New Music Report - Week of December 18th

FPM

Happy Monday! Kickstart your week ahead by checking out all of the new music that has just been released in this roundup of new songs, new albums, and new artists that you need to be listening to. 

From new albums from Eminem and G-Eazy, to songs from BØRNS and Jennifer Hudson, to new collaborations from Timbaland & 6lack and Ed Sheeran & Andrea Bocelli, to our expert picks, take a look at this week's New Music Report.

NEW RELEASES

Eminem - REVIVAL

After waiting for what seemed like a lifetime, Eminem's highly anticipated REVIVAL studio album is here! Since the public first learned that Em was dropping a new LP, everyone immediately got excited. It's been years since we've gotten a full project from the rapper and he's finally ready to come back into our lives. The artist teased the album with one faux medical advertisement after the next, urging fans to take REVIVAL, as their doctor (Dre) prescribed to enhance their lives and health.

The first single from REVIVAL was "Walk On Water" featuring Beyoncé. On this track, fans learned how hesitant Em was -- at first -- about making his comeback. Em rapped on it, "Kids look to me like as a god, this is ret**ded/ If only they knew, it’s a facade and it’s exhaustive/ And I try to not listen to nonsense/ But if you b**ches are trying to strip me of my confidence/ Mission accomplished/ I'm not god sent/ Pac, Kim, Big, James Todd Smith/ And I’m not Prince." Thankfully, these worries eventually went away and the artist's fans can finally get their doses of much-needed REVIVAL. Listen to it ASAP.

WARNING: Side effects of listening to REVIVAL include sweaty palms, muscle aches, shortness of breath and urinating more often than normal.

Eminem - 'REVIVAL'

G-Eazy - The Beautiful & Damned

G-Eazy levels up his discography with the release of his new album, The Beautiful & Damned, as the LP serves as — wait for it — a double collection. On the set, the Bay Area rapper brings listeners closer to the many facets of his identity. He’s a lover. He has his demons. He has a tumultuous past. Take the lead single, “Him & I,” for example. He and Halsey take their real-life romance to the studio with "Him & I," a 2017 telling of their reckless love that features a soaring hook and even refers to the pair as the "2017 Bonnie and Clyde." "I think she’s an incredibly talented artist who has accomplished so much at such a young age. She’s one of the biggest artists in the whole world. At 22-years-old, that’s pretty phenomenal. ‘Him & I’ is a Bonnie and Clyde song. It’s a pretty intense, crazy in love song. She killed the record,” Gerald said of the experience. See: “The Beautiful & Damned” and “Sober" 

G-Eazy - 'The Beautiful & Damned'

N.E.R.D. - No_One Ever Really Dies

After a lengthy hiatus, N.E.R.D. returns with their comeback LP, No_One Ever Really Dies, and it even though it's only 11 cuts long, the iconic hip-hop collective return with their fifth studio LP to sound off about the political landscape and do so with a few old (and new) friends. The album features appearances from André 3000, Kendrick Lamar, Gucci Mane, Wale and Future, among others. If you were feeling the two singles ("Lemon" with Rihanna and "1000" with Future), there’s a good chance you’ll enjoy the rest. See: "Lemon" and "ESP" 

N.E.R.D - NO_ONE EVER REALLY DIES

Ed Sheeran - "Perfect Symphony" (with Andrea Bocelli)

If you want yet another rendition of Ed Sheeran's "Perfect," take a listen to the Italian classical-crossover orchestral version of the recent Divide single. As the story goes, Sheeran's brother, Matthew Sheeran, a classical composer arranged the cut and asked Andrea Bocelli to participate on the collaboration. The latest version follows the Beyoncé remix of "Perfect," which hit the top of the Billboard Hot 100 last week. Expect even more of the Divide era when Sheeran kicks off his first-ever North American stadium tour August 18th, 2018 in Pasadena, California.

