This Friday is an absolutely loaded release day, with a number of notable albums dropping for your consumption. This week, we’re listening to — deep breath — new projects from Fivio Foreign, Vince Staples and Camila Cabello, as well as singles from Alicia Keys, Jack Harlow and more. Go nuts.

 

Fivio Foreign - B.I.B.L.E.

We’ve been waiting for this one for a while.

Fivio Foreign has generated a ton of buzz in the last while with contributions to hits like “Off The Grid” by Kanye West and his single “City of Gods” with Ye and Alicia Keys. The hype for his studio album was real and it’s officially here with the release of B.I.B.L.E. For the project, Fivi recruited plenty of top talent such as Quavo, A$AP Rocky, Lil Yachty, Polo G, while Yeezy himself serves as the album’s executive producer. With its drill influences and a few inspired beats, the Brooklyn rapper has proven that he can produce utter greatness that transcends drill culture. Rest easy Pop Smoke, New York is in good hands with Fivio Foreign.

 

Vince Staples - Ramona Park Broke My Heart

Last year, Vince Staples blessed fans with a somber and insular self-titled LP which grew into one of the most beloved releases of 2021. He said that it was the first of two albums that he was planning on releasing in a year. 

A little late, but late is better than never as Staples has officially followed up with his newest project, Ramona Park Broke My Heart. The album is a tribute to the rough Long Beach neighborhood that Staples grew up in. He takes a deep dive into his early life, processing some of the traumas that came with his upbringing. This is Staples at his most vulnerable, rapping over moody instrumentals in a very mellow zone.

 

Camila Cabello - Familia

Camila Cabello’s newest album Familia sees the pop star shift from a bad place to a good place. The Latin elements are most vibrant as she leans heavily into her Mexican-Cuban heritage throughout the whole project. The album is very much an open story about her life and the adversity she’s faced lately. The project’s title itself is Familia, which is Spanish for “family” and refers to her time spent with family during lockdown. She also opens up about her struggles from two break ups; one with her former music group Fifth Harmony and the other with fellow star Shawn Mendes. By diving deep into her heritage and psyche, Cabello has created her most compelling album yet.

 

Alicia Keys - “City of Gods (Part II)”

There really is just something about Alicia Keys and delivering iconic Empire State anthems, isn’t there?

Her solo take, the sequel to the hyped up “City of Gods” featuring Fivio Foreign and the artist formerly known as Kanye West, features its own original chorus and new verses laid out over a smooth and stripped back piano rendition. Keys switches up the bass-heavy and boastful New York praise song into a solo heartbreak anthem, adding in some nostalgic and futuristic elements. The accompanying music video sees her draped in layers of gold and diamond chains, singing in front of a futuristic looking Mercedes-Benz with the night view of New York City in the backdrop.

 

Jack Harlow - “First Class”

In true “What we’re listening to this week at The Shift” fashion, we must include a new and great release that samples an early 2000s hit within the song (see “In My Head” by Lil Tjay from last week).

This time it’s Jack Harlow’s “First Class”, which samples from Fergie and Ludacris’ 2006 hit, “Glamourous.” He raps about upgrading his life in recent years, speaking on his experiences and how he’s made it as a superstar. The track, which sent TikTok into an absolute frenzy thanks to Harlow’s teasers, is a preview of things to come. His upcoming album, Come Home the Kids Miss You, is set to drop next month on May 6. The Kentucky rapper has generated a lot of buzz lately as he is just coming off of an impressive performance alongside Lil Nas X at the 2022 Grammys in which the duo were nominated for two awards together.

 

Girl Talk, Wiz Khalifa, Smoke DZA & Big K.R.I.T. - Full Court Press

Wiz Khalifa, Big K.R.I.T., and Smoke DZA have reunited on their collaborative album, Full Court Press, produced entirely by Girl Talk. At first glance, most would think the strength and styles of each artist on the project would be a challenge to put together and make it sound good. However, thanks to Girl Talk’s thoughtful production, incorporating simple, soul-sounding beats, the three distinct voices blend seamlessly for an album that’s sure to bring some seriously cool vibes.