New Music Friday: Cardi B, Meek Mill, Dave East, Jacquees and More Lead July 31 Releases

New Music Friday: The Biggest Hip-Hop and R&B Drops of July 31

New Music Friday is closing July with a packed lineup led by superstar returns, veteran releases and fresh collaborations.

Cardi B commands the singles conversation with “AH HA,” while Meek Mill transforms one of the most recognizable records in modern Philadelphia rap. On the album side, Jacquees returns to his signature R&B lane with Mood 2, Too $hort continues a historic four-decade run and Tyga takes a sharp stylistic turn with his new $TARFACE persona.

Here are the popular and trending Hip-Hop, Rap and R&B releases worth hearing this weekend.

Featured Albums and Projects

Jacquees — Mood 2

Jacquees revisits the series that helped establish his career with Mood 2, a 22-track continuation of his 2016 mixtape Mood. The new album includes appearances from Tink, Blxst, Kodak Black, Rob49 and others.

The project is firmly rooted in contemporary slow-jam territory, with Jacquees returning to the romantic melodies and late-night R&B sound that built his audience.

Listen to Mood 2 on Apple Music

Dave East and Harry Fraud — Price of Pain

Dave East reunites with acclaimed producer Harry Fraud for Price of Pain, the long-awaited follow-up to their 2021 collaborative album, HOFFA.

The 14-track project places the Harlem rapper’s street narratives over Harry Fraud’s cinematic, sample-driven production. The album includes appearances from AZ, Benny the Butcher, Styles P, Snoop Dogg, 38 Spesh and additional guests.

Songs including “Everything Is Up,” “Hot Peas & Butter,” “Minding My Business” and “Alley Oop” expand the pair’s polished take on New York mafioso rap. Released July 29, Price of Pain is one of the week’s essential listens for fans of detailed lyricism and full-length rapper-producer collaborations.

Too $hort — Sir Too $hort, Vol. 2: Drink & Smoke

Too $hort extends one of the longest recording careers in Hip-Hop with Sir Too $hort, Vol. 2: Drink & Smoke. The Oakland pioneer’s 23rd studio album is produced entirely by longtime collaborator Lil Jon.

The release arrives during the 20th-anniversary year of “Blow the Whistle” and continues Too $hort’s commitment to making music without placing an expiration date on veteran rappers. The project also carries a personal connection through contributions from Lil Jon’s late son, DJ Young Slade.

Tyga — $TARFACE

Tyga introduces a new alter ego on $TARFACE, an ’80s-inspired album that moves beyond his familiar West Coast club-rap formula.

The rapper told People that his late mother’s love of 1980s culture helped inspire the project. Analog production, synth-pop influences and cinematic ideas shape an album Tyga describes as a deliberate creative departure.

Logic — Paradise Records

Maryland rapper Logic adds another chapter to his expanding Paradise Records universe. The soundtrack compilation accompanies his independently produced film project and arrives as Logic continues connecting his music, filmmaking and direct-to-fan releases.

Juicy J — The Clock Don’t Go Back

Juicy J takes an unexpected turn with The Clock Don’t Go Back, a spoken-word-centered project from the Memphis legend.

Rather than delivering a conventional Three 6 Mafia-style release, Juicy uses the format to reflect on time, experience and longevity. It is one of the weekend’s more unconventional projects from a major Hip-Hop veteran.

Kurupt and DJ Battlecat — Tales From My Hood

West Coast veterans Kurupt and DJ Battlecat join forces for Tales From My Hood. The pairing brings together Kurupt’s seasoned lyricism and Battlecat’s unmistakable production style for listeners looking for a classic California rap sound.

Essential New Singles

Cardi B — “AH HA”

Cardi B makes the loudest return of the week with “AH HA,” her first solo single since the release of Am I the Drama? in 2025.

Produced by DJ SwanQo—the producer behind “Up”—the record brings Cardi back to the animated delivery, sharp humor and confrontational energy that drive her biggest rap performances.

Meek Mill — “Nightmares to Dreams”

Meek Mill reconnects with the record that became his signature anthem on “Nightmares to Dreams.”

Released independently through Dream Chasers, the single functions as a spiritual sequel to the intro from Meek’s 2012 debut, Dreams and Nightmares. It uses a familiar musical foundation but reverses the original’s progression, leading with a harder and more urgent approach.

Mariah the Scientist and Kali Uchis — “Is It a Crime”

Mariah the Scientist and Kali Uchis deliver their first collaboration with “Is It a Crime.”

Produced by Mat1k and Nineteen85, the record blends contemporary R&B with Latin-influenced textures as the singers explore complicated love and emotional vulnerability. It continues the rollout for Mariah’s forthcoming album, Hearts Sold Separately.

Rod Wave — “Hustle”

Rod Wave returns with “Hustle,” bringing his emotionally heavy combination of melodic rap and Southern soul back into the New Music Friday conversation.

Ari Lennox — “Hookah Baby”

Ari Lennox adds new R&B to the weekend with “Hookah Baby.” The release gives listeners another dose of the soulful vocal style and personality that have made the Dreamville singer a fan favorite.

Wale and Elmiene — “Overthink”

Wale teams with British R&B singer Elmiene on “Overthink.” The collaboration pairs Wale’s introspective writing with Elmiene’s warm, soulful vocals, placing the record between reflective Hip-Hop and modern R&B.

Trippie Redd — “Swagger”

Trippie Redd checks in with “Swagger,” adding a melodic rap release to this week’s lineup.

Russ — “Coulda Shoulda Woulda”

Russ continues his steady independent output with “Coulda Shoulda Woulda,” another release built around his self-produced, emotionally direct approach.

Fivio Foreign featuring The Fire Choir — “Chasin”

Fivio Foreign combines Brooklyn drill energy with a choir-assisted arrangement on “Chasin,” one of the week’s more distinctive rap pairings.

SOB X RBE — “Ten Summers”

Yhung T.O., DaBoii and Slimmy B reunite as SOB X RBE for “Ten Summers.” The celebratory track marks a notable return for the Bay Area group, accompanied by a video featuring an appearance from West Coast legend E-40.

PowerPage’s First-Listen Picks

If you only have time for five releases, start here:

Cardi B — “AH HA”

Meek Mill — “Nightmares to Dreams”

Jacquees — "Mood 2"

Mariah the Scientist and Kali Uchis — “Is It a Crime”

Dave East and Harry Fraud — "Price of Pain"

From headline-making rap returns to full-length R&B and veteran West Coast projects, July 31 gives listeners plenty to carry into the weekend.

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