First off let me say Happy Women’s History Month! I think it is especially important to recognize women and their achievements throughout the course of history. Just as we celebrated Black History Month in February, it is equally important to recognize women by showing our gratitude and appreciation for their achievements.
That said, I am happy to see the emergence of women in hip hop. In a genre that has been primarily dominated by men, women have been representing to the fullest. From Nikki Minaj, Cardi B, Megan Thee Stallion, and Rapsody these women have consistently pushed the boundaries showing us that women should be talked about and are just as dope as their male counterparts.
Che Noir x Big Ghost Ltd – Noir or Never
Kicking off this week of new releases is Che Noir and Big Ghost Ltd. Che Noir who comes from Buffalo, New York, though not associated with Griselda Records Che Noir rap style is just as chiseled as her male counterparts. Delving into the her upbringing and her experiences living in Buffalo she is poised to carve her own lane.
On her intro to Noir to Never Noir takes an excerpt from Jermaine Dupri that discusses the state of women rappers who use their sexual prowess as a means for success. Che Noir is cut differently, she prefers to slaughter rappers male or female and delivers bars for those interested in listening. My favorite tracks on the album include, “Veracruz,” “Bad Apple,” and “Caps Lock”.
Jordan Ward – Forward
Emerging as an artist to watch in 2023; St. Louis native Jordan Ward has debuted his major label debut Forward. Ward who has been creating buzz with several singles including one of his latest “White Crocs,” featuring Ryan Trey. Ward is set to make quite the noise this year as he is currently on tour with Jid and Smino on the Luv Is 4Ever Tour and is set to be on J Cole’s Dreamville Festival lineup in April.
Ward’s Forward is a fresh breath of air and provides mid-tempo melodies that should get you up on the dance floor a few times. The guest features on the album include up and coming artist Gwen Bunn, Joyce Price, Joony, and Lido who has several production credits on the project. My favorite tracks on the album include “FamJam4000,” “Cherimoya,” “Sidekick,” along with “White Crocs”
Masego – Masego
Back in 2018 Masego received a warm reception for his debut album Lady, Lady. Most people will recognize Masego for one of his most recent songs “Yamz” which became quite the viral hit on social media. The Jamaican born crooner released his self titled sophomore album that should build on it’s predecessor.
Masego’s latest project looks to build on the TrapHouseJazz sound he has been crafting over the last several years. Despite working with artist such as Sir, FKJ, and VanJess Masego has forgone any major features this turn around. This project is a slow burner guaranteed to have you vibing all week long. My picks on the album include “You Never Visit Me,” “Afraid of Water,” “Down In The Dump,” and Who Cares Anyway.”
Creed 3 – Soundtrack
Creed 3 hits theaters today along with the soundtrack backed by J Cole’s Dreamville label. Expect some hard hitting tracks on this project with guest features from Reason, Tierra Whack, Big Sean, EST Gee, Samba, Arin Ray alongside the Dreamville roster
Big Boss Vette x Coi Leray – Pretty Girlz Walk (Remix)
Big Boss Vette has dropped a remix to “Pretty Girls Walk” featuring Coi Leray. The St. Louis rapper has shown she has the ability to make hits and it is only a matter of time before we get a project from this up and coming artist.
Stringz EMB – Save Me featuring KV The Writer & Jay Marie
St. Louis singer Stringz EMB has been busy over the last year with his album Black Summer. Released back in August of 2022 Stringz has put in work hitting cities on a promo run to push his latest project. In continuing to make moves a few days ago Stringz released visuals for “Save Me” featuring KV The Writer and Jay Marie.
Enforcer Fridays
Be sure to listen to my playlist for the rest of my picks this week.
- New Music: Hit Boy & Alchemist, Icewear Vezzo plus several new singles added to the Playlist - Friday, February 2, 2024
- Aida Ade (Live at the Dark Room) - Saturday, January 27, 2024
- New Music Friday: Keyon Harrold, Destin Conrad, Elcamino & Black Soprano Family, and more - Friday, January 19, 2024