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The new year has started with a bang for music lovers, as several artists have dropped new albums and singles in January. Here is a rundown of some of the most notable releases of the month.
JAN 5: Playboi Carti, Ufo361, and Ghetts
The first week of January saw three different genres of music being represented by three different artists. Playboi Carti, the American rapper known for his experimental and psychedelic style, released his third studio album, Whole Lotta Red. The album features guest appearances from Kanye West, Kid Cudi, and Future, and has received mixed reviews from critics and fans.
Ufo361, the German rapper and producer, also released his seventh studio album, SONY. The album is a tribute to his former label, Sony Music, which he left in 2020. The album features collaborations with Future, Gunna, and Bonez MC, and has been praised for its trap beats and catchy hooks.
Ghetts, the British grime MC, delivered his fourth studio album, On Purpose, With Purpose. The album is a reflection of his personal and artistic growth, and features guest appearances from Skepta, Stormzy, Ed Sheeran, and Emeli Sandé. The album has been hailed as a masterpiece of grime music, and showcases Ghetts’ lyrical skills and versatility.
JAN 12: Ty Dolla Sign & Kanye West, and Kid Cudi
The second week of January brought two more rap releases, this time from two duos. Ty Dolla Sign and Kanye West, who have collaborated on several songs before, released their joint album, Vultures. The album is a dark and moody exploration of fame, addiction, and spirituality, and features production from Mike Dean, Hit-Boy, and Boi-1da. The album has received positive reviews from critics, who have praised the chemistry and creativity of the two artists.
Kid Cudi, the American rapper and singer, also released his second album of the month, Insano. The album is a sequel to his previous album, Man on the Moon III: The Chosen, which was released in December 2020. The album continues the story of Cudi’s alter ego, Mr. Rager, and his struggles with mental health and addiction. The album features guest appearances from Travis Scott, Phoebe Bridgers, and Willow Smith, and has been acclaimed for its emotional and musical depth.
JAN 24: Kevin Gates, and Benny the Butcher
The third week of January saw two more rap releases, this time from two solo artists. Kevin Gates, the American rapper and entrepreneur, released his sixth studio album, The Ceremony. The album is a celebration of his success and freedom, after being released from prison in 2018. The album features guest appearances from Lil Wayne, Roddy Ricch, and Young Thug, and has been well-received by fans and critics.
Benny the Butcher, the American rapper and member of the Griselda collective, also released his third studio album, EVERYBODY CAN’T GO. The album is a showcase of his gritty and realistic street rap, and features guest appearances from Drake, Freddie Gibbs, and Rick Ross. The album has been praised for its hard-hitting beats and sharp lyrics.
JAN 26: Lyrical Lemonade, and Masta Ace & Marco Polo
The last week of January brought two more music releases, this time from two different genres. Lyrical Lemonade, the American media company and record label founded by Cole Bennett, released their first compilation album, ALL IS YELLOW. The album features songs from various artists signed to or affiliated with Lyrical Lemonade, such as Juice WRLD, Lil Tecca, Ski Mask the Slump God, and Trippie Redd. The album has been lauded for its diversity and quality of music, and showcases the talent and vision of Cole Bennett.
Masta Ace and Marco Polo, the American rapper and Canadian producer, also released their second collaborative album, Richmond Hill. The album is a tribute to the neighborhood in Queens, New York, where Masta Ace grew up. The album features guest appearances from Pharoahe Monch, Smif-N-Wessun, and Cormega, and has been applauded for its nostalgic and authentic hip-hop sound.
Conclusion
January 2024 has been a month of music releases that have catered to different tastes and preferences. Whether it is rap, grime, trap, or hip-hop, there is something for everyone to enjoy. The music industry has started the new year with a bang, and we can only hope that the rest of the year will be as exciting and diverse.