Bright: The Album

Welcome to Collaboration City! Or fans might know it better as Bright: The Album. The 13-track album comes along with the Netflix flick Bright, which stars Will Smith, and brings the biggest artists together for mega collab after mega collab. Artists featured on Bright: The Album include Migos & Marshmello, Machine Gun Kelly, X Ambassadors & Bebe Rexha, Logic & Rag'n'Bone Man, Camila Cabello & Grey, and more. While this soundtrack is available now, Bright hits Netflix next week on December 22nd.

'BRIGHT: The Album'

Timbaland x 6lack - "Grab The Wheel"

During a recently published interview with Rolling Stone, Timbaland touched on many different topics including the importance of working with artists of the next generation. He said, "Which means finding the youth of today. Look at Quincy Jones -- he was 50 when he did Thriller! What's my Thriller? That's the goal." That’s where this new song entitled “Grab The Wheel” with 6lack comes in. The famed producer teased the track back in August. Now, the single has been released, as well as its accompanying music video. 6lack sings in his classic smooth, out of the world R&B/hip hop tone that puts you in a deep trance. Along with Timbaland’s beats, the track is just perfection.

Charli XCX - POP2

Serving as her second mixtape of the year, Charli XCX’s POP2 is a fine collection of the British pop star's creative threshold. Alongside some avant-pop producers like A. G. Cook and SOPHIE, the star concocts some weird beats, loveable lyrics and, of course, her signature sass to the new offering. It’s a guest-heavy affair with plenty of stars including , CupcakKe, Carly Rae Jepsen, Mykki Blanco, and Caroline Polachek.

Charli XCX - 'Pop 2'

Bebe Rexha - "Count On Christmas"

Bebe Rexha gave her Rexhars the best Christmas gift ever by releasing her very first Christmas song! The track, "Count On Christmas," was part of A Christmas Story Live, during which Bebe performed the new song in the most adorable red Christmas outfit. "Count On Christmas" was written by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (La La Land, Dear Evan Hansen), and is filled with all the holiday feels you need. Bebe sings in the chorus, "Doesn't matter if the year's got you feeling down/Just remember in December what is coming 'round/And you'll find the feeling that you always found/You can count on Christmas, count on Christmas."

Chris Brown - "Goin At At"

After adding an addition 12 songs on his 45-track Heartbreak On A Full Moon album to create a deluxe edition of the project, Chris Brown has now released a song called “Goin At It” that isn’t even on either album. How many songs does this guy have?! Anyway, this track is a raunchy one, as the singer croons about being naughty this season with a special someone. “Girl, just let go and let this happen / Close your eyes, feel my magic stick,” Brown sings. “We keep f**kin’ up these mattresses / My back got all these scratches / Real sex we be practicin’.”

Fall Out Boy - "Champion (Remix)" by RM from BTS

BTS continue their Stateside domination with the remix to Fall Out Boy's "Champion" as BTS member RM spits two verses in English. "Yo, should I be a star? Baby, I think I already are," the Korean rapper, who originally used to go by the name Rap Monster, rhymes on the track. "Ain't gotta be somebody, be anybody, rather be anybody than live in a dead body.” RM’s remix of “Champion” is the latest collaboration that BTS has worked on this year. They have also worked on "Mic Drop (Remix)" by Steve Aoki and featuring Desiigner, Love Yourself: Her track “Best of Me” featuring Andrew Taggart of The Chainsmokers’ and the RM-assisted Wale track, "Change” in May.

Jennifer Hudson - "Burden Down"

In preparation for her upcoming album, which is scheduled to come in 2018, Jennifer Hudson has given us her new “Burden Down” song. The vocal powerhouse also released a music video for the track. It shows Hudson sitting behind a piano for the majority of it, as she belts out the heartfelt single. “Can I lay this burden down? / Can you take it up for me? / When you run me in the ground that’s the day you will see,” Hudson sings in the chorus. “For all I’ve done all alone, just for a moment please could I not be strong? / Wish I knew how, how to lay this burden down.” “Burden Down” come be in reference to the break up that she’s now going through with estranged fiancé, David Otunga.

