New Music Friday: Hit-Boy, The Alchemist, Big L, Nas, Megan Thee Stallion, And More Hip-Hop Releases

Hit-Boy, The Alchemist – ‘GOLDFISH’

With GOLDFISH, Hit-Boy and The Alchemist prove that Theodore & Andre was only the opening act for something more ambitious. The new full-length builds on that foundation with a sharper focus on dual artistry — two producer-turned-rappers who refuse to treat the mic as a novelty.

From the introspective “Celebration Moments,” where Alchemist declares, “Was once a student, my job is now to teach,” to Hit-Boy’s tightly wound bars on “Business Merger,” every verse feels deliberate, not decorative.

Conway the Machine’s fiery guest turn on “Mick & Cooley” adds an East Coast edge, while Boldy James and Big Hit help round out a lineup that feels both familial and formidable.

Supported by the Isaac Garcia–directed video for “Ricky” and Abteen Bagheri’s cinematic GOLDFISH short film, the album expands beyond music into a fully realized vision.

In an era where producers increasingly try their hand at rapping, Hit-Boy and Alchemist stand apart — treating the craft not as a side hustle, but as an art form with purpose and precision. “Two of the best on the coast of the West,” indeed – Preezy Brown

Big L Featuring Nas – “U Ain’t Gotta Chance”

“U Ain’t Gotta Chance,” the lead single from Harlem’s Finest: Return of the King, is nothing short of a lyrical epic — a collision of two masters at their sharpest.

Over haunting, cinematic production from G Koop, 2one2, Al Hug, and Mike H, Big L’s venomous bars — “139 is where I’m from, bro… findin’ you with shells from my 9 in you” — crackle with that unmistakable Harlem grit.

Nas matches the energy with cerebral precision, weaving legacy and business acumen into his verse, rhyming, “I’m the first in rap to form a venture cap’… My voice a needle in wax, gets the Devil attacked.”

The result is a track that feels timeless — both a tribute to hip-hop’s golden age and proof that L was years ahead of his era.

With Harlem’s Finest dropping on Oct. 31, the date feels poetic: Halloween for a rapper who made horrific acts and the ills of urban decay sound like art.

Megan Thee Stallion – “Lover Girl”

Megan Thee Stallion slides back into solo mode with “Lover Girl,” a sultry, hypnotic groove that reimagines Total’s 1996 R&B classic “Kissin You” through her signature Houston flair.

Produced by Jacobdior, the track folds in bounce-heavy energy from HaSizzle’s “Bounce It” and silky vocal textures from BJ So Cole, creating a sound that’s both nostalgic and fresh. Meg leans fully into her sensual side here — confident, playful, and effortlessly magnetic.

Following April’s “Whenever,” “Lover Girl” feels like a smooth, slow-burn reminder of why The Hotties stay devoted: Megan knows how to make heat sound like honey. – PB

Mac Miller – ‘GO:OD AM (10th Anniversary)’

Young Thug – “Blaming Jesus”

VisionPlay – ‘VZN SZN, Vol. 1 (Disc 2)’

Moneybagg Yo, G Herbo – “Feet On Land”

BabyChiefDoIt – ‘Warning Shot’

Ty Dolla $ign, Chlöe – “Wit It”

Reuben Vincent, 9th Wonder – ‘Welcome Home’

Bruiser Wolf, Harry Fraud – ‘Made By Dope’

Dave – ‘The Boy Who Played The Harp’

Lelo – “Banksy”

The BLK LT$ – ‘Honey: The BLK LT$ Meets The Killa Beez’

BNYX – ‘Loading…’

P.Dot57 – ‘Port Of Wilmington: TWIC Pass’

Eem Triplin – “Coming Undone”

Hulvey – ‘He Will Return’

Warhol.ss – “STILL”

448 Gotti – “Mr. Mike”

Big Sad 1900, DJ Gutta Butta – ‘SAD CITY’