The Week in Review
The Hip-Hop scene in April 2025 is buzzing with significant releases, high-profile collaborations, and headline-making events. Here’s a comprehensive look at the latest happenings in the world of Hip-Hop.
Major Album Releases
Playboi Carti – Music
After a four-year hiatus, Playboi Carti returned with his third studio album, Music, released on March 14. The 30-track project features collaborations with Travis Scott, The Weeknd, Kendrick Lamar, and Lil Uzi Vert, among others. The album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, selling 298,000 units in its first week. A deluxe edition, Music – Sorry 4 Da Wait, followed on March 25, adding more tracks to the already expansive album.
Lil Durk – Deep Thoughts
Lil Durk’s ninth studio album, Deep Thoughts, dropped on March 28, featuring guest appearances from Future, Lil Baby, Hunxho, and Jhené Aiko. Despite delays due to legal issues, the album debuted at number three on the Billboard 200, earning 64,000 album-equivalent units in its first week.
Black Sherif – Iron Boy
Ghanaian artist Black Sherif released his second studio album, Iron Boy, on April 3. The album blends hip-hop, Afrobeats, and Highlife, featuring Nigerian singers Fireboy DML and Seyi Vibez. Thematically, it explores resilience and personal growth, building upon the foundation of his debut album.
Notable Collaborations and Singles
BigXthaPlug & Bailey Zimmerman – “All the Way”
In a genre-blending move, rapper BigXthaPlug teamed up with country singer Bailey Zimmerman for the single “All the Way,” released on April 4. The track combines elements of country music and Southern hip-hop, marking BigXthaPlug’s first foray into country music. Critics have praised the song for its seamless fusion of styles.
Bizarrap & Rich The Kid Collaboration
Argentine producer Bizarrap is set to release new music. The new music features American rapper Rich The Kid. The collaboration was teased via Instagram Stories, showing both artists in the studio. This partnership follows Bizarrap’s successful session with Luck Ra in December 2024.
Industry News and Controversies
Kendrick Lamar vs. Drake Feud Escalates
The ongoing feud between Kendrick Lamar and Drake intensified with Lamar’s release of the diss track “Not Like Us,” accusing Drake of inappropriate relationships. The track topped charts and was featured in Lamar’s Super Bowl performance. In response, Drake filed a defamation lawsuit against Universal Music Group, citing threats to his safety. The feud has sparked broader discussions on artist responsibility and the role of record labels.
Diddy Faces Serious Legal Charges
Sean “Diddy” Combs is facing five criminal charges, including racketeering and sex trafficking, with allegations spanning from 2004 to 2024. The jury selection for the trial begins on May 5 in New York City. Combs has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Tours and Performances
Machine Gun Kelly made an unexpected appearance at Coachella 2025, performing alongside Three 6 Mafia and Travis Barker. This marked MGK’s first-ever Coachella performance, coming shortly after the birth of his daughter with ex-girlfriend Megan Fox. The performance was well-received, adding a surprise element to the festival.
The Hip-Hop landscape continues to evolve with dynamic collaborations, genre-blending releases, and significant cultural discussions. Stay tuned for more updates as the scene progresses.
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