Asset.Radio is a weekly playlist of new hip-hop releases curated by OGM contributor Aidan Werder (@aidantheasset). See last week’s Asset.Radio.22.7.3 here.
Tune in weekly for a fresh 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.
Claiming the top spot this week is Central Cee from across the pond, who raised eyebrows all last week with teasers of his new single “Doja” — which came with its own Lyrical Lemonade music video, Cole Bennet’s first with a UK artist. While Cee does shoot his shot at Doja Cat in the song — who seems to be a popular target for young rappers everywhere — it’s the opening line and notable refrain that really piqued the interest of the internet. In his charming Central London accent, he asks “How can I be homophobic? My bitch is gay,” a question so woke and not woke at the same time it truly boggles the mind, which has helped launch the single into virality.
Lil Uzi Vert combatted the “fell off” discussion with a surprise tape on Soundcloud this week, which has been well received and seems to be slowly trickling onto DSPs — one of the standouts being “F.F.” The title of the EP, Red & White is no doubt a reference to the long-awaited and much-discussed Pink Tape, and may be a sign that its release is finally approaching.
There were several other anticipated releases from this week. Bronx Drill’s hottest trio made up of Kay Flock, B-Lovee and Dougie B dropped “Brotherly Love Pt. 2,” the long-awaited sequel to their breakout hit that helped spark the Bronx Drill wave of 2021. Sacramento’s Mozzy dropped Survivor’s Guilt, his first solo-project since joining CMG’s all-star roster — with big features from YG, Saweetie and 2 Chainz on “In My Face”, multiple songs with CMG labelmates EST Gee, 42 Dugg and Blac Youngsta, and of course features from day ones Celly Ru and E Mozzy. The project also featured the standout “Tell the Truth” with Shordie Shordie, who released his own album More Than Music Pt. 2, one of its only features coming on “The Wire” from the seldom-seen and always entertaining, Rich Homie Quan.
Nardo Wick followed up his introductory Who is Nardo Wick? with 12 new songs on the Deluxe, doubling down on his eerie, barely-audible delivery with tracks like “Fan Hoes” and a surprising collab with The Kid Laroi. Kevin Gates is also already gearing up for the release of his own Deluxe in the wake of his recent album — preparing to drop 20 new songs after finding himself overshadowed by Drake’s surprise release of Honestly, Nevermind. This week he dropped “Metro”, a refreshing new single channeling the raw energy and raspy delivery of vintage All In-era Gates, signaling the Baton Rouge big stepper is back in his bag for Khaza round two.
Detroit’s Icewear Vezzo released Rich off Pints 3, containing two of his biggest hit singles with huge features from Lil Baby and Lil Durk on “Know the Difference” and “Up the Scoe.” He also tapped Detroit’s newest rising star in Baby Money for “You Ever” — who also dropped his own single this week, the hard-hitting “Run With Me”. Also from the mitten, Flint’s YN Jay finally dropped his killer collab with Babyface Ray on DSPs, “Rich Ugly MFs” — which is really not a bad way to describe the inexplicably gritty, irreverently braggadocious style popular amongst the new wave of artists from Michigan.
There were several other interesing link ups this week. Russ and Ed Sheeran formed an unlikely pair for the surprisingly drill infused “Are You Entertained.” Houston’s Maxo Kream enlisted Anderson .Paak for “THE VISION” off his upcoming Weight of the World Deluxe. King Combs managed to snag fellow bad boy Kodak Black for his infectious new single, “Can’t Stop Won’t Stop.” Jamaica’s hottest new face, Skillibeng linked with Mura Masa and Pa Salieu for “Blessing Me.” And finally “I Pray”, an unexpected cross country link up between Long Beach’s MyCrazyRo and NYC’s hottest new trio made up of 41’s Kyle Richh, Jenn Carter and Tata on the heels of signing their label deal earlier this month.
ATL super producer and 808 Mafia boss, Southside also dropped a new single this week with Lil Durk called “Save Me,” one of the best looks at an introspective Durkio in recent memory.
One of New York’s most exciting new faces is Kelz, who’s been converting true believers left and right over the past several weeks with his incredibly unique, haunting teenage vocals and smooth R&B approach on “Sinner” — which finally dropped this week on DSPs. Harlem’s hometown hero, the consistently quality Neek Bucks dropped “Law Freestyle” this week, and CYN’s Kai Ca$h remains consistent with a new single, “Can We Talk” featuring Devvon Terrell.
In another display of east coast lyricism, Baltimore’s YTK continues to define his own soulful, bars-first sound with “WOE” — an approach that’s sure to bring a smile to fans of “real hip hop” everywhere.
From the west coast, Bravo the Bagchaser continues to stamp his place as one of the most forefront Latino artists on the west with “Revenue”. DB.Boutabag linked with OTM and Armani Paul for the instant party starter “Paper.” And Ralfy the Plug continues to release at an unthinkable pace, this week dropping the deluxe version of his “pop” album iHeart Ralfy which included a new feature from one of the kings of the radio, Sean Kingston, including on “Mob Ties”. In the same week, he also dropped “Old Ralfy vs New Ralfy”, collabing with his past self by featuring his own unreleased verse from years ago.
Lastly, from the “new wave”, this week Internet Money announced a new EP titled WE ALL WE GOT — and with it “She Want Some More”, a new single from Lil Tecca and Ken Carson. Field Trip’s Slump6s also dropped a new project this week, with a notable feature from Opium’s Destroy Lonely on “Red.” And Cinematic’s Skaiwater continues to double down on his recent success with the bass-bumping dance sound, releasing infectious dance edits of his biggest song to date “#miles.”
There are also two Atlanta-based newcomers on the list who have begun to make waves within the (poorly named) Soundcloud underground. Hardrock released an impressive project earlier this month titled 808 Speaker Knockerz, represented by its appropriately speaker-knocking lead track “God’s Hands.” And 4TUNAT (presumably pronounced “Fortunate”) flexed his vocal chops and pop appeal on his new single “day in time.”
Listen to Asset.Radio.22.7.4 below and tune in every week for a fresh batch of new releases
