Drake returns with surprises as Mýa, Jorja Smith and rising voices shape the week in music
Fresh Friday lands with a heavy dose of range this week, moving from Drake’s highly anticipated return to Mýa’s funk-rooted reflection, Jorja Smith’s emotional clarity and a wide spread of artists pushing sound, story and feeling forward. This week’s lineup gives listeners albums that feel personal, playful and purposeful, along with singles that touch confidence, healing, ambition, love and self-awareness.
ALBUMS
Drake – ICEMAN
Highly anticipated on the heels of a career-defining battle, ICEMAN arrives with the weight of expectation behind it. People have been waiting for Drake to respond musically in a way that gives insight into where he is now and how he feels about the past few years. The project gives listeners personal information, reflection and the kind of emotional detail that has always helped his strongest albums connect. Drake sounds like an artist processing loss, victory, pressure, criticism and legacy in real time. ICEMAN feels like a major moment because the conversation around him has been building for two years, and now the music is here.
Drake – MAID OF HONOUR
A surprise drop that came along with ICEMAN, MAID OF HONOUR gives us one of my favorite versions of Drake. This is Caribbean dancehall, party Drake, the one who understands rhythm, melody and how to make a record feel like movement. With features from Sexyy Red and Central Cee, the project brings a lighter energy into the mix while still keeping Drake at the center of the moment. It feels built for playlists, nightlife, summer energy and people who want to hear him have fun again. MAID OF HONOUR shows Drake stepping into a lane that has always worked for him when he locks into the right pocket.
Drake – HABIBTI
Yet another surprise drop by Drake released alongside ICEMAN, HABIBTI leans into his crooner sensibilities. This is the classic Drake space where romance, confidence and longing all live together. He sounds like he is pining for your girl and reminding her he can offer her the world because you are broke. You know, classic Drake. The project gives that familiar melodic pull that has defined some of his most memorable emotional records while still feeling connected to this current chapter.
Mýa – Retrospect
Mýa brings a different kind of warmth with Retrospect. Rooted in the raw, synth-driven pulse of late ’70s and ’80s Minneapolis funk, the project honors the joyful R&B, soul and pop soundtrack of her childhood. You can hear the Prince influence in the production, along with the Minneapolis sound and a heavy funk foundation that gives the album texture, bounce and personality. Mýa describes the project as a way to transport listeners back to cassette tapes, vinyl, gatherings, concerts, house parties, skate nights and date nights. Retrospect feels like a bridge between eras and proof that there is still space for soulful, feel-good R&B that honors the past while moving forward creatively.
TANK AND THE BANGAS – THE LAST BALLOON
THE LAST BALLOON finds Tank and the Bangas exploring new sounds while contemplating frustration, resilience and self-realization. The project carries moments of vulnerability, but the band knows how to meet that honesty with bursts of joyful energy. That balance gives the record its pulse and keeps it from sitting in one emotional space for too long. Tank and the Bangas continue to make music that feels communal, colorful and deeply human. THE LAST BALLOON sounds like a release, a reflection and a celebration of finding light even when life gets heavy.
MIKE TEEZY – CHAMELEON
CHAMELEON is shaped by growth, struggle and evolution. Mike Teezy describes the project as one that embraces all the styles he loves while staying rooted in faith, authenticity and purpose. The album moves from hard-hitting records to soulful and vulnerable moments, showing different sides of his journey without losing its identity. That is what makes the project connect. CHAMELEON sounds like an artist allowing every part of himself to show while keeping his foundation clear.
GENESIS OWUSU – REDSTAR WU & THE WORLDWIDE SCOURGE
REDSTAR WU & THE WORLDWIDE SCOURGE brings Genesis Owusu into this week’s Fresh Friday lineup with a title that already feels cinematic and disruptive. Genesis Owusu has built a reputation for making music that does not sit quietly, and this project title alone suggests scale, attitude and imagination. It feels like the kind of release built for listeners who want concept, character and sound to collide. His work often carries a fearless creative edge, and this entry keeps that energy alive. REDSTAR WU & THE WORLDWIDE SCOURGE adds a bold and genre-bending presence to the week.
BNYX®️ – GENESIS FM
BNYX®️ steps into the week with GENESIS FM. The record sounds futuristic, fast-moving and global, pulling together artists from different musical worlds and letting the energy collide. BNYX®️ brings a producer’s vision to the front, shaping a sound that feels sharp, unexpected and built for right now. The collaboration does not move like a standard record, which is part of what makes it stand out. GENESIS FM points toward an album designed to bend genres and shake up expectations.
