New Music Friday August 29, 2025: Joey Bada$$, Sabrina Carpenter Lead a Diverse Release Slate
This Friday, August 29, 2025, marks a significant day in the music calendar, particularly for fans of hip-hop and R&B. The industry is buzzing with a wide array of highly anticipated album and single releases, featuring established stars and critically acclaimed artists. Leading the charge are Joey Bada$$ with his new album “Lonely At The Top,” Sabrina Carpenter delivering her seventh studio album “Man’s Best Friend,” and Ella Mai unveiling her latest single “Tell Her.” The day also promises new music from Westside Gunn, Rakim, Erykah Badu & The Alchemist, and DJ Khaled, among others, solidifying this as a major weekend for new music.
Joey Bada$$ Charts a New Course with “Lonely At The Top”
Brooklyn’s own Joey Bada$$ is set to release his highly anticipated fourth studio album, “Lonely At The Top,” on August 29, 2025. This project marks his first full-length album in three years, following the acclaimed “2000.” Originally slated for an earlier August release, the album’s date was shifted to August 29 due to reported label setbacks, a move that has only heightened anticipation. The lead single, “ABK,” has already provided a glimpse into the project, showcasing Bada$$’s continued evolution and his characteristic lyrical prowess, which recently saw him engage in notable rap battles and gain traction in his acting career. The album boasts an impressive lineup of collaborators, including Westside Gunn, A$AP Ferg, Ty Dolla $ign, and Rome Streetz, with production contributions from Statik Selektah, Boi-1da, and Jay Versace, signaling a rich and diverse sonic landscape. “Lonely At The Top” is poised to be a major moment for Bada$$, exploring themes that reflect his growth as an artist and a person.
Sabrina Carpenter’s “Man’s Best Friend” Arrives Amidst Peak Popularity
Pop sensation Sabrina Carpenter is dropping her seventh studio album, “Man’s Best Friend,” on the same day. Hot on the heels of her Grammy-winning 2024 album “Short n’ Sweet,” which dominated charts and garnered significant critical acclaim, Carpenter is poised to continue her streak of success. The album’s lead single, “Manchild,” has already made waves, climbing charts and showcasing Carpenter’s signature blend of catchy melodies and sharp lyricism. The album’s artwork, which features provocative imagery, has sparked discussion, hinting at themes of loyalty and power dynamics that Carpenter is known to explore. “Man’s Best Friend” also features the single “Tears,” further building anticipation for what promises to be another defining chapter in her rapidly ascending career.
Ella Mai Delivers Soulful New Single “Tell Her”
Adding to the R&B offerings of the week, Grammy Award-winning artist Ella Mai returns with her new single “Tell Her.” Released on August 29, the track is her first musical output since her 2024 EP “3.” Produced by longtime collaborator Mustard, “Tell Her” delves into themes of trust and clarity within relationships, featuring Mai’s signature smooth vocals and heartfelt lyricism. The song interpolates lines from Destiny’s Child’s iconic “Say My Name,” adding a nostalgic yet contemporary feel. “Tell Her” signifies a new era for the British singer-songwriter, reinforcing her position as a leading voice in modern R&B, known for her authentic storytelling and emotional depth.
Westside Gunn’s “Heels Have Eyes 2” Continues a Prolific Run
Westside Gunn, a pivotal figure in the Griselda Records movement, is also releasing his new album, “Heels Have Eyes 2,” on August 29. This project follows his surprise EP “Heels Have Eyes” and a series of other prolific releases, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to his craft. The album, executive produced by Gunn himself, features production from renowned artists like Harry Fraud, DJ Muggs, and Conductor Williams. Known for his unique blend of gritty street narratives and artistic curation, Gunn continues to merge his passion for music with his love for wrestling culture, a theme evident in the album’s title and conceptual links. The project includes tracks like “Heel Cena” and “Brikolai Volkoff,” further cementing his distinctive artistic vision.
Rakim’s “The Re-Up” and Erykah Badu & The Alchemist’s “Abi & Alan”
The legendary Rakim is set to release his collaborative album “The Re-Up” with producer Big Ghost on August 29. This project, featuring the lead single “Not To Be Defined,” marks a significant return for the influential MC, who has recently been honored with a Peabody Medal. The album promises to deliver Rakim’s signature lyrical mastery over Big Ghost’s production, continuing his legacy in hip-hop.
Meanwhile, Erykah Badu and The Alchemist’s collaborative album, “Abi & Alan,” was initially announced for an August 29 release. However, reports indicate a delay, with The Alchemist clarifying that the August 29 date was not officially confirmed by him. Despite the setback, the project, featuring the single “Next to You,” is highly anticipated as Badu’s first full album in 15 years and a significant artistic collaboration.
Other Notable Releases and Industry Context
The day’s releases also include new singles from NBA YoungBoy and Post Malone with their collaboration “Brother,” and DJ Khaled’s dual singles “You Remind Me” and “Brother,” featuring an array of artists. Key Glock’s “Glockaveli: All Eyez On Me” is also on the slate, rounding out a packed week for hip-hop and R&B enthusiasts.
In broader industry news, Billboard released its highly anticipated list of the Top 10 Hip-Hop Songs of the 21st Century on August 28, 2025. The list, determined by chart performance, highlights the enduring impact and evolution of hip-hop, with tracks from artists like Lil Nas X, Macklemore, Post Malone, and Kendrick Lamar gracing the top spots. This retrospective look at hip-hop’s most impactful songs provides context for the genre’s current trajectory and the artists who continue to shape its future.
The music industry in 2025 continues to be a dynamic space, with hip-hop and R&B remaining dominant genres. Trends point towards a resurgence of conscious rap alongside innovative use of technology and global collaborations. The consistent output from artists like Joey Bada$$, Sabrina Carpenter, and Ella Mai underscores the genre’s vitality and its ability to adapt and influence. This New Music Friday serves as a powerful reminder of the genre’s depth and its ever-evolving soundscape, offering something for every fan.
