Asset.Radio is a weekly playlist of new hip-hop releases curated by OGM contributor Aidan C Werder (@aidantheasset). See last week’s Asset.Radio.22.9.2 here.
Tune in weekly for a freshly curated batch of 25 (ish) new releases from the week, or throw on shuffle for a random sampling of new music from some of the most original and compelling artists in hip-hop.
The goal of Asset.Radio is to paint a picture of what the cutting edge looks like, answering questions like: Which artists are bringing something new to the table? What are the cool kids listening to? And who is an asset to the culture?
And keep in mind, all in the humble opinion of Aidan the Asset
It’s Week 3 of September 2022 (Asset.Radio.22.9.3). Everybody is a munch now, Ice Spice has officially gone viral, and Kanye is raging against the GAP machine. As such, this week we have Ice Spice in a pair of Kanye’s ‘unique-looking’ glasses (with no glass) – an image to be looked back on as peak September ‘22.
To match his spot atop the Apple Music charts, EST Gee takes the #1 spot this week following the release of new project, I Never Felt Nun – accompanied by a special Cole Bennett-directed Lyrical Lemonade visual for “Backstage Passes” alongside his fellow Louisvile native and unlikely ally, Jack Harlow. The success of his last several releases is a testament to the way Gee’s dark and unapologetically gritty approach uniquely appeals to the streets.
On the new project he flexes a surprising amount of versatility, stretching his voice on songs like “Hell” and “Come Home” to mix in melodic hooks to contrast his signature raspy vocal – not to mention one of the most lighthearted looks we’ve seen from him on “Sabotage” with Bryson Tiller (another notable Louisville native.) Other big features like “Shoot It Myself” with Future and “The Realest” with Jeezy have been trending as well. Overall, mark another W in the win column for EST Gee as he once again cements his place as the final boss of the streets.
As for other notable releases from the week, Kodak Black absolutely walked on his new two-pack “Walk/Spin,” sounding in peak form as he continues to apply his distinct sound in a variety of new and fresh ways. At this point, it seems like Kodak can’t drop without trending.
Rich Homie Quan continues to put down a serious comeback effort and revive his infectious melodic rap style we all fell in love with during the early Rich Gang days with a series of viral freestyle and super strong singles, the latest being “Risk Takers.” And G Herbo definitely appears to be gearing up for a new album as he releases “Blues” with Future just one week after another big feature with “Me Myself and I” feat. A Boogie.
There were several noteworthy collabs this week. There was “One Time,” the very notable linkup between NYC frontrunners Ice Spice, B-Lovee, J.I and Skillibeng – marking the first collab for the viral “Munch” phenom. Roddy Ricch continues to combat the slump whispers and remind everyone of his “Ghetto Superstar” status with a joint-track joined by fellow street champs, Chicago’s G Herbo and Cleveland’s Doe Boy. Gucci Mane is throwing his and 1017’s full weight behind Arkansas’ BiC Fizzle and Mississippi’s BigWalkDog with a catchy new single, “Red Flag.” And Kaash Paige managed to recruit the elusive 6LACK for a new single “Miss My Dawgs.”
Mura Masa dropped his new project, demon time, covering a huge range of sound and a bunch of interesting features, including the runaway hit “bbycakes” featuring a surprisingly synergistic lineup of Lil Uzi Vert, PinkPantheress and Shygirl.
From Detroit, Tee Grizzley dropped “Robbery Part 4,” the latest installment of his storytelling “Robbery” series in the same week that it was reported that his house in LA was robbed for over $1M worth of cash and jewelry. G.T. also dropped a new single “Butter Knife,” showcasing the other side of the Detroit streets with his idiosyncratic, barely-awake flow.
From the Bronx, Levi Carter dropped n2deep, an impressive new project showcasing a variety of interesting, understated flows that feel fresh and of-the-moment – successfully adapting the ominous, asymmetrical Detroit-style production on songs like “Rule #1,” light rage influence on “Scattpacc”, and even some plugg-inspired production throughout.
From the West Coast, fans of “real hip hop” rejoiced at the release of Symba’s new Gangsta Grillz project Results Take Time – flexing his lyrical approach and intricate bars over DJ Drama EP’d production alongside big features from Roddy Ricch, 2 Chainz, Key Glock, and Pusha T on the tape’s lead single, “Never End Up broke Pt. 2.”
The Bay’s Zay Bang continues to gain momentum with the release of his new project White Chalk, one of its standout tracks being “Light Money” with Money Man. He also appears on Slimmy B’s new project of his own, Problem Child 2, as did DaBoii on “Wtf Wrong.” And from Sacramento, Mozzy member Celly Ru dropped a new joint track with Watts’ Tru Carr, “Motion.”
From the East Coast, Harlem’s Edot Baby was the latest recipient of PGF Nuk’s prolific feature run, joining for the remix of Edot’s “Eyes Open.” The babyfaced Melvoni finally dropped “Chrome 2” the follow-up to his popular melodic hit that helped him break through the drill bubble. And Brooklyn’s Spliffhappy continues to grow his impressive grassroots fanbase (and combat 6ix9ine comparisons) with his new high-energy single and music video, “WICK.”
K Hus and Chow Lee took a “Trip to Jersey” over a lighthearted sexy drill sample of the 1999 hit “Better Off Alone”. Speaking of NJ, Jersey drill producer AceMula dropped a new project featuring the electric single, “Walk Down Gang” featuring BabyATM and Jersey’s brightest new star, Bandmanrill.
And finally from the new wave, Boston’s Rich Amiri continues to impress with his unique vocal and catchy melodic flows on his new single, “Dirty Money.” Ka$hdami dropped his new project, World Damination, with notable features from fellow rising stars in midwxst, XLOVCLO, Slump6s – as well as NoCap on “less than me,” who’s been increasingly tapping in with the new wave as of late. Onlybino! and sgpwes teamed up once again for their new single “Buku Bandz.” And underground veteran Thouxanbanfauni continues to pump out catchy singles like “In the Field.”
Lastly, there seems to be a growing contingent of young artists like taking a more lyrical and soulful approach than the vibey underground. North Carolina’s Mavi dropped a new single “Baking Soda” and Lebanon-born, Toronto-raised RealestK has been making noise ever since dropping his breakout hit “WFM” last October, captivating audiences with his R&B-infused, Brent Faiyaz-esque style.
Overall, EST Gee has proven once again that he’s the bad guy we need. Jack Harlow is a real one. Ice Spice has the game in a chokehold. Kodak can do no wrong (musically). G Herbo is about to drop an insane project. Rich Homie Quan is mounting a promising comeback. Tee Grizzley may want to watch what he speaks into existence. Symba is bringing life to the lyrical boom bappers. NYC continues to pump out fresh new stars. Jersey has finally managed to export its infectious regional sound. And the new wave continues to gain ground, and trend-spotters like NoCap are taking notice.
Listen to Asset.Radio.22.9.3 below and tune in every week for a fresh batch of new releases
