The final Friday of August 2025 arrives with a robust slate of new music, delivering highly anticipated albums and singles across the hip-hop, R&B, and pop landscapes. This week’s New Music Friday is headlined by significant releases from rap titan Joey Bada$$, pop sensation Sabrina Carpenter, and R&B darling Ella Mai, alongside compelling offerings from DJ Khaled, Westside Gunn, and hip-hop legend Rakim. These stories represent a diverse range of sounds and artistry, catering to a wide array of music fans.
Joey Bada$$ Drops Highly Anticipated “Lonely At The Top”
After a series of delays and public discussions with his label, Joey Bada$$ is finally set to release his fourth studio album, “Lonely At The Top,” on August 29, 2025. The Brooklyn rapper’s latest project has been a subject of much anticipation, especially following his recent impressive run in rap battles. “Lonely At The Top” is described as a continuation of his growth as an artist, exploring mature themes with his signature sharp lyricism and Brooklyn swagger. Fans can expect a blend of introspection and confidence, solidifying his position as a major voice in contemporary hip-hop. The album’s updated release date was confirmed in mid-August, bringing relief to a fanbase eager for new material since his 2022 project, “2000.”
Sabrina Carpenter Ascends with “Man’s Best Friend”
Pop superstar Sabrina Carpenter continues her impressive streak with the release of her seventh studio album, “Man’s Best Friend,” on August 29, 2025. Following the Grammy-winning success of “Short n’ Sweet” (2024), Carpenter teams up again with producers Jack Antonoff and John Ryan for this new LP. “Man’s Best Friend” is primarily a pop album infused with elements of disco-pop, funk, R&B, and synth-rock, showcasing Carpenter’s evolving sound. The album features 12 tracks, including the chart-topping lead single “Manchild” and the second single “Tears,” which arrived alongside the album with a music video inspired by “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.” The album’s artwork, which explored themes of dominance and submission, generated significant discussion, with Carpenter later releasing alternate covers.
Ella Mai Sets Boundaries with “Tell Her”
Grammy-winning R&B artist Ella Mai makes her return on August 29, 2025, with the release of her new single “Tell Her.” Produced by her frequent collaborator Mustard, the track is a confident, slow-burning R&B anthem that blends Mai’s smooth vocals with Mustard’s signature understated bounce. Lyrically, “Tell Her” addresses themes of loyalty, reassurance, and setting boundaries within a relationship, urging a partner to make their commitment clear. This release marks Mai’s first new music since her 2024 EP “3” and signals the start of an exciting new chapter.
DJ Khaled Ignites New Era with Dual Singles
Veteran hitmaker DJ Khaled officially kicks off the rollout for his 14th studio album, “Aalam of God,” with the release of two new singles on August 29, 2025: “You Remind Me” and “Brother.” “You Remind Me” is a dancehall-infused track featuring a massive lineup of Jamaican legends including Vybz Kartel, Buju Banton, Mavado, and Bounty Killer, sampling Gyptian’s hit “Hold Yuh.” The more introspective single, “Brother,” sees Khaled teaming up with Post Malone and NBA YoungBoy for a guitar-laced track that explores themes of loyalty and family. These singles set the stage for Khaled’s first full-length project since 2022’s “GOD DID.”
Westside Gunn Delivers “Heels Have Eyes 2”
While technically releasing on August 28th, Westside Gunn’s “Heels Have Eyes 2” is a major talking point for the week’s music releases. The Buffalo rap impresario continues his prolific output with this 12-track project, which serves as a sequel to his earlier EP. The album, deeply intertwined with Gunn’s passion for wrestling and art, features production from notable names like DJ Muggs and Harry Fraud. “Heels Have Eyes 2” arrives during a significant week for hip-hop, with Gunn himself being celebrated in his hometown for “Westside Gunn Day,” which also includes performances from artists like Joey Bada$$.
Rakim and Big Ghost Ltd. Present “The Re-Up”
Legendary MC Rakim joins forces with producer Big Ghost Ltd. for “The Re-Up,” a collaborative album released on August 29, 2025. The project boasts an impressive list of featured artists, including Eddie Kaine, Hus Kingpin, Planet Asia, Ras Kass, Canibus, Chino XL, Method Man, and Prodigy, among others. “The Re-Up” features original Rakim solo singles like “I’m Good” and collaborations such as “Not To Be Defined” with Lazarus. This release marks another significant contribution from Rakim, a pivotal figure in the history of hip-hop, underscoring his continued relevance.
Other Notable Stories This Week
Beyond the headliners, the music world also sees contributions from artists like K. Michelle, who ventures into country music with her new song “Jack Daniel’s,” and Fridayy with his new single “Below Zero.” NBA YoungBoy and Post Malone’s collaboration on DJ Khaled’s “Brother” is a significant moment, blending their distinct sounds.
This week’s new music releases underscore the vibrant and diverse nature of the contemporary music scene. From the introspective hip-hop narratives of Joey Bada$$ to the pop evolution of Sabrina Carpenter and the smooth R&B of Ella Mai, August 29, 2025, is a landmark day for music enthusiasts, offering a rich tapestry of sounds and stories.
