Death Row Records, Boldy James, Trae Tha Truth

Today is Friday, which means there are a ton of new releases to look forward to from some of your favorite Hip-Hop artists. To help you unwind and enjoy the weekend, check out VIBE’s picks of songs and albums you should hear and add to your soundtrack of weekend festivities.

Snoop Dogg – Death Row Revue

Snoop Dogg’s acquisition of Death Row Records marked Tha Doggfather’s biggest power play to date, as the Hip-Hop legend looks to stamp himself as an executive capable of building a formidable roster.

Rounding up the label’s new collection of artists, Snoop Dogg unveils Death Row Revue, a compilation project that’s steeped in soul and showcases Death Row’s array of vocal talent. Spanning R&B, Hip-Hop, and even, mariachi, Death Row Revue is opened by singer Jenn Em, who shines on the breezy solo cut “I’m Ready.”

On “Sooner Or Later,” Tonio Armani delivers svelte grooves, while veteran Death Row artist Danny Boy contributes with “Special Kind of Fool,” a selection that leans on Danny Boy’s vocals, as the songwriting leaves a bit to be desired.

Snoop Dogg makes a pair of appearances on Death Row Revue, first alongside King George on the upbeat “Unbelievable,” and again on “Christmas on Death Row,” a celebratory ode to the holidays.

Death Row initially built its name on account of their explosive lineup of rap artists, but the revival of the label finds it embarking in a new direction, with Death Row Revue serving as one of the first bricks in what hopes to be a strong foundation. – Preezy Brown

Boldy James and RichGains – Murder During Drug Traffic

It’s only the third day of the new year and Boldy James has already released yet another musical project. It’s as if the Detroit rhymer can’t help but to riddle his listernship with new stanzas.

Following a prosperous year filled with a flurry of album drops, Boldy wastes no time getting back into the thick of things with Murder During Drug Traffic, with RichGains as the latest boardsman he’s joined forces with for an entire project.

Featuring Double Dee, Street Lord Juan, Jonathan Chapman, and Cassie Jo Craig, Murder During Drug Traffic’s most riveting moments are found on “Achilles,” “Telephono,” “Custo,” “Janky,” and the Detroit King Tape assisted “No Screenshot.” – PB

Trae Tha Truth featuring Busta Rhymes, Jeezy, Jay Rock, DMX, Joyner Lucas, Method Man, D Smoke, Chance The Rapper, G Herbo, Ty Dolla $ign – “I’m on 4.0”

For the fourth installment in his popular song series, “I’m On,” Trae Tha Truth rounds up a star-studded cast to join him in his spin of Mark Morrison‘s 1996 smash “Return of the Mack.”

Produced by Ayo N Keyz, “I’m on 4.0” includes Morrison’s wails from the original, and verses by artists from all over the map.

Brooklyn’s own Busta Rhymes sets things off with a fiery verse, with Trae Tha Truth following up with a few bars of his own before passing the baton to the likes of Jeezy, Jay Rock, DMX, Joyner Lucas, Method Man, D Smoke, Chance The Rapper, G Herbo, and Ty Dolla $ign.

The outcome is a smorgasbord of flows and deliveries, as each emcee brings their A-Game on this epic gathering of rhymes. – PB

The Alchemist – “Floppy Disks”

Coming of age in the days when beats and songs were transferred via “Floppy Disks,” The Alchemist drops a few bars in honor of those relics, as the legendary beatsmith cooks up a beat that slaps despite being devoid of percussion.

Rhyming over the equivalent of audio feedback, The Alchemist’s off-kilter rhyme spill is preceded by a vocal sample of DJ Premier waxing poetic on the nostalgia of the oft-forgotten file storage system. – PB

JuJu, 03 Greedo – “What Are We Doin”

03 Greedo inquires on the status of a potential linkup on this syrupy rap ballad, as the West Coast rep drops rhymes about riding with heavy artillery while accompanied by a romantic companions. “You my lil’ stepper, you’re my lil’ slider/ If sex was a weapon, then you my lil’ rider,” Greedo croons over strings, 808s and synths provided by JuJu, who conjures a languid vibe perfect for a midday cruise or late-night rendezvous. – PB

See More New Hip-Hop Releases Below

Zerb, Ty Dolla $ign, Wiz Khalifa – “Location”

Little Simz – “Hello, Hi”

Panchiko, billy woods – “Shandy in the Graveyard”

Jay Royale featuring TEK, Smif-N-Wessun, DJ Grazzhoppa – “The Pookie Belt Buckle (F&F)”

Yung Kayo – Holy Grails

Baby Kia – “Alright OK”

Big Homiie G – GTOBER

Jon Connor – Food for the Soul

Purchase Food for the Soul here.