Since the viral Red Bull Spiral freestyle, Joey Bada$$ has become the biggest trending topic in music. The Brooklyn emcee has been capitalizing on the moment with a series of new response tracks aimed at West Coast artists and the King, Kendrick Lamar. Meanwhile, new artists have seized the moment with their new tracks released throughout the week as the world watches.

And with the summer here, so are the summertime tours. The season showcases many new acts with catchy singles vying for public attention. Right now, is perfect for new artists to introduce themselves and make a run for the best new artists of 2025.

From 501Bryze putting on for his city to Joey Bada$$ going to war to G.Brazzii’s introduction, here’s a list of new music you might have missed this week.

Joey Bada$$ Runs Through The West Coast Like A “Crash Dummy”

“Crash Dummy” is the best diss track in the series of new responses by the Brooklyn entertainer. The song doesn’t shy away from calling out Kendrick directly, accusing him of avoiding lyrical confrontation. He raps, “Thank you for making it clear that Dot scared,” implying that Kendrick is reluctant to engage in the ongoing rap battle.

Y.G. & Shoreline Mafia Show Us The Real “Hollywood”

The track fires a shot at Joey Bada$$. After revealing his most personal story yet, the Compton rap star captures the dark underbelly of fame, where fast money, fake friends, and temptation surround success. The track critiques L.A.’s glamorous facade, exposing how Hollywood changes people and tests loyalty in the spotlight.

EBK Jayybo & VonFrom1700 Are “Exposing Me”

With Don’t Trust Me on the way, the Stockton rap star links with Chicago for a gritty track about unveiling truth. The song previews what can be expected from the album. The album blends street rap with explosive pop hooks, and I think you’ll be really into the sound if you’re a fan of West Coast rap.

Kirko Bangz Takes A Look “Deep Inside”

The latest release by the Houston rap star supports the new album Choose Self. Like most songs on the album, the track is a deeply personal statement about identity, boundaries, and betting on yourself no matter the odds.“This is my truth—my reset,” says Kirko. “If this album helps one person realize they don’t have to settle, I’ve done my job.”

501Bryze Is A Real “Go Getta”

The emerging star introduces himself with a gritty motivational anthem about chasing dreams with relentless hustle. Blending country influences with trap energy, the track celebrates ambition, resilience, and self-made success. The Central Arkansas native speaks for underdogs who grind every day, turning pressure into power while staying true to their roots and values.

Lio Rush ‘Feel Like A Giant’

The popular wrestler and recording artist impresses with his new album, which is exhilarating and boldly introspective. Each track invites listeners on a journey of self-discovery, inspiring them to rise above challenges and see the world from a new perspective.“This album isn’t just music—it’s momentum. It was an opportunity to channel the grit and intensity of wrestling into the soul of music. This album is about taking a leap of faith into uncharted territories. It’s a piece of my heart, fans get to see a different side of me. It is a powerful reminder that with passion, you can overcome any hurdle,” said Rush.

G.Brazzii Take Care Of Others Like They “My Brother”

The emotionally powerful track recently secured a spot in the Top 50 on both the Spotify and iTunes Hip-Hop charts, marking a major milestone in the artist’s rapidly growing career. “No matter who you are, at some point in life, you will unfortunately experience the loss of someone who means a great deal to you,” said Brazzii. “This song is dedicated to everyone who has felt that pain.”

Rakim Al-Jabbaar Turns His Radio To FM4840: Loyal To The Soil

The established Southern wordsmith drops a double-disc project that blends gritty storytelling with soulful beats. Using a radio station concept, the album delves into themes of resilience, community, and staying true to one’s roots, offering a powerful narrative of loyalty and perseverance. It’s a testament to Al-Jabbaar’s commitment to his craft and his community.

Latrell De’Sean Speaks For The Young & Restless

Dallas’ emerging star kicks off the summer with a coming-of-age album that blends smooth R&B with hip-hop energy. It explores love, ambition, heartbreak, and identity through soulful melodies and honest lyricism. He captures the fire of youth and the hunger to rise while staying true to one’s roots.

