Let’s be real. No one is working this week. Even if you’re in the office, on the road, or logged on, you still ain’t thinking about working. It’s Christmas (week)!

Enjoy these collections of songs whether you’re wrapping gifts, out shopping, or not in the spirit yet. Enjoy, Merry Christmas, and Happy Holidays!

Another year of music has come and gone, and it’s that time again. For the fifth year in a row, we gathered nappyafro staff and associates to each share their 10 favorite (and best) songs of 2025.

Before we dive into the lists, here are a few stats worth noting:

• A total of 64 unique songs were selected, featuring 90 different artists (duplicates not counted).
• The most-mentioned song this year was “So Be It” by Clipse, appearing four times.
• Coming in second was “I Still Love H.E.R.” by Freddie Gibbs & The Alchemist, which was listed three times.
• Not surprisingly, Clipse was the most-mentioned artist overall, appearing 15 times and making 6 of the 7 staff/contributor lists.
• Freddie Gibbs also appeared on 6 of the 7 lists, with 10 total mentions across the staff.

Looking at the data, it’s safe to say 2025 was the year of grown-man rap (or maybe the staff is just getting old).

Now that the numbers are out of the way, let’s get into the Best Songs of 2025. As always, we’ll wrap things up with a playlist at the end.

Happy New Year. – B-Easy

“Suga On My Tongue” by Tyler, The Creator
“Blanco” by Wale
“Take Me Thru Dere” by Metro Boomin feat. Quavo, Breskii, YKNIECE, & DJ Spinz
“So Be It” by Clipse
“Lemon Pepper Steppers” by Freddie Gibbs & The Alchemist
“Errtime (Remix)” by Cardie B feat. Jeezy
“Sit Yuh Self Down” by AJ McQueen
“Bed of Roses” by Teyana Taylor
“Worst Behavior” by KWN feat. Kehlani
“Flower Moon” by Durand Jones and The Indications feat. Aaron Frazer

“So Be It” by Clipse
“Flood” by Little Simz feat. Obongjayar & Moonchild Sanelly
“Girl Feels Good” by FKA twigs
“Ensalada” by Freddie Gibbs & The Alchemist feat. Anderson .Paak
“The Mood” by FLO & KAYTRANADA
“Down For You” by Mobb Deep feat. Nas & Jorja Smith
“Run It Back!” by De La Soul feat. Nas
“Folded (Toni Braxton Remix)” by Kehlani feat. Toni Braxton
“Chains & Whips” by Clipse feat. Kendrick Lamar & Pharrell Williams
“Corinthians” by billy woods feat. Despot

“So Be It” by Clipse
“P.O.V.” by Clipse feat. Tyler, The Creator
“M.T.B.T.T.F.” by Clipse
“F.I.C.O.” by Clipse feat. Stove God Cooks
“Chains & Whips” by Clipse feat. Kendrick Lamar & Pharrell Williams
“I SEEEEEE YOU BABY BOI” by Playboi Carti
“I Still Love H.E.R.” by Freddie Gibbs & The Alchemist
“Without A Warning” by The Weeknd
“DUMBO” by Travis Scott
“Community” by JID feat. Clipse

“So Be It” by Clipse
“Worst Behavior” by KWN feat. Kehlani
“Imaginary Playerz” by Cardi B
“Community” by JID feat. Clipse
“Birds Don’t Sing” by Clipse feat. John Legend & Voices of Fire
“Chains & Whips” by Clipse feat. Kendrick Lamar & Pharrell Williams
“what will they say” by Samara Cyn
“Lotus” by Little Simz feat. feat. Michael Kiwanuka & Yussef Dayes
“WRK” by JID
“Take Me Thru Dere” by Metro Boomin feat. Quavo, Breskii, YKNIECE, & DJ Spinz

“P.O.V.” by Clipse feat. Tyler, The Creator
“Turn Around” by Jermaine Dupri feat. Young Dro, 2 Chainz, & T.I.
“I Still Love H.E.R.” by Freddie Gibbs & The Alchemist
“cLOUDs” by J. Cole
“Whatchu Kno About Me” by GloRilla feat. Sexxy Red
“Joey Story” by Nino Paid
“Trippin on a Yacht” by Cash Cobain feat. Bay Swag & Rob49
“U Fancy?” by Nine Vicious
“Pimmie’s Dilemma” by PARTYNEXTDOOR & Drake feat. Pimmie
“gp” by Gunna
“Psycho” by Ken Carson
“Out of My Hands” by Future & Metro Boomin
“On Film” by SahBabii
“I Was Blinded” by Lil Tony
“What If We Made It” by Nino Paid

“Folded” by Kehlani
“Ace Trumpets” by Clipse
“Glory” by JID
“We On Dat” by Monaleo
“No More Old Man” by Chance The Rapper feat. Jamila Woods
“House of Mirrors” by Starlito & Don Trip
“1965” by Jessie Murph
“I Still Love H.E.R.” by Freddie Gibbs & The Alchemist
“True Believer” by Hayley Williams
“Putting On For My City” by Da’Raja Superstar

“Lavish Habits” by Freddie Gibbs & The Alchemist
“Who Killed Michael Jackson??????” by Jay Electronica feat. Quentin Miller
“The Outcome” by Jay Worthy feat. The Alchemist, Westside Gunn, Dave East, & Ab-Soul
“I Been” by Larry June, 2 Chainz & The Alchemist
“I Can’t Wait To Get There” by The Weeknd
“BMG” by Conway The Machine
“Bottega Trunks” by Dave East feat. Stove God Cooks
“Ricky” by Hit-Boy & The Alchemist
“Tubi” by Bruiser Wolf & Harry Fraud
“The Big 2” by Freddie Gibbs

A six foot tall thick DJ with dimples? That twerks? And is named DJ Dimple Nipple? Yes. Yes to all of that,

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Conway The Machine recently dropped his fifth studio album, You Can’t Kill God with Bullets, and he is already following it up with visuals for track #3, “BMG.”

“BMG” is one of the immediate standouts on You Can’t Kill God with Bullets, with Conway rapping his ass off over the Sndtrak & Chri$$ianity production. Lines like “Backed into a corner and life was tryna Golovkin me, yo (Triple G) / I say I’m blessed, they say it’s luck, well, shit, lucky me” hit exactly the way you expect Conway bars to hit. Heavy, reflective, and unapologetic.

Going into it, I expected the video for “BMG” to be something simple, like Conway riding around in a car or posted up somewhere gritty, which would have matched the tone of the record perfectly. Instead, the Keese-directed visual takes a more minimal and abstract approach, with Conway rapping face to face with a smaller version of himself.

Do I fully get it? Not really. But it still looks slick, stays focused on the bars, and does not distract from what Conway is doing best. Rapping at a high level.

Check out the video for “BMG” below.

Sometimes you don’t even need to do much research with these Certified Banger posts. You see a beautiful woman and she just needs to be featured. That’s exactly what happened with the stunning Kaelyn Marie. And now we’re in love.

You’re welcome.

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After more than 25 years, the career of John Felix Anthony Cena comes to a close on December 13, 2025 at Saturday Night’s Main Event. And while Saturday Night’s Main Event is not a PPV/PLE, we are going to treat it as one for the Doctor of Thuganomics and Leader of Cenation. Oh, and I have the entire FRO Horsemen here for this one too.

Much respect and congrats to John Cena for having one of the best wrestling careers ever. Maybe even the best. Salute to the GOAT. ~ B-Easy

B-Easy: It’s funny how the internet suddenly hates the idea of Gunther being Cena’s last opponent when not too long ago he was everyone’s dream pick. Honestly, the wrestler formerly known as Walter is still the perfect choice, even over LA Knight. Plus, Cena versus Gunther is not a passing of the torch moment; that happened with Dom at Survivor Series (And it was never gonna be Edge).

I expect Cena to go all out on his way out, leave everything in the ring, and still fall to the Ring General.

WINNER: Gunther

Saule Wright: This sounds like some bullshit to me. I’m not a fan of this being his final match. I’m not a fan of this setting being his final match. Cena is a GOAT/Top 5 in my opinion no matter the metric you use. This match doesn’t really encompass any of that nor his legacy at all. That said, I expect this match to take up a good chunk of the show and I expect some drama, twists and turns.

WINNER: Gunther. They could have put Cena in there with a corpse and he was going to do the job.

GQ-Blu: They say you never really know what you have until it’s gone. Even though we’ve got more than 20+ years of Hustle, Loyalty Respect, this still feels a little bit too soon. Say what you will but John Cena is the biggest star WWE has produced since the Attitude Era. Which brings us to my problem with this match. WWE has always struggled with building the next guy. It’s part of the storylines every time Cena comes back to put someone over. Roman and Cody are close, but I’d still argue they aren’t quite the megastars that Cena is. A win over Cena should be used to catapult a guy to the moon. I think all of the Horsemen love the Ring General and think he’s a fine opponent to give Cena his last match, but he already feels money. This feels like a wasted chance to elevate folks who feel stuck in limbo (like Drew McIntyre) or straddling the fence (LA Knight, Jey Uso, even Solo).

Hell, imagine what a win like this could have done for a legit under 35 year old like Carmelo Hayes? All that aside I think Cena does the right thing and goes out on his back.

WINNER: Gunther

B-Easy: It’s actually cool that so many people tuning in for Cena’s last match are also going to see Je’Von Evans and Leon Slater. Also, when is Slater’s TNA contract up, because he is basically on the WWE roster already.

This should be a great match, especially with AJ and Dragon Lee riding that viral Styles Clash combo from Raw. With the Usos back in the Raw tag division, I expect AJ and Dragon Lee to get the win and look strong even if the titles aren’t on the line.

WINNERS: AJ Styles & Dragon Lee

Saule Wright: Flip fest is on. This should be a great match for those fans who like gymnastics and such. There’s a lot of talent in this match but unfortunately this is going to look like a circus with the spots. I’m super tired of the young bruhs losing but that won’t change here.

WINNERS: AJ Styles & Dragon Lee

GQ-Blu: This should probably be the opening match because it’s going to be a lot of fun and get the crowd going. I’m not expecting a match as much as I am a spot and flip fest, and for this I’m not mad at it. Besides the Cena match, these are all main roster vs. NXT exhibitions, and I’m afraid that the main roster is going to sweep the card. Let this match be the one where the rookies pull the upset with a surprise roll up or sunset flip.

WINNERS: JeVon Evans & Leon Slater

B-Easy: I like that Bayley is in this spot, but let’s be real. This is about letting everyone see Sol Ruca hit the Soul Snatcher. And since they don’t seem to be doing much with Bayley’s split personality angle, a Sol Ruca win feels obvious.

WINNER: Sol Ruca

Saule Wright: The turn is complete here. Bayley would do the job but I don’t know if she’ll have to. Zaria is going to come out and cost Sol the match. Sol may get the DQ win or the dirty win, finding out about it after. We also can’t forget Bayley has this crazy tick that seems to come and go as needed. I’m not really interested in this match. Bayley deserves better, IWC is all on Sol Ruca right now so this gives them what they want.

WINNER: Bayley gets the win if there is a definitive win, but Sol is the winner as this will be her showcase.

GQ-Blu: I know I said it feels like the main roster will run the table, but this actually feels like the one match they’ll give NXT. Bayley has felt so rudderless. I know about that schizophrenic thing going on that was kinda interesting, but it feels like she’s floundering again. People like Sol’s convoluted finisher so let her go over here.

WINNER: Sol Ruca

B-Easy: When people thought Cody vs. Ricky Starks was happening, I wasn’t excited. But Cody vs. Oba Femi has my full attention. Oba has been talking wild, calling himself change, comparing himself to biblical disasters, and even the meteor that wiped out the dinosaurs.

Cody is going to win, sure, but hopefully just barely. This should be a big showcase for The Ruler, Oba Femi.

WINNER: Cody Rhodes

Saule Wright: Oba has NOT had a bad match. He’s one of the most main roster ready guys I’ve seen come up from NXT. I hate that they saddled him with that accent, as at some point that’s going to have to be addressed. I expect another great match and Cody will definitely help Oba shine.

WINNER: No Contest. This will NOT be a clean finish. We are going to see Tony D or Ricky.

GQ-Blu: Admittedly, I don’t watch a lot of NXT, but I watch and know enough to know that Oba Femi is the real deal and should be able to make the jump to the main roster and not flop. As an exhibition match there is nothing wrong with giving Oba the win here, but I doubt they’re that brave.

What I think would be good for narrative purposes is have Cody have to cheat to win. They’ve been teasing a heel turn for a minute. And Cody has been acting a little more erratic and violent lately. If the rumors are true that they are running back Roman and Cody for Mania next year, part of the story could be Roman saying Cody can’t cut it as the top guy and has to cheat to beat rookies.

WINNER: Cody by cheating

• Cody Rhodes defeated Oba Femi via disqualification
• Sol Ruca defeated Bayley via pinfall
• AJ Styles & Dragon Lee defeated Je’Von Evans & Leon Slater via pinfall
• Gunther defeated John Cena via submission

Clipse drops another visual from their album Let God Sort ’Em Out with the Tyler, The Creator–assisted “P.O.V.”. The song is already a standout on the project (check out our album review for a deeper breakdown), but the Cole Bennett–directed music video is definitely not the direction I expected them to go with the visuals.

The video features Tyler, Pusha T, and Malice sitting at a table in an empty banquet hall while watching animatronic characters lip-sync the track. Is this a ShowBiz Pizza Chuck E. Cheese Five Nights at Freddy’s reference? Maybe. I’m not sure, and whatever the deeper meaning is probably went over my head, but it’s wild to look at.

Check out the music video below.

So yeah, I’m kinda late on Bruiser Wolf. I remember him from Danny Brown’s Bruiser Brigade and vaguely recall some hype around his debut Dope Game Stupid, but I never really sat down with it (Should’ve listened to Kevin Durant, apparently). But here we are now: Bruiser Wolf dropped a full album with Harry Fraud called Made By Dope, and I like it way more than I expected.

And about his flow? It’s like a hypnotic, conversational drawl—part stand-up comedian, part street poet, like a descendant of Suga Free. He talks like he’s leaning back in a chair telling you a story he’s making up as he goes, but every bar lands.

