Plenty of great new music on this global warming-affected Friday. Below, RESPECT. highlights today’s releases from Future, Thundercat, Stormzy and NAV, all of which are available via all streaming outlets:

Future – HNDRXX

It’s clear that Future is gunning for two back-to-back number one albums with his latest album HNDRXX, which follows last week’s self-titled release. In contrast with the previous effort (which seemed to be geared toward the streets), this go ’round sees the Atlanta veteran returning to what landed him amongst his commercially-successful peers in the first place — catchy hooks and stretched out melodies (a clear precursor to today’s Young Thug). In addition, The Weeknd and Rihanna join Future on his latest effort.

SIDEBAR: HNDRXX doesn’t arrive without controversy…many are speculating that Future’s 2017 releases are designed to settle a debt with former friend Rocko, who he’s been going back and forth with lately following Rocko’s lawsuit against him. For the record, Future denied these rumors, yet what’s being handled behind closed doors remains to be seen.

Thundercat – Drunk

Thundercat is back with the official follow-up to 2015’s The Beyond / Where The Giants Roam, a 23-track effort that sees the Brainfeeder artist/musician collaborating with the likes of Kendrick Lamar, Kamasi Washington, Pharrell Williams and Wiz Khalifa…there’s even a beautifully-funky collaboration with legendary duo Kenny Loggins and Michael McDonald (“Show You The Way”).

Stormzy – Gang Signs & Prayer

Expect this one to be one of the biggest albums from the UK (and perhaps the world) this year: South London rapper Stormzy has finally liberated his long-awaited project, titled Gang Signs & Prayer. Not only does this release further solidify Stormzy standing as one of the hardest emcees out right now (whether in Grime or Hip-Hop), it also expands Stormzy’s sound into other ranges, including Gospel (which isn’t as surprising nowadays, thanks to artists like Chance The Rapper).

Gang Signs & Prayer (or GSAP) boasts 16 tracks and appearances from Wretch 32, Ghetts, Kehlani, J Hus, MNEK and even currently-incarcered Grime legend Crazy Titch, who sends a big message on one of the album’s interludes via phone call.

NAV – NAV

Largely known as The Weeknd‘s secret weapon, artist/songwriter/producer NAV premieres his debut album to the masses. The self-titled effort comes with 11 tracks and — aside from NAV handling most of the album himself — also features contributions from the likes of Metro Boomin and the aforementioned XO boss.

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#Future #NAV #stormzy #Thundercat

Posted By

Jon Powell

Currently working as Senior Editor of RESPECT. Magazine, I (Jon Powell) have 10 years experience in digital and print media -- this includes writing, photography and video editing production. I have worked extensively in Washington, D.C. and London, England and specialise in urban music and culture.