Summer is officially here, which means hip-hop is ready to kick off new music releases. This time, one of the most talented artists across genres releases a project that many are keeping an eye on, and a master Chicago wordsmith brings out his first LP in four years. Also, a Florida rhymer is releasing his second album just as it was announced as 2022 XXL newbie and more.
Just as he’s about to embark on a massive 36-day tour alongside Lil Baby, Chris Brown releases his much-anticipated tenth studio album. Airy. Following the release of his 2020 collaborative project with Young Thug, Slime & BThe “Iffy” singer’s new LP, offers a return to the more traditional side of the R&B genre while also featuring guest appearances from some of the game’s hottest rappers, including Lil Durk, Fivio Foreign, Lil Wayne, Lil Baby, Jack Harlow, and Blxst EST Gee.
With a rollout that has been ongoing since early 2022 Airy consists of 24 tracks, including the previously released single “WE (Warm Embrace)”, which caused some controversy this week around Normani, who appears as Chris Brown’s love interest in the song’s official music video.
This week also features the return of Lupe Fiasco. After a four-year hiatus, the Chicago rapper has released his eighth solo album Bohr music in Zion. The sequel from 2018 Drugas waveLu delivers a slim 10-song collection that he challenged himself to put together in 72 hours.
Produced exclusively by Lupe Fiasco’s frequent collaborating beat maker Soundtrakk, who has produced previous Lupe hits like “Kick, Push”, “Superstar” and “Paris, Tokyo”, Lu finds all the heavy lifting on the LP. Devoid of any rap features, the album includes appearances from Ayesha Jaco, who provides a spoken-word intro, and singer Nayirah, who appears on several songs including the lead single “Autoboto”.
“Soundtrakk is the sword maker, I’m the samurai, he’s the mechanic and I’m the driver,” says Lupe about their solidarity.
Hot on the heels of recording into 2022 XXL Freshmen Class, Cochise releases his new album, The inspection. With his gold and platinum singles “Hatchback” and “Tell Em” featuring $not, the Palm Bay, Fla. rapper is bringing his latest pack to the airwaves. The new 13-song LP features guest appearances by Chief Keef on the song “Hunt”, Young Nudy on the track “Nice” and more.
The sequel from 2021Benbow Crescent, which also featured the popular cut “Knicks,” Chise’s new project has production from Nonbruh, Lousho, AC Flow and others, and continues the rapper’s theme of releasing turn-up anthems. Just in time for summer.
Check out more projects from Roddy Ricch, Lil Durk, Money Man and more below.