Bruiser Wolf also released a music video for “Tubi,” one of the standout tracks off Made By Dope. The visuals feature the Detroit rapper posted up with Detroit Tubi stars (That’s what Instagram told me. I can’t confirm any of this). Check out the Vinny Martocci–directed video below.

ILDGAF is an all-natural, thick beauty out of Texas with only initials for a name. We know “ILDGAF” isn’t her real name, but bear with us, we’re in love.

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Update: Results Added

I’m cool with the modern Survivor Series format, basically the yearly WarGames version now. That said, I do miss the old-school “traditional” elimination matches. And honestly, they could’ve fit one or two on this card with the same outcomes (especially if WWE doesn’t want certain people taking pins).

But on the other side of that: Seeing Brock Lesnar, Roman Reigns, CM Punk, and Cody Rhodes all in the same match, a no-holds-barred cage match, is kinda insane. No slight to the women’s WarGames match; AJ Lee being in this kind of match is crazy too.

Either way, that’s what we’re getting this Saturday with the 2025 edition of Survivor Series: WarGames. Here are my thoughts and predictions.

I already talked about how wild this match is in the intro. As for the result? Honestly a toss-up. There’s a chance something happens with Jey Uso turning heel, but since he’ll probably face Gunther in the Time Is Now Tournament, they can hold off. Even though Punk/Cody/Roman/The Usos are a stacked babyface team, I’m calling the upset: The heel team wins and they pin Jimmy Uso.

The biggest question here is whether AJ Lee takes any hard bumps or bleeds (and how Lash Legend looks in the match). I think it’ll be good, but I don’t see Ripley’s team losing. Ripley, Iyo, Alexa, Charlotte, and AJ win.

At first I was going to say Cena wins because he needs to look strong heading into the Time Is Now Tournament (probably against Gunther). Then I remembered Survivor Series is in San Diego: Dom’s hometown. Cena already accomplished the Grand Slam by winning the title. He doesn’t need to keep the belt and dropping it clears up any “Does he defend it in his last match?” issues. The King of the Luchadors wins and becomes Intercontinental Champion again in his hometown.

It would honestly be funny if Nikki Bella beat Stephanie Vaquer (especially after that Becky Lynch match), but that’s not happening. Stephanie wins and moves on to better feuds.

• Men’s WarGames Match: The Vision (Bron Breakker & Bronson Reed), Logan Paul, Drew McIntyre, & Brock Lesnar defeated CM Punk, Cody Rhodes, The Usos (Jey Uso & Jimmy Uso), & Roman Reigns
• Women’s WarGames Match: Rhea Ripley, Iyo Sky, Alexa Bliss, Charlotte Flair, & AJ Lee defeated Nia Jax, Lash Legend, The Kabuki Warriors (Asuka & Kairi Sane), & Becky Lynch
• WWE Intercontinental Championship: Dominik Mysterio defeated John Cena
• Women’s World Championship: Stephanie Vaquer defeated Nikki Bella

Happy Black Friday. Let’s celebrate by featuring what might be one of the coolest Certified Bangers ever: Spankkkkk.

Yeah, this is another beautiful woman whose real name we don’t know—and that’s perfectly fine. We love Spankkkkk, and the images below show exactly why.

Thank you, SPANK GAWD!

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Note: This is the web version of the nappyafro Newsletter, which usually goes out by email. We’re posting it on the site this time just to switch things up (probably just this once twice this may now just be a thing). The newsletter in it’s original format is here and if you haven’t already, you can subscribe to the newsletter right here.

A fresh new edition of the nappyafro Newsletter: your guide to what’s happening with nappyafro, along with some stuff we’re watching, reading, playing, and whatever else we’re into right now.

This might be the first time I’ve written/released a newsletter on a holiday. Either way, here we are. Enjoy the holidays and read this newsletter. Or something.

(Sidenote: The image is from the movie Thanksgiving via Watching Movies & Shit (the movie, not the fake Grindhouse trailer), and the title of the newsletter is one of DJ Drama’s references.

JUICE RECAP VIDEO

We finally dropped another video. Sorta. Well, we dropped a video recapping the classic 1992 Juice from the perspective of Q (Omar Epps’s character). But it’s a little over a minute. But content is content, right? I’m showing the YouTube version here, but the Instagram version is kinda different. The TikTok version also has minor changes. Go watch them all.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Here are some recommendations. It’s Thanksgiving, so I’ll throw in some bonus ones.

MOVIES

Lurker (2025): An obsessed fan infiltrates the inner circle of his favorite artist. There are other movies like this, but this is the most modern of those. And it’s good. Also, Zack Fox is in it.

Roofman (2025): Roofman is way better than you expect. I already knew about Jeffrey Manchester’s story and I was still invested. Also, have we officially given Channing Tatum the “National Treasure” title yet?

Dangerous Animals (2025): A movie about a shark-obsessed serial killer? Yeah. I’m in.

TV SHOWS

All Her Fault (2025): AKA all in white folks’ business (plus Lawrence from Insecure). It feels corny at first, but then you realize you watched all eight episodes.

The Chair Company (2025): Tim Robinson and Nathan Fielder are competing to see who is the king of cringe comedy (that’s not a bad thing). With The Chair Company, Tim Robinson does what Nathan Fielder did with The Curse. Tim might be in the lead now. I watch it while wincing… but I still watch it.

Chad Powers (2025): Chad Powers is kinda a dumb show. A former college quarterback attempts a comeback by posing as a walk-on player for a struggling football team. But I like when sports shows use real teams, logos, and elements like ESPN (ESPN helped produce it, so that makes sense). It’s an easy and quick watch.

The Vince Staples Show (2024- ): I will keep calling The Vince Staples Show the West Coast version of Atlanta (the TV show, not the city), and I will keep saying that’s not an insult. It’s just a good show and I hope surrealist comedies by rappers continue to be a genre.

VIDEO GAMES

Retroid Pocket 5: So yeah, I thought I was done with retro handhelds, but I bought a Retroid Pocket 5 some months ago and even swapped out the buttons for some PlayStation buttons so I could play Def Jam: Fight for NY. And so far this is the best retro handheld I’ve ever had. And I am trying so hard not to buy the AYN Thor with the dual screens. Who doesn’t want to play Switch games while watching YouTube? Sounds like a dream to me. Plus, there’s a new version of the Retroid Pocket 5 with a better chip, a Retroid Pocket 6 coming early next year… but let me relax.

Discounty (2025): Speaking of Switch games, I played and beat Discounty on the Retroid Pocket 5. It’s a cozy game where you run a grocery store. That’s it. And I wish it was longer. (Oh damn. I just found out they dropped an content update)

Far Cry 6 (2021): Yeah, to continue my trend of playing games people forgot, I am currently playing Far Cry 6 on my Steam Deck and I’m enjoying it. A lot.

READING

Absolute Batman (2024- ): I’m usually not a DC Comics reader. I tried to get into New 52 some years back but that didn’t turn out good. But Absolute Batman is one of my favorite comics out right now. There’s a recently viral scene from Absolute Batman 2025 Annual #1 where a beefed-up Batman beats the shit out of some white supremacists. Yeah, stuff like that.

Absolute Superman (2024- ): I also read Absolute Superman and while I don’t love it as much as Absolute Batman, it’s not bad. And this is from somebody who thinks Superman is boring.

BUY THIS SHIRT

They may have taken down our Lil Kim shirt (R.I.P.), but we have one that pays tribute to Pam Grier. This actually fits our theme more because we have always loved (the O.G.) Foxy Brown.

AND LASTLY

• Always check out nappyafro.com
• Check us out on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, TikTok, & Twitch
• Join our Patreon and see some cool stuff
• Check out our store and buy something

Thank you. Continue to support the team.
Salute,
B-Easy

GIF OF THE DAY

It feels like it’s been a minute since I heard or wrote about mashup pioneer and producer Girl Talk. I do remember seeing that he recently did something with T-Pain, but outside of that he has been quiet. I randomly came across a new song he dropped a few days ago with Sauce Walka, “Real Talk,” and it’s dope.

I’ve always liked when Girl Talk links up with rappers, and him connecting with the highly underrated Sauce Walka makes perfect sense. The simple visuals show Sauce rapping under a Houston bypass, letting the performance and the music be the focus.

Check out the video below.

The fall of the Wrecking Crew, how a gun changed Bishop forever, and how Q got the Juice.

Here is another Certified Banger where the only things we know about the featured woman are her name and that she is fine. In this edition the lovely lady is named Nafisa and she is Ethiopian. Okay, that is one extra thing. Check out the images below. You’re welcome.

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I haven’t really kept up with Big K.R.I.T. in a while. I see new music from him pop up here and there, but it’s on me for not paying closer attention, meaning I haven’t posted about him in a minute (basically since he went independent).

Here’s a random nappyafro fact: Big K.R.I.T. has TWO albums on nappyafro.com that received 5 out of 5 ratings, aka classic status. (Mind you, I didn’t give those ratings, but we don’t have to get into all that.)

All that being said, I saw he dropped a new video for his track “The Mileage,” and I liked it a lot. K.R.I.T. is still making the exact kind of quality music he wants to make. The minimalist visuals put the focus on the artist while also highlighting one of Big K.R.I.T.’s long-time obsessions: Cadillacs.

Check out the video below.

We’re gonna keep it real with this week’s Certified Banger. There’s a strong chance that Miss Xxtra isn’t this beautiful woman’s actual name. Nah, for real, the Instagram account we found her on has way too low of a follower count for someone this fine. So if we end up updating this post later with her real name, just know we already warned you.

With all that said, here is the super stunning Miss Xxtra (or whoever she really is). You’re welcome.

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Fresh off five Grammy nominations, the legendary duo Clipse drop another visual, this time for the Stove God Cooks-assisted “F.I.C.O.” (a highlight from their recent release). Directed by Hannan Hussain, the video keeps that same moody, cinematic feel as their other Let God Sort Em Out clips: dark tones, expensive cars, and a quiet sense of danger.

Check out the video below and if you haven’t already, read our review of Let God Sort Em Out here.

What’s not to love about a beautiful slim-thick woman? Now add a little attitude or one who isn’t afraid to stick her tongue out for the camera. That’s even more reason to appreciate today’s feature: Tianna Lynee.

Check out the images below. You’re welcome.

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Dave East dropped the deluxe edition of Karma 4 last week and I kinda missed it. Along with it came a new video for one of the standout cuts, “Man In The Mirror,” featuring Big Sean and Bun B.

The song finds East reflecting on success, loyalty, and personal growth, the type of introspection he’s always balanced with gritty storytelling. Big Sean slides in with his usual wordplay, while Bun B gives the track that OG seal of approval (But isn’t technically on this track but I’ll allow it).

The visuals have Dave East moving through his city, linking up with Bun B and Sean as they trade verses and hang with the locals. It’s about what you expect but it’s works. Check out the “Man In The Mirror” video below.

Hit-Boy and The Alchemist dropped their collaborative album GOLDFISH this past Friday, and somehow I missed it, which is wild because I’ve been waiting on something like this since “Slipping Into Darkness” and their 3-song EP Theodore & Andre. Either way, they also released a video for the song “Ricky,” where they play rug cleaners (yes, that dog is really nodding to the music).

Hit-Boy and Alchemist also dropped a teaser for a companion film to go along with the GOLDFISH album, and I hope that’s a real thing too (looking at you, Childish Gambino and Bando Stone & The New World). So far, the album sounds great.

R.I.P. Ricky Baker, shout-out to Omar The Dog, and check out the Isaac Garcia-directed visual below.

Megan Thee Stallion returns with a new single and music video in the form of “LOVER GIRL.” The first thing that jumps out to me is that the JacobDior-produced track samples one of my favorite R&B songs of all time, “Kissin’ You” by Total, and thankfully, “LOVER GIRL” does the sample justice.

The song, which is basically an ode to Megan Thee Stallion’s man, feels like part of a rollout that goes hand in hand with the rollout of Megan’s relationship, but I’m not here to speculate anything. I like the song and the visuals; from the booty-shaking scenes to Meg dressing up as a sexy cupid, I approve of it all.

Check out the video below.

Women from Brazil have been featured in the Certified Banger section many times… and here’s another one. Bianca Gabrielle is a beautiful woman who’s basically the epitome of what comes to mind when you think of a stunning Brazilian woman. You’re welcome.

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I took a week or so off due to sickness, but I’m back (or at least back-ish). Here’s another Notable Tracks post highlighting the music that’s been in rotation while I was recovering. No excuses. Let’s get to it.

Dave East has always been one of those rappers who can really rap, but his style doesn’t always fit what’s profitable or trendy right now. That said, “Bottega Trunks” shows him switching things up in a cool way. Over soulful Nicholas Craven production, East relaxes his flow and vibe, and the result feels like a sleeper hit. Add the rising Stove God Cooks to the mix, and it’s magic.

Jay Worthy dropped two albums in two weeks, Once Upon a Time and Once Upon a Time 2, and while I’m still digesting all 31 tracks, “The Outcome” immediately stood out. Produced by The Alchemist and featuring Westside Gunn, Dave East, and Ab-Soul, this one is pure chemistry. “Dumfounded, I’m living proof, I hope they feel dumb.” Yeah, that line sticks.

The new Mobb Deep album Infinite isn’t nearly as bad as I expected. I’m usually not into posthumous projects, and this one leans more compilation than authentic Mobb Deep, but it still sounds like Mobb Deep thanks to Havoc and The Alchemist’s production. “Clear Black Nights,” featuring Raekwon and Ghostface Killah, is an easy standout because Mobb Deep with Ghost and Rae just feels classic. R.I.P. Prodigy.

I keep forgetting that this year’s Crown Jewel is in Australia. I’m definitely not waking up at 7:30 a.m. to watch it live, but I appreciate that I’ll be able to catch the PLE in the morning and still have the rest of my day free.

There are some good matches on this card, and I’m sure the Perth crowd is going to be hot. Plus, the SmackDown before Crown Jewel was solid, so that’s something. Either way, here are my thoughts and predictions for WWE Crown Jewel: Perth.

Some people say this match came out of nowhere. I get it, but not really. It reminds me of those Survivor Series brand versus brand years when everyone suddenly put on red or blue shirts. This feels like that, just with one of the nicest yet ugliest titles ever, the Crown Jewel Championship.

