Charting the top five most important tracks in rap and R&B music you may not have heard
In amongst the noise and chaos of the algorithm and unbearable artificial music, we wrap up the most significant hip-hop, rap, and R&B music in January so far.
Ella Mai – ‘100’
Ella Mai returns with her usual polished and smooth R&B vibes with her latest track ‘100’. Publishing a music video to support a narrative of giving 100% in a relationship, it caters well to both fans and R&B aficionados alike.
French Montana & Max B – ‘Ever Since You Left Me’
Fans of French Montana and Max B have been left with a sense of nostalgia and sonic satiety following the release of a new album. However their new drop, Ever Since You Left Me, has received mixed reviews, dividing fans who have critiqued their choice of sampling and autotune. Either way, it’s an anthem for many.
Twin S & Potter Payper – Two Lives
Twin S is set to drop his new album, and what better way than to partner with UK rap wizard Potter Payper? The latter goes hard over a drill-leaning beat, though it feels and sounds too cliche. Especially for a genre currently going round in circles. We need fresh, but Twin’s verses are a stale addition.
ASAP Rocky – ‘Stole Ya Flow’
Following the release of his long-awaited album ‘Don’t Be Dumb’, the rapper tempts controversy with his latest single ‘Stole Ya Flow’, a track widely accepted to be a Drake diss, though ASAP Rocky stopped short of confirming it. Instead, in a New York Times interview, the rapper said it’s about “whoever feels like it’s about them”.
Elemiene – ‘Reclusive’
Elemine steps into the scene once again, announcing his new long play, Sounds For Someone, with the release of his new single ‘Reclusive’, produced by Jeff ‘Gitty’ Gitelman.
Acknowledging the influences of Biz Markie, who made “life feel funny, honest, and memorable”, the vocalist said: “I’m grateful for a pretty debilitating sickness I had in December 2024, it’s the reason this song exists. When writing ‘Reclusive’, the goal was to make it painfully autobiographical.”
The album is slated to be released on the 27th March 2026 and will feature production from NO I.D.
J.Cole – Disc 2 Track 2
Need we say more? J. Cole dropped his first track, Disc 2 Track 2, from his forthcoming album “The Fall-Off”. Inspired by some of the greats before him, the rapper spits with depth for his 2026 launch. Check out our full review here.
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