BigXthaPlug, Shaboozey, Lizzo, Tech N9ne, And More New Hip-Hop In The Spirit Of Independence

BigXthaPlug Featuring Shaboozey – “Home”

BigXthaPlug’s new single “Home,” featuring Shaboozey, is a compelling preview of his upcoming country-inspired album, I Hope You’re Happy.

Produced by the powerhouse team of Bandplay, Charley Cooks, Dave Cohen, and Tony Esterly, “Home” blends Southern grit with country soul, driven by a twangy groove that highlights both artists’ emotional depth. Shaboozey’s aching chorus—“Last thing you see is smoke because I’m moving on”—pairs seamlessly with BigX’s introspective bars.

The video, set against the striking backdrop of Dallas’ Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge, adds visual weight to the track’s themes of heartbreak and growth. “Home” is not only a smart genre crossover, it’s a confident reminder of BigXthaPlug’s range – Preezy Brown

Lizzo – ‘MY FACE HURTS FROM SMILING’

Who knew Mixtape Lizzo could be such a vibe? MY FACE HURTS FROM SMILING is a bold, 13-track reminder that Lizzo’s pen is as sharp as her charisma. Far from just feel-good pop, this project reveals her as a formidable lyricist with bars that bite and bounce.

On “CRASHOUT,” she spits with Southern flair—“You know I’m repping Houston, I be screwing, I be chopping”—showcasing technical finesse and personality in equal measure.

Highlights like “YITTY ON YO TITTYS (FREESTYLE)” and “SUMMA SH*T” toe the line between humor and heat, while guest spots from SZA and Doja Cat push things into heavy rotation territory. It’s a pleasant surprise—and a strong entry that deserves hip-hop heads’ attention. – PB

Tech N9ne – ‘5816 Forest’

With 5816 Forest, Tech N9ne proves that time sharpens steel. Over two decades deep in the game, the Kansas City legend delivers one of his most personal and introspective albums yet—without sacrificing an ounce of lyrical precision.

From the emotional clarity of “Livin In The Sky” to the romantic tones of “What I Do,” Tech balances vulnerability with veteran craftsmanship. “Yoda,” featuring Lil Wayne, is a standout for pure technical flair, but it’s the interludes and appearances from his children that give the project its soul.

5816 Forest isn’t just a title—it’s a return home, a lyrical memoir from one of hip-hop’s most consistently agile minds. A masterclass in longevity and storytelling. – PB

Loe Shimmy – “Tubi Movie”

Loe Shimmy’s latest drop, “Tubi Movie,” is a gritty, clever standout that reinforces why he’s one of the more intriguing names in the new wave of Southern rap.

Released just ahead of his upcoming project Rockstar Junkie—the follow-up to 2024’s Nardy World—the track is sharp, cinematic, and packed with personality. Over an eerie, bass-heavy beat, Shimmy flexes his storytelling chops with the flair of someone who knows the screen and the streets.

The accompanying video adds to the song’s raw energy, blending flaunts of wealth with real-life edge. Currently turning heads on Lil Baby’s WHAM Tour with Rob49 and PLUTO, Shimmy is clearly capitalizing on momentum—and “Tubi Movie” proves he’s not just riding the wave, he’s helping shape it. – PB

Don Toliver – “FWU”

Don Toliver’s “FWU,” produced by Mustard, is simply a really great track. Beat is powerful, flows are great, and his vocals are as smooth as ever.

The issue is, Don has been doing this for almost a decade now. “FWU” is as good as his best songs from all of the albums he has put out over the years, but something is missing to take him to the next level.

These songs sound good, but they ultimately feel empty because he doesn’t necessarily speak to anything. This is not to say he needs to be woke or “have substance,” but these records ultimately fall out of rotation because they are at their best in a mosh pit at a show.

Don still has another level to hit, and he’s capable, but it’s up to him to get there. All of that to say, “FWU” is enjoyable, but how long it will be enjoyed remains to be seen. – AS

Tony E – ‘More Tone Less Tony’

Tony E is simply a cool artist. His latest project, More Tone Less Tony, is a 12-minute display of his smooth rap voice, clever wordplay, variety of flows, and polished songmaking ability.