The Compton rap star sat down with Rosci Diaz and ABC News to discuss his trauma caused by sexual abuse. In the interview, YG shared that many of his friends and family were unaware of what happened to his younger self.

“I kept it inside. My family, the first time hearing about that, was when the record came out,” said YG.

During a recent interview with ABC News, YG opened up about being a sexual abuse survivor, revealing that most of the men he knows have had similar experiences. According to the rapper, he was assaulted at age 14 by an older woman. At the time, he saw this as a positive experience, but later realized he’d been assaulted.

“When I was young I got raped / By a b*tch that was twice my age / Picked me up from school / Took me to hers and got laid / Ever since that day I never looked at sh*t the same,” he revealed on the vulnerable track.

This was the first YG’s family had heart of the assault. “I kept it inside,” he admitted. “My family, first time hearing about that was when the record came out.”

“90 percent of the people I played it for, the men, the males, they all got similar stories,” YG continued. “That was the conversation everybody was having. It was like, ‘Yeah, like I was sexually abused.’ And it’s like, ‘Yeah, but for us, we men, so it ain’t treated the same way.’”

He added that he was compelled to open up about the abuse he experienced to encourage others to do the same.

“Everybody got their story, and that’s why I made the record,” he said. “To influence people to tell their stories. Especially coming from an artist, somebody like me, it’s unexpected.”

YG continued, describing how his public persona can impact the way people treat him. “People put me in the box,” he explained. “They know us as gang members and we from the streets and all this, you feel me? So they look at us like, ‘Oh, we gang members, we animals, we not human.’ You know what I’m saying? But it’s like, bro, I’m human. I go through real-life stuff outside of the street stuff.”

In the video, YG sits across from actress Tasha Smith, who portrays the rapper’s therapist. Donning a suit and tie, he then proceeds to begin his traumatic tale of an inappropriate relationship he shared with an ex-girlfriend’s aunt.

“When I was young, I got raped by a b*tch twice my age/ Picked me up from school to meet at hers and got laid,” YG beings. “Ever since that day, I never looked at sh*t the same.”

“Okay, now back when I was at juvie and sh*t/Got used for the dick, I ain’t even know what to do with the b*tch/ Confused a bit,” he continues. “Her niece, I went to school with the b*tch/My screws loose, who got the tools to fix?” Combined with his gritty tone and the laid-back beat, YG paints the picture of how the abuse shaped his life.

“Hypnotized from them hips and thighs, all hypnotic/Yeah, that’s when I bust my first nut/Young n*gga with his d*ck all in a grown up/With the sh*ts in real quick, how I growed up/Got took advantage of and I liked it, so what?/Y’all call that sex abuse, sh*t/I just thought, she was doin’ some cool sh*t.”

Is YG Working on new music?

Prior to the track dropping, YG shared several clips on his Instagram, donning the same suit from the “2004” video. In one clip, a teaser trailer named “The Gentleman’s Club,” the rapper is shown alongside a group of men (also donning their best suits), while training in a gym, as a narrator describes the requirements to join the exclusive club.

“Everybody wants to join the gentleman’s club, but it’s everybody who does not have what it takes: honor, code, morals, respect.” While the rapper has not directly addressed that he’s got new music on the way, judging by his recent actions, fans could expect something soon.

During a recent live stream with N3on on March 25, YG shared his vision for this new venture, which encompasses an array of health supplements aimed at enhancing overall well-being. “I’m deeply invested in the health and wellness space,” he stated. “This year, I’m launching a dedicated health brand, which will include a variety of supplements.”

Among the products YG plans to offer are ashwagandha, sea moss, vitality greens, and a liver detoxifier—a personal necessity given his lifestyle choices. “As a drinker, I’m always looking for ways to cleanse my liver,” he explained. His goal is to have these products available by the end of the year, promising a comprehensive approach to health.

YG Unveils Cherry Bomb Supplement Amid Raw Reflections on Trauma in “2004”

Launched in February 2024, Cherry Bomb has been marketed as a natural supplement designed to enhance male virility and elevate sexual experiences. The product claims to improve physical appearance and enhance nighttime activities while ensuring that users maintain their vitality the following morning.