Cody Rhodes doesn’t lose often, but it makes sense here. He’s 3-0 against Seth Rollins since returning (WrestleMania 38, Backlash, and Hell in a Cell), and if WWE really wants Rollins to be the big bad, he needs this win, even if it’s for a belt we probably won’t see again until next year.

Also, I’m hoping Randy Orton costs Cody the match to kick off that storyline.

This is the match we should have gotten at Clash in Paris, but I’ll take it here. John Cena has been wrestling with purpose lately (that Sami Zayn U.S. Open match proved it). If we get that version of Cena and an AJ Styles who still has a little magic left, this could be great.

Cena hasn’t won in his last two matches, so I’m picking him to finally get one back and then hug it out with AJ afterward.

Tiffany Stratton’s title run hasn’t exactly been hitting. Stephanie Vaquer’s stock is up, Tiffany’s is slightly down, and Vaquer hasn’t been around much due to illness, so this feels like the right time for her to pick up the win.

And seriously, it’s time to turn Tiffany heel again.

I’m genuinely happy for Bronson Reed. I didn’t think he would reach the point of getting a one-on-one match with Roman Reigns, but here we are. If I remember right, he was miss the last time WWE toured Australia, so it’s great to see him get this home-country spotlight.

Roman should win, but if WWE is building toward War Games, I could see Reed stealing a win with some shenanigans from The Vision (and maybe a surprise new member).

I love what Asuka and Kairi Sane have going, and I hope Asuka yelling “Kairi!” continues to be a thing. But there’s no way Rhea “Bloody” Ripley loses in Australia. This one feels obvious, but it’ll be fun and the crowd will be all over it. Rhea and Iyo Sky win.

• WWE Crown Jewel Championship: Seth Rollins defeated Cody Rhodes
• John Cena defeated AJ Styles
• WWE Women’s Crown Jewel Championship: Stephanie Vaquer defeated Tiffany Stratton
• Australian Street Fight: Bronson Reed defeated Roman Reigns
• Rhea Ripley & Iyo Sky defeated Kabuki Warriors

Straight out of Brazil, we present Yasmin Soares. Another beautiful woman featured in the Certified Banger section. But it’s her eyes that might hypnotize you. As a Cuban drug dealer once said, “The eyes, Chico, they never lie.”

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JID goes full Atlanta Atlanna in the music video for his track “Sk8,” featuring Ciara and EarthGang. The song is already a love letter to bass-heavy, booty-shake music, and the visuals double down on that energy. From the setting at the iconic Golden Glide Skating Rink to a cameo from Kilo Ali himself, everything about this video screams ATL. Take a lap and check out the Maya Table–directed video below.

This week we welcome Vita Marie to the Certified Banger section. The self-proclaimed “Faux Loc Specialist” might have one of the best bodies we’ve seen in a minute and we definitely appreciate that. Check the pictures below. You’re welcome.

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Freddie Gibbs & The Alchemist hit up a Tokyo strip club (Madame Woo Tokyo, to be exact) for the visuals to their track “Shangri La.” While I appreciate that the video nods to the legendary BET Uncut era, that Freddie is rocking a Big Pun tee, and of course the strippers (duh) that’s pretty much it.

The Nick Walker-directed clip is below. After you watch, make sure to check out our full review of Alfredo 2.

Metro Boomin is clearly in a celebratory mood, and what better way to show it than by dropping some fun visuals for the standout track from his latest project: “Take Me Thru Dere,” featuring Quavo, Breskii, YK Niece, and DJ Spinz.

The video is a throwback to an old-school ATL cookout in the park complete with dancing, bikes, grills, American flags, and plenty of women. Bonus points to Breskii for not wearing a bra. Thru dere indeed.

Watch the video below.

Clipse drop the visuals for “The Birds Don’t Sing,” the opener from Let God Sort Em Out. The song doubles as a tribute to their late parents, and the video drives that emotion home with shots filmed at their childhood home, church scenes, and even Pusha T’s son laying flowers at their parents’ graves.

With John Legend and Voices of Fire adding soul and weight, this feels like one of Clipse’s most personal records yet.

Watch the video below.

This is one of those times when we don’t have much info about the woman featured in this week’s Certified Banger. Just a beautiful face. But what a beautiful face, right? This week we welcome the lovely Lexy Meeks. You’re welcome.

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Back at it again with another Notable Tracks post. This is where I pick three tracks I’ve been listening to lately and share my thoughts. I’ve been slacking but I’m here now and two Notable Tracks in three weeks isn’t bad. Let’s get to it.

Jay Electronica recently dropped THREE projects in three days. And somewhere the 2008 version of B-Easy is extremely happy. And yes, each project has around 5 to 7 tracks and there are a lot of interludes involved, which if you listen to Jay Electronica, is totally on brand (there’s even an oddly timed Diddy intro on Leaflets that I’m not even gonna get into). But I’m just happy that we have new music from Jay Electronica. An early favorite of this new music is the Quentin Miller featured “Who Killed Michael Jackson??????”.

I see what Lil Yachty is trying to do and I respect it. But most of the time when Boat drops a new song with a dope beat, he is the worst part of the song (“The Secret Recipe” featuring J. Cole is a great example of this). It happens again to Yachty on “Silver Lining” but thankfully he brings Sauce Walka along to do his thing here and steal the show: “Listen, baby boy/Gotta drop your nuts, nigga, Almond Joy/Know a couple Melvins that got killed for step-daddy noise”. Ouwee!!!

Let’s end this post off paying tribute to Young Dolph. I vaguely remember this song as well as the video but I heard this recently and was reminded how much this goes off, especially “Reverend” Project Pat (“Motherfuck the lizaws/Glock in my drizawers/Frazier boulevard, your ho tryna get my bizalls”) Shout out to Memphis. R.I.P. Dolph.

Fresh off dropping her highly anticipated new album and announcing her pregnancy, Cardi B delivers the visuals for “Safe,” her collaboration with Kehlani. In the video, Cardi fittingly plays a pregnant woman caught up with a man in the streets, and things play out just about how you’d expect (or maybe not).

Both the video and the song stick to a pretty familiar formula and don’t break much new ground, but the Bardi Gang will no doubt enjoy it. Watch the video below.

We love a woman who’s a homebody. And when that homebody also has a gorgeous face and an amazing body? That’s exactly why we love Destiny H.

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As a website called nappyafro, we always appreciate afros or afro-like hair. And of course, we love beauty. That being said, we proudly present Dana Curly to the Certified Banger section. You’re welcome.

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Back at it again with another Notable Tracks post. This is where I pick three tracks I’ve been listening to lately and share my thoughts. I was off the internet last week but now I’m back. Let’s get to it.

Like I said in the intro, I was off last week and while it was cool being away from the internet, I was mad I didn’t get to write about Latto & Ice Spice’s new song “GYATT.” A WWE-inspired music video that features Latto and Ice Spice… as professional wrestlers? Am I dreaming? Yeah, I’ll probably forget about the actual song in five minutes, but salute to the ladies for the visuals.

Putting a song by The Weeknd here might seem weird. I’m not the biggest fan of him, and this track “I Can’t Wait To Get There” is off his (maybe) final album that dropped this past January. But while going through my album backlog, I finally got to Hurry Up Tomorrow. I didn’t like most of it, but I really did like “I Can’t Wait To Get There.” A lot. (It’s now on the Official nappyafro Playlist.)

Sidenote: I’ve been meaning to watch Hurry Up Tomorrow (the movie) but I’m still salty after watching The Idol.

I’ll end this post with a Young Thug song because he’s the first rapper to go platinum off leaked jail phone calls (For better or for worse). Crazy enough, “OD” might be the only solo Young Thug song I really like (also on the Official nappyafro Playlist). The first time I heard it was seeing Jay Electronica on the internet playing it in his car (weird, right?). Either way, hold your head up Jeffery. Or not.

It’s been a few months since I did one of these Thoughts & Predictions about a WWE PLE and it’s weird to come back for Clash in Paris because it feels… okay.

The card shouldn’t be terrible but there are a few things missing. No Stephanie Vaquer vs. Naomi (who was looking to start the best run of her career) because Naomi is pregnant. No Cody because he just had a kid. Not sure why they’re holding off Randy Orton vs. Drew McIntyre either. Then again, we should all be used to WWE rolling with 5–6 match cards the past couple of years.

But let’s look at the card and let me give my “Thoughts & Predictions” on Clash in Paris (I’m not even gonna bother the rest of the FRO Horsemen for this one).

Let’s be honest: the money match here would’ve been John Cena vs. AJ Styles. Not only would that have meant more historically, but Paris would’ve gone crazy for Styles.

That said, Cena vs. Logan Paul isn’t bad either. Logan will pull off some athletic stuff that reminds everybody he’s way better at pro wrestling than he has any right to be. Cena still has Brock on the horizon, so don’t be surprised if Cowboy Brock shows up in Paris, costs Cena the match, and hands Logan Paul the win.

This lineup makes the World Heavyweight Championship feel big-time (especially since Cody and the WWE Title are missing from this card).

As cool as this looks, Paris doesn’t feel like the spot for a major title change. Seth Rollins retains, while CM Punk, Jey Uso, and LA Knight keep building tension for the next chapter.

Rusev’s WWE return has been underwhelming so far, and he needs this one way more than Sheamus does. Expect a stiff, heavy-hitting fight with Rusev getting the win. Honestly, I wouldn’t mind if this sets up Sheamus and Rusev teaming together afterward.

Props to Bronson Reed. The Vision was mostly built to set up Bron Breakker eventually turning on Seth, but Reed snatched some spotlight by stealing Roman Reigns’ sneakers like a schoolyard/jailhouse bully. That goofy angle got him here.

But let’s be real, Roman’s not losing to Bronson Reed. The Tribal Chief wins, though I kinda hope Reed keeps stealing sneakers anyway.

If I remember right, Nikki Bella was supposed to face Liv Morgan at Evolution 2 before Liv’s injury, so this feels like a makeup match. And with Becky Lynch defending the Women’s Intercontinental Championship against Nikki, it does carry some intrigue.

It’d be wild if Nikki actually pulled it off, but nah. Becky just stirred things up by feuding with Kelly Osbourne in the press, so she’s got plenty more heel work left to do. Becky retains.

This one was thrown together on the last Smackdown, almost like it was added just to round out the card. And I see what WWE is trying with the Smackdown tag division. That TLC match at SummerSlam was way better than it had any right to be, so they’re trying to make the tag division into something.

If kickoff show matches were still a thing, this would’ve landed there. I still don’t know how I feel about The Wyatt Sicks, but either way they keep the belts here.

• Roman Reigns defeated Bronson Reed (After the match, Roman was attacked by Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed. He was taken out on a stretcher)
• WWE Tag Team Championship: The Wyatt Sicks (Joe Gacy & Dexter Lumis) defeated The Street Profits
• WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship: Becky Lynch (c) defeated Nikki Bella
• Good Ol’ Fashioned Donnybrook Match: Rusev defeated Sheamus
• John Cena defeated Logan Paul
• Fatal Four-Way for the World Heavyweight Championship: Seth Rollins (c) defeated CM Punk, Jey Uso, and LA Knight (Becky Lynch helped Rollins secure the win)

JID links with Clipse for the menacing track “Community” off his new album God Does Like Ugly. The video dropped yesterday and also captures the bleak feel of the song, showing the cold reality of the projects.

Both JID and Clipse deliver verses that cut through the darkness, making this one of the standout moments from the album.

Sometimes all we get is a name, and this time the name is Karley. But looking at these images, that’s all we need. No long backstory, no extras. Just pure beauty. Consider us officially in love.

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Back at it again with another Notable Tracks post. This is where I pick three tracks I’ve been listening to lately and share my thoughts (I guess I had to choose a theme here it would “features”). I haven’t done one of these since March, so excuse me if I’m a little out of practice. Or not. Let’s get to it.

Funny enough, the last Notable Tracks I did also featured a track from Droogie Otis (Madlib & Your Old Droog). And I feel the same way now as I did back in March: I need the full project from Madlib and Droog. “The Edge” is more proof of that.

Somehow I missed this when it originally dropped, but I didn’t expect the duo to link with Killer Mike anyway. Mike Bigga slides in and steals the show with a verse that reminds you, even with the multiple Grammy awards, he’s still criminally underrated.

If this track dropped in the early 2000s, it would’ve been platinum on the charts and in the strip clubs. Jermaine Dupri links with ATL legends T.I., 2 Chainz, and Young Dro for “Turn Around”, a certified strip-club banger built on 8Ball & MJG’s classic “Lay It Down” instrumental. All it’s missing is a BET Uncut video.

And as much as I respect the lineup, it’s Young Dro who shines the brightest. Honestly, over the past year, every time I hear Dro, he’s rapping like he’s got something to prove.

Remix with 8Ball and MJG incoming.

Sidenote: I need to get around to watching Magic City: An American Fantasy.

I’m revisiting “3 Kings” by Rick Ross featuring Dr. Dre & Jay-Z for a couple reasons. First, I heard it at the barbershop this past weekend and was reminded how strong Jigga’s verse really was:

“Been hoppin’ out the BM with your BM/Taking her places that you can’t go with your per diem
Screamin’ “Carpe diem!” until I’m a dead poet/Robin Williams shit, I deserve a Golden Globe, bitch!”

Second (and randomly), it’s still weird to me that Ross not only ran with Slim Thug’s “Boss/Bawse” title, but also named this track after one of Slim Thug’s more popular songs. Crazy.

Tyler, The Creator keeps dropping new music videos, and I guess (for now) I’ll keep writing about them.

The newest one is for “SUCKA FREE,” off DON’T TAP THE GLASS, and it looks like it was pulled straight off a VHS tape in 1999. Shot by Jasper Dolphin, the whole thing has that lo-fi, fan made energy, grainy edits, chaotic street shots, and raw party vibes. People online are calling it “early 2000s fan-made music video vibes,” and honestly, they’re right.

Another day, another Tyler visual. Check out the video below.

Joey Bada$$ links up with Ab-Soul and Rapsody for the new single “Still,” the latest drop ahead of his upcoming album Lonely at the Top (now set to drop August 29th).

The Statik Selektah-produced track carries gritty motivational energy, while the visuals keep it sharp with all-black suit stylings. And the timing makes perfect sense: Joey, Ab-Soul, and Rapsody will be hitting the road together this fall for the Dark Aura Tour.

Check out the video for “Still” below.

