Cordae salutes Lil Wayne for inspiring him while creating The Crossroads album. On Instagram, Cordae shared details.
“The GOAT, Wayne, gave me great advice that I put on a whiteboard, ‘Treat every song like it’s people’s first time hearing you.’ And that was the standard we followed while making this jaint.”
Today, multi-platinum, 3x Grammy-nominated rapper Cordae releases The Crossroads, his third studio album. Featuring production from Executive Producer Smoko Ono and hitmakers Bongo ByTheWay, Dem Jointz, and others, the album is a reflection of Cordae’s personal journey. Drawing inspiration from pivotal moments in his life, the rapper explores themes of decision-making and the absence of “wrong” choices.
Ahead of the release, Cordae dropped singles like “Syrup Sandwiches” (feat. Joey Bada$$), “Saturday Mornings” (feat. Lil Wayne), and “Summer Drop” (feat. Anderson .Paak), each accompanied by visuals.
Acclaimed rapper and songwriter Smino received the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award from Harvard University’s Black Men’s Forum during their Annual Brotherhood Banquet last Friday. Held at the historic Harvard Club of Boston, the event celebrates influential figures who have made a lasting impact on the Black community.
Known for his soulful storytelling and genre-bending style, Smino was honored not just for his contributions to music but also for his cultural influence and ability to inspire young Black men and fans worldwide. A representative from the Black Men’s Forum remarked, “The Brotherhood Banquet never fails to be the highlight of our time here at Harvard, and having Smino be a part of our history only serves to further our mission as an organization.”
This recognition comes at an exciting time for Smino, who is preparing to release his highly anticipated album, Maybe In Nirvana. The project promises a bold evolution of his signature sound, captivating listeners with fresh musical exploration and lyrical depth.
Smino’s acknowledgment underscores his growing influence beyond the music industry, cementing his place as a transformative figure for this generation.
Grammy-nominated artist Tyga is back to shake up the music scene by releasing a two-pack featuring “Don’t B Fooled” and “Mmphh.” The tracks drop November 15 via EMPIRE distribution, with visually captivating music videos accompanying each song, promising fans an immersive experience into Tyga’s artistic world.
Produced by Da Got That Dope, “Don’t B Fooled” showcases the classic Tyga vibe fans adore, elevated by a stunning mix of strings and modern production. The track seamlessly combines the nostalgia of his signature sound with a fresh twist, delivering an infectious beat that will resonate with listeners.
“Mmphh,” co-produced by Pliznaya, Samantha Henry, and Tyga himself, takes a smoother, laid-back approach. Its catchy hooks and danceable rhythm highlight Tyga’s versatility, making it an instant favorite for playlists everywhere.
True to form, Tyga wrote both tracks, ensuring every lyric and melody reflects his personal vision. The polished sound is brought to life by expert engineers Christian “CQ” Quinonez and Samantha Henry, mixed by Jaycen Joshua, and mastered by Colin Leonard for an unparalleled listening experience.
With this release, Tyga reaffirms his place as a dynamic force in music, blending artistry and innovation that fans won’t want to miss.
Today, multi-platinum, 3x Grammy-nominated rapper Cordae releases The Crossroads, his third studio album. Featuring production from Executive Producer Smoko Ono and hitmakers Bongo ByTheWay, Dem Jointz, and others, the album is a reflection of Cordae’s personal journey. Drawing inspiration from pivotal moments in his life, the rapper explores themes of decision-making and the absence of “wrong” choices.
Ahead of the release, Cordae dropped singles like “Syrup Sandwiches” (feat. Joey Bada$$), “Saturday Mornings” (feat. Lil Wayne), and “Summer Drop” (feat. Anderson .Paak), each accompanied by visuals.
Earlier this morning, Grammy-Award-winning superstar Lil Baby’s (Quality Control Music/Motown) returned to rap supremacy with “5 AM.” Directed by Skeeboe, “5 AM” highlights the Atlanta superstar’s charisma and Teflon’s resiliency, ultimately the track’s driving forces. “Ain’t it crazy how they try to play me like I ain’t the one / Ain’t said it, but you know without me, this shit would be none,” the diamond-certified rapper says on the chorus, his flow pulsating with frenetic energy.
Whether driving exotic cars or putting pen to paper in the studio, Baby’s lyrical fortitude swells when his back is against the wall, and pressure comes at him from every angle. Despite the constant attacks from his adversaries, Baby is unfazed, reminding fans of his unwavering determination to reclaim his spot in the game as one of rap’s elite storytellers.
Following the release of “5 AM,” Baby returned with his official new single “Insecurities.” Directed by Hidji, Baby lays out why he should be anyone’s plan A, offering top-of-the-line quality across the board. Baby’s onslaught reaches new levels when he raps: “I know it gets tight paying bills, I’ll take care of that / I know you been wanting to tour the world, we can go anywhere. “Insecurities” finds Baby showcasing why he’s the best option for women looking to secure a real man.
Lil Baby keeps his fans on high alert with more buzzy and noteworthy collaborations. Billboards in Los Angeles, New York, Houston, Atlanta, and Chicago have read: “Whatever Wham Say Goes,” referring to Young Thug’s famous tweet from last June.
This isn’t surprising as Baby’s searing run as a perennial features artist remains his calling card after churning out hits for Central Cee (“BAND4BAND”), Future and Metro Boomin’ (“All My Life”), Rod Wave (“F–k The Fame”), further solidifying his status as one of the all-time leaders on the Billboard Hot 100. With Baby now shifting the focus back to himself, he’s readying the release for his forthcoming album – his first in two years since his platinum-selling No. 1 album It’s Only Me.