In addition to his entrepreneurial pursuits, YG is making headlines for his candid musical expression. His upcoming track, “2004,” addresses a deeply personal and traumatic experience from his youth, shedding light on the complexities surrounding sexual assault. In a snippet leaked to The Breakfast Club, YG bravely opens up about being sexually assaulted as a teenager by an older woman, sharing the profound impact it had on his life.

The lyrics reveal the turmoil and confusion he faced after the incident, highlighting the emotional scars that lingered long after the event. “My life is insane, like I’m from Baby Gang,” he raps, articulating the challenges of reconciling his past with his present. With the launch of Trim and its forthcoming products, fans and followers can expect a blend of passion for wellness and a dedication to sharing his truth through art.

During his set, two white actors dressed as police officers forcefully detained two Black actors, portraying the harsh reality of police brutality many face. As the scene unfolded, another Black actor delivered a powerful speech about how police abuse fuels cycles of violence in vulnerable Black communities.

YG didn’t stop there. Before performing his 2016 protest anthem “FDT,” he brought out a Donald Trump impersonator to mock the former president. The impersonator mimicked a speech, reinforcing the song’s relevance amid Trump’s 2024 reelection bid. While the track originally dropped during Trump’s first campaign, its message remains timely in today’s political climate.

Outside of Rolling Loud, YG has had his own encounters with law enforcement. In the fall of 2024, he was arrested for a misdemeanor DUI after allegedly parking his car on a curb. However, the charges were later dropped due to a lack of evidence. Though unrelated to the issues he addressed in his performance, the situation marked a small legal victory for the rapper.

As for what’s next, YG’s fans are eager for new music. His last project, Just Re’d Up 3, released in 2024, struggled commercially but was still embraced by his loyal supporters. While there’s no confirmation on a new album in 2025, his Rolling Loud performance suggests he’s still fully engaged with his artistry. Whether it’s through music or powerful stage moments, YG continues to make his voice heard.

On Wednesday (February 5), TMZ reported that the Burbank City Attorney’s Office dismissed the case due to a lack of evidence. Joe Tacopina, the rapper’s attorney—who also represents A$AP Rocky in his ongoing gun case—told the outlet the case was thrown out largely because YG wasn’t inside the vehicle when officers arrived. In the early hours of October 1, police spotted the “Who Do You Love” artist after he accidentally hit a curb. He was already outside his car when they approached. While officers didn’t administer a breathalyzer, they did collect a blood sample.

YG was later charged with a misdemeanor DUI.

YG, Freddie Gibbs, and CM Punk Join Night Patrol

YG, Freddie Gibbs, and WWE’s CM Punk are among those joining the indie horror film Night Patrol.

An October Hollywood Reporter article revealed that Justin Long, Jermaine Fowler, and RJ Cyler will lead the Ryan Prows-directed project, slated for release later this year. According to the provided details, “LAPD officer (Fowler) must put aside his differences with the area’s street gangs when he discovers a local police task force is harboring a horrific secret that endangers the residents of the housing projects he grew up in.” This isn’t their first foray into acting.

Gibbs recently starred in Down With The King, earning critical acclaim for his portrayal of Money Merc, a rapper seeking inspiration in the rural Berkshires while crafting his next album. YG has left his mark on film and television, directing and starring in a short film accompanying his 2014 album, Blame It On The Streets. Expanding his business portfolio, the Compton rapper recently introduced Cherry Bomb, a male enhancement product.

TMZ obtained a photo from the scene showing YG sitting on the curb with his head resting on his arms, just a short distance from his car, while a police officer stands nearby. It remains unclear whether YG was under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the incident. Sources indicate that officers did not perform a breathalyzer test, but they did take a blood sample from him. Following this, he was booked for a misdemeanor DUI.

YG’s attorney, Joe Tacopina, has commented on the situation, stating that he is currently gathering more information regarding his client’s arrest. Tacopina emphasized that his primary concern is YG’s health and wellbeing. He assured that he would address any potential legal matters that may arise from the incident.

