The Listening: Boldy James & V Don, Shoreline Mafia and More

April 5, 2025 1

April is already looking like a hot one – and this month’s first Friday features a diverse array of new music.

On the album front, Boldy James and V Don take us on a street rap road trip with their collaborative project Alphabet Highway; as Fattmack goes deeper into drug-induced psychosis on Here To Stay.

Meanwhile, on the song end of things, Gelo, aka LiAngelo Ball, is intent on proving his rap bonafides with his latest track “Law N Order.” Then there’s Aesop Rock delivering the kind of dense, impactful wordplay that’s been a trademark of his for more than 30 years in the game; and on the soulful side of things, there’s Roy Woods – showcasing his vulnerability while remaining thoroughly outside-the-box.

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

LIANGELO BALL, “LAW N ORDER”

The baller-turned-rhymer is back with a somber piano-driven track that further highlights that GELO is taking this rap thing seriously.

SEXXY REDD, “HOOCHIE COOCHIE”

Her 2025 roll continues. After collabs with Bruno Mars and Gucci Mane, another slice of unapologetic raunch rap from the St. Louis spitter.

AESOP ROCK, “CHECKERS”

An appetizer for the upcoming Black Hole Superette, the latest from the L.A. rap legend features trademark dense lyricism over grainy guitar-laced production.

ROY WOODS, “STAY WITH ME”

The moody alt-R&B star begs for forgiveness on this Dimi Andic and Carrie Lin-produced track. Guilt never sounded so good.

ROB49, “WTHELLY”

It’s already starting to make viral waves. The first single from his forthcoming album Let Me Fly features intense repetition and high energy, and serves notice that the NOLA native is ready for his close-up.

SAUCE WALKA AND THAT MEXICAN OT, “SAMSUNG SCREENZ”

Sauce dives into the struggle and OT gets flossy. An infectious collaboration that shows that the two rhymers can bring totally different approaches together with strong results.

JANE HANDCOCK, “STINGY”

Jane Handcock serves up a yearning love song that’s sultry, smooth and engrossing.

ALBUMS

FATTMACK, ‘Here To Stay’

The rapper out of Mobile, AL has no shortage of paranoia and on his latest, he delves into a druggy haze of pain that shows he isn’t afraid to mine the depths of his experiences.

BOLDY JAMES & V DON, ‘Alphabet Highway’

The anticipated collaborative album from one of hip-hop’s most accomplished street rap storytellers and an inspired producer proves that there aren’t many better than Boldy when he’s inspired.

SHORELINE MAFIA, RICKY HIL ‘Back in Bidness

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After a hiatus, Shoreline Mafia is back with a new album, except this time, it’s just OHGEESY and Fenix Flexin. But even as a duo, they’re as potent as ever.

CRUNCH CALHOUN, MIKE & KEYS ‘Calhoun’

On the heels of their single “Breaking News,” this collaborative project showcases the New Jersey rhymers unique perspective over soulful production.

OIUJA MACC, RICKY HIL ‘Problem Children 2’

Ricky Hil’s sinister production and Macc’s trademark stoned-out shock rap make for a perfect marriage for anyone who likes trap music on the murkier side.

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