New Music Friday: January 12, 2024

A couple of artists makes their comeback with new singles as others drop full-length albums.

Lil Nas X and Ariana Grande both make their returns to the music scene as 21 Savage and Kid Cudi churn out their respective projects in a long line of music

Four musicians released singles and albums, a couple of them making their comeback. Here’s the list of the music projects that dropped yesterday.

Ariana Grande Drops Her Single, “yes, and?” After Almost Three Years

The “7 Rings”  singer comes out with her latest single, which follows the 2021 release of the “34+35” remix with Doja Cat and Megan Thee Stallion. Grande uses “yes, and?” to call out her critics, singing “Now, I’m done with caring what you think // No, I won’t hide underneath your own projections or change my most authentic life.” She stands in her truth and won’t be swayed by the opinion of outsiders

Lil Nas X Releases “J Christ” Following Lengthy Break

“J Christ” serves as Lil Nas X’s return following his Montero era, during which he used devil imagery. Known for his stunts, his Montero era featured Nike Air Max lookalikes with a drop of blood in their soles. With this new single, he switches sides by using Jesus imagery. “J Christ” highlights Lil Nas X’s almost two-year break as well as his trolling antics. He sings:

“Know what I’m out, I’m on a break // You know when I’m back, it’s all for taking // You know that I’m ready for everything // You know how I play, it’s all for games”

21 Savage Releases His Third Solo Studio Album, “American Dream”

21 Savage’s third studio album doubles as a soundtrack to his biopic of the same name. The film, starring Donald Glover, highlights his life, especially his infamous ICE arrest. The album is a follow-up to his 2018 solo album, “I Am > I Was.” 

Kid Cudi’s Ninth Album, “Insano,” Fulfills Contractual Obligations

Released under Wicked Awesome Records and Republic Records, “Insano” will serve as the Cleveland rapper’s last contractual album for Republic. He’s been with the label since his debut, “Man on the Moon: The End of the Day,” in 2009. “Insano” follows his 2022 album, “Entergalactic,” which was paired with an adult animated music television. The television special is dedicated to Cudi’s late friend, Virgil Abloh, and it received critical acclaim. The special won some awards, including one from the Hollywood Music in Media Awards. “Insano” features fellow rappers, like A$AP Rocky, Lil Yachty and Lil Wayne.