Machine Gun Kelly - "The Break Up"

Wow, MGK really isn’t sweating his ex. On his new song “The Break Up,” the rapper is unapologetically saying good riddance to someone that he used to know, but doesn’t give a damn about. Who can relate? MGK spits: I wish that I loved you, or that I cared/ Or that I'd even give a damn if you were here/ But you're gone, so it's f**k you/ I'm a player, I am everything that you wanted but you're scared.”

 When he was rapping these hard, but true lyrics, we felt every last word.

Jeezy - Pressure

Jeezy dropped his eighth studio album, Pressure on Friday (Dec. 15) via Def Jam Recordings. From previously teasing snippets of some songs on social media, to dropping music videos; Jeezy wants to end 2017 on a high note. According to a press release: "Jeezy has foreshadowed Pressure’s theme on social media for several weeks with the #TrustYaProcess hashtag, meaning trust in oneself to overcome life's most difficult challenges -- Jeezy’s motto for reaching new heights throughout his legendary career, never cracking under pressure. Pressure, which continues to carry the torch of Jeezy’s powerful voice to a brave new world, is the eagerly awaited follow-up to Trap Or Die 3."

Jeezy - 'Pressure'

Rich Homie Quan - "Changed"

It’s been a minute since we heard something new from Rich Homie Quan, but here he is with his new song “Changed.” On it, the former XXL Freshman talks about his new wealth, as well as haters who often doubt him. The rapper lets them know that he’s not worried about them, one bit. "Don't let that money fool ya, boy, ain't s**t changed/We in Miami on Biscayne/Forty-thousand for the big face/And they want another fifty-thousand just to bust it down,” Quan raps. “I've been doing this s**t since sixth grade/Teachers told me I would never make/No money off these words, now I'm not worried 'bout nobody/Told that same teacher, 'Look at me' and I didn't go to college." “Changed” will be featured on Quan’s upcoming album Rich As In Spirit, which we’ll be getting early 2018.

Dej Loaf - "Big Ole Boss"

Dej Loaf is readying her debut album that’s coming out next year with another hot song. Called “Big Ole Boss,” the rapper spits about calling all the shots and loving every minute of doing so. “I’m a big ole boss / I’m a big ole boss / Came back from a big ole loss,” she sing-raps. “Get rich / Let me scratch that off my bucket / Take a ni**a bitch / Let me scratch that off my bucket.” We’re not mad at you, girl! “Big Ole Boss” will most likely be featured on her upcoming album entitled Liberated. The artist previously said that the project will show “a lot of growth” from her. 

DJ Mustard & RJMrLA - The Ghetto

DJ Mustard and RJMrLA revealed their collaborative album called The Ghetto on Friday (Dec. 15), and it’s jam-packed with tracks from some of you favorite stars. The project consists of 11 songs, and some of the megastars on it include Ty Dolla $ign, YG, Rae Sremmurd, O.T. Genasis, and more. Though this isn’t the first time that Mustard and RJMrLA have worked together, this is the first time that the two Los Angeles natives have released an entire album together.

In an interview with Billboard, Mustard said about their chemistry: “The chemistry is like no other. We kind of created our own little sound. Instead of just creating the same sound I got with like YG or Ty Dolla $ign, what we got is very different. RJ is a different type of rapper, so it was cool just like sitting down for a couple weeks while doing this project and locking in.”

DJ Mustard - 'The Ghetto'

BØRNS - "I Don't Want U Back"

BØRNS might be singing "I Don't Want U Back" on in his brand new song ... but he's about to BE back, because the Michigan-born singer/songwriter also announced his second studio album Blue Madonna. "I Don't Want U Back" is the third song fans have heard from the upcoming release, following "Faded Heart" and "Sweet Dreams." BØRNS's latest Blue Madonna track was co-written by Tommy English and BØRNS himself, produced by English, and is a breakup song where the 25-year-old is telling a cheating ex lover that he doesn't want them back. "I sleep better than every/Night you were lying next to me/Don't wanna see your face/You need to face the facts/I don't want you back," he sings in the chorus.

