This week in hip hop music, we’re treated to a diverse range of new sounds from across the country, highlighting the evolving landscape of the genre. Featured artists include the aggressive energy of East Chicago’s Mello Buckzz, the unmistakable flow of Florida’s Kodak Black, and the experimental West Coast stylings of 03 Greedo. These releases offer a snapshot of the current state of rap, each bringing a distinct flavor to the weekly reviews.
Mello Buckzz: Fast, Loose, and Full of Grit
East Chicago’s own Mello Buckzz makes a powerful statement with her latest track, a release that embodies a survival-oriented ethos. Her music is characterized by a fast, loose delivery that perfectly complements its raw, unfiltered content. The production on her new offering leans into a jittery juke style, a sound that might typically feel chaotic but instead finds a potent home for Buckzz’s drill-style bark. This combination creates an urgent and compelling listening experience, showcasing an artist who is not afraid to push sonic boundaries while staying true to her roots. The intensity and directness of her sound suggest a deep connection to the realities of her environment, translating into a powerful and authentic hip hop offering.
Kodak Black’s “By Myself”: A Familiar Melody with Unpredictable Delivery
Florida’s Kodak Black returns with “By Myself,” a track that immediately grabs the listener with an undeniably addictive melody. This earworm is built upon a sample from the iconic Fabolous and Neyo collaboration, a choice that lends a sense of familiarity and pop sensibility. However, it’s Kodak Black’s signature drug-addled delivery that injects the track with its characteristic unpredictability. His vocal performance, often teetering on the edge of coherence, adds a layer of raw emotion and a sense of danger that makes “By Myself” a compelling, albeit potentially polarizing, addition to his discography. The juxtaposition of the smooth, R&B-infused sample with Kodak’s raw, street-oriented delivery creates a fascinating sonic tension, a hallmark of his unique approach to hip hop music.
03 Greedo: Jersey Club Vibes with a Focus on Texture
Rounding out this week’s highlights is 03 Greedo, representing the West Coast with a track that embraces the infectious rhythms of Jersey Club. While this particular contribution might be described as more texture than substance, Greedo’s undeniable ability to craft a signature sound remains evident. The Jersey Club influence brings a vibrant, danceable energy, characterized by its distinct syncopated beats and chopped vocal samples. Greedo manages to infuse this popular sound with his own unique brand of atmospheric rap, creating a track that feels both current and distinctly his own. Even if the lyrical depth or narrative complexity isn’t the primary focus, the sheer sonic quality and the artist’s confident delivery ensure that his music continues to resonate with fans looking for innovative hip hop experiences. His willingness to experiment with different regional sounds, like Jersey Club, further solidifies his position as a forward-thinking artist in the contemporary music scene.
A Diverse Week in Rap
As the week of July 14, 2025, draws to a close, the new music releases from Mello Buckzz, Kodak Black, and 03 Greedo offer a compelling cross-section of current hip hop trends. From Mello Buckzz’s raw, drill-infused energy to Kodak Black’s sample-driven unpredictability and 03 Greedo’s texture-rich Jersey Club experiment, these artists demonstrate the vast and varied artistic expressions flourishing within the genre. Each release, in its own way, contributes to the ongoing conversation and evolution of rap music, providing listeners with a rich tapestry of sounds and styles to explore.