Note: This is the web version of the nappyafro Newsletter, which usually goes out by email. We’re posting it on the site this time just to switch things up (probably just this once twice). The newsletter in it’s original format is here and if you haven’t already, you can subscribe to the newsletter right here.

REVIEW: LET GOD SORT EM OUT

Can two (basically) 50-year-old rappers who haven’t dropped a group album in almost 15 years come back with something worth hearing? Yes. Yes they can. Clipse return with Let God Sort Em Out, and MTHFKA JONES reviewed it and loved it. Check out the review.

REVIEW: ALFREDO 2

Yours truly dusted off the review keyboard (okay, it’s just my regular keyboard) and went in on Alfredo 2. As much as I liked it, writing the review made me realize I probably should have given Alfredo 1 five stars back in the day. Still, Alfredo 2 is my personal Album of the Year (so far). Check out the review.

RECOMMENDATIONS

It’s been a while. Here’s some recommendations.

MOVIE:

Freaky Tales (2024): A weird, cool movie that feels like if Quentin Tarantino grew up in Oakland. Come for Pedro Pascal, stay to see Sleepy Floyd use supernatural martial arts skills to kill Nazis. (Yes, you read that right.)

TV SHOW:

King of the Hill (1997-): The Hill family is back, and thankfully, the show is still good. King of the Hill has always been one of my “comfort shows,” the kind I throw on before bed (terrible sleep habit, I know).

VIDEO GAME:

Eastward: Octopia (2021/2024): I played the hell out of Eastward when it dropped on Switch in 2021. The new DLC, Octopia (released in 2024), isn’t an RPG but a cozy life-sim with farming, cooking, and inviting people over for dinner. After 20+ hours, I liked it way more than I expected. Makes me wonder, should I have just been playing Stardew Valley this whole time?

READING:

Ice Cream Man (2018-): After watching the new Superman movie (which was solid, but you already know about that one), I wanted to read some Superman comics. That led me to Superman: The Kryptonite Spectrum, which in turn led me to the same team’s series Ice Cream Man. It’s a dark comedy horror anthology that feels like Creepshow, which I was big on back in the day (shoutout Creepshow 2 specifically).

BUY THIS SHIRT

One of our best-selling and coolest shirts (so cool we keep it on our original store). We give this shirt 5 Mics.

AND LASTLY

• Always check out nappyafro.com
• Check us out on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, TikTok, & Twitch
• Join our Patreon and see some cool stuff
• Check out our store and buy something

Thank you. Continue to support the team.
Salute,
B-Easy

GIF OF THE DAY

For this edition of Certified Banger, we salute Kayla Valentino. She’s beautiful, she’s thick, and fun fact, she is also a welder. Yeah, we love all of that.

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Tyler, The Creator continues rolling out visuals, but this time it’s not for his latest album Don’t Tap the Glass. Instead, he drops the video for “DARLING, I,” a track from his 2024 album Chromakopia.

When you see the video, it makes sense. It’s a departure from the stripped-down, one-room aesthetic of Don’t Tap the Glass. Instead, Tyler steps into full-on romance mode, courting women like Nia Long, Ayo Edebiri, Willow Smith, and Lauren London (just to name a few). In true Tyler fashion, he literally gives his heart to them.

Very on brand.

Watch the music video below.

There’s something special about a beautiful woman with an alliterative name. So it only makes sense that this edition of Certified Banger features the stunning Rosey Royyal. She looks like Latto’s cousin who does OnlyFans on the side. We’re pretty sure she’s not related to Latto… but the other part checks out.

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I saw online that Cardi B’s second single from her (much-delayed) sophomore album, Am I the Drama?, samples Jay-Z’s “Imaginary Player.” Not only is “Imaginary Player” a classic Jay-Z track, but it’s also one of my favorites (it’s on the nappyafro Official Playlist for a reason).

After listening to and watching Cardi B’s new music video for “Imaginary Playerz,” I’ll admit it’s not bad. The production and Cardi’s rhyme scheme stick close to the source material, and I’m fine with that. She sounds good here, talking her shit. I’m not sure how well this will do as a single, but I appreciate it.

The visuals, directed by Cardi and Patientce Foster, are standard fare for the Bronx rapper: she looks glamorous, raps on the wing of a private jet, lounges on a yacht, rocks expensive clothes and jewelry, and more. It all fits the vibe of the song.

Check out the music video below.

Since the first Alfredo, Gibbs has stayed busy, dropping $oul $old $eparately in 2022, jumping on features, and keeping his name in headlines thanks to a few high-profile beefs and controversies. Alfredo 2 marks his first full collaborative album with Alchemist since their Grammy-nominated debut, and with it already landing as the highest-charting release for either artist, expectations are high.

1. 1995
Produced by The Alchemist
On the first track, the duo delivers a sequel to their “1985” opener from the original Alfredo. “1995” also serves as Alfredo 2’s first single, and at first, I wasn’t sure it was the best choice. Turns out, I was wrong. This might be my favorite song on the album.

As much as Gibbs is effortlessly rapping here with clever lines (“Nothin’ in your catalog classic, you Shaqtin’ like Thanasis”), Alchemist really shows out with the production, from the soulful loops on the first half to the electric guitar–led second half. “1995” kicks the album off in style.

2. Mar-A-Lago
Produced by The Alchemist
If I had to describe the vibe on “Mar-A-Lago,” I’d go with “pimpish” or maybe even “hazy,” like it was made in a room full of weed smoke (which, honestly, might be the vibe for the whole album). The verses don’t necessarily match that mood, but it still works and connects. Extra points for sampling Ving Rhames from Baby Boy.

For those wondering, the title comes from a lyric in the song: “Feds hit my shit, they ain’t gettin’ shit, Mar-a-Lago.”

Sidenote: Gibbs also mentions Moissanite here, something I just happened to learn about the other day.

3. Lemon Pepper Steppers
Produced by The Alchemist
I thought “Lemon Pepper Steppers” was going to be another slower-paced track, and it does start out that way. But as soon as the verse hits, the beat turns more sinister, things get more gangster, and Gibbs gets right to it:

Smokin’ opps, walk down your block, I put that bitch in shock
Wipe his nose, tag on they toes, I just knocked off his socks (Yeah)
Hundred shots came right back at us, same day, ain’t nothin’ drop
Send your shooter back to you shot, tell ’em you fucking flopped

It’s a quick track with only two short verses from Gibbs, but I enjoyed it. A solid album cut.

4. Ensalada
Featuring Anderson .Paak; Produced by The Alchemist
Going back to listen for this review, I appreciate the production on “Ensalada” even more. With its smooth, lush backdrop and Anderson .Paak handling the hook, I’m surprised this wasn’t the first single. It’s definitely a highlight. Gibbs rapping about distrust and murder fits perfectly with the haunting atmosphere Alchemist provides.

My only gripe: Let Anderson .Paak get a verse next time.

5. Empanadas
Produced by The Alchemist
If you want to hear someone crack jokes while casually dissing people, check out “Empanadas.” Over a smooth, jazzy loop, Gibbs fires shots at both Jim Jones (“Smacked him in Miami, his boys jumped me, he played it safe”) and Benny The Butcher (“Bitches in Buffalo get the same thing, they was throwin’ plates / Limped away on his good foot, but he ain’t bust a grape”).

That being said, my favorite part of the track is this run:

Chelle fucked me so good in Bali, might have to bring her back
If she get pregnant, I’ll teach my son to shoot like Tee Morant
Ho, I’m courtside, drunk as fuck like I’m Tee Morant
Caught the ball in Barclays Center, I should’ve dunked that bitch
Never catchin’ feelings, these bitches might suck a hundred dicks
And put you in the system, ho, get a job with the government, biatch

Hilarious.

6. Skinny Suge II
Produced by The Alchemist
This is the first track I didn’t like at first. I still don’t care for the production here since the loop can get a little annoying. But here’s the thing: Gibbs might have delivered his best verse on the whole album with this one. I kind of forgot about the beat as soon as he came in channeling Ice-T on “Colors”:

I am a nightmare walkin’, psychopath talking
The last fuckin’ nail in the coffin, the flame on the crosses
Black, bald-headed Jesus, I hang on the cross
Industry crucified me, but I stay bouncin’ off it

This might be one of those songs I come back to later and end up loving the production. For now, I still prefer the first “Skinny Suge” from the original Alfredo.

7. Feeling
Featuring Larry June; Produced by The Alchemist
The piano-led production here feels like it could have been on Life Is Beautiful, so it makes sense that we get an appearance from Larry June. I’ve seen people online mention the contrast between Freddie’s fast-paced, sing-song delivery and Larry June’s super laid-back verse not really meshing, and they might be right. I’ve also always thought Gibbs is at his best when he’s straight rapping, but I get wanting to switch things up.

Either way, the production alone makes this one worth a listen.

8. I Still Love H.E.R.
Produced by The Alchemist
“I Still Love H.E.R.” is one of the warmer tracks on the album in both production and lyrics. I’m partial to most songs that serve as love letters to Hip-Hop, and this one fits right in. Gibbs also keeps his sense of humor intact, dropping a mention of Umar Johnson (complete with a sample of Dr. Umar’s viral “Donations” clip):

Niggas is nincompoops, tennis my necklace, VVS hula hoops
Fuck thе church girl in a Sunday suit with some Gucci boots
Suburban snow bunnies, tell Umar I gеt that cougar loot
I’m breakin’ bitches’ wages, donations pop out that Bentley coupe

I still love H.E.R. too, Gibbs.

9. Shangri La
Produced by The Alchemist
On “Shangri La,” Gibbs leans into a rapid, multi-syllable flow over one of Alchemist’s smoothest productions on the album, and it works. His delivery is sharp, weaving in and out of the beat without losing clarity. I also didn’t expect to hear Three 6 Mafia’s patented “Yeah, ho!” ad-lib here, but it somehow fits perfectly (Update: Now it makes sense).

10. Gas Station Sushi
Produced by The Alchemist
I love the weird, spacey vibe of the production on “Gas Station Sushi.” But don’t expect rhymes about space travel. Gibbs delivers sharp gangster lines instead:

Fell back but never fell down
Condo, Sunny Isles, drop the scale, but never scaled down
Put the rabbit on the cross, they had me nailed down
But since they did my ultrasound, bitch, I’ve been Hell-bound

He also throws a jab at Curren$y here (“Could’ve ran that Fetti by myself, bitch, I’m the best with Al”), which is surprising given Spitta and Alchemist have worked on multiple projects together. And to think, it all apparently stems from Curren$y not promoting an album.

All that said, this is still a dope track.

11. Lavish Habits
Produced by The Alchemist
This was an early standout when I first listened to the album. I’m not talented enough to fully explain it, but if someone wanted to play you a trademark Alchemist beat, “Lavish Habits” might be the one they’d choose. And that’s not a bad thing. It’s a perfect example of why ALC remains one of the most consistent and prolific producers in Hip-Hop.

On Gibbs’ side, he hilariously disses DJ Akademiks and Gunna (“I’m still gon’ squeeze Akademiks’ titties, that fat bastard/Gunna dissed me and took a plea, he a rat bastard”), raps about pissing on “city girls like P. Diddy,” and even showing up at your funeral like Big Fendi.

There’s a reason this was one of my early favorites.

12. Gold Feet
Featuring JID; Produced by The Alchemist
At this point, when you see JID on a tracklist, there’s a good chance you’re about to get some serious rapping. That’s exactly what happens here. Both JID and Gibbs showcase their talents with high-octane yet still somewhat restrained verses.

Who had the best verse? JID.

13. Jean Claude
Produced by The Alchemist
One of the best beats on the album, and it’s for a track named after the “Muscles from Brussels.” The jazzy keys give it an almost uplifting atmosphere, which somehow works with Gibbs rapping about life being like Bloodsport and cheating with a lesbian (“She sneak dickin’”). And somehow, it just works. Another highlight.

14. A Thousand Mountains
Produced by The Alchemist
This was the second single and music video released from the album, and while I didn’t necessarily love it as a single, it works perfectly as the closer. It feels like the kind of song that would play over the credits at the end of a movie, with Freddie rapping about getting a “flute and just disappear in the mountains” over production anchored by a flute sample. A fitting way to wrap things up.

Alfredo 2 might not top its predecessor, but it’s still proof that Gibbs and Alchemist haven’t lost a step. The album plays more like a continuation than a sequel, sticking to the tried-and-true mix of razor-sharp lyricism, sly humor, and immersive production without forcing unnecessary reinvention. It’s also a reminder of how well they complement each other: Gibbs can shift from gritty street talk to absurd punchlines in the same breath, while Alchemist’s beats range from soulful and smooth to off-kilter and cinematic. In a year stacked with quality Hip-Hop releases, Alfredo 2 stands tall as another fine example of grown-man rap, one fans will have no trouble running back.

Tyler, The Creator drops the second music video from his surprise dance album, DON’T TAP THE GLASS, this time for the track “SUGAR ON MY TONGUE”. Like his previous visuals, the action stays in a single room only now it’s a dreamlike, bathroom-tiled backdrop. Inside that room we get a love interest, a dance floor, BDSM, naked parents, and, yes, a giant tongue. Check out the Tyler-directed music video below.

San Alesia, aka Bama Barbie, is exactly the kind of woman made for the Certified Banger spotlight. She’s got a pretty face, but she knows she has another asset that demands attention and we definitely love it.

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Freddie Gibbs & The Alchemist deliver the second music video off Alfredo 2 with “A Thousand Mountains.” Much like the visuals for “1995,” this one pulls directly from Alfredo: The Movie, this time showcasing the intense training montage sequence (a genius and cost‑effective approach, honestly). The Nick Walker-directed clip captures Gibbs sharpening his skills in a cinematic, martial-arts inspired setting. Watch the video below, and stay tuned for our full review of Alfredo 2.

They initially ended their run in the late 2000s with Til the Casket Drops with mixed results. While I am a defender of that album to this date, what they were going for just didn’t fit them. They shouldn’t be chasing radio hits, they work better when they keep things gutter and more pure than the white they rap about selling. Malice would go on to serve the Lord and Pusha T sold his soul to Satan in a Klansman robe. They would reunite a few times on half-baked collaborations and the announcement would come that they were working on a new album, but like most things, I had the mentality of “I’ll believe it when I see it.”

Then 2025 came…

The anticipation was high. The bar was raised. The expectations are great. How did they do?

