Will Smith, Lil Durk, Bow Wow, Chris Brown, And More Hip-Hop Music For The Midnight Cruise

Will Smith – ‘Based on A True Story’

A lot has changed in recent years for Will Smith, as the legendary entertainer has endured both trials of tribulation and moments of triumph.

Back in 2022, on the same evening he took home the Oscar Award for Best Actor, he delivered the slap heard and seen around the world, a move that thrust him into the vortex of public scrutiny.

Many questioned whether he would ever be able to bounce back and gain some semblance of the pristine public persona he once held.

Others, consumed with the inner-workings of his home life, wondered if the talent many had come to know and love had devolved into a shell of himself due to his personal woes.

Emerging on the other side of the fire like a phoenix, Smith addresses all elephants in the room on Based on a True Story, the 56-year-old’s new studio album that finds the multihyphenate returning back to his roots as an emcee. Released almost 20 years after the exact date his last studio album, Lost and Found.

On the album intro, “Int. Barbershop – Day,” Will addresses the chatter surrounding his controversial moments, a foreshadowing of the Philly native’s willingness to lay all his cards out on the table.

This is evidenced on the boom-bap enthused follow-up “Looking For Me,” as Smith coyly references the speculation regarding marital affairs between he and his wife, Jada Pinkett-Smith

Led by the preceding singles “Beautiful Scars,” “TANTRUM,” “First Love,” “You Can Make It,” and “Work of Art,” Based on a True Story has its occasional campy inclusions (“Rave In The Wasteland”), but overall, is an applaudable effort giving its author’s two-decade layoff.

Powered by the highlights “Bulletproof,” “Hard Times (Smile)” featuring Teyana Taylor, and “Make It Look Easy,” Based on a True Story captures Will Smith in an invigorated state, delivering an album that’s undoubtedly his most fiery body of work to date – Preezy Brown

Lil Durk – ‘Deep Thoughts’

Lil Durk is enduring some trying times and wants to invite the world into his mental journey on Deep Thoughts. Much like Almost Healed, The Voice covers a wide range of topics.

“Alhamdullilah” depicts his current religious stance, “They Want To Be You” is all about counting your blessings but also acknowledging how difficult life can be despite them. Future, Lil Baby, Jhene Aiko, and Hunxho join this 17-song emotional dump.

It has been enjoyable to see Durk capture his popularity over the last few years and use it to focus not solely on the luxuries of life but on the way he has changed as a man. – Armon Sadler

Bow Wow, Chris Brown – “Use Me”

Chris Brown joins Bow Wow for a breezy offering, pun intended, as the dynamic duo link up for their first official collaboration in over a decade.

Produced by Hitmaka, “Use Me” is driven by a sample of Murder Inc.’s 2002 smash, “Down 4 U,” and finds Bow Wow and Brown expressing their willingness to be utilized for their prospective lover’s every wish.

The syrupy vocals, potent lyricism, and intoxicating sonics result in what has the makings to be a prominent jam as we creep further into the spring season. – PB

NAV – ‘OMW2 Rexdale’

NAV is back with his new album OMW2 REXDALE. The 14-track album incorporates everything fans come to love about the Toronto rapper; precise flows, melodic vocals, and a star-studded cast of features, though he goes a bit lighter than usual.

Playboi Carti brings the energetic murmurs on “Unlimited,” which also features a surprise bridge from The Weeknd. Don Toliver delivers the gospel on “You,” and Metro Boomin produced yet another powerful beat on the single “Real Me.”

This project feels a bit more personal to NAV, almost reminiscent of his 2017 self-titled project. Times are different and so is he, evident in OMW2 REXDALE. – AS

Sexyy Red, Plaqueboy Max, BabyChiefDoIt, LAZER DIM 7000, Baby Kia – “YN”

Sexyy Red keeps her hot streak alive with “YN,” a rambunctious anthem dedicated to the rowdy youths and street soldiers living the fast life.

Birthed during her viral appearance on Plaqueboymax‘s live platform, the track is a full-throttle celebration of the “crash-outs” and “hitters” from the trenches.

With high-energy appearances from BabyChiefDoIt, LAZER DIM 7000, and Baby Kia, the real star here is The Hood’s Hottest Princess, who steals the show on this chaotic, adrenaline-fueled collab.

