The Listening: New Music From Central Cee, Boldy James and More

January 25, 2025 2

As the first month of 2025 comes to a close, a slew of new music has been released, especially in regard to singles.

This week offered a stacked collection of loosies, including “Bad Choices,” a track by Larry June, 2 Chainz and The Alchemist; “Plaqueboymax” by Fivio Foreign; and a particularly interesting collab between Sexyy Red and Bruno Mars called “Fat Juicy & Wet.”

As for albums, we’ve got a new project from Boldy James, Central Cee and Charlie Bereal.

Each week, Okayplayer will deliver a roundup of all the latest new heat from some of our favorite artists. Check out the latest offerings below.

NEW SONGS

LARRY JUNE, 2 CHAINZ AND THE ALCHEMIST, “BAD CHOICES”

Over a smooth-as-always production from The Alchemist, Larry June and 2 Chainz offer cool raps (also, can we get some more collabs between Chainz and Alc?).

REASON FEAT. BAS, “NOT WHAT YOU THINK”

Reason makes a great post-TDE return with “Not What You Think,” a SWAVAY-produced track that also features Bas.

CHARLES SHAKUR WITH TYFONTAINE, “FAIRYTALES IN MIDTOWN”

The Atlanta singer-songwriter links up with the DMV rapper for a hypnotic track. Also, the way TyFontaine says “extraterrestrial” in his verse — brilliance.

KIRKO BANGZ, “DEEP INSIDE”

Over a sparse and moody beat, Kirko makes his return with a track addressing the many challenges he’s experienced throughout his career — from questionable industry figures to former friends who didn’t support him.

SEXYY RED AND BRUNO MARS, “FAT JUICY & WET”

It’s an unlikely pairing but it’s worth listening to, considering this is a full-on pop song with Red being as delightfully unfiltered as she always is.

JPEGMAFIA, “PROTECT THE CROSS”

Peggy returns with a brash track that comes with one of the most interesting beat switches I’ve heard in a while.

V DON, BLACK SOPRANO FAMILY AND ETO, “MAFIA”

Accompanied by V Don’s haunting (but head-knocking) beat, the Black Soprano Family and ETO offer raps that are just as compelling as they are menacing.

NAPPY ROOTS, “LIFE HAPPENS QUICKLY”

Just in case you were wondering: Nappy Roots has still got it. They show proof on their confident new track, “Life Happens Quickly.”

FIVIO FOREIGN, “PLAQUEBOYMAX”

What stemmed from a minor beef between Fivio and streamer Plaqueboymax has led to the rapper creating what has arguably been his best song in quite some time.

NEW ALBUMS

BOLDY JAMES, ‘Permanent Ink’

Boldly’s latest album is a 13-track release that features Jai Imani and Sir Michael Rocks.

CENTRAL CEE, ‘Can’t Rush Greatness’

The U.K. rapper makes his solo album debut with a 17-song release that includes local heavyweights (Skepta) and U.S. stars like Lil Baby and Lil Durk.