This week’s New Music Friday proves that legacy artists are still finding new ways to evolve, with R&B veterans, rap heavyweights, and multi-hyphenate creatives all stepping back into the spotlight with new drops to help kick off the weekend.
Chris Brown leads the week’s drops with “Brown,” his twelfth studio album and one of his most anticipated releases in years. The project’s title stands for “Break Rules Only When Necessary,” continuing the acronym-style branding he previously used for “F.A.M.E.” The 27-track effort arrives amid a massive rollout that includes his upcoming co-headlining stadium tour with Usher, further cementing Brown’s status as one of R&B’s biggest acts. The album features appearances from GloRilla, Bryson Tiller, Leon Thomas, Lucky Daye, Sexyy Red, Fridayy, Tank, Vybz Kartel, and NBA YoungBoy. Fans had already gotten a taste of the project through singles like “Holy Blindfold,” “Obvious,” and “It Depends,” but “Brown” appears to fully lean into the polished blend of R&B, pop, and melodic hip-hop that has defined his career.
Meanwhile, T.I. reconnects with Pharrell for his new single, “Mr. Him,” marking another collaboration between two artists whose chemistry helped shape mid-2000s hip-hop. The release also arrives as fans continue to support T.I.’s previously released Pharrell hit, “Let ‘Em Know,” which marked his return to the Billboard Hot 100. Thanks to “Mr. Him,” T.I. is giving fans another taste of his forthcoming album, “Kill the King,” which will be released this year.
On the R&B side, Teyana Taylor returns with “Bed of Roses” featuring Wale, blending sensual vocals with emotional storytelling. The release continues Taylor’s reentry into music after previously stepping away from the industry to focus on acting. Fresh off the heels of her Golden Globe win for Best Supporting Actress in “One Battle After Another,” fans are pleased to see this talented creator back in the studio.
This week’s New Music Friday certainly packs a punch, balancing superstar spectacle with reflective storytelling. Whether you’re looking for stadium-ready R&B, motivational rhymes, or soulful late-night vibes, these releases are helping soundtrack the transition into summer. Keep scrolling to discover more of this week’s new heat.
T.I. – “Mr. Him” (single)
Teyana Taylor feat. Wale – “Bed of Roses” (single)
6lack feat. Young Thug – “Ashin’ The Blunt” (single)
Key Glock – “Go” (single)
French Montana, Max B & Rick Ross – “Smoking Pt. 2” (single)
Hotboii feat. Lil Baby – “Alicia” (single)
Too $hort feat. E-40 & Tyga – “Drink & Smoke” (single)
Chris Brown – “Brown” (album)
Uncle Waffles – “4 Da Streets” (album)
