Stray Kids, Snoop Dogg, and Bossman Dlow Collaborate
Billboard’s Friday Music Guide is your ultimate resource for this Friday’s most important music releases — the tracks that will be at the forefront of conversations today and will dominate playlists throughout the weekend and into the coming weeks. Stay ahead of the curve and discover what’s trending in the music world with our curated selection that highlights the hottest new sounds and artists shaping the industry.
This week features exciting developments as Stray Kids celebrate another milestone, Bossman Dlow continues his upward trajectory, and Snoop Dogg reunites with familiar faces. Discover all of this week’s standout selections below and immerse yourself in the latest musical trends that are shaping the soundscape.
Stray Kids, Hop
Just five months after achieving yet another No. 1 album on the Billboard 200 with Ate, and immediately following their triumph at the 2024 Billboard Music Awards as the Top Global K-Pop Artist, Stray Kids continue their impressive streak with the release of Hop. This track showcases a unique sound known as “SKZHOP” — their inventive take on hip-hop — and kicks off with the energetic opener “Walkin on Water.” The song is packed with vibrant record scratches and pulsating rhymes, delivering an exhilarating experience in just two-and-a-half minutes.
Bossman Dlow, Dlow Curry
Few artists have had a more explosive breakout year than Bossman Dlow, the dynamic Miami rapper known for his catchy drawl and tales of effortless success. His highly anticipated debut album, Dlow Curry, is set to release before the end of the year, reflecting on an incredible 2024 while positioning him for an even more remarkable 2025. This project features collaborations with stars such as Ice Spice, Lil Baby, and GloRilla, seamlessly integrating previously released tracks into this new-school trap masterpiece.
Snoop Dogg, Missionary
Missionary is heralded as Snoop Dogg’s first full-length collaboration with the legendary Dr. Dre in over three decades since the iconic Doggystyle. This album is a treasure trove of guest appearances and sampling, serving as a showcase for Snoop with Dre featuring prominently on a few tracks as a rapper. The reunion of these West Coast icons, along with appearances from Eminem and 50 Cent on the track “Gunz N Smoke,” creates a nostalgic yet fresh experience, marking a triumphant return to a classic formula that fans have cherished.
GloRilla with Kehlani, “Xmas Time”
“This as merry as I’m gettin’, swear to God,” GloRilla declares on “Xmas Time,” a unique holiday single featuring Kehlani. In this engaging collaboration, Kehlani’s soothing vocals provide a backdrop to GloRilla’s verses about winter festivities and family moments. The result is a heartwarming track that combines the talents of two extraordinary artists, creating a holiday song that stands out from the crowd with its fresh perspective and catchy energy.
Fred Again.., Two More Days
Following the release of his album Ten Days in September, Fred Again.. felt inspired to keep the momentum going as 2024 approaches. Thus, he presents Two More Days, featuring two captivating singles: the mesmerizing “Light Dark Light” with Angie McMahon and the sun-kissed “Little Mystery” featuring John Martyn. These tracks embody Fred Again..’s signature sound and artistry, ensuring that he enters the new year with a remarkable flourish.
Editor’s Pick: Olly Alexander, “Archangel”
As Olly Alexander forges his path as a solo artist after leading Years & Years, his new single “Archangel” signals an exciting evolution in his musical journey. This track blends delicate synth-pop with vibrant melodies, reminiscent of his earlier work but infused with a fresh danceable energy and lyrical depth. “Archangel” sets the stage for Olly’s promising future in pop music, showcasing his growth and potential as an artist.