Dave Blunts, JID, Key Glock, And More Hip-Hop

Dave Blunts – ‘You Can’t Say That’

Listening to Dave Blunts is quite the experience. For one, the rising star is the antithesis of the seemingly enviable persona the average rap artist assumes, with an endless supply of money and women at his beck and call.

Instead, on his new album, You Can’t Say That, he boasts of his low six-figure record deal, endlessly pines for the two central romantic figures in his life, and admits to embellishing his tales of sexual conquests and machismo.

Yet, Blunt’s honesty, delivered through humorous, self-deprecating lyrics, is what has endeared him to a growing number of fans. This includes Ye West, who deemed Blunts as his favorite rapper earlier this year and has since seemingly taken the upstart under his wing.

Comprised of a robust 20 songs, You Can’t Say That is littered with moments that leave you with no choice but to sing and jam along, such as “First Day Out The Hospital,” “White Chicks,” “Moving Slow,” and “Balcony,” making for a successful coming out party for the overnight sensation. – Preezy Brown

JID – “WRK”

JID makes a commanding return with “WRK,” his first solo release since The Forever Story, and it’s easily one of the week’s standout drops.

Teased at Dreamville Festival earlier this month, the track delivers everything fans could hope for: razor-sharp lyricism, an undeniable energy, and a beat that slaps with sinister organs and frantic 808s.

Produced by GRAMMY winner Pluss and trusted collaborator Christo, the production sets the perfect stage for JID’s lyrical acrobatics, like the standout bar, “You couldn’t even stop my drive if it was 1955 and I’m on 85 doing 95 in a 1952 Dodge.”

WRK isn’t just a warm-up—it’s a warning shot. If this is how JID is reentering the solo spotlight, we’re all in for a hell of a ride. – PB

Key Glock – “The Grinch”

Key Glock taps into raw reflection and razor-edge swagger on “The Grinch,” one of the week’s most compelling listens.

Floating over a silky, soulful flip of Curtis Mayfield’s “Little Child Runnin’ Wild,” Glock sounds both grounded and elevated, weaving gritty memories into sharp, autobiographical bars.

“I been running wild since a jit… Fourteen, turned into The Grinch,” he declares on the hook, striking a balance between nostalgia and pride. Following “3am in ToKEYo” and “No Sweat,” this track keeps momentum high as fans await Glockaveli on May 2.

More than a placeholder, “The Grinch” is a testament to Key Glock’s ability to evolve while staying true to his Memphis roots. It’s introspective, stylish, and full of quiet intensity—the kind of track that lingers long after the beat fades. – PB

Wiz Khalifa – ‘Kush + Orange Juice 2’

Wiz Khalifa’s Kush + Orange Juice 2 isn’t just a sequel—it’s a celebration of everything that’s kept his fanbase locked in for over a decade.

While echoes of the original project ring out on tracks like “Crime Bud and Women,” where Wiz coolly reflects, “To make it this far, you’ve got to hone in on your skills,” this follow-up thrives most when he links with his day-ones.

Terrace Martin and Curren$y elevate “Jet Taylor” with a laid-back elegance, while Chevy Woods brings familiar chemistry on “Got It All.”

With a smooth mix of breezy vibes (“Red Eye”), big features (“5 Star” with Gunna), and a classic hazy, shout-out laden sendoff (“Super Duper High Outro”), K+OJ2 proves Wiz still has the formula—and it’s aged like fine smoke. – PB

Swizz Beatz – ‘Godfather Of Harlem Season 4 Official Soundtrack’

As the wait for Godfather of Harlem‘s fourth season slowly winds down, Swizz Beatz has unveiled its accompanying soundtrack, a fitting companion piece to the theatrical continuation of Bumpy Johnson’s arc.

A snippet of DMX’s vocals from the late rap icon’s 1998 single “Ruff Ryder’s Anthem” are found on “Pain,” an opening salvo by Tobi Nwigwe and Sauce Walka, while Swizz Beatz teams up with Pusha T and Jadakiss on the ominous brood “Danger Danger.”

Among the collaborators that make the most of their airtime over the course of the soundtrack’s ten tracks is Cruel Youth, who shines on the solo standout “Time To Say Goodbye,” and teams up with Conway the Machine (“Crown Don’t Make You A King”), and ScarLip (“Victorious”) for additional highlights.

Moments such as Jay Electronica’s lyrical mastery on “Leaflets,” and the aforementioned ScarLip and Swizz repping for their hometown (“New York City”) are simply the icing on the cake, as it rivals all of the previous iterations in the acclaimed MGM+ series’ collection of soundtracks. – PB

Yeat – “The Bell”

Westside Gunn – ‘Heels Have Eyes’

Lefty Gunplay Featuring JasonMartin, The Game – “Menace”

Statik Selektah Featuring Joey Bada$$, Westside Gunn, Stove God Cooks, Rome Streetz – “The Louvre”

Tata (of 41) Featuring 24mmy – “No Love”

Too $hort – ‘Sir Too $hort, Vol. 1 (Freaky Tales)’

Mozzy – ‘Intrusive Thoughts’

Kool Keith – ‘Karpenters’

Bas, The Hics – “Everyday Ppl”

Sauce Walka, That Mexican OT – ‘Chicken & Sauce’

Fredo Bang – “Chopstick”

G Perico, DJ Drama – ‘LA Gangster: Gangster Grillz’

310babii – “All My H*es”

Millyz – ‘Blanco VII’

Bfb Da Packman – ‘Thats Brilliant!’

The Underachievers – ‘Homecoming’

Valee, Boldy James, MVW – “Whatchu Think”

Foggieraw Featuring Monaleo – “Prairie View”

Trap Dickey – “Day Shift”

Big Freedia Featuring Tamar Braxton – “Sunday Best”

Tre Loaded – “Stuck In The Dirt”

Allstar JR – “I’m The Guy”