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When XXL dropped its 2025 Freshman Class of emerging hip-hop talent earlier this week, the comments section seemed divided over this year’s selection of rappers. However, the consensus among many seemed to be one key notable missing face, ascendant Chicago rapper Chuckyy.At just 19 years old, the Lil Durk protégé is pioneering his own distinct drill sound. With hints of horror-core and a refreshing nonchalance, the rising young rapper represents the new era of Chicago rap, also working closely with the city’s local legend LUCKI.Fresh off his I Live, I Die, I Live Again release and a recent performance at Lyrical Lemonade’s Summer Smash, the rapper is already ready for his new move: a tour, a deluxe edition, and, hopefully, becoming the richest rapper in the world. But first, Chuckyy pulled...

As the week in music comes to a close, Hypebeast has rounded up the most notable music-related headlines – new releases, live performances, merch drops and more.Clipse – "So Be It"The second song from the Clipse album has surfaced. Entitled "So Be It," Pusha T and Malice's latest Let God Sort Em Out offering sees Pusha taking shots at Travis Scott.Fred again.. Brooklyn Pop-up for the Release of "Victory Lap" with Skepta and Plaqueboymax View this post on Instagram A post shared by HYPEBEAST (@hypebeast)After a lengthy Twitch livestream, Fred again.. and Skepta performed a one-night-only surprise New York City show. Fred again.. revealed the location to be the Brooklyn Paramount just hours before the start of the set, with over 100,000 people joining the TicketMaster queue. The du...

As VP of A&R at Capitol Records, Carter Gregory has been at the forefront of the musical shift in Latin America — spotlighting artists and shaping moments that define today's sound. His appearance in Rawayana's "Veneka" music video and on stage during their Coachella 2025 set goes beyond a cameo; it reflects how deeply his presence resonates within the Latinx community."Latin American artists bring an emotional rawness and cultural depth that is so special. I think what sets them apart is how they infuse their music and visuals with so much history, identity, and a real sense of place. I often times feel that I am transported to Puerto Rico, Columbia, Mexico, Venezuela, etc. when listening to some of my favorite Latin artists due to the immense storytelling about their upbringing and h...

Leon Thomas’s list of connections is extensive.At first known as Andre Harris from Victorious, the Brooklyn native started off with acting as his primary creative pursuit, making music on the side. Thomas worked with mentor Babyface in his Los Angeles studio and primarily produced for other artists at the time, his castmate Ariana Grande included.He has since racked up production and writing credits from a star-studded selection of musicians including SZA, Drake, Rick Ross, 6LACK, Post Malone and Ty Dolla $ign – being the first artist to get signed to Ty's EZMNY Records.Back in September, Thomas dropped his second solo album MUTT, which cemented his spot as a contemporary R&B solo artist. Features came from Ty, Masego, Wale, Axlfolie, Baby Rose and Freddie Gibbs.Aweng Chuol is another ...

As the week in music comes to a close, Hypebeast has rounded up the best projects for the latest installment of Best New Tracks.Albums land from Lil Tecca, KayCyy​, Feid, FearDorian, Slick Rick and skaiwater, with Kevin Abstract also dropping a project. Lil Wayne extended his Tha Carter VI with The Carter VI (Bonus) edition, with REASON similarly extending his I Love You Again album.Japanese Breakfast, Gunna, Larry June x Cardo Got Wings, Pi'erre Bourne and Bktherula all released singles.Lil Tecca – DOPAMINEAfter unveiling standout singles "Dark Thoughts" and "OWA OWA," Lil Tecca has unveiled the follow-up project to PLAN A, his fifth studio album, DOPAMINE.  The sole feature on the album comes from none other than Ken Carson.Spotify | Apple MusicKayCyy – Before I Was BornKayCyy is back wi...

As the week in music comes to a close, Hypebeast has rounded up the best projects for the latest installment of Best New Tracks.Albums come from Lil Wayne, Little Simz, Turnstile, Addison Rae, and MARINA, with JPEGMAFIA expanding his Veteran LP.Singles, on the other hand, stem from Lil Yachty, Ty Dolla $ign, Pi'erre Bourne, Kevin Abstract x Dominic Fike and Glorilla.Lil Wayne – Tha Carter VILil Wayne has shared the sixth installment of his Tha Carter album series: Tha Carter VI. The album arrives almost seven years after its predecessor and features Big Sean, 2 Chainz and many others.Spotify | Apple MusicLittle Simz – LotusThe sixth studio album by English rapper Little Simz has surfaced. Entitled Lotus, the initially delayed LP features Obongjayar, Moses Sumney, Sampha, Yusef Dayes and mo...