Summary of Western Music Releases [January 2025]

Christmas on Death RowDeath Row All Stars

Death Row All Stars – Christmas on Death Row (Official Music Video)

In December 2024, Death Row All-Stars—a project by artists from the American hip-hop label Death Row Records—released a new track.

Carrying on the legacy of the 1996 Christmas album “Christmas on Death Row,” the song brings together a star-studded lineup including Snoop Dogg, Tha Dogg Pound, and The Eastsidaz.

Blending West Coast hip-hop elements into a Christmas tune, it fuses a gangsta rap sensibility with the warmth of the holiday season.

As an ambitious work that carries Death Row’s legacy into the present, it’s a must-listen for hip-hop fans.

StandaloneFleshwater

Fleshwater Presents: “Standalone” (Official Music Video)

Freshwater, whose recent visit to Japan in November 2024 is still fresh in our memories, has been drawing attention for their fusion of shoegaze, post-hardcore, and grunge, along with their male-female twin vocals.

Their long-awaited new track “Standalone” is an intensely fierce short tune—just about one minute long! Despite its brief length, it’s packed with the band’s signature style: cool yet passionate melodies and aggressively cutting guitar tones that are seriously badass.

If you’re interested in the recent genre often called grungegaze, be sure to give it a listen.

Hannah MontanaIce Spice, NLE Choppa, DaBaby

Ice Spice, NLE Choppa, DaBaby – Hannah Montana (Visualizer)

Ice Spice, a Bronx, New York native, is making waves with a new track collaborating with NLE Choppa and DaBaby.

Released in December 2024, the song is included on Ice Spice’s deluxe album “Y2K! : I’m Just A Girl.” Blending elements of Bronx drill, the track showcases the distinct personalities of all three artists.

It weaves together Ice Spice’s background and gratitude for her success, NLE Choppa’s passionate view on love, and DaBaby’s complex relationships, resulting in a compelling piece.

On YouTube, it surpassed 98,400 views within six days of release.

TranquilityJack Harlow

Jack Harlow – Tranquility

Rising star Jack Harlow from Louisville released a new single in December 2024.

Announced as a surprise, the track is an ambitious piece that expresses gratitude to his hometown fans while reflecting on his own career.

Staying true to hip-hop roots while incorporating a modern sound, it’s quintessentially his style.

It’s already generating buzz, surpassing 300,000 views on YouTube.

With a flow reminiscent of Drake, it’s drawn mixed reviews from critics.

It’s the perfect track for a late-night drive playlist.

Shit Show (Ft. Veeze & Lil Yachty)Kodak Black

Kodak Black – Shit Show Ft. Veeze & Lil Yachty [Official Audio]

Kodak Black from Florida, USA released a collaborative track with Veeze and Lil Yachty in December 2024.

The song appears on the album “Gift For The Streets.” It’s an energetic track distinguished by hard-hitting trap beats, exploring themes like the realities of street life, violence, and the importance of trust in relationships.

The interplay of the three rappers’ distinctive flows makes it a compelling listen.

It can be seen as a song that epitomizes Kodak Black’s career, as he achieved early success—his 2017 debut album “Painting Pictures” reached No.

3 on the Billboard 200.

Hello, HiLittle Simz

Little Simz – Hello, Hi (Official Audio)

Little Simz, known as one of the UK’s most distinctive rappers, sparked buzz with a surprise new track announced at the end of December 2024.

Produced by the duo SHYY and Rigas, the song features a subdued guitar sample that evokes London’s rap scene.

Showcasing Simz’s exceptional rap skills and confident lyricism, the track highlights her musical evolution.

With hints at new developments heading into 2025, anticipation for her next moves is building.

Brimming with self-affirmation, the lyrics make it a perfect listen when you want a boost of confidence or a more positive mindset.

DramaREX ORANGE COUNTY

Rex Orange County – Drama (Audio)

Rex Orange County, hailing from the UK, released a new song in December 2024 that expresses a desire to break free from everyday “hassles.” Its characteristically unpretentious lyrics and catchy pop melody feel easygoing, showcasing his genre-defying musicality.

The track appears as a bonus on his fifth album, released in September; initially exclusive to the vinyl edition, it later became available digitally.

It’s an ambitious work that takes on composing about all facets of life, and the mentions of Japanese place names like Tokyo and Kyoto add a friendly touch.

Highly recommended for anyone looking to find relief from stress.