As the week in music comes to a close, Hypebeast has rounded up the best projects for the latest installment of Best New Tracks.
This week’s lineup is led by A$AP Rocky x J. Cole, Pharrell and Megan Thee Stallion x RM, all of whom released the singles “Ruby Rosary,” “Piece By Piece” and “Neva Play,” respectively. Also joining this selection are fresh offerings from Pa Salieu, Tyla, Fireboy DML with Lagbaja, Toro Y Moi, CAMO, LL Cool J and Rex Orange County.
A$AP Rocky x J. Cole – “Ruby Rosary”
A$AP Rocky follows up last week’s “Tailor Swif” with the J. Cole collab, “Ruby Rosary.” The cut features production work from The Alchemist, Rex Kudo, Car!ton and Jordan Patrick, and many speculate that the track could be Rocky’s response to Drake’s disses aimed at him on “Push Ups” and “Family Matters.”
Listen: Spotify | Apple Music
Pharrell – ”Piece By Piece”
Pharrell preps for the premiere of his animated biopic with the release of “Piece By Piece.” His upcoming film of the same name will chronicle the life of one of culture’s most dedicated figures, but through the eyes of LEGO animation.
Listen: Spotify | Apple Music
Megan Thee Stallion x RM – ”Neva Play”
Megan Thee Stallion and BTS’ RM reunite for their latest collaborative track, “Neva Play.” The joint also arrives with an accompanying music video that’s half-animated and sees RM, who is currently doing his mandatory military service, in anime that takes inspiration from Cowboy Bebop.
Listen: Spotify | Apple Music
Pa Salieu – ”Belly”
Pa Salieu is celebrating his freedom with “Belly,” his first release since 2022. Produced by longterm collaborators Felix Joseph and AoD, the cut makes fans feel like the British star never left.
Listen: Spotify | Apple Music
Tyla – ”Breathe Me”
Tyla returns to her self-titled debut LP with the release of the music video for “Breathe Me.” Helmed by Nabil, the visual picks up where “Truth or Dare” left off and follows the artist and her love interest in Osaka.
Watch: YouTube
Fireboy DML x Lagbaja – ”back n forth”
Shortly after dropping off his self-titled album, Fireboy DML delivers the music video for the track “back n forth” with fellow Nigerian artist Lagbaja. Directed by Clarence A. Peters, the visual sees Fireboy as he visibly longs for his love as he walks through a station.
Watch: YouTube
Toro y Moi – Hole Erth
Toro Y Moi aka Chaz Bear is back with his eight studio effort, Hole Erth. The dynamic 13-track effort features guest appearances from Benjamin Gibbard, DUCKWRTH, Elijah Kessler, Don Toliver, Porches, Kenny Mason, Kevin Abstract, Lev and glaive.
Listen: Spotify | Apple Music
CAMO – “Ring Ring”
South Korea’s CAMO follows up her debut album Pressure Makes Diamonds with “Ring Ring,” her first solo release of 2024. The lead single from her upcoming mixtape Yours Truly (October 11), the track features production work from Aryay and hears the lovesick singer and rapper bounce over a light-hearted sonic backdrop.
Listen: Spotify | Apple Music
LL Cool J – The Force
LL Cool J is back with his first album in over a decade. The Force hears the hip-hop vet team up with the likes of Snoop Dogg, Nas, Eminem, Rick Ross, Fat Joe, Busta Rhymes, Saweetie, Don Pablito, J-S.A.N.D., Mad Squablz, and Sona Jobarteh. “It feels good to finally have this record out in the world,” LL says in a statement. “As I’ve said before, this album brings a whole new vibe. I’m returning to my roots…you all better buckle up.”
Listen: Spotify | Apple Music
Rex Orange County – The Alexander Technique
Rex Orange County follows up 2022’s Who Cares? with The Alexander Technique, which features a sole guest appearance from James Blake on “Look Me In The Eyes.” He tells Billboard, “I had this weird thing for the first three years of my career where every song that came out was every song I’d ever written,” he continues. “I had no reason to create one that wasn’t gonna [make it]. I thought it would just confuse me. Which, I’ll admit, it does. But [this album] has evolved so much over such a long time. The deeper you dig, the more you find.” He adds, “It felt like this album was maybe more of a diary entry – what I was getting into and the level of emotional depth.”
Listen: Spotify | Apple Music
