Hip Hop: Summer 2023

Monarch HipHop Recommendations

COI LERAY
Run It Up

Coi Leray consistently asserts herself as an elite rapper, dynamite vocalist, massive personality, and boundary-breaking superstar without comparison or rival. Born in Boston, raised in New Jersey, and now based in Los Angeles, the multiplatinum force of nature has captivated without compromise. Projecting her attitude just as loudly as her voice, she has served up a string of anthems from her debut album, Trendsetter, including the double-platinum “No More Parties,” gold-certified “Big Purr (Prrrd)” (featuring Pooh Shiesty), the Billboard Hot 100 Top 40 hit “Blick Blick” (with Nicki Minaj), and the viral “TWINNEM.” Multi-platinum recording artist Coi Leray has just released her new single, Run It Up,” via Uptown Records/Republic Records. Coi is also joining the lineups at Jay-Z’s “Made in America” and Kid Cudi’s “Moon Man’s Landing.” This year has also seen Coi become the voice of the WNBA’s “More Than Game” campaign ahead of their 2023 season and continue to build her resume in the fashion space with her collaboration with Fendi by Marc Jacobs in their highly anticipated Summer Capsule collection. You can also hear Coi on the big screen, with her collaboration with Metro Boomin on their song, “Self Love,” as part of the Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse soundtrack.

A$AP ROCKY
Don’t Be Dumb

A$AP is in album mode and ready to roll out his new project. A new track titled “RIOT (Rowdy Pipe’n),” provides listeners just a taste of what to expect on the new LP. The project has a list of hit makers involved: Tyler the Creator, Dean Blunt, Metro Boomin, Madlib, The Alchemist, and the legendary Pharrell. Don’t Be Dumb is set up to be this year’s best hip-hop album.

LIL UZI VERT
Pink Tape

Lil Uzi’s always been outspoken, and his recent statements on social media about his upcoming project, Pink Tape, suggest it’ll be as brash as he is. Three years after his last work, he’s back with a project that has a track list of features ranging from Bring Me the Horizon and Snow Strippers to Nicki Minaj and Don Toliver. Pink Tape is sure to solidify his chart dominance.

J. COLE
It’s a Boy

A concept album about Cole’s life as a father, It’s a Boy will incorporate new and unique collaborations that feature several different artists. The Carolina rapper revealed that he had his first baby boy, something he’s kept quiet about outside of bars about wanting to keep his personal life private. Given the point he’s at in his life and career, it would make sense that he’s ready to make his dad album.

TRAVIS SCOTT
Utopia

Set to become his first full-length release in five years, fans can expect Utopia to be a good deal of bass-booming, electric guitar-infused, high-energy trap-rap music. This is a template that has resulted in three number ones in under a year. The production, song concepts, and melodies of Utopia all work together to generate a new cinematic chapter to Scott’s illustrious music career.