This week saw a diverse array of new music releases, ranging from Dua Lipa’s radically optimistic pop album to Kendrick Lamar’s unflinchingly pessimistic diss tracks aimed at Drake. Other notable releases include collaborations from Imagine Dragons and J Balvin, Kane Brown and Marshmello, and new singles from Gunna and Willow.
Dua Lipa Spreads ‘Radical Optimism’
Pop superstar Dua Lipa kicked off the week with the release of her highly anticipated third album, Radical Optimism. The 11-track dance-pop set sees Lipa departing from her disco-infused Future Nostalgia sound in favor of a more summery vibe.
A Personal Journey
Lipa has described Radical Optimism as her most personal project to date, telling Billboard:
“I felt so free in telling my stories and talking about my experiences.”
With its radically optimistic themes, the album promises to be a uplifting and introspective journey for fans.
Kendrick Lamar’s Vengeful Diss Tracks
On the opposite end of the emotional spectrum, Kendrick Lamar dropped not one, but two diss tracks this week, both aimed squarely at Drake. In “Euphoria” and “6:16 in LA,” Lamar holds nothing back, unleashing a barrage of scathing lines that leave no aspect of Drake’s artistry and personal life unaddressed.
“I hate the way that you walk, the way that you talk/ I hate the way that you dress/ I hate the way that you sneak diss …”
Lamar’s vengeful response tracks have reignited the long-standing feud between the two rap titans.
Collaborative Efforts
The week also saw several high-profile collaborations hit the music scene:
- Imagine Dragons and J Balvin teamed up for the infectious “Eyes Closed.”
- Kane Brown joined forces with Marshmello for “Miles on It,” a follow-up to their 2019 hit “One Thing Right.”
These genre-blending collaborations showcase the artists’ versatility and ability to seamlessly blend their unique sounds.
New Releases from Gunna and Willow
In addition to the major album and single drops, Gunna served up his new single “WhatsApp (Wassam)” just one week ahead of his upcoming album One of Wun. Meanwhile, Willow released her sixth studio record, Empathogen, further cementing her status as a genre-defying artist.
With such a diverse range of new music on offer, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this week, whether you’re in the mood for upbeat pop anthems, hard-hitting diss tracks, or genre-bending collaborations.