This arrest adds to YG’s ongoing challenges, as he navigates both personal and professional hurdles. Fans are left hoping for a swift resolution to this situation while awaiting further developments. YG has previously made headlines for both his music and personal life, and this latest incident could impact his career moving forward. As the situation unfolds, more details are expected to emerge, providing insight into YG’s current circumstances.

The event, held on Sunday, August 18, brought together Treetop Pirus and Fruit Town Pirus gang members, who set aside their differences to participate in the walk. According to TMZ, the peace walk began at Gonzales Park, and YG led a procession of gang members, residents, and children through the neighborhood. Documenting the event on social media, YG, and the participants showed pride in their Piru heritage, with many flashing gang signs as a symbol of solidarity and loyalty.

In one video, YG leads the crowd to the iconic Compton eatery Tam’s Burgers, where he and others enjoy a meal together. The two were seen walking side by side and posing for photos, underscoring the powerful message of unity.

The peace walk coincided with the release of YG’s latest project, Just Re’d Up 3, which dropped on Friday, August 16. The double-disc mixtape, the third installment in the series, features collaborations with Ty Dolla $ign, Saweetie, Mustard, Lil Yachty, and others, marking an eventful weekend for the 34-year-old rapper.

See more photos below.

When YG interviewed Bobbi Althoff for Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us,” gunfire erupted, which went viral. YG and Bobbi would later be seen together while making the video before its release. Both celebrities were mentioned during the beef between Kendrick Lamar and Drake.

Through initiatives like this, YG continues to leverage his influence to bring about change and promote peace in communities often marked by conflict.

YG took to Instagram to share a cryptic message after he and Saweetie got into a domestic dispute. He posted an emoji of a lion and a cheetah via his Instagram story. Fans believed his post was calling Saweetie a liar and… a cheater.

“I was at the zoo wit my kids. stop the kap,” YG wrote via Instagram, clearing up the speculation.

We previously reported that police were called to the couples home following a dispute over a cell phone. 

When officers arrived on the scene, they intervened by separating the couple. There was no evidence that the two were physical, according to police. A noncriminal report was filed to document the situation, but no charges were pressed.

Neither YG nor Saweetie have publicly addressed the situation as of yet.

The two have been romantically linked since April 2023 at Coachella. While YG was performing on stage, he expressed his love for Saweetie. “I love you, girl. With yo fine a**,” he said. She responded, “Rich ni**as love pretty girls. I love you too, baby.”

Saweetie Taps in With tt

Saweetie recently sat down with HOT 97’s TT Torrez and talked her career, her relationship with YG, acting and more. 

The rapper says one crucial lesson she’s learned along her journey thus far is, “knowing better and doing better.” The rapper says mistakes will happen, but you must learn to forgive yourself. “I’ll be in a situation and I’ll be like ‘that’s what that quote means,’ like the saying ‘if you know better, you do better,’” she begins.

“[But] if you’re out here without a role model, a big sister, a big brother, [or] somebody guiding you, I feel like sometimes mistakes are made,” she says. “But you do have to forgive yourself.” 

When officers arrived on the scene, they intervened by separating the couple. After speaking with both YG and Saweetie, police found that there had been no physical confrontation between them. The argument was loud but did not involve any criminal behavior. As a result, a noncriminal report was filed to document the situation, but no charges were pressed.

According to law enforcement sources, the deputies were dispatched due to concerns over the noise. They managed to calm the situation and ensure that both YG and Saweetie were okay before leaving. Despite the drama, the couple was reportedly unharmed.

YG and Saweetie’s relationship has been a rollercoaster since they were first romantically linked in April 2023 at Coachella. Their romance was publicly confirmed the following month with a PDA-filled trip to Mexico. Although rumors of a cooling relationship surfaced in January, the couple never confirmed these reports. By April, they seemed to be back together, with Saweetie posting a photo of YG with a caption referring to him as “my pisces.”

The recent argument is just another chapter in their tumultuous relationship. While there’s been no official response from YG, Saweetie’s representatives have not commented on the matter.