Jim Jones, Queen Key, GloRilla, Busta Rhymes, And Other New Hip-Hop Releases For The Ride Home

Jim Jones – ‘At The Church Steps’

Jim Jones has been shrouded in controversy for the better part of the new year, but the uptown luminary looks to focus the spotlight on his artistry with his latest album, At the Church Steps.

A robust 17 songs in length, At the Church Steps finds Jones addressing the various elephants in the room, from wars of words with friends turned foes, to questions regarding his origins and street credibility.

Led by the previously released single, “Jomo,” the album sets in with “Genesis,” on which he brandishes his affiliation with the Nine Trey Gangsters and his brotherhood with incarcerated rapper Mel Matrix.

Things get even more personal on “Make It Out,” as Jones seemingly takes a jab at Cam’ron and Ma$e, contrasting their hoop dreams as teenagers with his more hardened beginnings.

“When the ship sank, I had to show ’em I could stay afloat/ These ni**as had to play sports, all my ni**as had to play with coke,” Capo rhymes atop production courtesy of Hitmaka, scoffing at the assertion that his position was given, rather than earned.

At the Church Steps includes numerous highlights, such as “Walking On Business,” “White Lines,” “Cinema,” “End of Summer,” and “Back in the Day,” the last of which includes a feature from Lobby Boyz groupmate Maino.

Boasting a supporting cast consisting of Fabolous, Dave East, Conway the Machine, Keen Streetz, Dyce Payso, Rell, and more, At the Church Steps is a strong body of work from Jim Jones and shows that beyond the drama, he’s still a musical force to be reckoned with. – Preezy Brown

Queen Key Featuring GloRilla – “Hell Woods 2”

“Hell Woods 2” has a fantastic, trumpet-laden beat, but the chorus does not match up. There is a such thing as keeping it too simple, and it is repeated too much so it sounds even worse.

“This sh*t on the floor, but I want some more/ Baby, you my h*e, but I want some more,” Queen Key raps. Thankfully, GloRila pulls up with a strong feature verse.

Again, she can’t miss and her southern drawl is so enjoyable. Plus, she switches up her deliveries and has humorous bars. This probably would’ve been better as a solo song for her. – Armon Sadler

Busta Rhymes – ‘Dragon Season…Equinox’

Opening the year with the release of his The Awakening EP, Busta Rhymes unveils Equinox, the second installment in the esteemed lyricist’s Dragon Season… series.

Comprised of seven selections, Equinox gets off to a hot start with the massive posse-cut, “Get On Your Job,” as Busta is joined by Trillian, J-Doe, Connie Diiamond, and BK Gudda.

That spirit of collaboration is prevalent throughout the project, as a varied mix of contributors appear alongside the Flipmode general, including Symba and Stacy Barthe (“Brain Dead”), Akon and Vybz Kartel (“Crazy”), and WhoInGodsName (“Stay in Your Place”).

The most impressive moments on the EP come via the Tobi Nwigwe-assisted “Father of Civilization,” and the closer, “I Won’t Lie Down” featuring Killer Mike.

Returning “with a new prescription and conviction,” as he declares on the lone solo cut, “Riot 2 Mammoth,” Equinox signals that Busta may be tenured enough to earn honorary degrees and lifetime achievement awards, but remains fully immersed in his longtime trade. – PB

Bossman Dlow – “Sum Out Of Nun”

Bossman Dlow, once again, sticks to what’s working on “Sum Out Of Nun.” He uses his signature flow and intermediary, bridge delivery to connect lines.

Many people still aren’t tired of it yet, so no need to fix what isn’t broken. The beat is pretty linear to what he’s already put out as well. With all this talk of evolution, it begs the question: what would different Bossman Dlow music sound like?

Do we want to hear him on an Alchemist or Metro Boomin beat? Time will tell, but “Sum Out Of Nun” is solid so there isn’t much need to rush and switch anything up. – AS

TiaCorine – “Ate”

TiaCorine dropped a fun track with “ATE.” The bouncy production is fitting for women to twerk to their delight and the vocal loop is primed for a TikTok routine.

However, the best part is her delivery. Tia’s delivery has been described as an acquired taste, but once it’s figured out, you understand the appeal of her music. On “ATE,” there is a healthy marriage between the beat and the various flows she utilizes.

Not to use a word that is often overused, but the record is infectious. Whether you are sitting a desk or driving, it is hard to not hit a little jig to it. This record could be big for her. – AS

Lil Tjay – “Apex”

Lil Tjay’s “Apex” is a real knocker. Heavy drums, steady hi-hats, and piano keys are the foundation of the mid-tempo rider. He employs his usual autotune vocals blended with a hard-hitting rap cadence.

