Summary of Western Music Releases [May 2025]

IllegalPinkPantheress

PinkPantheress – Illegal (Official Video)

PinkPantheress, a highly skilled singer-songwriter and producer from the UK, unveiled this lead track in May 2025 from her second mixtape, “Fancy That.” Drawing inspiration from British electronic music of the ’90s and early 2000s, the sound perfectly balances the freshness of a young artist with a refined musical maturity.

The austere beat—sampling a track by Underworld—pairs exquisitely with her delicate, ephemeral vocals, and the lyrics themed around a forbidden love leave a strong impression.

The music video, which captures the work’s unique world, is also a must-see, offering a dreamlike visual beauty that blends live action with animation.

It’s a highly recommended track for music fans who gravitate toward dark, melancholic atmospheres.

Hoe EraRay Vaughn

Ray Vaughn – Hoe Era

Ray Vaughn, a Long Beach, California native, started rapping at 12 and grew up influenced by Drake and Lil Wayne.

He’s releasing a new track in May 2025.

Marked by a heavy bassline and dark beats, the song is a diss track aimed at Joey Bada$$ that embodies the long-standing tension between East and West Coast hip-hop scenes.

While honoring the traditions of West Coast hip-hop, he delivers a commanding performance with razor-sharp lyricism and a polished flow.

The track also serves as the lead single from his mixtape, “The Good, The Bad, The Dollar Menu.” With gritty, streetwise lyrics and hard-edged production, this is a must-listen for fans seeking real hip-hop.

Friend Of MineRihanna

Rihanna – Friend Of Mine (from the Smurfs Movie Soundtrack)

With a pop-dance number infused with Afrobeats influences, Barbados-born Rihanna has released a track marking her leap to the big screen in May 2025.

Issued as part of the soundtrack for the animated film “The Smurfs,” the song colors the story from the perspective of Smurfette, the character Rihanna also voices.

Its appeal lies in soothing layered vocals carried by warm synths and a sprightly drum pattern.

It’s her first new song since the 2016 album ANTI, offering a bright sound that’s perfect for your summer playlist.

Rule 4080Rome Streetz & Conductor Williams

Rome Streetz & Conductor Williams – Rule 4080 (Official Video)

Hailing from London and based in Queens, New York, Rome Streetz teams up with Kansas City, Missouri–born producer Conductor Williams to release a hard-hitting exposé that sharply calls out the dark side of the music industry.

The track, unveiled on May 14, 2025, serves as the lead single from the album Trainspotting, slated for release on May 30 this year.

Over Conductor Williams’ ethereal, jazz-infused groove, Rome Streetz delivers razor-sharp lyrics.

A must-listen not only for those seeking the truth about the music industry, but also for anyone drawn to refined boom-bap hip-hop.

Iz It A Crime?Snoop Dogg, October London

Snoop Dogg, October London – Iz It A Crime? (Visualizer)

A powerful, soulful track from gangsta rap heavyweight Snoop Dogg featuring rising R&B singer October London.

Built on the foundation of a classic by British songstress Sade, the song weaves October London’s velvety vocals into a mellow, minimalist soundscape that lingers long after it ends.

It’s a masterful fusion of message-driven rap—laced with sharp critiques of the music industry—and rich, soulful melody.

Serving as the title track that opens the album “Iz It A Crime?” released in May 2025, it leads an ambitious project that also features Pharrell Williams and Wiz Khalifa.

A must-listen not only for West Coast hip-hop fans but for lovers of soul music as well.

Don’t Hold The FireSoFaygo

SoFaygo – Don’t Hold The Fire [Official Video]

SoFaygo is delivering a new generation of sound that breaks free from traditional rap conventions.

The young rapper from Grand Rapids, Michigan began releasing music in 2018, and drew major attention in 2021 when he signed with Travis Scott’s label, Cactus Jack Records.

Released in May 2024, this track makes a striking impression, layering dreamy, weightless soundscapes with melodious, Auto-Tune–inflected vocals used to great effect.

It further deepens the sonic world that has captivated fans with “Knock Knock” and the album Pink Heartz.

It’s a work that epitomizes today’s hip-hop scene—perfect for late-night drives or moments when you want to relax.

TasteSophie Ellis-Bextor

Sophie Ellis-Bextor – Taste (Official Lyric Video)

A captivating pop number from UK-born Sophie Ellis-Bextor, created in collaboration with hitmakers MNEK and Jon Shave.

With a sophisticated melody, it expresses the universal theme of being drawn to someone’s tastes and preferences and finding life shine brighter by sharing them.

Expertly blending elements of pop, dance, and disco, the track was released in May 2025 as the lead single from the album Perimenopop.

After stepping back into the spotlight in 2024 with the film Saltburn, she continues her musical experimentation on her eighth album, Perimenopop—an impressive evolution.

Highly recommended for those who enjoy refined adult pop and fans of disco sounds.