SINGLES
JORJA SMITH – “WHAT’S DONE IS DONE”
“What’s Done Is Done” is one of the week’s strongest singles. Built around finality, release and self-possession, the record carries the emotional honesty that has long defined Jorja Smith’s songwriting. She delivers a message about drawing a line, reclaiming power and accepting what cannot be undone. The sound is understated, assured and powerful, allowing the emotion to land without being forced. This is the kind of song that feels quiet on the surface and strong in the spirit.
SKILLA BABY – “GYSM”
“GYSM” jumps across eras by flipping Jesse Powell’s 1996 classic “You” with the pitched-up chipmunk soul treatment. Skilla Baby slides that sample into a modern soundscape filled with booming 808s, snapping hi-hats, atmospheric keys and echoing adlibs. He uses the record to talk hustle, success and motivation with the confidence of someone speaking from experience. The hook is direct and built to push the next generation of strivers to go get some money. “GYSM” brings nostalgia into a current rap frame and gives it a motivational edge.
Ben Reilly – “Hero Complex” ft. Zyah Belle
“Hero Complex” is rooted in accountability, emotional growth and the pressure of always having to appear strong. Inspired by a real-life conversation with his mother after a fight, Ben Reilly uses the record to explore what happens when someone is so focused on saving others that they avoid confronting themselves. The question at the center of the song, “What you gone do when a hero needs saving?” gives the record its emotional weight. Zyah Belle adds a soulful presence that deepens the feeling and reflection. “Hero Complex” is honest, human and built around the kind of truth people often try to avoid.
LEVEN KALI – “STARLET”
“STARLET” brings romance, longing and soulful vulnerability into focus. The visual follows Leven Kali in pursuit of a love interest, using intimate and cinematic moments to bring the song’s emotion to life. Dreamy vignettes and nostalgic textures help create a world that feels personal and emotionally rich. The song centers connection, desire and the feeling of chasing someone who continues to captivate you. Together, the record and visual create an immersive experience that feels smooth, romantic and timeless.
Uneq’ka – “Fire”
Uneq’ka returns with “Fire,” a hot new single that lives up to its name. The record moves with Afrobeat rhythms that give it bounce, warmth and immediate energy. Her sultry, powerful vocal sits right in the pocket, bringing confidence and feeling to every moment. There is a natural pull in the way she blends rhythm, melody and presence. “Fire” feels like a strong return from a songstress who knows how to command a track.
Tone Stith – “Fly.”
“Fly.” feels like a statement of confidence, self-elevation and emotional freedom. Tone Stith has carved out a distinct lane as a singer, songwriter and producer, and this record sets the tone for his forthcoming album scheduled for spring. Directed by Edgar Daniel, the visual brings the song’s message to life with scenes of Tone driving along a coastal highway and walking near the ocean and sky. The imagery matches the feeling of stepping into your moment and trusting where you are headed. “Fly.” gives polished R&B energy with purpose, freedom and direction.
Kenny Muney – “U Dig Me”
“U Dig Me” brings Kenny Muney into the week with a direct, confident energy. The title alone feels conversational and sharp, like a record made to connect quickly and stay in motion. Kenny Muney’s presence gives the lineup another street-rooted voice with attitude and bounce. It fits into Fresh Friday as one of those records that can cut through because it does not overcomplicate the message. “U Dig Me” keeps the pace moving and adds another layer of rap energy to the week.
Star Bandz – “Buncha Crunch” Ft. 1900RUGRAT
On “Buncha Crunch,” Star Bandz cuts through the 808s and hi-hats with a razor-edged flow. She locks into a tight cadence and flips the viral TikTok line, “Mama got that buncha crunch cake,” into a hook about getting paper every day. Star brings bounce, confidence and attitude to the record without wasting time. 1900RUGRAT provides a gritty counterpoint with a verse driven by his signature rasp. The result is energetic, direct and made to move.
Quail P – “Happy Tears”
“Happy Tears” is an honest and heartfelt new single from Florida breakout soul artist Quail P. Produced by Grammy-winning producers Tricky Stewart and M.GeeZy, the record blends blues, soul and raw emotion. The song captures the feeling of coming through darkness and finally finding happiness, which gives it a sincere and grounded quality. Quail P’s voice carries lived experience, and that is what makes the record connect beyond the production. “Happy Tears” feels like a release, a testimony and a strong lead-in to his upcoming In My Own Lane Tour.