DMX Lives Through, Meek Mill Copes, Rome Streetz Hits The Turnstile, And More New Hip-Hop

DMX Featuring Joyner Lucas – “Bring Out The Worst”

“Bring Out The Worst” is a thunderous reintroduction to DMX’s unmistakable presence, kicking off the upcoming DMX Features project with raw intensity.

Four years after his passing, the Yonkers icon proves his bark—and bite—still hit hard. Leading with a fiery disdain for the soft-hearted and skinny jeans-clad, X tears into the beat with vicious bars and vivid quotables, including the menacing, “Hit ’em from ear to ear, make ’em smile like The Joker.”

Joyner Lucas complements the energy with a slick, hard-hitting verse of his own. The track captures the unfiltered spirit of DMX: aggressive, passionate, and unapologetically real. It’s a stirring reminder that even in death, X’s voice remains a force to be reckoned with. – Preezy Brown

Meek Mill Featuring G Herbo – “Survivor’s Guilt”

Meek Mill reiterated how exceptional he is at rapping about pain and struggle with “Survivor’s Guilt.” Though he is often joked on for his signature yell delivery, it plays well into all he covers in this somber record.

The clashing loud vocals and piano-laced beat show just how emotional everything he has endured makes him. G Herbo jumps in, matching Meek’s energy and reflecting on the violence and loss he has witnessed.

There may be no two better artists to make a track like this, and though it may not be the “summer hit” the community is overly thirsty for, it’s a strong track regardless, with a lot of replay value. – Armon Sadler

Rome Streetz, Conductor Williams – ‘Trainspotting’

Rome Streetz and Conductor Williams reunite for Trainspotting, a sharp, high-octane follow-up to their acclaimed work on Kiss The Ring.

From the moment the needle drops on “Andre Agassi,” the duo’s chemistry is undeniable—Conductor crafts a punchy, textured backdrop, and Rome darts through it with surgical precision. Standouts like “Blood In Boogers,” “Heartbreaker,” and “Connie’s Revenge” further showcase Rome’s dense lyricism and streetwise storytelling, while “Electric Slide” adds a smooth, sinister groove to the mix.

Guest spots from Method Man and Jay Worthy add extra weight without overshadowing the core partnership. Rome describes Trainspotting as a flex—and he’s right. This is a lyrical exhibition paired with elite production designed for heavy rotation.

Whether you’re a long-time fan or just stepping onto the Rome Streetz train, this project stands tall as a reminder of how potent modern rap can be when synergy meets hunger. – PB

GELO – “Booted Up”

GELO, the brother Ball making serious waves, is back with “Booted Up”—a vibrant, hard-hitting single that serves as further evidence of his potential staying power.

Leading up to his upcoming album League of My Own (dropping June 27th), GELO leans into his winning formula: bold, celebratory bars riding over a propulsive beat that demands attention. Following the viral momentum of “Tweaker” and standout collaborations like “Can You Please” with GloRilla, “Booted Up” is yet another sharp entry in his growing catalog.

It’s confident, charismatic, and full of the energy that’s become GELO’s signature. If this is the tone-setter for the album, League of My Own might just be one of the summer’s surprise successes. – PB

PLUTO Featuring Sexyy Red – ‘WHIM WHAMMIE (Remix)’

Pluto capitalized on the “Whim Whamiee” movement by tapping the rising star Sexyy Red for the remix. It was right in the St. Louis rapper’s pocket, with a heavy bassline and trap drums.

The duo flexed on other women, reveled in shaking what their mothers gave them, and celebrated all the money they’re making. There’s also space for simple, fun, mindless records like these but don’t sleep on both of their flows.

This track is especially enjoyable because it feels nostalgic toward early 2000s beats that an act like Trina would rap on. The “Whim Whamiee” remix is a whim winner. – AS

Luh Tyler – ‘Florida Boy’

Luh Tyler is doing it for his home state with Florida Boy. The 15-track LP is mostly a solo effort, with only Rob49 and YTB Fatt joining the fun.

“New Year Same Me” is an immediate standout, teetering between uptempo and midtempo with smooth hi-hats and nimble flows. He delivers a relatable record in “I Heart Bad Bi**hes,” displaying his indulgent mindset in both the femme fatales, making money, and spending even more.

