experiments with unique production and thought-provoking lyrics, showing his range as an independent artist.
Millyz — Blood in the Water 2
Featuring Bay Swag, Skrilla, Potter Payper, Really Jaewon, and GNipsey, Millyz offers gritty street tales over hard-hitting beats.
Chris Crack — “My 2022 Girlfriend Was a Humiliation Ritual”
This track showcases Chris Crack’s narrative style and dark humor, adding another layer to his distinct approach.
The week’s releases highlight the diversity in hip-hop today, from veteran artists asserting dominance to newcomers carving out their space. Fans have a wide range of albums and singles to explore, ensuring a strong close to 2025 in the genre.