The only thing a listener walks away with is wishing the project was longer, but he makes up for it with all of the freestyles he posts on social media. The immediate standouts are the records “Today,” “7AM,” “Ego” featuring Tim Gent, and “Doubt It.”

However, this is a breezy, enjoyable listen all the way through and a huge shoutout goes to Niko Brim for his contribution to “All That.”

If you aren’t hip to Tony E, it’s not too late. This new project will open you up to his entire catalog, which further shows that he is as confident as he is talented. – AS

21 Lil Harold & 21 Savage Featuring Sexyy Red – “Nookie (Pu$$y)”

21 Lil Harold and 21 Savage’s “Nookie (Pu$$y)” featuring Sexyy Red is an example of impeccable A&R work. Savage and Sexyy love to rap about song, “pu**y” is one of Savage’s premium ad libs, and well, Sexyy’s inclusion on a song about loins goes without saying. Then you get into the production, a simple midtempo trap beat with a hard drum pattern and building alarm-like synths. All that was left was them bringing it lyrically, and all three showed out. 21 especially had a strong verse, making this a victorious three-minute effort. Enjoy some nookie to this one this weekend. – Armon Sadler

Chow Lee Featuring Vontee The Singer – “redflag!”

Chow Lee and Vontee The Singer shared a relatable offering in “Redflag!” because hey, aren’t beautiful women supposed to move in flocks?

Seriously, though, it’s great to hear the Slizzy members continue to explore production outside of the signature sexy drill sound. It’s not a coincidence that Chow referenced Cash Cobain’s “Trippin On A Yacht” on a record that has similar, uptempo production.

It’s a great sound for him and he shows his versatility at the highest level. Vontee’s autotune-tinged falsetto adds a nice sonic switch to the track as well.

Chow hasn’t stopped working ever since dropping Sex Drive last year and “Redflag!” may be some of his best work yet. – AS

Finesi – “Weak In My Knees”

Finesi continues to show that his best song is his next song, and it is impossible to put him in a box.

“Weak In My Knees” blends the emotional lyricism and vocals of an R&B song with the production and sonics of alternative rock and pop.

And then, at the tail end of the track, he takes the beat underwater and dips into a rap cadence along the vein of Drake. Many have tried to blend all of these elements and ended up with something chaotic, but the Nigerian artist brings it all together seamlessly.

“Weak In My Knees” has movie soundtrack and primetime commercial potential. He nailed this. – AS

Young Nudy – “BTA”

Joyner Lucas – “White Noise”

Russ – ‘W!LD’

Pi’erre Bourne – ‘Made In Paris’

Baby Money – ‘Less Is More’

Yung Bleu – ‘Bleuski’

Lecrae Featuring Jackie Hill Perry – “Tell No Lie”

J Hus – “Gold”

B Jack$, Vontee The Singer, WhoJiggi – ‘No Guest List’

Gashi, Jimi Banks – ‘The Killah Whales Of Gotham’

Bktherula – ‘Lucy’

MAVI, Smino – “Potluck”

DJ Drama – “I’m Home”

Sada Baby – ‘Grey Tape SMOKE’

Lil Double 0 – ‘Agent 0’

BLP Kosher – ‘Brackish’

Bino Rideaux – ‘Tha Language’

Kota The Friend – ‘NO RAP ON SUNDAY’

Kamaiyah – ‘First Lady Of The Mob’

RJMrLA – ‘OMMIO 4’

Santa Fe Klan, Saweetie – “Locos”

Dreezy, T-Pain – “Toxic”

41, A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie – “Naked”

IDK, Cordae – “Prince George”

SHAVONE – “Blonde Yakie”

Hotboii – “Imma Be Fine”

Poiison – “Real One”

M-Dot & Confidence – ‘Library Of Sound’

Paul Wall, DJ.FRESH – “Blantons Tonite”

Allstar JR – ‘BALL UP TOP’

Bizzy Banks – ‘J4TS’

Raq Baby – “Mental Breakdown”

Kevin Abstract – ‘Blush’

Jon Connor, KLC – ’24’