Check out buzz’s picks for the top 10 new music releases of the past week, updated weekly. The list consists of the best songs, albums, EPs and music videos from all genres of music. Feel free to let us know if we missed anything!
“GNX” — Kendrick Lamar
The Grammy-nominated rapper’s surprise album dropped to complete his victorious year, and with a Super Bowl halftime show on the way, he shows no signs of slowing down. His first full album since 2022, “GNX” is a star-studded album of hits, including features from SZA, Dody6, Peysoh and more. Lamar plays with musical styles, bringing an orchestral sound on tracks like “tv off” and a slower, jazzier beat on closing track “gloria.” The album also continues “The Heart” series with “heart pt. 6,” which samples SWV’s “Use Your Heart” to create an ethereal-sounding track.
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“The Pinkprint (Tenth Anniversary Edition)” — Nicki Minaj
Minaj’s rerelease of her third studio album “The Pinkprint” sees four new tracks, featuring artists Swae Lee, David Guetta, Davido, Parker Ighile and Juice WRLD. The new tracks celebrate the rapper’s hit album well, all coming together in between her tour and the upcoming release of “Pink Friday 2 (The Hiatus).” The new features build on “The Pinkprint” well, with “Arctic Tundra (feat. Juice WRLD)” standing out by bringing in some late 2000’s sounds interspersed with the rapper’s posthumous verses.
“need dat boy” — Lil Nas X
Lil Nas X has officially released the second single off upcoming project “DREAMBOY.” with “need dat boy,” a sci-fi expansion on his rapper-country persona. The track sounds somewhat hopeless, with Lil Nas X turning to his partner for someone to lean on before picking up pace and taking his full power back. The song ends on a refreshing double-time kick after a mellow start, leaving a high level of anticipation for the upcoming release.
“Hello Miss Johnson” — Jack Harlow
His first single since “Lovin On Me” over a year ago, Harlow’s new jam “Hello Miss Johnson” brings a classy addition to the rapper’s discography. Accompanied by a music video that primarily stars CCTV footage, the song brings a laid back drum track with a lo-fi vibe that contrasts much of his previous work. Harlow’s undeniably smooth vocals address his adoration for his partner through a phone call to her mother, with flowy backing voices bringing a jazz feel to the single.
“number one girl” — Rosé
In her latest single since the pop hit “APT.” with Bruno Mars, Rosé shifts gears with an emotional ballad. Slowed down and earnest, the K-pop idol sings about needing external validation, and the complexity of self-esteem. Backed by a harmonious piano, the song has an orchestral feel, with Rosé’s vocals shining through and showcasing her range.
“For Sale Sign” — Tiny Habits, Lizzy McAlpine
Folk-pop group Tiny Habits teams up once again with indie darling Lizzy McAlpine in their new song “For Sale Sign,” curating a moody and magically mellow tune that entrances the listener. Perfect for the colder seasons, the artists evoke a cozy mood, with McAlpine’s soft vocals comforting the track.
“Mahashmashana” — Father John Misty
Father John Misty is back with a new album, “Mahashmashana,” which refers to the Sanskrit word meaning “great cremation ground.” Starting with the title track, the record instantly summons a majestic atmosphere featuring the artist’s signature melancholic and soul-baring vocals. Misty plays with spiritual themes throughout the album, as well as faster-paced rock tunes like “She Cleans Up” and “Josh Tillman and the Accidental Dose,” displaying versatility and richness.
“s2wik” — Aminé
Portland rapper Aminé dropped his new single “s2wik,” an electronic pop production part of his latest EP “.mp3s.” The chill track plays with glitchy sounds and Autotune, straying from the hip-hop influence that popularized Aminé’s repertoire. “s2wik” is a welcome experiment from the artist, leaning towards an unexplored genre.
“Te Maldigo” — Omar Apollo, Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross
Omar Apollo joins forces with the powerful Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross duo for the new single from the soundtrack of Luca Guadagnino’s new movie “Queer.” The stripped-down track is heartfeltly sung in Spanish by Apollo, who also acts in the film. “Te Maldigo,” translated to “I curse you” is a soft serenade all about love and heartbreak.
“Morayo” — Wizkid
The artist’s new album quickly rose to the number one spot on Nigeria’s Apple Music chart, with track three “Kese (Dance)” breaking the record for the highest number of streams on Spotify Nigeria in 24 hours earlier this morning. The intimate album is the sixth from Wizkid, and serves as a tribute to his late mother, bringing in a tide of Afrobeats to keep the listener dancing through all 16 tracks.
