Lil Simz is back with a new single from her upcoming Lotus. "Free" follows up Seven, showcasing Lil Simz's ability to flow on any beat, and has quickly became one of my favorite releases of the year. 

Samara Cyn might be my pick for biggest rise potential for 2025. Her features on "Pop n Olive" along with Ovrkast's "Small Talk" just shows she has a seat at the table of the modern rap scene, and isn't going anywhere anytime soon.

Paris Texas' surprise drop of two EPs early in the year proved them to be a duo that will always produce. Speaking of producing, the production, the flows and the tendency of Paris Texas to slide on any style shows a duo that knows who they are - they're superstars. 

The opening track to Saba's 2025 collab album with No ID immediately sets the tone for what a key theme of the album - nostalgia. While many of the other songs push the pace for the listener, "Every Painting Has a Price" lulls the listener into the older days when life was simpler. 

Aminé is certainaly no "nepo baby." The beat is an Aminé-typical bounce beat which he slides on effortlessly. Its the style I fell in love with off of TWOPOINTFIVE, and if he sounds like this on his new project in May we're in for a great summer. 

This entire EP is a masterpiece. From the pallot-cleansing use of samples to the traditional Westside Gunn style - its refreshing, soulful and a side of Westside Gunn I could get used to.  

One of the controversial likes from I AM MUSIC. For me, this song works. The track is fittingly the most "Opium" on the album - and for me, it makes it a hit. 

In a similiar vein to the Opium sound, skaiwater loves pushing the envelope for what music should sound like, and "Feral" is no different. It's infectious, hard-hitting and in your face from start to finish. 

"narcotics" is a completely 180 from the previous two entries. sosocamo spits over a melllow beat in a way that is reminicent of a blend of Lil Yacty and an old Future. It's simple, catchy and is something I've had in my head ever since hearing it after its release.