Wale has been steadily teasing new music for a minute now, and while some have wondered whether the lyricist was in the midst of a pot- committed bluff, it would appear he’s officially ready to move his chips onto the table. Enter his brand new single “Flawed,” an emotionally captivating break-up ballad that finds him uniting with the ever-feature-ready Gunna for the first time. As one might have expected, there’s a low-key feel to the instrumental, which blends elements of bass guitar and pitched-up vocals in one lush package. Thematically, Wale seems to be channeling some vintage LL Cool J, aiming to reposition himself as a viable Mr. Right despite a few hiccups in the early stages. Gunna tags in to plead his own case, his cadence the perfect complement to the warm production from Mike Hector. And while Wale attempted to speak to the heart, Gunna shifts his focus to the libido, doing his best to spark nostalgia for those intimate nights in. Though it’s likely this track won’t be appreciated by all demographics, it’s still an interesting look for Wale and Gunna, two of the most melodically- savvy rappers in the game. “FOREIGN SONGS…

Russ came through and delivered his new CHOMP EP, a project that found him aligning with some of the game’s most respected lyricists across the board. In any case, it’s a solid look for the independent mogul, who has proven capable of keeping stride to an impressive degree. Even when tasked with trading bars with the Dragon himself, Russ made sure to deliver in that regard. Over a smooth and non-invasive instrumental from The Alchemist, itself a worthwhile co-sign, Russ and Busta Rhymes proceed to put in work with a lengthy verse apiece. Charged with setting things off, Russ weaves an impressive flow-scheme as he puts forth flexes. Busta picks up where he left off with a potent dose of ELE2 energy, explosive in his delivery though restrained in his own way. “FOREIGN SONGS…

At this point, it goes without saying that Hit-Boy is having a prolific year, having laced entire albums for Nas and Benny The Butcher — both of which received no shortage of acclaim. Now, the producer slash rapper is looking to keep the streak alive, coming through to deliver a brand new single called “ Salute ” with Big Sean and Fivio Foreign , both of whom he linked with earlier on Detroit 2 and Nas’ King’s Disease respectively. “FOREIGN SONGS…

Meek Mill has never been one to rest on his laurels. Even though it has been a minute since the release of 2018’s Championships, Meek has been steadily putting in work at the laboratory, presumably for his upcoming fifth studio album. In the meantime, the MMG lyricist has officially come forward with a release to tide fans over, dropping off the Quarantine Pack complete with four new tracks. As has become somewhat of a modus operandi for the Philly rapper, Meek opted to set things off on a high note with “ Middle Of It.” Featuring additional support from Vory, who holds it down on two of the project’s four tracks, Meek Mill opts to carry the bulk of the weight with an incendiary pair of verses. For those wondering whether Meek’s newfound lease on life would lead to complacency, think again — “Middle Of It” is proof that he’s still as hungry as ever. “FOREIGN SONGS…

In what may very well be the most brilliantly timed album release of the past few years, Jeezy followed up his historic Verzuz battle with Gucci Mane with the release of his Recession 2 album. And while the rapper’s sound has shifted drastically since the first installment dropped in 2008, one of the earlier cuts “Here We Go” does feel quite nostalgic in nature. Produced by Don Cannon and Sean Momberger, the instrumental features a blend of triumphant horns and contemporary percussion, symbolizing Jeezy’s transition into the new era. And while the times may have changed, Jeezy’s propensity for keeping it real on wax has yet to fade. “FOREIGN SONGS…