This Contemporary Friday, July 18, 2025, brings a robust wave of music from legends and newcomers alike. Whether or not you’re craving bar-heavy rap, introspective storytelling, or clean R&B vibes, this week’s drops are locked and loaded. Main the cost is Raekwon of Wu-Tang Clan together with his long-awaited solo album, however he’s removed from alone. Joyner Lucas, Ace Hood, and Atlanta’s rising stars all carry fireplace, whereas R&B will get new warmth from Kenyon Dixon. Right here’s your full roundup.
Raekwon – The Emperor’s New Garments
Wu-Tang legend Raekwon returns with a commanding new challenge that bridges road poetry with soulful, cinematic manufacturing. The Emperor’s New Garments is a daring assertion of legacy, full of knowledge, grit, and charm. Backed by manufacturing from Swizz Beatz, Nottz, and J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League, the album options Nas, Methodology Man, Ghostface Killah, and members of Griselda. This isn’t simply nostalgia—it’s a masterclass in timeless hip-hop.
Joyner Lucas – ADHD 2
Joyner Lucas drops ADHD 2, the sequel to his 2020 breakout. Recognized for his rapid-fire flows and emotionally sincere lyricism, Joyner goes deeper this time with assist from Ty Dolla $ign, T-Ache, Chris Brown, and Massive Sean. From the susceptible to the defiant, Joyner delivers a cultured mixture of introspection and radio-ready bangers. Highlights embody “The Method That I Am” and “One Of Them.”
Ace Hood – S.O.U.L.
Ace Hood rounds out his M.I.N.D./B.O.D.Y./S.O.U.L. trilogy with the ultimate installment—S.O.U.L. This challenge is a journey inward, providing motivational bars and melodic instrumentals constructed on themes of goal and private progress. Impartial, unfiltered, and centered, Ace continues to show that he’s probably the most resilient voices in fashionable rap.
Anycia & DJ Drama – Grady Child
Anycia, certainly one of Atlanta’s boldest rising voices, groups up with DJ Drama for the Gangsta Grillz-backed Grady Child. With rugged supply and uncooked power, Anycia instructions each beat, whereas Drama provides basic mixtape aptitude. This one’s for the streets and the automotive stereos—flip it up.
Che – Relaxation in Bass
Che brings explosive power on Relaxation in Bass, a bass-driven, high-octane challenge full of creativity and chaos. Recognized for his viral aptitude, Che delivers mosh-ready anthems like “Hellraiser” that includes OsamaSon. Should you like your rap with distortion and insanity, that is your decide of the week.
Kenyon Dixon – Nearer (Deluxe)
R&B purist Kenyon Dixon drops the deluxe model of Nearer, including new layers to an already elegant challenge. Recognized for bringing 90s soul into as we speak’s world, Dixon’s voice is velvet, his songwriting crisp. With added tracks and smoother transitions, that is date-night perfection.
Last Phrase
This week’s Contemporary Friday lineup proves that hip-hop and R&B are thriving throughout generations and kinds. From Raekwon’s legendary return to Joyner’s private evolution, from Ace Hood’s purpose-driven bars to Kenyon Dixon.
Construct your playlist, roll the home windows down, or mild the incense—this one’s acquired one thing for each temper.