The middle of summer just got cold-blooded. Over the past couple of weeks, a wave of powerful hip-hop projects hit the streets, shaking up the scene with a mix of veteran prowess and fresh creativity. These albums don’t just add to the noise—they cut through it.
Clipse – Let God Sort Em Out
After fifteen years away, Clipse’s return with Let God Sort Em Out is less a comeback and more a seismic event. Pusha T and Malice reunite with Pharrell Williams for 13 tracks of sharp lyricism and grim production that refuse to soften with age. The album hits like a storm cloud, dense and venomous. Tracks like “Ace Trumpets” set a menacing tone while Kendrick Lamar’s feature on “Chains & Whips” adds a modern intensity. Pusha’s diss toward Travis Scott on “So Bo It” shows no interest in politeness — it’s a ruthless statement of survival and evolution. Pharrell’s production warps trends into a distinct Clipse universe, delivering a record that feels both timeless and urgently now.
Larry June & Cardo Got Wings – Until Night Comes
Larry June’s lifestyle rap arrives like a smooth breeze with Until Night Comes, his second project of 2025 alongside producer Cardo Got Wings. This album isn’t just background vibes—it’s a carefully crafted soundtrack for low-key luxury and sunset drives. Larry’s laid-back delivery narrates tales of financial literacy, clean eating, and the West Coast grind with hypnotic precision. The buttery synths complement his signature chill, making the record a modern-day ode to living well without the flash.
Boldy James & Nicholas Craven – Late to My Own Funeral
Boldy James’ Late to My Own Funeral, his eighth project in 2025 alone, is an icy reflection on a life lived hard and fast. Produced by Canadian beatmaker Nicholas Craven, the album feels haunted, its loops like cold echoes of past regrets. Boldy raps with the weight of someone who’s been through multiple lifetimes, and the quiet brilliance of the production demands close listening. This is underground hip-hop elevated to an art form, stark and compelling.
Travis Scott & Jackboys – Jackboys 2
Travis Scott’s Jackboys 2 arrives hot on the heels of Clipse’s release, sparking unspoken tension after Pusha T’s diss. The compilation reunites Scott with Don Toliver, Sheck Wes, and company for 17 tracks of high-energy rap anthems. With Bun B hosting and production that keeps the Cactus Jack sound fresh, the album balances club-ready bangers like “2000 Excursion” with introspective moments. Travis reportedly teases a solo follow-up to 2023’s Utopia, promising even more chaos and creativity to come.
Tino Kamal – Switch
Meanwhile, across the Atlantic in London, Tino Kamal’s Switch breaks the mold with a fearless, genre-defying six-track project. Released just weeks after these heavyweight albums, Switch stands out with its eclectic fusion of grime, hip-hop, punk, and electronic elements. Kamal’s refusal to be boxed in is evident from the club-ready energy of “Rodeo Ranger” to the culturally rich “Curry Goat Riddim” and the introspective hustle anthem “24365.” His fearless self-expression and genre-bending production make Switch a fresh statement in 2025’s diverse hip-hop landscape. It’s a reminder that the future belongs to those who refuse limits.
