Just because we’re nearing winter doesn’t mean music isn’t heating up with new R&B and hip-hop tracks. Blxst returns with a deluxe edition of his debut album, Killer Mike takes us to church, on a gospel-influenced LP, and Lil Nas X drops his long-awaited lead single for his upcoming project. Check out who else you can spin on your playlist this weekend.

Blxst

R&B singer Blxst continues to represent the West Coast as he only can on I’ll Always Come Find You (Deluxe). In addition to the album’s original 20 tracks, including highlights “Selfish Ways” and “Private Show” are five new songs, with “Only Us” featuring Bino Rideaux and “Make Room” featuring K Camp and DeJ Loaf.

Coi Leray

Rapper Coi Leray brings the vulnerability on the 2-track project Heart Don’t Lie, which includes the titular track and “Candy Crush.” The mini-project follows Leray’s becoming fully independent on her Trendsetter label and marks the artist’s latest release since her 2023 LP Coi.

Eric Bellinger

R&B singer-songwriter Eric Bellinger goes abroad to tap into the Afrobeats sound on his new album, It’ll All Make Sense Later. Before Bellinger goes ‘Around the World’ on his upcoming tour, he’s joined by global artists Burna Boy, Oxlade, Konshens and more on the 15-song album.

Finesse2Tymes

Memphis rhymer carries the streets on his back on his new album, The Art of War. On the LP are lead singles “Very Demure” featuring NLE Choppa and “Loyalty, Respect and Business,” while Finesse2Tymes introduces additional street collaborations with GloRilla, Hunxho, DaBaby and more.

Ice Cube

West Coast pioneer Ice Cube keeps his dedicated fanbase on lock with his first self-released album, Man Down. His first solo project since 2018, LP Everythang’s Corrupt, Man Down, doesn’t disappoint; the album focuses on manhood in modern society while Cube is joined by his Mount Westmore group composed of Snoop Dogg, E-40 and Too $hort, along with October London, Kurupt, B-Real and more.

Killer Mike

On his first gospel-oriented album, Killer Mike partners with choir The Mighty Midnight Revival for new music since the rapper’s Grammy-winning 2023 LP Michael. Initially released for free in August, Songs for Sinners and Saints takes the Atlanta artist to church while he brings multigenerational rap and R&B acts Key Glock, Project Pat, Offset, and more to the house of prayer.

John Legend

John Legend’s debut album, Get Lifted, celebrates two decades of impact with a deluxe edition that includes remixes featuring Lauryn Hill, Black Thought, Killer Mike, Lil Wayne, and more. In 2004, the album earned Legend the Grammy for Best R&B Album and nods for Best New Artist and Best Male R&B Vocal Performance.

Lil Nas X

Ahead of his long-awaited sophomore LP Dreamboy, Lil Nas X brings the flirtation on new single “Need Dat Boy.” Released just two weeks after his previous single, “Light Again,” “Need Dat Boy” shows that the 2-time Grammy winner doesn’t hesitate to go after what he wants. 

Miguel

Accompanied by a music video shot entirely in one take, the new Miguel single “Always Time” exhibits the progressive R&B vocalist’s dedication to making timeless music. The deeply personal track, Miguel’s first release of the year, was likely inspired by his 2022 divorce from Nazanin Mandi.

Michael Kiwanuka

British folk and soul singer-songwriter rebirths his artistry into gentler sonics on his fourth album, Small Changes. Centered around fatherhood, the heartfelt album includes lead single “Floating Parade,” while Danger Mouse and Inflo are co-producers of Kiwanuka’s first album since 2019.

Wizkid

Nigerian singer Wizkid takes us back to the essence of his upbringing on Morayo, which translates to “I see joy” in Yoruba. Dedicated to his late mother, Juliana Morayo Balogun, who died last August, Wizkid keeps the party going on the album, which features Brent Faiyaz, Jazmine Sullivan, and more.