A selection of new and/or relevant hip hop tracks that have recently left an impression on us. For the full playlist click here.
Naviyah – “Sippin On Dat”
As a British artist with Jamaican and Nigerian roots, Naviyah brings a grounded UK rap sensibility that draws from a wide palette of influences without ever feeling overstated. That sense of balance carries into her popular single “Sippin On Dat,” which embodies restraint as much as it does confidence. The track leans into airy, cloud-like synth textures that drift in and out, adding a hazy atmosphere without disrupting its steady rhythm. The production keeps things clean and uncluttered, built around a low-slung rhythm that holds its position without pushing for excess. It allows the track to settle into its own pace, with Naviyah’s steady vocal delivery offering a composed, deliberate flow. There’s depth in her tone that lets the confidence come through in how she rides the beat rather than how hard she pushes against it.
Lyrically, the track subtly flips expectation by using “sippin on dat water” as a recurring motif for clarity and self-discipline rather than indulgence. More instances of Biblical imagery thread quietly through the track, adding a spiritual dimension to it. “Sippin On Dat” is the kind of track you pour into your ears and let settle.
Breadman MGV – “What We Do”
A prominent fixture in Philadelphia’s hip-hop scene, Breadman MGV has built his presence on a balance of musical output and community engagement, grounding his work in something that extends beyond the studio. That sense of purpose carries into “What We Do,” the opening track and title of his latest album.
Breadman MGV commands your attention with a composed and carefully layered vocal delivery. There’s a weight to his voice that remains tight and intentional. Lyrically, the track leans into a steady, work-driven ethos, centred on momentum, resilience, and keeping focus in motion while brushing aside distraction. The production leans into a sleek, late-night finish, balancing clean electronic textures with a subtle underlying grit that keeps it from feeling overly refined. It’s a controlled groove that’s unhurried, deliberate, and content to let the atmosphere settle. If this is “What We Do,” it’s already doing exactly what it needs to.