1. The Birds Don’t Sing
Featuring John Legend & Voices of Fire; Produced by Pharrell Williams
Breaking the fourth wall, I have been thinking about this a lot lately, about the idea of loss. The final conversation you have with a loved one. Especially, when they are your parents. I didn’t have it this much with my father because my relationship with him, was never the greatest, if anything non-existent, but I do have these thoughts when it comes to my mother, the one who has been there, taught me how to be a man, guided me through childhood, teen angst and early adulthood. I can’t help but listen to this song and not end up on the verge of a tear shedding. It is rare that music does that to me, but it’s real emotion. Great opener and a must-listen if you’re a Clipse fan or a rap fan in general.

2. Chains & Whips
Featuring Kendrick Lamar; Produced by Pharrell Williams
One of the most anticipated songs off this album. Pusha’s verse still hits hard after hearing it two years earlier (especially with all the nonsense Jim Jones has been letting off as of late… too many things to note.). If Pharrell’s production was the bread, Pusha’s verse was the meat, Malice’s verse was the toppings, Kendrick’s was that extra seasoning it needed. The alliteration at the second half of the verse had my eyes widening and it didn’t stop until the song ended. My thing however is…

THIS was the verse UMG was scared of?

That’s how you know no matter how much their golden boy is dragging them through the mud, they will defend him at all costs because he’s their bottom line. Outside of that, let demon time commence!

3. P.O.V.
Featuring Tyler, The Creator; Produced by Pharrell Williams
Pusha’s talking his SHIT here. Too many lines.

All I see is 60 day stars and 20 year thousandaires

You stream kings but you nеver fit a crowd in there

You Zeus network niggas, you hear me loud and clear
Get these fifty five hundred a hosting niggas out of here

Ghostface with the wrist, bird falconaire

Shotgun wit’ ya ex, feels like Malcolm’s near

Just to think I built a rap career off an oz
I’m watchin’ new niggas rap just to O.D.
If I didn’t give you both sides, I wouldn’t be me
I was the only one to walk away and really be free

Came back for the money, that’s the Devil in me
Had to hide it from the church, that’s the Jekyll in me

Pusha sounds like Ma$e stepping back into the underworld and enjoying the lavish life while observing what the peons are doing around him. Tyler is rapping like he has been waiting for this moment his whole life. Come to think, he has, just find the video of him screaming at Pharrell to play “Mr. Me Too” at a N.E.R.D. concert. Malice spoke truth in his verse. Shows you that even though he turned his life to the man upstairs, don’t mistake kindness for weakness.

4. So Be It
Produced by Pharrell Williams
Clipse told yall what a lot of us already knew…

Travis Scott is an asshole.

You cried in front of me, you died in front of me
Calabasas took your bitch and your pride in front of me
Her Utopia had moved right up the street
And her lip gloss was poppin’, she ain’t need you to eat
The ‘net gon’ call it the way that they see it
But I got the video, I can share and A.E. it
They wouldn’t believe it, but I can’t unsee it
Lucky I ain’t TMZ it, so be it, so be it

The funny thing is, yes, Jackboys 2 went number one. Yes, this will not hinder Travis’s popularity. The one thing people forget is that the point of these disses, are to remind you, your favorites ain’t always who you think they are. I’m so glad that this version is the one on streaming because I was upset when this wasn’t on platforms at first and then the initial release had a different sample and it didn’t hit like this one did.

But, all is right with the world and this will be one of my most bumped songs of the year, whether the stats show it or not.

And has me wondering…

…that Jay-Z verse has got to be in the works right?

5. Ace Trumpets
Produced by Pharrell Williams
I still don’t like that “pee-pee” line but this set everything up for what we would get and this is vintage Clipse. My first initial listen of the song was just me being happy that Malice was back. I haven’t stopped bumping this song since it came out.

6. All Things Considered
Featuring The-Dream & Pharrell Williams; Produced by Pharrell Williams
Out of the six songs, this is my least favorite. It’s a little more understated than the previous tracks, but this is really just to settle things down before they hit us over the face again with a Mike Tyson blow.

7. M.T.B.T.T.F.
Produced by Pharrell Williams
The folks over at Dead End Hip Hop are fucking tripping. This production knocks! I’m literally moving my head the same way I did when I heard this snippet over a year ago. It’s like the soul of Biggie was reincarnated through Push and Malice as I can picture this coming out in the 90s during the Bad Boy era.

8. E.B.I.T.D.A.
Produced by Pharrell Williams
Luxury rap at its finest. I would say in this case, the production is doing more of the heavy lifting on this track, while the Thornton brothers are a little more relaxed. Dare I say, this is a song for the “casuals”?

9. F.I.C.O.
Featuring Stove God Cooks; Produced by Pharrell Williams
Stove God Cooks somehow always steals the show by doing the least.

Wit a fetti so strong you gotta bag it wit one eye closed

Shout out to Fetty Wap.

Like I said, Dead End Hip Hop is buggin’. Those hipster dipshits at Pitchfork are on the blow. They probably got it from Clipse. My head is nodding back and forth while I’m screw facing the whole time from this beat. Flow is consistent throughout the track. This is one of my go-to’s from this album.

10. Inglorious Bastards
Featuring Ab-Liva; Produced by Pharrell Williams
Them infamous Clue drops.

A Re-Up Gang reunion with Ab-Liva. Them “Culturally Inappropriate” ad-libs I could’ve done without being spread all over. They kind of take me out of the song a bit with how distracting they can be. Outside of that, this song made me wanna go back to my burned copy of We Got It 4 Cheap, Vol. 2. That was a glorious summer.

11. So Far Ahead
Featuring & Produced by Pharrell Williams
People need to understand that Clipse never have to work alongside any other producers. Don’t make another Til the Casket Drops (I still like the album, though!). The chemistry between Clipse and Pharrell (and Chad back in the day, work things out y’all!) is second to none. Only Pharrell can pull off a falsetto while shitting on us broke niggas.

12. Let God Sort Em Out/Chandeliers
Featuring Nas; Produced by Pharrell Williams
AGAIN. What the hell are these niggas wit nigga ears talking about when it comes to the production not knocking? A C+???….A 6.5??? And you rate Sexyy Red higher, Pitchfork???

I feel like this song is the last thing you hear before they close the trunk on you as you ride to your impending doom. And then Nas comes in as the victory lap while they celebrate at your grave.

13. By the Grace of God
Featuring & Produced by Pharrell Williams
This is the victory lap. After 15 years of following different paths, prioritizing different factors in life, they made it. They returned to put niggas on notice and Pharrell caps it off with his hook and the album closes. Man… I love Hip-Hop.

I’ll keep this short (HA!). For those that are in the know, quality in rap music has never gone away, you just have to look far and wide for it. I may be able to help with that… stay tuned.

However, in the “mainstream”, a reset has been brewing, a shift has been needed, a balance has needed to be restored. People are talking about lyrics again, because of this album (and a previous rap battle that I’m quite tired of talking and hearing about). Not only that, but this album proves that you can be well into your 40s and 50s and drop arguably the best material of your career. Nas proved that with his King’s Disease and Magic series. You have veterans all across the board, dropping solid material this year alone. Then you have this. To drop an album this great where even the low lights are still considered dope, is something that only the Thornton brothers alongside their longtime friend and producer could do.

Rappers, content creators, pundits, bitch ass streamers are going to try their hardest to downplay this album and the rollout behind this album, but there is a reason why Def Jam/Biebervelli decided to drop a surprise, colonized R&B album the same day as Let God Sort Em Out. There’s a reason Travis Scott decided to release that Jackboys 2 album and despite it selling more, knowing good and damn well, this was a throwaway filler album at best. The older I get, the more I realize, I can only have my mindless, turn-up bullshit at a minimum. It’s junk food. Let God Sort Em Out is nourishment. Shout out to Clipse, shout out to Pharrell, y’all made an album I’m gonna be bumping the rest of the year and for years to come. If they don’t like it… “so be it, so be it.”

“Bad and boujee” is a phrase that gets thrown around a lot, but it fits Cyan Boujee perfectly. We welcome this African queen to the Certified Banger section. Check out the images below.

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And just like that, Tyler, The Creator drops a new album. On a Monday. Why not?

DON’T TAP THE GLASS is a 10-track project Tyler says is “MADE FOR BODY MOVEMENT,” basically, it’s music to dance to. No alter egos, no skits, just Tyler making the type of energetic, groove-heavy tracks that feel right for the summer.

Along with the album, he also dropped some self-directed visuals for the track “STOP PLAYING WITH ME.” It’s simple but effective: Tyler, a giant speaker, and random cut-ins of LeBron James, Clipse, and Maverick Carter. And somehow, it works.

Check out the music video below.

Raya is the rare combo of beauty, beats, and body. A fitness influencer who doubles as a DJ? That’s a cheat code. We like music. We’re out of shape. So yeah, this just works for us.

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Update: Added the music video for “1995”

So the rumors and the Japan-themed Alfredo 2 artwork were right, huh? I mentioned in our newsletter not too long ago that I was hoping we’d get Alfredo 2 soon, and it looks like that’s exactly what’s happening. Freddie Gibbs and The Alchemist just dropped a short film titled Alfredo: The Movie.

The film takes place in Tokyo, and without spoiling too much, it features a fight scene, a training montage, some hilariously bad acting from The Alchemist, and yes, mascots getting slapped. What more could you ask for?

I kind of wish we got more music in the film, but we do at least hear a snippet of “1995” (which literally dropped in full while I was typing this). Alfredo 2 is dropping on July 25th.

Check out the Nick Walker-directed short film below.

Pusha T & Malice deliver the second visual from Let God Sort Em Out with the Kendrick Lamar-assisted “Chains & Whips.” Easily one of the most anticipated songs on the project, so it makes sense the duo gave it the video treatment. Still, it would’ve hit different if Kendrick actually showed up in the visuals.

Directed by Gabriel Moses, the video leans into the same street-art-meets-social-commentary energy we saw with “So Be It.” It’s stylish, raw, and unapologetically heavy, offering up symbolic shots that highlight Black American struggles without spelling it all out.

Check out the video below and stay tuned for our full review of Let God Sort Em Out.

Clipse just dropped their first album in 16 years with Let God Sort Em Out, and the press run has been a textbook example of how older rappers should handle a comeback. Just today alone, we’ve seen Pusha T and Malice on The Breakfast Club, a Complex cover story, and now this: a Tiny Desk Concert.

The Virginia duo ran through tracks from the new album as well as some classics, but the highlight? A live performance of “Grindin” complete with the iconic lunchroom table beat. You already know what time it is.

Check out the full video below.

After a 16 year hiatus and with no go-to band in place, Clipse’s Tiny Desk took lots of time to piece together. At first, I didn’t know exactly what they were looking for in terms of sonics, but it clicked when I was told what they didn’t want: no jazzy renditions of their music. They meant no disrespect to jazz at all, and if you follow the duo’s music, it boils down to hard drums and even harder synths. Hybrid drummer Daru Jones, who played on last year’s Tiny Desk for the LOX, was the first choice because of his unique ability to mix traditional and electronic drum sounds. He provided the authenticity needed for this set, and everything else fell into place.

The excitement for the Thornton brothers’ return reached its apex instantly as someone in the crowd yelled “Oh my god!” at the opening note of “Virginia.” There was no lull as the band coasted through “Keys Open Doors” and “Momma I’m So Sorry,” from Clipse’s most celebrated album, Hell Hath No Fury. I found so much to analyze witnessing the dichotomy between Pusha T and Malice up close. Malice is more collected in his movements, intensely scouring the room with his eyes while his brother is much more animated, even letting out a sinister laugh mid-set. Recorded weeks ago, the two performed songs from their new album Let God Sort Em Out for the first time, including a chilling dedication to their deceased parents, “Birds Don’t Sing.” Before the tears from the crowd could dry, we got the moment we’d been waiting for in “Grindin’.”

The first half of the year in hip-hop hasn’t been the most exciting, so the timing of this reunion couldn’t be better. Here’s Clipse delivering its best live performance ever recorded and one of the hardest Tiny Desks of all time.

We randomly took a week off, so it’s only right we come back strong. And what better way than with the undeniably beautiful Vicky Lauren? Check out the images below and fall in love like we did.

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Note: This is the web version of the nappyafro Newsletter, which usually goes out by email. We’re posting it on the site this time just to switch things up (probably just this once). The newsletter in it’s original format is here and if you haven’t already, you can subscribe to the newsletter right here.

A fresh new edition of the nappyafro Newsletter: Your guide to what’s happening with nappyafro, along with some stuff we’re watching, reading, playing, and whatever else we’re into right now.

REVIEW: THA CARTER VI

It’s been a few weeks and the public blowback has basically blown over, but yeah, Lil Wayne’s Tha Carter VI is not good, and our album review by MTHFKA Jones pretty much says just that.

The next album review on nappyafro will probably be Clipse’s Let God Sort Em Out or (if we’re lucky) Alfredo 2 by Freddie Gibbs & The Alchemist.

But before that, check out our Tha Carter VI review.

WATCHING MOVIES & SHIT

I’ve been cataloging my movie watching on Tumblr since before Letterboxd was a thing (though I still use Letterboxd too). Lately, I’ve been converting over 1,500 movie posts, one by one, into a proper website.

And it’s been a thing.

Check out watchingmoviesandshit.com, the Instagram, the Twitter, hell—there’s even a shirt.

RECOMMENDATIONS

It’s been a while. Here’s some recommendations. (And yeah, I threw in some bonuses too.)

MOVIES:

Magazine Dreams (2023): It’s a damn shame what happened to Jonathan Majors. In another world, this role would’ve gotten him an Oscar nomination. Luckily, the guy who owns Tubi got the rights and pulled it off the shelf, so now we all get to see this great performance.

The Smashing Machine: The Life and Times of Extreme Fighter Mark Kerr (2002): Not the upcoming Rock movie (where he seems to really want respect for his acting), but the original 2002 documentary it’s based on. Watch this first.

TV SHOWS:

Solo Leveling (2024–): As much of a geek as I’ve been called in my life, I’m not that big of an anime fan. That said, I really like Solo Leveling. The animation is fire, and it scratches that old-school JRPG grind itch of leveling up, getting OP, and all that good stuff.

Win or Lose (2025): Pixar’s first “TV show” kinda came and went, but it’s actually a good watch. More mature and complex than I expected.

