The music world collectively paused on Friday, August 29, 2025, as a colossal New Music Friday delivered an abundance of highly anticipated releases from some of the industry’s most prominent artists. Spearheaded by the dual releases of Joey Bada$$’s fourth studio album, ‘Lonely At The Top,’ and Sabrina Carpenter’s seventh studio album, ‘Man’s Best Friend,’ the day also saw significant contributions from R&B singer Ella Mai, hip-hop titans DJ Khaled, Westside Gunn, Rakim, and Big Ghost LTD, alongside Billboard’s unveiling of the top hip-hop songs of the 21st century. This convergence of diverse talent and impactful projects cemented the date as a landmark moment in contemporary music.
Joey Bada$$ Ascends with ‘Lonely At The Top’
Joey Bada$$ made a significant artistic statement with the release of his highly anticipated fourth studio album, ‘Lonely At The Top.’ Arriving after a period marked by introspection and a growing presence in acting, the 11-track project delves into the complexities of fame, solitude, and self-awareness. Described as a mature evolution from his earlier boom-bap roots, the album features layered production and sharp lyricism, showcasing Bada$$’s growth as a seasoned artist. Collaborations with artists like Ab-Soul, Rapsody, A$AP Ferg, and Ty Dolla $ign add depth and variety to the project, which was co-produced by Statik Selektah, Chuck Strangers, and Boi-1da, among others. The album’s title itself reflects a candid acknowledgment of the personal sacrifices that can accompany ambition, presenting a narrative arc that balances introspection with his signature Brooklyn swagger. ‘Lonely At The Top’ solidifies Bada$$’s position as a pivotal voice in contemporary hip-hop, offering cohesive listening experience that resonates with both long-time fans and new listeners.
Sabrina Carpenter Unveils ‘Man’s Best Friend’
Sabrina Carpenter continued her meteoric rise with the release of her seventh studio album, ‘Man’s Best Friend.’ Building on the success of her previous work, this 12-track project, co-produced by Jack Antonoff and John Ryan, is primarily a pop album infused with elements of disco-pop, funk, R&B, and synth-rock. The album explores themes of sex, relationships, and loyalty, often with a raunchy edge and witty innuendo, sonically and thematically expanding on her previous album, ‘Short n’ Sweet.’ The lead single, ‘Manchild,’ had already achieved significant chart success, topping charts in the UK and US, while the second single, ‘Tears,’ dropped concurrently with the album. The album’s artwork, which generated considerable discourse for its provocative imagery, was accompanied by an alternate version, showcasing Carpenter’s bold artistic direction and willingness to challenge expectations. ‘Man’s Best Friend’ represents a confident step forward for Carpenter, blending catchy melodies with more mature thematic explorations.
Ella Mai Returns with ‘TELL HER’
Adding a smooth R&B flavor to the day’s releases, Grammy Award-winning songstress Ella Mai dropped her new single, ‘TELL HER.’ Produced by longtime collaborator DJ Mustard, the track marks her first release since her 2024 EP ‘3’ and builds on the success of her most-streamed song, ‘Little Things.’ ‘TELL HER’ features Mai’s soulful delivery over a rhythmic, contemporary beat, exploring themes of trust, honesty, and devotion in romantic relationships. The song interpolates lines from Destiny’s Child, adding a nostalgic yet fresh feel. With its direct and confident lyrics, ‘TELL HER’ signals a new era for Mai, highlighting her growth as a songwriter and her continued impact on contemporary R&B.
Hip-Hop Powerhouses Make Their Mark
This monumental Friday also saw significant releases from established hip-hop figures. DJ Khaled ignited his next era with two new singles, ‘You Remind Me’ and ‘Brother,’ both set to feature on his upcoming 14th studio album, ‘Aalam of God.’ ‘You Remind Me’ is a dancehall-infused track featuring an all-star lineup of Jamaican artists, while ‘Brother’ offers a more introspective vibe with Post Malone and YoungBoy Never Broke Again. Westside Gunn released his latest project, ‘Heels Have Eyes 2,’ a sequel that continues his unique fusion of music, art, fashion, and wrestling culture, featuring production from acclaimed artists and guest spots from fellow Griselda members and others. Meanwhile, the legendary Rakim collaborated with Big Ghost LTD on their album ‘The Re-Up,’ a project that sees the God MC delivering sharp lyricism over Big Ghost’s distinctive production. The album features a host of impressive guest verses, further cementing Rakim’s enduring influence on the hip-hop landscape.
Billboard’s Definitive Hip-Hop Stories of the 21st Century
Adding a retrospective layer to the day’s new music, Billboard published its highly anticipated ranking of the top hip-hop songs of the 21st century. Based entirely on chart performance, the list highlighted the tracks that have most defined the genre over the past two decades. Topping the list was Lil Nas X’s ‘Industry Baby,’ followed by Macklemore’s ‘Thrift Shop’ and Post Malone & 21 Savage’s ‘Rockstar.’ The ranking also featured genre-defining hits from Travis Scott, Kendrick Lamar, Drake, and 50 Cent, among others, underscoring the immense diversity and cultural impact of hip-hop music in the modern era. This list served as a powerful testament to the genre’s evolution and its unparalleled ability to capture the heartbeat of popular culture through compelling stories.
A Day of Musical Significance
The collective output on August 29, 2025, was more than just a series of new releases; it was a testament to the vibrant and ever-evolving landscape of modern music. From Joey Bada$$’s introspective hip-hop to Sabrina Carpenter’s pop-R&B fusion, Ella Mai’s soulful melodies, and the continued contributions of hip-hop legends, the day offered something for every listener. The inclusion of Billboard’s definitive ranking further contextualized the genre’s rich history and its ongoing influence. This monumental New Music Friday undoubtedly provided a wealth of new material for fans and set a high bar for the remainder of the year in music.
