Best Songs of the Week Featuring 2 Chainz, Goldlink and More

We're midway through June, and it's already been a great lead up to summer for hip-hop. No matter where your tastes lie, there's something for every rap fan out now. From trunk-rattling songs that will last all summer, to slower paced tracks to smooth out your weekends, this week had it all. We'll sum it up for you in this weeks edition of XXL's best songs of the week.

2 Chainz came out of nowhere with a star-studded single, "Bigger Than You" featuring Drake and Quavo, his former "Good Drank" collaborator. Filled with ridiculous 2 Chainz references and a crazy Drake verse, we might have another contender for the song of the summer. We may also have another addition to the summer soundtrack but with a totally different vibe. GoldLink released a hazy slow burner earlier this week with his song "Got Friends." The track, which also features Miguel, is a good blend of both artists' feel for hip-hop, while making magic in their respective lanes.

Rico Nasty, who doesn't fit into any lanes at all, just announced her deal with Atlantic Records and closed out this week with her new project, Nasty. One of the early standouts is "Countin' Up," which is a flip of N.O.R.E.'s 1998 classic "Superthug." Rico snaps on it, and it's very much refreshing to hear a song from so long ago with a new spin.

N.O.R.E. is a necessary part of NYC's hip history, and French Montana and Remy Ma have been striving to keep the city's name alive. The duo have a plaque together for "All the Way Up" and meet again for "New Thang," a cut off the Uncle Drew soundtrack, where French brags about new cars and new women.

O.T. Genasis caught quite a pop culture moment when Beyoncé used his song "Everybody Mad" in her legendary 2018 Coachella set. His new song and video, "Cash On It," will likely continue his long stretch of success, as it's simply a banger and an extremely fun song. His dance moves in the video will surely get him some traction, too.

Next, we take a short trip from O.T.'s home of Long Beach, Calif. to Watts, to another street rapper. Jay Rock is the very foundation of TDE, and his new album, Redemption, just landed. Fittingly, he teams up with his label's superstar, Kendrick Lamar, for "Wow Freestyle." Over a flute-driven beat, the two go back and forth and go crazy. Fun and lyricism all in one track.

Watts then meets Oakland on "Ball Out," Nef The Pharaoh and 03 Greedo's new collaboration. They also have an upcoming joint EP, Porter 2 Grape.

Our final three songs all come from Georgia natives, and one song even name-checks the state directly. It's been a long road for the release of Jacquees' debut album, 4275, but the time is now. The 18-track project has plenty of strong songs, but "I Know Better" has the perfect combo of retro R&B and more modern sensibilities.

Next, the Future-produced Superfly soundtrack added on 10 new songs as of today. One of those additions is the Future and Young Thug collaboration "Georgia," The song is somber, and actually doesn't feature a Young Thug rap verse, with Thugger instead opting to sing through the track.

Lastly, Kap G unleashed a new song, the melodic "Want My M's." The track is kind of low-key but certainly has a chance at catching on, with its sing-song hook and Kap G's intriguing variety of flows.

Listen to the best songs of the week below.

See New Music Releases for June 2018