Tyler continues to grow as an artist, refining his ability to create quality songs and establishing his signature sound. This 38-minute listening experience is worth your time. – AS

GoldLink – ‘ENOCH’

After nearly four years away, GoldLink returns with ENOCH, a genre-blending showcase that proves his creative sharpness hasn’t dulled one bit.

The Washington D.C. artist delivers a breezy yet layered project that plays like a global sound collage, full of bounce, mood, and intention.

Standouts like “I See,” “Shotti,” and the infectious “Aventador” show off his rhythmic dexterity, while cuts like “Moorpheus,” featuring Fat Trel and others, and the closer “Africa” with Paco Panama, add depth and dimension.

The Lola Moxom-assisted “Metatron” also shines as a sleek lead single. ENOCH feels experimental without being disjointed—an ambitious, polished return that rewards repeat listens. – PB

Lil Tecca – “OWA OWA”

Lil Tecca is thriving lately with these classic sample flips. “OWA OWA” is a melodic trap reimagining of the iconic “Video Killed The Radio Star” by The Buggles, and he sticks the landing with flying colors.

The Queens artist is just 22 years old, yet has the creativity of an artist much more seasoned. “OWA OWA” is a sensual, unashamed, fun effort with a lot of replay value due to its two-minute, 12-second run time.

Tecca is emerging as a real star and it’s only a matter of time before he gets a smash given the run he has been on. – AS

Jacques Laine, ROHO – “Be Okay”

Jacques Laine delivered his first proper single of 2025, “Be Okay” with ROHO.

The gritty Newburgh lyricist brought his signature haymaker delivery and passionate flow to one of the most musical canvases he has ever rapped on; the lyrical punches landed smoothly over the drums, piano keys, and soulful looping vocal sample in the background.

His style has always been one of bravado mixed with introspective storytelling, and “Be Okay” was a record all about providing hope despite all that he has lost and had to overcome.

After having a track synced in Rap Sh!t and competing on Netflix’s Rhythm & Flow, it’s clear he is ready to make this year his biggest yet. And that’s more than okay with us. – AS

Bruiser Wolf – ‘POTLUCK’

Bruiser Wolf’s POTLUCK, the latest serving from Danny Brown’s Bruiser Brigade, is a wildly flavorful feast of eccentric flows and top-shelf production.

With a delivery that lands somewhere between E-40’s animated rhythm and Suga Free’s elastic swagger, Bruiser’s voice slices through beats provided by heavyweights like Knwxledge, Harry Fraud, and Nicholas Craven.

Tracks like “Air Fryer,” “Whippin,” and “Fancy” are instant standouts, while “Over Looks” closes the album on a reflective, soulful note. It’s a true collaborative spread, as Bruiser himself frames it—a potluck where each producer brings a unique dish to the table.

The result is chaotic, cohesive, and downright addictive. With appearances from Sir Michael Rocks and Fat Ray, POTLUCK isn’t just worth a listen—it’s one of the most freewheeling rap records we’ve heard in recent memory. – Preezy Brown

PlaqueBoyMax – ‘Five Forever’

GASHI, G-Eazy – “RINGS”

Chicken P Featuring G Herbo – “Peter Piper”

EBK Jaaybo – ‘Don’t Trust Me’

Jay Fizzle – “Blow A Hundred”

MAVI Featuring Earl Sweatshirt – ‘Landgrab’

Oddisee – ‘En Route’

Ovrkast. – ‘While The Iron Is Hot’

Aesop Rock – ‘Black Hole Superette’

Snupe Bandz Featuring Yung Skooley – “Never Too Much”

Big Moochie Grape – ‘Eat Or Get Ate 2 (Deluxe)’

Kardinal Offishall – “LET EM OUT”

Baby Money Featuring GT – “Armageddon”

Benji Blue Bills, BNYX – ‘Out The Blue’

GTW Mik – “Storm Don’t Last”

Premo Rice – ‘Bad Muhf**ka’

J-Haze – ‘No Tomorrow’

Sosocamo – “There He Go”

The BLK LT$ – “NTFW”