The-Dream - "It's Yo Birthday"

In honor of the 10th anniversary of his debut album Love Hate, The-Dream delivered a previously unreleased song named “It’s Yo Birthday.” Throughout the song, Dream sings to his lady, who’s celebrating her B-Day, and things get freaky. “It’s yo birthday,” he sings. “We gon’ start at eight, you better not be late / We gon’ celebrate, I get the first taste / And we gon’ end this party in your favorite place.” On Instagram, Dream added about “It’s Yo Birthday” and the release of Love Hate, “On this Day 10 Years Ago,” he wrote. “#happybirthday #LoveHate #TheDream Love Hate Changed Everything! Like it or Not!”

MAX featuring TINI - "Lights Down Low (Latin Mix)"

MAX's hit single "Lights Down Low" is already an amazing song. The track, which just recently achieved Gold certification status, was originally used for Max to propose to his wife Emily. Now, the pop singer/songwriter has teamed up with Argentinian singer/actress TINI (Martina Stoessel) to breathe some new life into the romantic tune with a new Latin Mix. In this new version of "Lights Down Low," it's business as usual until you get to the second verse, which is where TINI's Latin lyrics come in. They then duet together throughout the rest of the song, as she also sings the English pre-chorus and chorus.

Pitch Perfect 3 (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)

It's LAST CALL PITCHES! The third Pitch Perfect movie has officially hit theaters, and with it comes the film's official soundtrack. The 19-track album features your favorite Barden Bellas singing covers of some of your favorite pop songs like Britney Spears' "Toxic," DNCE's "Cake By The Ocean," and Sia's "Cheap Thrills," in addition to holiday songs like "Silent Night," "Baby, It's Cold Outside," and "Feliz Navidad." The soundtrack also features a brand new song by Zedd and Iggy Azalea called "Boom Boom." 

Pitch Perfect 3

EMERGING ARTIST OF THE WEEK: Why Don't We

Why Don't We

For fans of pop music, this, right now, is truly a time to be alive, because a new era of boy bands has arrived. And if Why Don't We is not on your radar yet, then what are you even doing?!

The five member group, which consists of Daniel Seavey, Zach Herron, Corbyn Besson, Jonah Marais, and Jack Avery, came together last year in September 2016, and released their debut single "Taking You" just a month later. Since then, the guys have released four EPs, Only the Beginning, Something Different, Why Don't We Just, and their latest, Invitation. And just recently, the group released a holiday EP called A Why Don't We Christmas, as well as performed in various cities across the US on the the 2017 iHeartRadio Jingle Ball Tour.

Why Don't We's current single is the incredibly catchy "These Girls," which is featured on their fourth EP Invitation and inspired by their fans. The guys were out on their "Something Different" tour, and apparently, all the ladies out there were the inspiration behind "These Girls." On Instagram, the guys wrote about their new song, "We’ve been all through the country and were inspired by you." In the chorus of the danceable pop song, the guys sing, "Ooh, I want 'em all (These girls)/The ones that you bring home to momma (These girls)/And the ones who love all of the drama (These girls)/I swear there's way too many, tryna fall for one/But I can't help it, I just wanna love all."

Watch the official "These Girls" music video below.

EXPERT PICKS

Nicole's Picks:

Camila Cabello & Grey - "Crown"

Life is extremely exciting for Camila Cabello right now, and if you're a Camilizer, it is truly a time to be alive. Not only did she announce that her debut album, Camila, will officially released next month, but the 20-year-old gave fans TWO new songs from the record. On top of that fans also have another new song from Camila called "Crown," a collaboration with production duo Grey. "Crown" is part of Bright: The Album (the soundtrack for Netflix's Bright film starring Will Smith), and features Camila's unmistakeable vocals with production from Grey. What I love the most about this song are the lyrics, especially in the chorus, Camila sings, "I’m running for the crown/Running for the crown/So hit me on, hit me on my bones/When I'm sitting on, I'm sitting on my throne."

