This article previously appeared on Audiomack World.

Alkaline — The Ripple EFFX

Alkaline is one of the biggest artists in dancehall. In 2021, he dropped his sophomore album Top Prize, home to the uncompromising Re-Upped single “Hostage.” His new EP The Ripple EFFX runs for less than 20 minutes, but captures Alkaline’s dominance all the same. The deep grooves on the EP are matched only by Alkaline’s easy and gruff tone. These blends of rap and Caribbean music are infectious and loom large over the bulletproof legacy Alkaline has been building for a decade.

Watch Alkaline perform a medley of hits for Fine Tuned

SZA — SOS

Can’t believe I’m writing this—the SZA sophomore album is here, towering at 23 tracks. Over five years on, SOS follows SZA’s generation-defining Ctrl. The new album takes her unique, cursive-sounding delivery and blows it open. These songs represent the self-actualization of SZA, her confidence becoming a main character on the record, along with a string of features both predictable (Don Toliver) and not (Phoebe Bridgers). “Damn right, I’m the one!” SZA sings to open the album.

Rot Ken — Yahweh Child

Evidently chosen by God, Georgia rapper Rot Ken drops off his new album Yahweh Child. The “10 Rappers You Should Know Right Now” alum delivered Free Me back in May, and since has signed to both Internet Money and producer jetsonmade’s BoyMeetSpace record label. Rot Ken’s lived-in raps give a new edge to spitting over crunchy productions and relaying clear pictures of life in GA.

Scorey — Help Is On The Way

Syracuse rapper Scorey first broke in 2019 with “Freddy Krueger,” securing him a coveted Polo G co-sign and signing to Polo’s label. Another “10 Rappers” alum, Scorey stands out by mixing strong hooks with an intensely emotional delivery. Help Is On The Way is a pack of intoxicating bangers. The record features Polo G and Lil Poppa, but mostly centers Scorey as a rising star.

Bree Runway — WOAH, WHAT A BLUR!

UK artist Bree Runway subverts all expectations for Black women in pop music. Since her acclaimed 2000AND4EVA EP in 2020, Bree has captivated with her blends of hard raps, punk tones, and sugary affect. It brings to mind early Rico Nasty. With WOAH, WHAT A BLUR!, Bree takes lessons learned from her previous singles, including the SOTY contender “Somebody Like You,” and delivers something wholly original—hoping signaling a debut full-length album in her future.