VIDEO GAMES:

Ghost of Tsushima (2021): I’ll always be the guy playing games way after they drop. Add Ghost of Tsushima to that list. I loved it. And I finished it just in time for Ghost of Tsushima 2 (which I’ll also wait too long to play).

Dead Space (2023): Just beat the remake recently. I never finished the original, but this version is way better.

Switch 2 (2025): The new Switch 2 is solid, but after playing Mario Kart World, I kinda wish I’d waited for more games to drop. (And no, Donkey Kong Bananza ain’t enough.)

READING:

Sky Full of Elephants (2024): Check this premise: One day, all the white people on Earth wake up and drown themselves. The rest of the world tries to figure out what happened and what to do next. You’re probably not seeing this on HBO anytime soon. (But I hope I’m wrong.)

The Kids (2025): Another wild premise, but this time it’s a comic book: Every kid under the age of one suddenly turns into a grown adult with baby brains. Shit gets crazy.

BUY THIS SHIRT

They took down our Lil’ Kim shirt (R.I.P. to one of our bestsellers), but it’s cool. We’ve still got heat like this one that looks like the Krispy Kreme logo. Sweet.

AND LASTLY

• Always check out nappyafro.com
• Check us out on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, TikTok, & Twitch
• Join our Patreon and see some cool stuff
• Check out our store and buy something

Thank you. Continue to support the team.
Salute,
B-Easy

GIF OF THE DAY

Update: A$AP Rocky apparently “unreleased” and made the music video private.

While we all continue to wait for the release of Don’t Be Dumb, A$AP Rocky drops off a new joint and visual with “pray4dagang.”

This one’s a stark contrast from his earlier, more braggadocious singles—it’s slower, more emotional, and hits a different nerve. KayCyy sets the tone with a melodic and vulnerable intro, and Rocky follows up with bars that touch on loyalty, fame, and the weight of carrying your people.

The visuals, directed by Marius Gonzalez, are stunning, like a mix between a Renaissance war painting and a streetwear ad campaign. Bombs, torches, group poses… it’s cinematic as hell and full of symbolism.

It’s definitely worth a watch. Check it out below.

Drake drops a new track in the form of “What Did I Miss?” via a livestream called Iceman: Episode One.

The premiere was part live, part cinematic; think ice blocks, guns on tables, a branded Toronto van doing slow drives through the city. It’s all very calculated and dramatic. Aesthetically, this was more Sicario than Certified Lover Boy.

I’ll let everybody else break down the lyrics (like “I saw bro at The Pop Out with them but been dick riding gang since ‘Headlines’”) and the usual Drake themes of betrayal and loyalty. Some folks are already calling this “standard Drizzy.” Me? I like it. The beat’s icy, the delivery’s cold, and it fits where he seems to be headed.

So yeah… looks like Iceman really might be the name of the next album.

You may never come across a name more misleading than Underrated Lee. Who in their right mind is underrating her is beyond us but here we are. See for yourself. Check out the images below.

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Let. Me. . Make. . This. . Clear. !

Don Trip & Starlito put out one of the best albums this year. They have been promoting the fourth entry in their Step Brothers series with interviews, visuals, and a documentary. More recognition has been deserved and earned.

Today, their Soulja Slim-inspired song, “Mitchell & Ness” gets a visual treatment that would have gotten the Tennesse duo a spot on the countdown of 106 & Park. Sit back and reminisce on the days spent at the roller rink eating Airheads and playing Tekken before you skated off to the floor as soon as you heard your favorite song playing.

Bonus For The Wrasslin’ Fans: “Royal Rumble”

XXL just dropped their new Freshman Class for 2025. While I continue to question if we even still need list in today’s era, it still serves as an annual reminder of how old and out of touch I am when it comes to recognizing these new rappers. Let’s go:

Ray Vaughn: See, I know Ray Vaughn because he’s signed to TDE and just got into that beef with Joey Bada$$ (I even like that “Hoe Era” song).

BabyChiefDoit: When I first saw the XXL cover, I thought this rapper’s name was BabyChiefFoot and that made me mad for some reason. It’s actually BabyChiefDoit. And no, I still don’t know who this is. Probably a drill rapper? Is that still a thing?

Eem Triplin: I kinda know Eem Triplin because I heard a song once and thought it was 4Batz, but it was him. Is he the singing dude of this class?

1900Rugrat: I know 1900Rugrat from the “One Take Freestyle” that went viral last year. Is that his biggest song? I even know a couple of lines because they’re hilarious (“Yellow wide-body Hellcat look like a school bus”). This might be a white rapper we don’t have to worry about crossing over into country. But you never know.

Samara Cyn: Nothing. I thought this was Cyn Santana and got excited. I don’t know this person.

Ian: I kinda know Ian, but I feel like his time already came and went especially after Tyler, The Creator dissed him. I also always get him mixed up with Lil Mabu, so I could be completely wrong about all of this.

Gelo: We live in a world where, LiAngelo Ball, a former NBA G Leaguer is the biggest name on the XXL Freshman Class. And I’m okay with that. Props to him. But it feels like he needs another song besides “Tweaker” to shake that one-hit-wonder label. Do your job, Def Jam!

Loe Shimmy: I’ve heard of Loe Shimmy because he had that one song with Brent Faiyaz, but that’s about it. He’s giving main character energy on the cover though like he’s the biggest star in the class. I appreciate that.

Lazer Dim 700: Nah, I don’t know Lazer Dim 700, but early favorite for best name in the class. Extra points because it sounds like a character from The Boondocks.

YTB Fatt: Another rapper I have no knowledge of. I feel like I might’ve heard a song or two from him, but that could just be the generic rap name throwing me off. No diss though.

Nino Paid: Yeah, I’m putting up bricks now. I don’t know this person at all.

EBK JaayBo: I know EBK JaayBo and that one song “Boogieman,” (It made our Best of 2024 list) but it feels like I know him more for getting locked up and No Jumper interviews.

Dallas, Texas has had an interesting week. Gillie & Wallo interviewed the “New Dallas” movement on Sunday. Tuesday, BigXThaPlug shut down a bridge downtown during rush hour to film a music video with Shaboozey. I guess you can do that now after being the biggest reason why a song is listenable on Tha Carter VI.

Thursday was Juneteenth. S/O to Ms Opal Lee, the godmother of America’s new favorite holiday. I didn’t join her annual walk, but I did go see the General’s Orders that traveled to Galveston, Texas to proclaim the freedom of the last enslaved.

Today, a young artist from the Oak Cliff side of Dallas released a music video for his new single to give a visual representation of his hometown, culture, and mentality. Directed by FilmsByProphecy.

Enjoy “Hey How Ya Doin (Swim Or Drown)” by OC Chris!

This edition of Certified Banger goes out to all the beautiful women with thick thighs; especially the stunning Avi Rossum. We see you. We appreciate you. We love you.

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Vic Mensa?? The dude from The Chi? Yeah, I just started episode 3 of the new season. What he did?

Chat! Victor reminds us that he is one of the best rappers from Chicago with a song and dedicates the 3rd verse to his son, Mansa Musa Mensa. Fellow Chicagoan, Mick Jenkins performs the 2nd verse while under the pressing of being locked in the stocks. No Matter the obstacle they share “The Word.”

It all started the moment it was announced that Kendrick Lamar was performing at the Super Bowl Halftime Show. The floodgates opened for more bitching and moaning than congratulations all because of one thing. The Super Bowl was in New Orleans… Lil Wayne’s hometown.

I stand by this, that the only reason people wanted Lil Wayne to perform at the Super Bowl and not Kendrick had nothing to do with his legendary status or his extensive catalog or because of home turf advantage, it was all so Drake could get a W through his mentor, by any means necessary. It didn’t work. Kendrick Lamar killed it, broke numerous TV and streaming records and all Wayne could do was get on a lotion commercial promoting Tha Carter VI.

Now my expectations for this album was very low, mainly because I’ve reached the point where I’ve outgrown Lil Wayne. Wayne hasn’t really put out quality…anything in years. Put him with the right rapper and you’ll get a dope feature verse here and there but outside of that, my last bit of interest in Weezy was back in 2011 around Tha Carter IV and although that album has aged like milk left out in the sun too long, I still have fond memories of that time. Tha Carter V came and went to me outside of a few songs and Funeral, much like the pandemic I wanna forget about altogether. So, for all that crying, we better get a great album. Did we get it?

1. King Carter
Produced by Manny G, Chris Townsend & Lil Wayne
It’s the intro.

2. Welcome to the Carter
Produced by ONHEL
This gave me hope. Wayne is rapping like he has a point to prove, like he’s been counted out for too long and he’s back to prove the naysayers wrong and at this moment I’m thinking…

“Maybe this album won’t be that bad…”

Until…

3. Bells
Produced by Lil Wayne & Manny G
So this is the “Uproar” of the album. Take a classic rap song and Weezy it all up I suppose. The problem is, this is “Rock the Bells” bro. I don’t need an update. The original is fine. This song hit like bar bells….and then you’re left with a concussion and you’re trying to figure out what the hell happened to you.

4. Hip-Hop
Featuring BigXthaPlug & Jay Jones; Produced by Infamous, Ben Billions, Einer Bankz, & Synco
The song is not bad but I just don’t have anything to say that is noteworthy. Alright let me say something nice, umm…BigXThaPlug’s voice is cool…………pause.

5. Sharks
Featuring Jelly Roll & Big Sean; Produced by Boi-1da, Fierce, & Coleman
I am not okay…I’m barely getting by….listening to ANOTHER Jelly Roll feature. And I have to hear him in three different formats (Hip-Hop, country, and rock). But here’s the thing…this chorus may get stuck in my head. Wayne is on autopilot and Big Sean is rapping on his “Fuck the Big 3, it’s just BIG ME!” shit. He too old enough to have them voice cracks though. Drop your balls, Sean! Pause.

The more I hear this, the more I don’t mind it, but that initial listen was rough. I’ll say passable here.

But the conspiratorial bar about kids with no gender gets points taken off. Grow up, Dwayne.

6. Banned From NO
Produced by TheNightAftr & Kamo
You know what’s crazy? He has a song where he is freestyling over the original “Banned From TV” beat off of No Ceilings. I would much rather go to that, instead of whatever this is here.

Sidebar: Nicki Minaj’s verse on the remix….yeah, this girl is washed, bathtub.

7. The Days
Featuring Bono; Produced by RedOne & DVLP
“XXX” off of Kendrick Lamar’s DAMN. was a surprise on how good it was, but I stand by this, Bono needs to stay far away from Hip-Hop as he possibly can. You will definitely hear this song on car commercials and recap packages for whatever WWE premium live event is coming up, but man….this song lacked edge…..get it?

Also, Wayne….what were you doing in Manhattan on 9/11?

8. Cotton Candy
Featuring 2 Chainz; Produced by Manny G, Swede, & Lil Wayne
I am not a fan on this sample and a song like this reminds me of the elements of Tha Carter series that I don’t like. But 2 Chainz gave me a chuckle here and there with his verse so I’ll give it a pass. Don’t expect me to go looking for Collegrove 3 anytime soon though.

9. Flex Up
Produced by Rex Kudo, Charlie Handsome, & Bobby Raps
This song is the textbook definition of saying a lot and saying a lot of nothing all at the same time.

10. Island Holiday
Produced by Manny G, Julian Munro, & Lil Wayne
I will never forgive y’all for letting Wayne think he’s a rock star. I’ll never forgive Wayne’s team for clearing that Weezer sample. I’ll never forgive myself for playing this song in its entirety on my walk through the neighborhood. It’s not cute, it’s not clever and it is just a further reminder that Lil Wayne does not exist anywhere but in his own echo chamber where only he and what he likes matters. NEXT.

11. Loki’s Theme
Produced y DJ Clue, Rizzo, Amiri, Julian Munro, & Manny Galvez
This was almost salvageable. I like the west coast bounce even though him still playing Blood on records in 2025 is laughable. But towards the end it turns into this generic rock song and it’s so sudden, you would’ve thought Kevin Rudolf pulled up from obscurity, socked the producers in the mouth and said “Yo Tune, I got you!”.

12. If I Played Guitar
Produced by MarcLo & Midi Jones
Aight, Kevin. You can leave the studio now, your services are no longer needed here. It is not only Wayne abusing the Auto-Tune button. It is not only Wayne sounding like Jack Johnson if he strolled through Hollygrove and got lost. Wayne just doesn’t know how to write a somber song or a love song without having something in here that makes him sound fucking ridiculous.

13. Peanuts 2 N Elephant
Produced by Lin-Manuel Miranda
This Crash Bandicoot meets Ace Ventura ass beat.

Lin-Manuel Miranda… Fuck. Right. Off.

14. Rari
Featuring Kam Carter; Produced by Wheezy & Bobby Raps
I will not insult a child.

But I will say this though. As generic as this song is, it’s definitely better than “Island Holiday” and “Peanuts 2 N Elephant”. But it’s still autopilot for Weezy, content-wise.

15. Maria
Featuring Andrea Bocelli & Wyclef Jean; Produced Wyclef Jean, Lil Wayne, & Wavie Boi
What are we doing here? Rapping over “Ave Maria,” that’s what!

Everything about this song is just bizarre. Wyclef sounds like he’s just there, the opera sample is very distracting and at least Wayne sounds competent here…even if slightly. Hearing Wyclef had a major part in this album is not surprising because that only speaks to Wayne being stuck in a bubble. The last time these two worked together was what? 2007? The last time Wayne was great….makes sense.

16. Bein Myself
Featuring & Produced by Mannie Fresh
I’m floored… this song is not bad?

The production is cool and the rhyme scheme is competent. Wayne stays somewhat on topic until the second verse where he goes right back into how much pussy he eats. Also, the songs starts to falter in that second hook where he starts thinking he’s a Martian again.

It’s not bad but it’s not good either. It’s passable at best.

17. Mula Komin In
Featuring Lil Novi; Produced by AdamsAwake & Keyboard Kid
We’re already off to a bad start. I don’t know who this Lil Novi dude is but he definitely sounds like AI Playboi Carti. Maybe Timbaland can sign him.

Some of yall that slather your voice in Autotune, I need yall to know…YOU’RE NOT SINGERS!!!