The Bronx rapper reflects on his come-up and his insatiable hunger for wealth, all while clarifying that while he enjoys sexual escapades with women, he won’t allow them to be a distraction from his grind.

Tjay has overcome a lot in these last few years, and while he has always had a passionate approach to his records, there is an audible difference in how high stake each performance is for him. “Apex” is some of his best work in a while. – AS

YoungBoy Never Broke Again – “5 Night”

YoungBoy Never Broke Again’s versatility may not come up enough. He can do the gritty tracks, love songs, and everything in between.

“5 Night” leans more towards a trap record, loaded with his high-pitched squeals that are often unintelligible, but the raw emotion makes them enjoyable nonetheless.

His flow switches and variation of cadences are especially nice here. The production especially shines here, with a haunting beautiful violin-like sound, a flute, and some thumping drums.

YoungBoy NBA has been viewed as a villain for his conduct outside of music, and this record can easily soundtrack a movie where he makes his first appearance as the protagonist. – AS

Reason – ‘I Love You Again’

REASON went from having a cosign and backing by one of the premier imprints in Hip-Hop, to forging his own path through the record industry, on his own terms.

Refusing to view his departure from Top Dawg Entertainment as a setback, the Cali spitter has hopped back on his horse, doling out I Love You Again, his first full-length offering post-TDE.

The moment play is pushed and listeners are met with “Fly Away,” the first song on the album, it’s evident that REASON has attacked this particular project with a purpose, as he touches on his survival instinct and inner reflections.

However, the lone missteps come in the form of the acapella interludes and the “100 Freestyle,” which are serviceable selections in their own right, but negatively alter the flow of what otherwise is an album without blemish.

Taking a more loose approach on the Junii-guested “MY Own” and “Fleece,” the latter doubling as the lone solo outing on the I Love You Again, REASON impresses throughout the majority of the proceedings, as he proves his game travels and isn’t predicated on big-name alliances. – PB

Little Simz Featuring Obongjayar and Moonchild Sanelly – “Flood”

Pounding drums and guitar licks make up the sonic foundation of “Flood,” a new track from Little Simz that coincides with the latest development in the UK rap star’s career.

Announcing her sixth studio album, Lotus, earlier this week, Little Simz gives fans a hint of what’s yet to come with “Flood,” the lead-single from the project, which is set to arrive on May 9.

Accompanied by a music video directed by filmmaker Salomon Lighhelm, “Flood” marks a triumphant reemergence from Little Simz and is sure to stir up anticipation for the forthcoming longplayer. – PB

Boldy James, Chuck Strangers – ‘Token Of Appreciation’

Boldy James‘ seemingly endless onslaught of music continues with Token of Appreciation, the Detroit rep’s latest joint-effort.

Linking up with boardsman Chuck Strangers, James sticks to the devices that his fans have come to know him for on Token of Appreciation, which is delivering dexterous street parables over brooding soundscapes.

While early selections like “Whale Fishing” and “Big Paws on a Puppy” more than suffice, the album truly gets going on its latter half, as “Lop Sided,” “Thank God,” and “Fail Proof” find Boldy rising to the occasion.

The constant liberation of new material makes it hard to stay up to date on James’ discography, but that issue is one we’re glad to have, given the payoff. – PB

.idk. – ‘BRAVADO INTiMO..’

Steve Aoki, Trippie Redd Featuring Jessica Baio – “Radio”

Ray Vaughn – “CEMETARY lanterns”

Trae Tha Truth Featuring Hunxho – Ain’t Tha Truth”

Caldwell, Fivio Foreign – “Get Out The Way”

Skip Marley Featuring Ding Ding, Masicka – “Close (Remix)”

1900Rugrat – ‘Porch 2 The Pent’

Billy Blue – “Lil Yeah Yeah”

Masicka Featuring French Montana – “Whites (Remix)”

Errol Holden – ‘Supreme Magnetic’

Wil$on – ‘METHOD ACTING: act III’

Star Bandz Featuring BabyChiefDoit – “Mirror Mirror”

Lil Tony – ‘Born Again’

YTB Fatt Featuring Rio Da Yung OG – “Ghetto Fox”

Lord Sko – “Robinhood”

Marqus Clae – ‘You Don’t Know You Love Me Yet’

Lyric Jones Featuring UHMEER – “In Due Time”

FCG Heem – ‘I Like Me’