The final Friday of August 2025 delivered a seismic event for music enthusiasts, with New Music Friday on August 29th ushering in a deluge of highly anticipated albums and singles from across the hip, hop, and R&B spectrum. This blockbuster release slate featured significant new bodies of work from influential artists like Joey Bada$$, Sabrina Carpenter, and Ella Mai, solidifying the week as a monumental moment in contemporary music.
Joey Bada$$ Levels Up with ‘Lonely At The Top’
Brooklyn’s own Joey Bada$$ marked his return with the release of his fourth studio album, Lonely At The Top, via Columbia Records/Pro Era/Cinematic Music Group. Originally slated for an earlier August debut, the project finally landed after minor label setbacks, presenting what is being called a “grown-man evolution” following his 2022 release, 2000. The 11-track record, clocking in at approximately 40 minutes, is described by Bada$$ himself as a project made in the spirit of a mixtape, aimed at “feeding the core” while incorporating experimentation and introspection. It boasts a star-studded feature list, including fellow hip-hop heavyweights Westside Gunn, A$AP Ferg, Ty Dolla $ign, Ab-Soul, and Rapsody. Production credits span across notable names such as Statik Selektah, Boi-1da, and Hitmaka, promising a rich sonic tapestry that caters to long-time fans and newcomers alike. Bada$$ expressed his belief that the album “has something for everybody on there,” designed for easy listens and full consumption within 40 minutes. The album also serves as a continuation of his vocal stance on the state of New York hip-hop, fueling his competitive spirit and craft.
Sabrina Carpenter Explores New Territory with ‘Man’s Best Friend’
Pop sensation Sabrina Carpenter continued her prolific output with the release of her seventh studio album, Man’s Best Friend, on Island Records. Produced in collaboration with Jack Antonoff and John Ryan, the album dives into a primary pop sound augmented by elements of disco-pop, funk, R&B, and synth-rock. This new offering follows her 2024 album, Short n’ Sweet, and is highlighted by the success of its lead single, “Manchild,” which topped charts in Ireland, the UK, and the US. Concurrently released with the album was “Tears,” the project’s second single. Man’s Best Friend arrived with considerable attention, partly due to its provocative album artwork, which sparked widespread discussion about its themes and presentation. Carpenter stated that the album’s writing sessions began shortly after finishing her previous work, reflecting a consistent dedication to her artistic vision.
Ella Mai Returns with Soulful Single ‘Tell Her’
From the R&B world, British singer Ella Mai made a welcome return with her new single, “Tell Her.” Released on August 29th, the track is a soulful offering produced by her longtime collaborator Mustard, marking her first release since her 2024 EP 3. “Tell Her” delves into themes of loyalty and reassurance within relationships, blending Mai’s signature velvety vocals with Mustard’s characteristic smooth production. The song’s direct lyrics address the complexities of modern love, trust, and the need for clarity, with Mai interpolating lines from Destiny’s Child’s classic “Say My Name.” This release signals a new chapter for the Grammy-winning artist, building on the success of her previous hits like “Little Things,” which topped Billboard’s R&B Digital Song Sales chart.
Westside Gunn and Rakim Deliver Powerful Hip-Hop Statements
Adding significant weight to the week’s hip-hop offerings, Westside Gunn released his 12-track project, Heels Have Eyes 2, on August 28th. Described by Gunn as an “art class,” the album arrived concurrently with the annual “Westside Gunn Day” celebration in his hometown of Buffalo, NY, a date he has commemorated yearly since 2019. The event itself featured performances by other notable artists, including Joey Bada$$. Meanwhile, hip-hop royalty Rakim joined forces with producer Big Ghost LTD. for their collaborative album, The Re-Up. Dropping on August 29th, this project is hailed as a “full-blown rebirth of boom bap mastery” and features an extensive list of guest artists, showcasing Rakim’s enduring lyrical prowess. The Re-Up also includes a brand new Rakim solo single, “I’m Good,” produced by Big Ghost.
DJ Khaled Ignites Album Rollout with Dual Singles
Producer and artist DJ Khaled also made a significant splash, releasing two new singles ahead of his upcoming 14th studio album, Aalam of God. The first, “You Remind Me,” is a dancehall-heavy track featuring an all-star lineup of Jamaican legends including Vybz Kartel, Buju Banton, Mavado, and Bounty Killer. The second, “Brother,” offers a more introspective sound, pairing Post Malone with NBA YoungBoy Never Broke Again for a track that blends genres and emotions around themes of loyalty and resilience. These releases signal Khaled’s continued ability to bridge musical styles and assemble cross-cultural collaborations.
Alexandros Sarafis and Other Notable Releases
Adding to the diverse musical landscape, Alexandros Sarafis unveiled his new single “Side Eye,” featuring Jazz Montell, on August 28th. This track, a blend of rap and R&B, highlights Sarafis’s versatility and his continued emergence in the music scene.
Billboard Crowns Top Hip-Hop Songs of the 21st Century
In a significant retrospective, Billboard released its highly anticipated list of the Top 10 Hip-Hop Songs of the 21st Century on August 28, 2025. The ranking, based entirely on chart performance, featured iconic tracks that have defined the genre over the past two decades. Lil Nas X’s “Industry Baby” claimed the number one spot, followed by Macklemore’s “Thrift Shop” and Post Malone and 21 Savage’s “Rockstar.” The list underscores hip-hop’s dynamic evolution, from club anthems to viral chart-toppers, serving as a testament to its pervasive cultural impact.
Conclusion
New Music Friday, August 29, 2025, proved to be an extraordinary day for the music industry, marked by the return of established stars and the release of diverse, high-quality projects. The top-tier albums from Joey Bada$$, Sabrina Carpenter, and Rakim, alongside compelling singles from Ella Mai and DJ Khaled, along with significant stories like the Billboard hip-hop rankings, collectively underscore the vibrant and ever-evolving nature of music today. Fans were treated to a rich array of sounds, ensuring that the end of August was a memorable period for hip-hop and R&B lovers worldwide.
