The world has become a chaotic place, and perpetual crises seem to be the norm. It can seem pointless to speak about music at times like these. Music has long served as a needed distraction and escape from the realities of the world, and that escape should be cherished.
It's New Music Friday again and this week's selection is sure to keep you calm and focused on the positives of life.
Griselda Records rapper Conway the Machine starts off this round-up with the booming sounds of God Don't Make Mistakes before transitioning to EarthGang's long-awaited album GHETTO GODS.
In addition to these albums, there are also albums from JPEGMAFIA, WiFiGawd, Kodak Black and others.
Conway the Machine, Westside Gunn, and Benny The Butcher began the Griselda movement with their album WWCD, but they have continued to grow since then. Conway the Machine's latest release, God Don't Make Mistakes, is not only his first of the year, but it is also his first release on Shady Records.
The entire Griselda crew is known for their prolific output, but the speed at which they release music rarely affects its quality. With his newest album, Conway flips boom-bap flows for a modern audience, following the success of his previous album La Maquina. Guests on the album include Lil Wayne, Rick Ross and Jill Scott.
EarthGang's GHETTO GODS is finally here after several delays. The Atlanta rap duo, comprised of Olu and WowGr8, were last seen in rap's discourse when they contributed to Spillage Village's Spilligion, but it's been since Mirrorland that EarthGang has released a solo project.
A return to form for a duo that has been hailed as one of Dreamville's top acts, but has been very inconsistent with its releases, EarthGang's latest features soulful and funk-heavy instrumentals, exuberant raps and dramatic performances. Featuring J.Cole, JID, and Ari Lennox (not to mention Future, Baby Tate, and CeeLo Green), GHETTO GODS is not to be missed.
The rapper JPEGMAFIA is polarizing in Hip Hop. He isn't for everyone with his oddball raps and eclectic beat selection. In fact, spending time with JPEGMAFIA's music reveals a fascinating world filled with textures and stream-of-consciousness raps.
OFFLINE!, the latest release from the Brooklyn-born MC, is a bite-sized EP which carries his first single of the year, “HAZARD DUTY PAY!PAY!PAY!“. Listeners can expect sample-heavy production from JPEGMAFIA himself and complex lyrical experiments which often take multiple listens to fully comprehend. However, his music is worth the effort. It's deeply enjoyable.