Los Angeles, CA – November 21, 2025, marks another monumental New Music Friday, ushering in a diverse and highly anticipated wave of releases from legendary artists and burgeoning stars alike. Hip-hop albums from veterans like De La Soul return with their first album in nine years, while rising talents Tommy Richman and BigXthaPlug deliver significant new projects, setting the tone for a busy day in music news.
De La Soul’s Poignant Return: A Key New Music Friday Release
The legendary trio De La Soul is set to release their tenth studio album, “Cabin in the Sky,” today via Mass Appeal. This release is particularly significant for New Music Friday as it is their first since the passing of member David “Trugoy the Dove” Jolicoeur in 2023, and it features posthumous verses from him. The album title, inspired by the 1943 musical film, signifies a space between loss and light, with Posdnuos describing it as “therapy and celebration at the same time,” balancing vulnerability with enduring joy. The project boasts features from heavyweights like Nas, Black Thought, Killer Mike, and Common, with production helmed by icons such as DJ Premier and Pete Rock. “Cabin in the Sky” is part of Mass Appeal’s “Legend Has It” series, celebrating iconic New York hip-hop artists and a major part of this New Music Friday. This is truly a standout hip hop album.
Rising Stars and Collaborative Heat on New Music Friday: Tommy Richman & BigXthaPlug
Tommy Richman is making his mark with the release of his EP “WORLDS APART.” Known for his genre-bending sound, Richman explores themes of trust, desire, and heartbreak, backed by clean, atmospheric production. The Tommy Richman EP includes his viral hit “ACTIN UP” and showcases his versatility, positioning him as a standout artist this New Music Friday.
Meanwhile, BigXthaPlug teams up with Post Malone for the highly anticipated single “Cold.” The track blends BigXthaPlug’s gritty Dallas energy with Post Malone’s smooth, melodic hooks, creating a country-trap anthem that touches on themes of loneliness and a hardened heart. “Cold” is featured on the deluxe version of BigXthaPlug’s album “I Hope You’re Happy” and highlights the artists’ shared North Texas roots, adding another layer of excitement to this New Music Friday. Expect more BigXthaPlug single releases following this.
A Diverse Array of New Music Releases This New Music Friday
Beyond the headliners, New Music Friday offers a rich tapestry of sounds. Rapper SoFaygo drops his long-awaited 19-track album “MANIA,” described as a versatile and dynamic release with high-energy, melodic production. Electronic music pioneers Major Lazer return with their first new body of work in five years, the “GYALGEBRA” mixtape, which embraces outsider dancehall and genre mash-ups, introducing new vocalist America Foster. Pop sensation Tate McRae expands her “So Close To What” era with a deluxe edition featuring new tracks, including her hit single “Tit for Tat”. The soundtrack for the much-anticipated “Wicked: For Good” film also arrives today, featuring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. Other notable album and EP releases include 1300SAINT’s “Savior” and Roy Woods’ “Flower City Heartbreak.” This selection of new music releases is a testament to the vibrant nature of New Music Friday.
Industry Milestones and Accolades on This New Music Friday
This week also saw significant industry news. The Weeknd’s “After Hours Til Dawn Tour” has officially surpassed $1 billion in gross revenue, making it the highest-grossing tour by a solo male artist in history, according to Live Nation. In cultural recognition, Complex revealed its list of the best albums of the 21st century, with Kanye West’s “My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy” topping the ranking. Furthermore, Tyler, The Creator was named Apple Music’s 2025 Artist of the Year, celebrated for his significant impact on music and culture, with fans logging over 4.5 billion minutes of his music on the platform. This collection of news adds to the overall excitement surrounding New Music Friday.
This vibrant release day underscores the dynamic nature of the current music scene, with established legends continuing to innovate and new artists pushing boundaries, offering something for every music fan this New Music Friday. Keep an eye out for more pop music news throughout the week.