I’m not even gonna stick around for Wayne’s verse because there is no saving this. Is it unfair, sure…but it’s my review so deal with it. PASS.

18. Alone In the Studio With My Gun
Featuring MGK & Kodak Black; Produced by MOD SUN & No Love For The Middle Child
MGK back to reapplying for his hood pass here. Wayne sounds alright here but Kodak Black…is Kodak Blacking here. Which further raises the question…is Kodak okay?

Check on him please.

I don’t mind this song but the bar has been dragged so low here that even a compliment sounds like an insult.

19. Written History
Produced by Wheezy, Alex Lustig, & Harley Arsenault
When Wayne is motivated, he’s up there with the best of them and I think this track shows it. I think this is a cool way to close the album and definitely reminds me of a time where I thought to myself

“Maybe this album won’t be so bad…”

But it’s too little too late.

This album confirmed what I had figured out since 2010. Lil Wayne is a bad rapper.

Now I don’t mean bad as in his skill set, like I said, when Wayne wants to (when he’s not fried out his god damn mind) he can hold his own if not be better than your favorite rapper’s favorite rapper, but here’s the thing, this is someone who doesn’t want to change. This is someone who doesn’t want to evolve. Jay-Z, Nas and others in the late stages of their careers made their most mature work and reminded people that you can be at your age and still talk in a way where your peers can relate to you in addition to the younger generation catching gems here and there. Lil Wayne is in his 2nd childhood. He’s never adapted because he didn’t have to. All because his fan base of lean sippers, weed heads and YNs didn’t allow him to. Wayne is well into his 40s and rapping about the same nonsense he rapped about in his 20s. At some point, you have to wonder, is there more than you than just rapping, skating, drug use, and bitches? Apparently not.

Tha Carter VI is proof that not only has the self-proclaimed “Best Rapper Alive” lost his touch but further confirms that Lil Wayne only pays attention to Lil Wayne and in a genre where trends and styles switch up as quick as the seasons, you end up stunting your own growth. However, the reality is, Wayne’s growth has been stunted for a long time….we’re just finally waking up to see it. Kendrick Lamar didn’t kill his career, much like Aubrey Graham, Lil Wayne’s downfall is self-inflicted.

Weezy F. Baby… the F is for finished.

“Welcome to the Carter” is the only song I like… but that’s not saying much.

As we edge closer to the July 11 release of Clipse’s new album Let God Sort Em Out, Pusha T and No Malice drop another dark street anthem, this time with visuals. Over a haunting Pharrell Williams beat, “So Be It” delivers exactly the gritty, shadowy energy you’d expect from the Virginia duo. The black-and-white clip, directed by Hannan Hussain, perfectly matches the track’s stark aesthetic. And yes, there’s a swipe at Kanye Travis Scott but I’ll let you be the judge.

Let God Sort Em Out lands July 11. Watch the video below.

We took a week off, but we’re back and we brought a banger with us. Say hello to the beautiful Naudia Donald. Yeah, it’s good to be back. You’re welcome.

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Thanks Erica Banks!

A few months ago, Dallas rapper, Erica Banks had a show in the city featuring some of the best homegrown talent. Dorrough, Tay Money. Hashi Senjoo, Big E, Yung Nation, and many others hit the stage that night providing nostalgia and the soundtrack for new memories . Besides everyone’s phones, the night was also captured by Love & Hip-Hop: Atlanta’s cameras for a future episode. It’s been over a decade since cameras came and captured the D-Town Boogie movement at Big T Plaza. The DFW metroplex is overdue for another spotlight.

Inspired by this act, I sought out to find the best music/artists to listen to for a showcase of what it feels like to be in North Texas. I’m from Shreveport, Louisiana, but after over a decade driving down 635, 75, 30, 80, 45, 35 and I-20 when I need to revisit how far I come, I’m glad to call this part of Texas home.

“Louisiana runs in my blood to pump a Texas heart.” – Hashi Senjoo

Things Done Changed

After riding around Atlanta with the Isley Bros, the Hair Weave Killa gets dropped off at home to take a walk down memory lane with the walking Recession Indicator, Ne-Yo.

Thanks, Titty Two Necklace. This is Grown Man Rap! Have A Good Tues-Chainz-Day.

Kush & NPR

Taylor Gang or … Insert 1000 & One Ways To Die Here. Remember when the internet was fun? Anyway, one of the Blog Era’s best rolls up to NPR’s Tiny Desk.

Happy Black Music Month!

This Black Music Month, Tiny Desk honors the anniversaries of landmark albums that have shaped the course of music and culture.

Wiz Khalifa’s Kush & Orange Juice came out 15 years ago. To honor the anniversary, the Pittsburgh emcee assembled a group of Tiny Desk veterans, Pennsylvania natives and his DJ to reimagine highlights from the classic mixtape, plus tracks from Kush & Orange Juice 2, its similar, yet more mature follow-up.

Something was happening during the entire show and lots of us in the room could feel it. We were waiting for him to engage with us, but he didn’t. I stepped in after a few songs to remind him that it was OK to do so — still, nothing. But then, after “Crime Bud and Women,” Wiz spoke to the audience for the first and only time, wiping away tears: “You made me cry. F*** y’all!”

I can muster up a few guesses as to why the emotion overflowed. Wiz had a host of family and friends present in this very intimate setting, including his father. And he did tell me how much he loves performing. But honestly, this sonic masterpiece was good enough to hit the tear ducts.

SET LIST
“Red Eye”
“Mezmorized”
“The Kid Frankie”
“Never Been”
“Up”
“Crime Bud and Women”

MUSICIANS
Wiz Khalifa: vocals
Kenneth Wright: music director, bass
DJ Bonics: turntables
Uncle Bubz: keys
Russell Gelman-Sheehan: guitar
Kendall Lewis: drums

Have you listened to Tha Carter VI yet? Did you love it?

Well it doesn’t matter because I’m going to share the sample from the best song on the album.

Dionne Warwick’s 1973 album features the opening track, “You’re Gonna Need Me.” That song has been used in songs by Usher, Lil B, Fabolous, J Dilla, and more. The great Mannie Fresh chose to take the title track of Ms. Warwick’s 16th album to create #16 on Mr. Carter’s fourteenth solo album. I just knew before I heard the original song that I was going to learn that it was used in the same fashion Kanye produced “Otis” from Otis Redding’s “Try A Little Tenderness.” A great producer knows when to let the sample breathe on its own without adding too much. Smart Move, Mr. Fresh. S/O to the H-D-H team for creating the production.

Enjoy! Have A Great Week!

Gloria Meets Keyshia

New nose, bad IG Story shares, wardrobe malfunctions at weddings, but where is the music that keeps Gloria in the headlines?

The new single “Typa” from the new Queen of Memphis flips the classic “Love” song from Frankie’s daughter. While celebrating the 20th anniversary of her debut album, The Way It Is, Keyshia Cole is able to meet with GloRilla to give some wisdom on romantic relationships. Whether it’s worth following or ignoring is up to her and the listeners.

Let The Trumpets Blow!

We really have to wait until July 11th?!?!?

Clipse made their return Instagram official with a picture in front of the Roc Nation logo and the promo run has been on ever since.

We got the trailer for the album and the first single, “Ace Trumpets” last Friday. This week started with a GQ interview with Frazier Tharpe on Monday that has tidbits for streamers, podcasters, and writers to feed their audience with opinionated content for the week. Family, Def Jam, distribution deals, Ye, Drake, Kendrick, lawsuits, Jim Jones, etc make a really sharp interview and recommended read from the writer and the interviewees, the brothers from VA.

Today, we have the lyrics video with even more Black cultural references and Easter eggs to what Pusha Ton & No Malicious have coming soon on Let God Sort Em Out.

Vivica A. Fox Would Be Proud.

Now that most of the inmates have been recaptured, Ratchet Lo makes the 5-hour trip from Shreveport to New Orleans to cosplay as a Hot-Boy, post up in front of a Soulja Slim mural, and pay homage to two Louisiana anthems. Juvenile’s “Set It Off,” produced by Mannie Fresh and Boosie’s “Set It Off,” produced by Mouse On Tha Track, lay the foundation for one of Louisiana’s newest stars to show and prove.

Directed by Wookie.
S/O to them for getting an intro starring Korey With A K.

ALSO, Ratchet Lo went across the state lines to collaborate with one of Dallas’s newest stars, Hashi Senjoo, for the remix of “Circle K.”

YAY AREA!

This is how you start the celebration of Black Music Month.

Vallejo’s Finest stops by the NPR offices to teach those uneducated how a multi-decade career in Hip-Hop looks.

Bay Area ambassador E-40 moves with the energy of an up-and-coming emcee, but he’s been around a minute. To put it 40 Water’s way: “I’ve been doing this since Kermit the Frog was a pollywog!” Our biggest hurdle to clear was packing in three decades of music at the Tiny Desk, but 40 Fonzarelli and his band clocked weeks of rehearsal to make sure this office was rockin’.

E-40’s sophomore solo album In a Major Way dropped in 1995, one of the most competitive years in hip-hop history, with certified classics dropping weekly by the likes of 2Pac, Mobb Deep, Goodie Mob, Bone Thugs-n-Harmony, Ol’ Dirty Bastard, Raekwon and GZA. Straightforward and plain has never been E-40’s nature, and that left-of-center spit has been the thing that has sustained his illustrious entertainment career.

At the Desk, Charlie Hustle sets things off with “Da Bumble” from In a Major Way and continues to bounce through a catalog of big hits sprinkled with nods to his day ones. Producer Lil Jon brought him back to the mainstream in the early 2000s with “Tell Me When to Go,” “U and Dat” and “Snap Yo Fingers,” while TikTok injected new life in “Choices (Yup)” and introduced him to Gen Z. “I’m on my fourth wind!” 40 tells us. No lies told.

SET LIST
“Da Bumble”
“Yay Area”
“Sprinkle Me”
“Captain Save a Hoe”
“Snap Yo Fingers”
“U and Dat”
“Choices (Yup)”
“Hope I Don’t Go Back”
“1-Luv”
“Function”
“Tell Me When to Go”

MUSICIANS
E-40: vocals
Kev Choice: music director, keys
Bosko Kante: music director, background vocals
Martin Luther: guitar, background vocals
Howard Wiley: saxophone, EWI
Marcus Phillips: bass, keys
Dame Drummer: drums, background vocals
Silk-E The People’s Champ aka Sherri Stack-A-Grip: background vocals
DJ KMP: DJ, background vocals

Deedee Tsegaye is a beauty who loves to travel, and yes, she looks amazing in a swimsuit. With the handle @deethiopian, we’re guessing she’s repping Ethiopia—which makes sense when you think about it.

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This Song of the Week is brought to you by me hitting shuffle on my 5 Star iTunes Music app playlist… and also the fact that the site needed content. So yeah.

“Black Republican” marked the first collaboration between Nas and Jay-Z after their legendary beef—arguably one of the biggest in Hip-Hop history. Could we ever see something similar happen between Drake and Kendrick Lamar? Who knows… but maybe.

Back to the track: I remember feeling a little underwhelmed when I first heard “Black Republican.” Maybe I expected more fireworks. But revisiting it years later, it’s actually a fitting moment for two rap icons squashing the drama and getting on the same page. The Wyldfyer & L.E.S. production sounds even more epic now—like it aged into something grand.

For those keeping score at home, Jay-Z had the better verse here and kinda out-charisma’d Nas from the intro (“Just start dancin’ in this muh’fucka…”), but that’s not discounting Nas, who also turned in a strong verse.

Additional thoughts:

This definitely should’ve had a video. It wasn’t a commercial single for Hip Hop Is Dead.

Speaking of Hip Hop Is Dead, we gave the album 4 Stars (What’s up Blood?!), and “Black Republican” is the best song on there.

Since this track, Jay-Z and Nas have linked up a few more times (“Success,” “BBC,” & “Sorry Not Sorry”) but this one still feels like the moment.

Lil Wayne and Juelz Santana once flipped the concept and dropped a freestyle over the “Black Can’t turn my back on the hood,Republican” beat, which kinda felt like a diss. I always refer to it as “Black Democrats.”

Check out the Song of the Week below:

If Red Bull Spiral Freestyle is going to be a regular thing, count me in. While The LOX’s appearance probably won’t make as much noise as the previous one featuring Big Sean, Joey Bada$$, and Ab-Soul, this one is still fire.

Shot in one take at Red Bull Studios in Los Angeles, the legendary LOX (aka the most loyal Hip-Hop group ever) go in over a smooth Smiley’s People beat. The game still needs them.

Our list of favorite people named Ja just got an upgrade with the beautiful and voluptuous Ja Martins. She goes straight to the front, ahead of Ja Morant and Ja Rule.

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2 Chainz and Lil Yachty have teamed up for a new track titled “Sista Wives.” This collaboration is part of the soundtrack for 2 Chainz’s upcoming short film, Red Clay, which he co-wrote with actor Omar Epps. The accompanying back and white music video by directed by Motion Family is simple and stylish and features performances from both rappers. Check out the visuals below.

Kia Kenzie is another beautiful woman rocking swimwear in the Certified Banger section, and we’re giving her extra points for having a name with a cool twist.

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This was nice. Big Sean, Ab-Soul, and Joey Bada$$ link up to kick a freestyle over a Python P beat for Red Bull’s Spiral freestyle series. From the performances to the interactions between the MCs—and with all the verses being dope—this felt necessary. A great idea and an even better execution.

Update: Results

We’re in that post-WrestleMania phase when things cool down. But that doesn’t mean we don’t have a PPV PLE this Saturday—because we do, and it’s WWE Backlash. And since it looks like we’re back to semi-regularly posting about professional wrestling on nappyafro, here we are. And by “we,” I mean me—I’m not bothering the rest of The FRO Horsemen this time. Backlash doesn’t seem to have that much hype around it anyway, and Saule and GQ actually have lives.

Since it’s just me, I’ll cover all the matches on the card… all five of them. As usual, I’ll be back later to update this post with the results.

Cena vs. Orton. “One Last Time.” The G.O.A.T. versus The Viper. The finale of their 15+ year rivalry. And it seems like WWE is letting heel John Cena run through his greatest hits on the way out (hopefully that includes a final face-off with CM Punk too). Even though this match is happening in Randy’s hometown of St. Louis, we all know The Viper isn’t winning here.