Today, GRAMMY-nominated recording artist and CMG signee GloRilla released her new video for “I LUV HER” featuring T-Pain. Directed by Benny Boom, GloRilla meets the love of her life in actor Da’Vinchi (known for his roles in All American & BMF) in an alternate universe, where the two become inseparable.
From dinner dates to having a baby, Glo and Da’Vinchi become the power couple they’ve always envisioned they could be. Unfortunately, for them both, it was merely a figment of their imagination, leaving both to ponder the potential possibilities. “I LUV HER” resides on Glo’s debut album GLORIOUS, which remains a strong player on the Billboard 200 after debuting at No. 5 during its opening week in October.
The new visual comes after GloRilla landed two Grammy nominations for her double platinum single “Yeah Glo!” in the Best Rap Song and Best Rap Performance categories, solidifying her stellar run this year. Most recently, she also earned the second Billboard Hot 100 top 10 song of her career as a feature on Tyler, The Creator’s “Sticky.”
Under the tutelage of CMG founder and CEO Yo Gotti, Big Glo continues to be a force in hip-hop after the release of her debut album, GLORIOUS. The star-studded album includes features from Megan Thee Stallion, Latto, Sexyy Red, Kirk Franklin, Bossman Dlo, Fridayy, T-Pain, Muni Long, Kierra Sheard, Maverick City Music, and Chandler Moore.
Today, acclaimed rapper Cordae released his latest single, “Syrup Sandwiches,” featuring Joey Bada$$. The track, which highlights themes of resilience and success, is produced by Smoko Ono and Thelonius Martin and will appear on Cordae’s highly anticipated third album, The Crossroads, set to drop November 15.
Accompanying the release, Cordae premiered a video directed by Wax Bondo, adding visual depth to the song’s reflective message on the dedication required to achieve success. Known for his multi-platinum hits, three Grammy nominations, and an Emmy win, Cordae continues to share his journey through his music. With The Crossroads on the horizon, fans are eager to hear more of the raw storytelling and lyricism that Cordae is celebrated for.
TDE artist Ab-Soul has released Soul Burger, his first album since 2022’s acclaimed Herbert. The album features DoeBurger, Vince Staples, Doechii, JID, Lupe Fiasco, Ty Dolla $ign, Jason Martin, Thirsty P, Kamm Carson, Fre$h, Punch, and Asia Holiday with production from 9th Wonder, ScHoolBoy Q, Kal Banx, Terrace Martin, Rascal, TaeBeast, Devin Malik, Beat Butcha and more. With Soul Burger, Ab-Soul pays tribute to his childhood best friend, DoeBurger, who passed away in 2021. Doe always encouraged him to create more upbeat music for fans to dance to at shows, so this project is both an homage to him and a reflection of the music he inspired Soul to make. Throughout the mixtape, Doe serves as a narrator, urging Soul to persevere despite his challenges.
Ab-Soul is known for challenging rap’s conventional narratives with his deep, thought-provoking lyricism and distinctive style. Joining Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE) in 2007, he became part of the revered Black Hippy collective alongside Schoolboy Q, Jay Rock, and Kendrick Lamar. His music often delves into personal hardship, philosophy, and social issues. His journey has been marked by significant struggles, including being diagnosed with Stevens-Johnson Syndrome at age 10, which severely impacted his vision and skin. The 2012 loss of his best friend and longtime girlfriend also deeply influenced his music, inspiring his breakout track “The Book of Soul” on his sophomore album Control System. After a six-year hiatus, Ab-Soul returned with Herbert (2022), an album that showcases his vulnerability as he reflects on mental health, grief, resilience, and self-discovery—earning praise from both fans and critics for his growth and authenticity.
Rising hip-hop star and NCAA women’s basketball champion Flau’jae is set to drop the deluxe edition of her debut project, Best of Both Worlds, on November 15. The expanded release includes four new tracks, spotlighting her sharp lyricism and versatile style, further securing her spot in hip-hop.
Flau’jae’s original project, which arrived in June, featured high-profile collaborations with Lil Wayne, NLE Choppa, and 2rare, paying homage to her father’s legacy while establishing her unique voice. Flau’jae has released “Big Bag,” an anthem of confidence and success to accompany the deluxe announcement. In it, she celebrates her achievements, touching on luxury, ambition, and independence. This new single follows her viral freestyle over Tommy Richman’s “Million Dollar Baby,” highlighting her infectious flow and lyrical power.
Recently, Flau’jae made waves at the 2024 BET Hip Hop Awards, delivering an unforgettable campus performance of “Legendary Flows” and “Came Out A Beast” with Lil Wayne, after being honored as BET’s Amplified Artist of the Month in October.
In addition to her music success, the Georgia native recently shined on the basketball court, scoring a 30-point double-double in an exhibition game against Xavier. She closed out her year on a high note across both careers.
Today, charismatic multi-platinum rapper Kodak Blackdrops his brand new mixtape Dieuson Octave via Vulture Love / Capitol Records. Fans got a taste of the stacked new set on Halloween day with the release of reflective lead track “Catch Fire”
Kodak’s latest project is named after the Pompano Beach, Florida, artist himself — Dieuson Octave is his birth name, and “Catch Fire” in particular feels personal. Over a slightly somber L Beats production, Kodak sets the scene: “I made a lot of money, spent most of it making a bail / Doing whatever I feel and getting away like a pit bull tryna chase his tail.” His voice is warm as he considers his grandmother, his newborn son, and what his lifestyle means to those around him.
The “Catch Fire” cover art features a surreal photo of Kodak’s actual car in flames after the gas line started leaking on the highway — an incident that took place while the rap star was filming his first Kick livestream.