“YN” is raw, unapologetic, and another bold statement from Sexyy Red as she continues to flood the streets with bangers. – PB

Wiz Khalifa Featuring Gunna – “5 Star”

Wiz Khalifa dropped off another vibe-heavy, smoker’s anthem in “5 Star.”

Gunna croons over the hook, showing off his ability to slow things down on warmer production. One would have to assume that their verses were all short, 8 bars or less, and that this song was intentional as it isn’t actually about displaying lyricism but rather setting the mood.

Sonically, it sticks the landing; it has a soothing energy, making it fitting for cleaning the house or spending intimate time with a partner.

Wiz has been on a surprising run of rapping at a high level and creating songs that resonate with the culture, which makes the title of this particular track fitting. He hit the mark once again. – AS

Little Simz – “Free”

Little Simz’s new single, “Free,” is a heartfelt exploration of love, fear, and the pursuit of true liberation.

With the hook chanting, “wishing that the love would set us free,” the U.K. rapper delves into her personal understanding of love’s boundless nature. “I read all about love then I gave it to Jade / Love is sharing knowledge, it’s so much to gain,” she reflects, underscoring love’s transformative power.

With sincerity woven into every verse, Simz surmises that “love is immeasurable,” making “Free” a soul-stirring anthem of emotional and intellectual freedom. – PB

YG Featuring Buddy & The Gang – “2004”

YG’s “2004” is a calmer version of his usual, West Coast-heavy output. It is a bit of an earshock given what he says in the first line about being sexually assaulted as a child, but the Compton rapper has never held back, so it is fitting.

There is a lot of reflection here, and it is present in Buddy & The Gang’s chorus. Ultimately, YG is using hindsight to look back on what he has been through and how the way he initially perceived things was deeper and more harmful than they seemed.

If this is the direction for his next project, it will be interesting to see what other traumas he confronts. – AS

NLE Choppa Featuring Carey Washington – “Hard Life”

NLE Choppa continues to not let people box him in. Seconds into “Hard Life,” one can easily tell that he is gearing you up to hear introspection and a more serious side of himself.

He croons about his well wishes for his family and friends because, as many people would agree, life can be hard. Carey Washington backs him up impeccably with her accompanying vocals on top of the piano keys and the gospel chorus sample that are within the production.

Choppa set the foundation for years, and now he is ready to show the breadth and depth of his artistry. “Hard Life” was a solid representation of his progressive evolution. – AS

Boldy James, Antt Beatz – ‘Hommage’

Boldy James and Antt Beatz join forces for Hommage, a gritty, masterfully produced project that cements Boldy’s status as one of rap’s hardest-working lyricists.

The album kicks off with “Off The Richter” featuring Baby Money, who delivers a standout leadoff verse before Boldy weaves his signature street narratives.

Tracks like “Brick James” exude a regal energy, sounding like pure championship music, while “Concrete Connie,” “Super Mario,” and “Talk Nice” showcase Antt Beatz’s crisp production and Boldy’s relentless wordplay.

Hommage is another testament to Boldy’s lyrical trafficking exploits, proving that his work ethic is second to none. – PB

G.T., Big Sean – “FTW”

Mozzy Featuring Lil Poppa – “Nightmares”

Lefty Gunplay Featuring JasonMartin, Mike & Keys – “Heavens Above (My Angel)”

Rylo Rodriguez Featuring Rio Da Yung OG “Bring Bac Act”

El Camino, Flames, Dot Malik, Black Soprano Family – ‘Up The Block’

Fredo Bang – “D!e Slow”

G Perico, DJ Drama – “LA Takeover”

Rico Nasty – “ON THE LOW”

Tre Loaded – “Steppin”

Lord Sko – ‘PIFF’

YoDogg, Cardo Go Wings – “Madness”

Miles Minnick Featuring 310babii – “My Twin”

Bb Trickz – “Not A Pretty Girl”

Poiison – ‘Love, Money, Art’

R2R MOE – “HAWK EM”

Sturdyyoungin – “Respectfully”

CieraTheRapper – “Brunette”

FattMack – “Kai Cenat”

Bear1Boss – ‘Lil Hotsauce 2’

Joeboy – ‘Viva Lavida’