The music scene is set for an exciting weekend as several high-profile releases hit the market, including rapper A$AP Rocky’s much-anticipated return after nearly eight years. His new album, titled “Don’t Be Dumb,” is accompanied by an acoustic version of Zach Bryan‘s latest work, showcasing an array of talented artists across various genres.
A$AP Rocky’s New Album Marks a Significant Return
After a lengthy hiatus, A$AP Rocky is back, releasing his fourth studio album, “Don’t Be Dumb,” under A$AP Worldwide/Polo Grounds/RCA. The nearly eight-year gap since his last album has been marked by major personal events, including the birth of his children with partner Rihanna and his recent legal challenges, culminating in an acquittal on a gun assault charge in 2022.
This new project, featuring 15 tracks, boasts collaborations with notable artists such as Swedish House Mafia, Madlib, Metro Boomin, Hit-Boy, Greg Kurstin, and Tyler, the Creator. A$AP Rocky will also promote the album as the musical guest on this week’s episode of “Saturday Night Live” on NBC, further amplifying the excitement surrounding his return.
Zach Bryan’s Acoustic Rendition and Other Noteworthy Releases
In addition to Rocky’s return, Zach Bryan is releasing “With Heaven on Top Acoustic”, an acoustic version of his previous six studio album. This stripped-back rendition features 24 songs, excluding the spoken piece “Down, Down, Stream,” and marks a significant moment, as it is reportedly his final release with a major label.
The music landscape is also enriched by new offerings from several artists. The legendary Richard Marx debuts his first album in four years, titled “After Hours,” which includes collaborations with Rod Stewart and Kenny G. Meanwhile, the British rock band The Cult captures a live performance in their album “Paradise Live”, showcasing 16 powerful tracks, including fan favorites like “Ghost Dance.”
K-pop fans can rejoice as both Enhypen and EXO unveil new music. Enhypen’s latest offering is their seventh mini-album, while EXO drops their eighth full album, reinforcing their prominence in the global music scene.
Other notable releases include Mike Mattison’s “Midnight in Harlem”, which draws inspiration from a novella he is currently writing, and Langhorne Slim’s “The Dreamin’ Kind,” featuring production by Sam Kiszka of Greta Van Fleet.
As the music industry continues to evolve, the diverse range of new albums and singles demonstrates the vibrant creativity and talent present across genres. With each release, artists not only share their stories but also connect with a global audience eager for fresh sounds and experiences.
More new releases are expected on January 30, 2024, including works from Courtney Marie Andrews, Elles Bailey, Madison Beer, and many others, further enriching the week’s musical offerings. With such a dynamic array of new music, listeners have much to look forward to in the coming days.
