Best New Tracks: The Weeknd, MIKE, Latto x Playboi Carti and More

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Wrapping up another gaming week filled with beats and rhythms, I’ve been keeping tabs on the freshest tracks out there. Here’s my take on the coolest new projects that just dropped – my pick for this week’s Best New Gaming Tunes!

This week’s selection is headlined by long-awaited releases from The Weeknd, Madlib & MF DOOM, MIKE and FearDorian. Additionally, there are numerous collaborative singles lined up featuring JENNIE with Dominic Fike, Latto with Playboi Carti, 2hollis with nate sub, Will Smith with Big Sean and OBanga, The Alchemist with Larry June and 2 Chainz, and Lancey Foux will be delivering a solo two-pack.

The Weeknd – Hurry Up Tomorrow

At last, The Weeknd’s sixth studio album has arrived. Titled Hurry Up Tomorrow, this album concludes his trilogy of 2020’s After Hours and 2022’s Dawn FM. On “São Paulo” and “Timeless,” we see collaborations with Anita and Playboi Carti, respectively – two out of the three pre-release singles that also include “Dancing in the Flames.” Although The Weeknd largely produces this album himself, Pharrell and Mike Dean offer their expertise, among others. A psychological thriller film will accompany the album as part of its intricate rollout strategy.

Spotify | Apple Music

Latto x Playboi Carti – “Blick Sum” (Remix)

After Playboi Carti posted pictures of him and Latto on Instagram, fans could merely speculate if it was for the upcoming “Blick Sum” remix. Two days later, their assumptions were confirmed as the “Blick Sum” remix dropped. One of the standout tracks from Latto’s latest album, Sugar Honey Iced Tea, the remixed version features a second verse by Carti instead of Latto’s usual one. The remix was warmly received by fans of both rappers, and it also includes an impressive music video for “Blick Sum (Remix)” directed by Hidji World and Gunner Stahl.

Spotify | Apple Music

Madlib x MF DOOM – Madvillainy Demos

To mark the 20th anniversary of MF DOOM and Madlib’s “Madvillainy” album in October, it made its debut on vinyl for the first time, having initially been released on tape in 2008 as part of a box set. The original mastering engineer, Dave Cooley, has now returned to remaster the demos. As stated by Stones Throw in October, before DOOM and Madlib completed “Madvillainy” in 2002, an early demo version of the album leaked online, featuring initial vocal cuts from DOOM, recorded and quickly mixed at Madlib’s Bomb Shelter studio in LA. This leak gained worldwide attention, and though the tracks were unfinished at the time, it was evident that this hip-hop album was unique compared to others. Now, it’s available on digital streaming platforms everywhere.

Spotify | Apple Music

JENNIE x Dominic Fike – “Love Hangover”

Following their encounter at the YSL Men’s Winter 2025 Paris Fashion Week event, Jennie and Dominic Fike’s “Love Hangover” has officially been released. They posted a few pictures from the show earlier this week, and soon after, they announced the release of their single. Jennie’s upcoming album, “Ruby,” is scheduled for release on March 7th, featuring collaborations with Childish Gambino, Doechii, Dua Lipa, FKJ, and Kali Uchis.

Spotify | Apple Music

2hollis x nate sub – “afraid”

Following the summer 2024 launch of his album titled “boy“, artist 2hollis has unveiled his third single, titled “afraid”, featuring his current tourmate nate sub. This is a typical 2hollis song, with the budding musician self-producing it in a span of three minutes. “afraid” represents the first release from 2hollis in 2025 and also marks the first time he has collaborated with sub on a studio track.

Spotify | Apple Music

Will Smith x Ben Sean – “BEAUTIFUL SCARS”

On Thursday, Will Smith unveiled his long-awaited first album in more than 20 years titled “Based On A True Story“. This upcoming release is set for March. In conjunction with the announcement, Smith released a new single called “BEAUTIFUL SCARS” featuring Big Sean. The album will also include Smith’s recent hits like “You Can Make It” with Fridayy, “WORK OF ART” with Russ and Jaden, as well as “TANTRUM” with Joyner Lucas. The music video for “BEAUTIFUL SCARS” is inspired by “The Matrix“, with Sean presenting Smith a choice between the Blue Pill and Red Pill – a nod to the classic movie’s famous scene.

Spotify | Apple Music

Lancey Foux – “Enter The Dragon” / “TEKTIME”

British rapper Lancey Foux has introduced a fresh duo of tracks titled “Enter The Dragon” and “TEKTIME”. This set, featuring production by BNYX, marks Foux’s first solo project since collaborating with fellow UK artists Fimiguerrero and Len on the joint album “CONGLOMERATE”, which was released in 2024.

Spotify | Apple Music

MIKE – Showbiz!

Mike’s latest project, titled “Showbiz!”, showcases the NYC rapper contemplating various aspects of his past selves while looking forward to his future identity. This extensive studio creation boasts collaborations with 454 and duendita, along with a roster of guest producers. The tracklist includes hits such as “Pieces Of A Dream”, “You’re The Only One Watching”, and “Bear Trap”.

Spotify | Apple Music

The Alchemist x Larry June x 2 Chainz – “I Been”

Last week, “The Alchemist,” Larry June and 2 Chainz showcased their elite status as a trio with the release of “Bad Choices.” Now, they’re back this week with another collaboration, titled “I Been,” and word is out that they are planning to drop a full-length collaborative album. Although specifics about the project are still largely secretive – except for some song previews that can be found only on Instagram – it’s anticipated that “Life Is Beautiful” will hit the airwaves on February 7th.

Spotify | Apple Music

FearDorian – Leaving Home

18-year-old musician and producer FearDorian has recently unveiled his second album titled Leaving Home. This album is a personal narrative chronicling his initial experiences of being away from home for the first time. Notably self-produced, written, and recorded by FearDorian himself, this LP also includes collaborations with artists such as Polo Perks, RiTchie, quinn, and Klein.

Spotify | Apple Music

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2025-01-31 17:26