There’s a little bit of everything in the latest edition of HipHopDX’s New Music Friday Albums coverage, despite a small sample size to choose from.
With rappers such as Babyface Ray, Sada Baby helping shape the next era of Michigan-bred rap music, the presence of a well-known lyricist like Tee Grizzley in 2022 proves the viability and longevity of the high-energy sub-genre continues to grow as time progresses.
East Coast Hip Hop is also in the midst of a renaissance moment. As the popularity of New York drill rap continues to swell behind the hype of new artists like Fivio Foreign, established imprints such as Dreamville are enjoying the ascension of legacy acts, such as Bas, rising from a trending lyricist to respected superstar in real-time.
The South has got something to say this week as well, as Baton Rouge native Fredo Bang drops off the sequel to his breakout 2018 mixtape, and Florida rapper Yungeen Ace shares the follow-up to his 2021 Life Of Betrayal 2x album.
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Check out the full list of releases from Friday (April 15), below.
Tee Grizzley – Half Tee Half Beast
This year has already presented Tee Grizzley with a number of blessings and wins contributing to his immense growth since his release from prison in 2016.
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The “First Day Out” rapper has begun the process of diversifying his entrepreneurial portfolio with his partnership with XSET, the world’s most diverse, innovative, socially conscious gaming, esports, and lifestyle organization.
And following the success of his 2021 Built For Whatever album, which includes guest verses from Lil Durk, Quavo and YNW Melly, in addition to features from late rappers King Von and Young Dolph, Tee Grizzley secured his homestead in 2022 by proposing to the mother of his child.
Tee Grizzley also concurrently signaled his return to the forefront of the conversation surrounding Michigan rap music by sounding off with his “Buss It All Down” come back single, in addition to his fiery assist on fallen Welcome To O’Block rapper King Von’s “Rich Is Gangsta” single to start the year off. Now, with the help of Baby Grizzley and Quality Control rapper Lakeyah, Tee Grizzley is back with his 17-track Half Tee Half Beast album.
Bas – [BUMP] Pick Me Up EP
Dreamville MC Bas effectively accomplished his mission of putting out the “Song of the summer” last year upon the release of his anthemic single “The Jackie” featuring J. Cole and Lil Tjay.
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Bas continued to pop out in 2022 by stepping all the way outside and crushing his appearances at BUKU in New Orleans in March and again at Dreamville Fest in North Carolina earlier this month. He’s also kept his fans guessing about the status of his new music by teasing releases in multiple forms including the collaboration with Gunna he leaked last month.
Seemingly taking the liberty to keep his next moves under wraps, Bas offers a taste of what is to come with his [BUMP] Pick Me Up EP.
Fredo Bang – Two-Face Bang 2
A lot has happened since Fredo Bang released the first edition of his Two-Face Bang mixtape in 2018, but the one thing that remained constant was the Louisiana-bred rapper’s dedication to releasing music on a consistent basis.
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Last year proved to be a highly productive year for Fredo Bang, as he delivered both his In The Name Of Gee and Murder Made Me albums following a dual album effort in 2020, also.
It seems fitting that Fredo Bang makes his return this year by reaching back to 2018 to deliver his first project of 2022 in the form of his 18-track Two-Face Bang 2 offering. Guest verses are supplied by Roddy Ricch, Money Man, Sleepy Hallow and Rob49.
Yungeen Ace – All On Me
Florida rapper Yungeen Ace was able to generate a firestorm of hype surrounding his music last year due to the success of his polarizing “Who I Smoke” viral hit, in addition to his headline-making beef with Jacksonville rap artist Julio Foolio.
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However, Yungeen Ace has maintained an approach focused on music throughout 2022, highlighted by the release of his “B.A.M.” single which also includes a spirited guest verse from Pompano Beach native Kodak Black.
Hell-bent on proving that he is in full control of his destiny, Yungeen Ace delivers his All On Me Project featuring…
Vince Staples Brings New Album Raps + R&B Singer Fousheé To Tiny Desk (Home) Concert
This week’s Honorable Mentions list also features new offerings from artists such as Swedish House Mafia, whose latest album features A$AP Rocky and U.K. drill rapper Digga D’s new project which taps several U.S. artists including Moneybagg Yo, Hotboii and more.
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Also, peep this week’s New Music Friday Singles list featuring new releases from Kay Flock and Cardi B, Duke Deuce, Tyga and Doja Cat and more.
Stay up-to-date with the latest music releases here.