Me after listening to this song: 👸🏼👑👸🏼👑👸🏼👑👸🏼

Cash Cash & Dashboard Confessional - "Belong"

In my college years, when "Hands Down" was my favorite song, if you told me that I'd be listening to Dashboard Confessional on an EDM song, I would have been floored. But, here we are in 2017. Chris Carrabba and crew have teamed up with dance music trio Cash Cash on a brand new song called "Belong," and it definitely belongs on your playlist. "Belong" is the perfect blend of dance/pop production from Cash Cash and romantic lyrics from Dashboard. "'Cause you, you belong with me/And I belong with you," Carrabba sings in the chorus (*melts into a puddle of feels*). The song is featured on the track listing for Dashboard's upcoming album Crooked Shadows -- the band's first full-length release in eight years.

Follow Nicole on Twitter: @NicoleMastr0

James' Picks:

Charli XCX - "Unlock It" featuring Kim Petras and Jay Park

Charli XCX released a new POP 2 offering to savor prior to the release of the mixtape and the shimmering cut called "Unlock It" featuring rising singer Kim Petras and K-Pop rapper Jay Park was an appropriate appetizer to the set. After dropping her Tove Lo and ALMA-assisted "Out Of My Head," the British pop star unleashes the pop cut and it's the effort of her time with producers A. G. Cook and Life Sim. On the four-minute synth-heavy track, Charli finds a middle ground between her signature style and some mainstream sensibility, and, let's just say that the final product delivers to sparkly ends. "Rollercoaster ride in the fast lane/ Got the roof down/ Kiss me hard in the rain/ You got the candy-colored eyes/ Pink and gold chain/ Million dollar babe/ Whip it out, like I'm propane," she sing-talks during the hook. 

The Bellas - "Toxic"

The Bellas are back with Pitch Perfect 3 and for the third installment of the pop franchise, they’ve decided to cover Britney Spears’ gem, “Toxic.” Similar to the Bloodshy & Avant-produced original, the three-and-a-half-minute cover is a wild ride, with plenty of harmonizing, background instrumentation fill-in, courtesy of the group’s vocals, and, of course, a catchy melody. Make sure you check out the rest of the soundtrack, which includes covers of Sia’s “Cheap Thrills,” DNCE’s “Cake by the Ocean” and even a new collaboration from Iggy Azalea and Zedd called “Boom Boom.” 

Follow James on Twitter: @newyorkinstinct

Isha's Picks:

Eminem featuring PHresher – "Chloraseptic"

“Chloraseptic” is a cut from Eminem’s REVIVAL album and it features Brooklyn rapper Phresher. On this track, Em raps about his frustrations with mumble rappers. In so many words – literally – the rapper spits circles around these artists and shows them the rap that he’s about. The name of the song alone illustrates this. Em is saying that “Chloraseptic” is needed as a throat medicine to cure mumble rappers, so they can finally be able to actually rap. SHADDEEEE.

“The hip with hop, still on point and poignant/ Skilled as Floyd is/ In this field, and still no filter, boy,” Eminem spits. “I'll put you in your place (yeah) like a realtor, boy/ You still ain't in the building, boy/ I will destroy shit, even as I build it/ Get the drill bit, pen is filled with poison/ Which is the source, easy to still pinpoint it.”

A$AP Ferg featuring Nicki Minaj - "Plain Jane (Remix)"

A$AP Ferg blessed the streets with a “Plain Jane (Remix)” featuring Nicki Minaj and we weren’t ready. The song has already been hard, since the MOB artist dropped the original verse in the summer. But, this remix with Minaj completely blew us away. We’re glad to say that the Queens rapper went in with her verse and was back in rare, hardcore New York form for this one. “Ride with Minaj, Mmmmashallah/ Check in with me, then do ya job/ Queen is the name, Rafeallo did the chain," she raps, before rapping, “I go hard in the booth/ Biggie vibes, gimme the loot." Our edges weren’t prepared.

Follow Isha on Twitter: @IshaThorpe


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