There are rumors that Cody Rhodes might return during this match, but that feels too early. I just hope both legends brings it—though Cena may not want to risk injury due to his Hollywood obligations.

Prediction: CENA WINS LOL

This feels like the setup to Becky Lynch vs. Bayley—who is definitely returning at Backlash. It makes sense for Becky to beat Lyra for the IC title and then feud with Bayley over it… but then what do you do with Lyra?

WWE has been positioning Lyra strong in confrontations with Becky, so I’m flipping the obvious script. Lyra retains, goes on to do something else with the title, and Becky vs. Bayley can happen without a belt (finally giving Bayley something meaningful to do again).

Prediction: Lyra Valkyria Retains

Gunther is going to beat the shit out of Pat McAfee. McAfee might bleed and get a few hope spots in, but this should mostly be a squash. (Michael Cole will do his serious commentator voice)

And honestly? I wouldn’t mind if Goldberg came out afterward to set up a match with Gunther. Let Gunther retire Goldberg too.

Prediction: Gunther Kills Pat McAfee

This feels like a Fatal 4-Way just because WWE didn’t want to run back Priest vs. McIntyre and Fatu vs. LA Knight as separate matches on this card.

Jacob Fatu is still rising, so don’t expect him to drop the title yet. It makes more sense for Solo Sikoa and The Bloodline 2.0 to double-cross him later and take the title. For now, Fatu retains. Should be a crazy match though.

Prediction: Jacob Fatu Retains

Dominik just beat Penta a few weeks ago. So here’s my wild pick of the night: Finn Balor finally turns on Dom, costing him the title and giving Penta his first gold in WWE.

I like Dominik and think he’s a future world champ, but this direction makes more sense. Finn could later go after the IC title himself, and a babyface Dom could eventually win it back.

Prediction: Penta is Your New WWE Intercontinental Champion (*does the Penta walk*)

• Undisputed WWE Championship Match: John Cena (c) defeated Randy Orton
• WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship Match: Lyra Valkyria (c) defeated Becky Lynch
• Gunther defeated Pat McAfee
• WWE United States Championship Fatal 4-Way Match: Jacob Fatu (c) defeated LA Knight, Damian Priest, and Drew McIntyre
• WWE Intercontinental Championship Match: Dominik Mysterio (c) defeated Penta

We like to think we’re showcasing art here in the Certified Banger section, so it’s only fitting that this week’s feature goes by the name ArtsLover (She also goes by Vanessa, but we’ll stick with her street name). Either way, she’s stunning—and we love ArtsLover.

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Coming straight out of Lagos, Nigeria, this week’s Certified Banger features the gorgeous and beautiful A. Omotara Gbadamosi. She’s basically art, and we have the images to prove it below.

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There’s a pattern whenever Megan Thee Stallion drops new music: She releases a new song, a new music video, I ogle at the visuals, and then immediately forget about the song. That being said, Meg’s latest video for her first solo single of 2025, “Whenever,” is at least worth a look — just don’t expect the song to break any new ground. Check out the Zac Dov Wiesel-directed video below.

Young Thug is officially back outside with a new song, “Money On Money” featuring Future, along with an accompanying visual that basically feels like a modern-day remake of Jay-Z & Kanye’s “Otis” video.

The actual song is okay—just like “Dum, Dumb, and Dumber,” I haven’t been blown away by anything Thug has dropped post-RICO case (although I did catch the Gunna diss on this one). That said, I really liked the video, directed by Kaito and Brendan O’Connor… but that might just be because I’m a fan of the original Watch the Throne visuals.

Either way, Young Thug’s upcoming album UY Scuti is supposed to drop on May 9th, so we’ve got that to look forward to. Check out the music video below.

Update: Results

Wait, is it WrestleMania already?! Yes, two nights of WrestleMania 41 are happening this weekend, and if the FRO Horsemen don’t talk about it, we might as well disband the group. So here we are: FRO Horsemen: WrestleMania 41 Thoughts & Predictions.

And while we’re as excited as ever to see WrestleMania 41, it’s reportedly gonna be nine hours per night. We already know there will be at least 13 matches across the weekend. So yeah, it’s a lot.

Let’s just focus on the big matches—and we’ll throw in some bonus predictions at the end too. Today, GQ-Blu, Saule Wright (Let’s all give him some grace this go around) and I are sharing our thoughts and predictions on WrestleMania 41. I’ll be back later to update this post with the results. ~ B-Easy

B-Easy – While I want John Cena to beat Cody for the Undisputed WWE Championship (I mean, who else is gonna do it?), I don’t think it’s happening. Do we even have enough Cena appearances left for him to win the title, defend it a few times, get disrespected by The Rock, and then turn face again? Probably not.

Cody’s gonna beat Cena—and it’s gonna involve some bullshit. Maybe we get a Cena redemption arc after that, but I don’t think he needs the belt for that to happen. Cody retains.

GQ-Blu – John Cena finally going heel is one of the most shocking moments of wrestling history. The one thing we never thought would happen did in the twilight of Cena’s career.

While the moment and the promos the Cenation leader has cut have been epic, the Faustian deal that Cena made with The Rock after Cody turned it down was been largely absent since Elimination Chamber. And it’s certainly been missing from this angle that feels like it would greatly help. WWE can always have a last minute run in the night of for a pop and swerve, but this feud would’ve been better served with input of the Great One and a more clear picture of what it meant for Cena to sell his soul.

Also Travis Scott still needs his ass beat for blacking Cody Luther Kang’s eye. Maybe Cody gets his get back, and the distraction leads to an attitude adjustment for the record breaking win?

Saule Wright – Cena HAS to win.

B-Easy – Seth Rollins wins—with help from Paul Heyman.

It can’t be Punk, right? He can’t get his big WrestleMania “main event” moment and win the match. That’s too neat. And does Roman really need it? No. A heel Seth Rollins makes the most sense here.

It never really made sense for Seth to be rocking all those loud ass outfits and still be a babyface. Go ahead and give us a Heel Drip God—but with a Drip God Wise Man this time.

GQ-Blu – Another match that’s getting weirder by the minute. Just in the last 48 hours Reigns went MAGA and Punk is being called out for wrestling for Trump’s favorite Fed.

As a conscience Black man it’s always been hard to balance my love of professional wrestling with all of its racist, xenophobic, sexist, misogynistic and homophobic tropes and narratives. None of this shit is new. Trump is a member of its Hall of Fame no less. As much as we try to escape into the awesome stories of good vs evil and overcoming obstacles there’s no denying how wildly problematic the medium is and continues to be.

That being said, this feud has had troubles finding its legs. The reveal of Punk’s favor being to main event WM was at least logical, but I feel like we all know that while this is the last match of the night, it’s night one, and the real true main event is the last match on Sunday. Making Paul Heyman the bad bitch Roman and Punk are fighting over also again makes storyline sense but the stakes feel overly manufactured.

I think there was hope that Punk would use that favor to parlay into a title match and something wild would happen night two. Maybe Paul turns on both and sides with Seth? Seth wins this one.

B-Easy – Yeah, I think Jey Uso is beating Gunther for the World Title. Outside of becoming Tribal Chief, winning the World Heavyweight Championship has been the whole point of Jey’s “Main Event”/Yeet storyline.

If Gunther loses, you can easily pivot him toward the Undisputed WWE Title. But if Jey loses… what’s next for him? You gotta pull the trigger. So yeah, Jey wins. (Obligatory Yeet!!!)

G-Blu – There’s nothing else WWE loves more than getting behind African American vernacular about a year too late. But Gahtdamn props to Jey for getting YEET to cereal status and becoming an undeniable fan favorite. Questions on in ring work rate aside, Uso’s rise has been as organic as any other in wrestling history.

The build up for this match as been a little shaky, but I gotta believe you coronate Jey here and see what he can do with the rocket officially strapped to his back.

Saule Wright – I think you have to pull the trigger on this too. If for no other reason, Jey has really earned this and there is zero reason for this Gunther to remain champ.

B-Easy:

AJ Styles vs. Logan Paul
Fuck what the internet says, Logan Paul is a very good wrestler. Him and AJ Styles should put on a banger—and make money. (Just don’t invest that money in CryptoZoo, please.) Extra points to WWE for putting Logan in there with someone agile and small enough for him to actually hit the “Paulverizer” on.

Fatal Four-Way for the WWE Intercontinental Championship: Bron Breakker (c) vs. Penta vs. Finn Bálor vs. Dominik Mysterio
Look, Finn Bálor is still one of my favorites and it’d be cool to see him holding singles gold again. And Penta and Bron Breakker are cool as hell. But let’s be real—I’ve been campaigning for Dominik Mysterio to win a world title all year. And we all know that winning the IC Title could be a stepping stone. Give Dom his flowers (and the belt).

Triple threat match for the Women’s World Championship: Iyo Sky (c) vs. Bianca Belair vs. Rhea Ripley
The buildup to this match was kinda weird—Bianca got pulled away from the Jade Cargill/Naomi storyline, and Rhea’s been acting like a heelish sore loser—but honestly, it’s still better than most of the card’s build. Either way, this has the potential to be one of the best matches of the weekend. That’s not hard when you’ve got three of the best women’s wrestlers of all time in one ring.

As for the winner? Bianca and Rhea cancel each other out, so Iyo Sky retains. Now we just have to figure out… does that count against Bianca’s WrestleMania streak?

GQ-Blu:

WWE Women’s Championship: Tiffany Stratton (c) vs. Charlotte Flair
This match is getting hyped for all the wrong reasons. Whether it’s Tiffany getting exposed as maybe not ready for prime time with her struggles to carry promos or Charlotte’s baggage taking more attention than her in ring ability, this has been more of a cluster than what I imagine should have been a coming out for Tiffy Time to be the next big women’s star.

Before this went left I would’ve said this an easy W to pencil in for Stratton, but with her recent struggles I think the move should be to have her drop the belt to Charlotte and let Tiffany chase the belt over the summer.

Naomi vs. Jade Cargill
First and foremost let me declare my undying love for Jade Cargill.

Now that that’s out the way I really hope this match gets some time to breathe. Naomi is doing some of her best character work in years. The story line is exciting AND easy to follow, which is not always the case in our favorite soap opera. And even though your opinion of Cargill’s in ring progress since jumping from AEW to WWE may vary, she is an undeniable star who oozes charisma.

This feud should not end at Mania and lead to some kind of high stakes gimmick match down the road. The fact that this is a straight up match and not a street fight or something tells me creative thinks so to. Naomi wins with some trickery.

WWE United States Championship: LA Knight (c) vs. Jacob Fatu
It’s hard to think of the last time someone has come in with as much aura, presence and dominance as Jacob Fatu. I’m secure enough in my manhood to admit I wouldn’t wanna tussle with the Samoan Werewolf (although outside of kayfabe he seems like a pretty nice and goofy girl dad). WWE loves making heels chicken shits. It’s nice to see a truly dominant bad guy who legit looks like he’s murdering people in the ring.

There’s no reason for Knight to retain the title here. The crowd is 10000% ready to see Fatu elevated. This should actually be a savage beating where Knight is mauled. I wouldn’t be mad at an under 10 minute squash victory here.

WrestleMania 41 Saturday (Night 1)

• World Heavyweight Championship: Jey Uso defeated Gunther (c)
• World Tag Team Championship: The New Day (Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods) defeated The War Raiders (Erik & Ivar) (c)
• Jade Cargill defeated Naomi
• WWE United States Championship: Jacob Fatu defeated LA Knight (c)
• El Grande Americano defeated Rey Fénix
• WWE Women’s Championship: Tiffany Stratton (c) defeated Charlotte Flair
• Triple Threat Match: Seth Rollins defeated CM Punk (with Paul Heyman) and Roman Reigns

WrestleMania 41 Sunday (Night 2)

• Triple Threat Match for the Women’s World Championship: Iyo Sky (c) defeated Bianca Belair and Rhea Ripley
• Sin City Street Fight: Drew McIntyre defeated Damian Priest
• Randy Orton defeated Joe Hendry
• Logan Paul defeated AJ Styles
• WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship: Lyra Valkyria & Becky Lynch defeated Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez (c)
• Undisputed WWE Championship: John Cena defeated Cody Rhodes (c)

What happens after you win the battle from your mental health attacking your body? Spoiler Alert: A Big Dance Number!

We travel back to the past on this Good Friday. Specifically we’re back in 2020 revisiting Doechii’s bedroom and get a tour of the rest of the thoughts home in her head. We’re even given a nice visual nod to the original instrumental, Gotye’s “Somebody I Used To Know” featuring Kimbra. Directed by James Mackel for Adele Drive, Happy Easter!

Another win for the Certified Banger section as this week we feature the lovely Carla Alison. We think she has Moroccan and Angolan heritage or affiliations, but honestly, it doesn’t matter—because we’re in love.

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Kendrick Lamar and SZA have unveiled the romantic visuals for their chart-topping collaboration “Luther,” directed by the acclaimed Karena Evans (ironically the same director behind Drake’s “God’s Plan,” “Nice For What,” and “In My Feelings”). The video features stunning, cinematic shots of Kendrick alongside his longtime partner Whitney Alford, as well as SZA with her love interest (and yes, her thickness is on full display) — all vibing against the backdrop of some beautifully geometric architecture. It’s smooth, it’s stylish, and yeah, it’s real nice. Check out the music video below.

We love a thick woman here in the Certified Banger section so it’s only right that feature the captivating Melana Davids. Shout out to South Africa and New Zealand.

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To be honest, nothing really stands out to me on Quavo’s new track “Legends” featuring Lil Baby. But it’s still good to see two Atlanta heavyweights—who were once rumored to have issues—reconnect over music. The accompanying music video is visually cool too. Yeah, there’s nothing groundbreaking in the visuals, but it’s got all the usual flexes: luxury cars, beautiful women, and crisp cinematography. It’s polished and well-executed. Check it out below.

Real estate agent. Fashion Nova ambassador. Miami baddie. Michelle Bigby does it all — and looks amazing doing it.

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Kevin Hart‘s rap alter ego, Chocolate Droppa, just pulled up to NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert series, delivering bars and laughs in equal measure. In this April Fools’ special, Droppa came through laser-focused, dressed in all black, declaring it a funeral—not his, but “theirs.” Maybe it was the dope-ass live backing band, but I didn’t mind this at all musically. Go ahead and drop the project, Droppa.