This week’s New Music Friday brings major excitement. A$AP Rocky returns with his highly anticipated album, a massive event for hip hop releases. J. Cole is finally releasing his long-awaited project. Newcomer Gabby Samone also steps into the spotlight with her debut single. This New Music Friday offers a rich tapestry of music, showcasing established artist power and emerging talent. It’s a significant day for new album drops.
A$AP Rocky’s Grand Return on New Music Friday
A$AP Rocky has dropped his fourth studio album, Don’t Be Dumb. This marks his first album in almost eight years, his last release being “Testing” in 2018. The new project arrived on January 16, 2026, hitting shelves on National Nothing Day. This highly anticipated asap rocky album features a vast array of collaborators, including Tyler, The Creator and Metro Boomin. Gorillaz and Brent Faiyaz also contribute. Legendary filmmaker Tim Burton shaped its visual aesthetic, with Danny Elfman scoring several tracks. The album’s cover art is a direct nod to Burton’s style.
Don’t Be Dumb broke records before its release, becoming the most pre-saved hip-hop album on Spotify with over one million pre-saves. Physical sales also surged, with over 130,000 units sold in pre-sales, including a limited-edition “Shirthead” vinyl. The album boasts 15 tracks. Singles like “Punk Rocky” and “Helicopter” preceded its launch, building significant anticipation. Rocky’s return highlights his status in the music industry and is a massive event for hip-hop news. This New Music Friday release is one of the biggest of the year.
J. Cole’s ‘The Fall Off’ is Here This New Music Friday
J. Cole’s seventh album, The Fall Off, has an official release date. It dropped on February 6, 2026. This album has been years in the making, with fans first hearing about j cole the fall off project in 2018. Cole teased the project with “1985 (Intro to ‘The Fall Off’)”. The album explores the natural cycle of fame, questioning how artists rise and fall. A cinematic trailer set the stage, featuring introspective narration and a snippet of new music. This release follows his 2021 album “The Off-Season.” and his 2024 mixtape “Might Delete Later.”
Cole has referenced The Fall Off over the years, even mentioning it on tour with Drake. The album’s concept resonates deeply, touching on the transient nature of celebrity. Vinyl copies were available for pre-order, dubbed the ‘Stealth Edition’. The project is expected to be a significant artist statement, and may even be his final LP. The anticipation for its full impact is immense, making this a key release for New Music Friday.
Gabby Samone Makes Her Debut This New Music Friday
Emerging Pop and R&B artist Gabby Samone is making her mark with her debut single, Complicated. The track arrived on January 16, 2026. Samone gained national attention through her run on “American Idol” Season 23 in 2025, reaching the Top 7. Her powerful vocals and control impressed judges, with Lionel Richie and Carrie Underwood praising her talent. This gabby samone debut is a significant moment in r&b music news.
Samone debuted Complicated on “The Kelly Clarkson Show”. Kelly Clarkson lauded her unique vocal abilities, calling Samone’s breath control “untouchable.” Samone’s performance solidified her presence as she builds a strong social media following. A full debut project is reportedly in the works. This marks a significant step for the young talent. Her blend of gospel, soul, pop, and R&B promises a fresh sound, contributing to the exciting hip hop releases this New Music Friday.
Other Notable Releases This New Music Friday
Wiz Khalifa also returns with new music. His eighth studio album, Khaotic, dropped on January 16, 2026. The project features artists like Juicy J and Dave East, offering his signature laid-back style. Gunna teams up with Chris Brown for a remix of “WGFT” on January 16. The original track featuring Burna Boy was a hit, and Chris Brown adds his distinctive R&B flair. This remix adds another layer to the popular song. These new album drops add more variety to New Music Friday.
This week delivers a powerful lineup. A$AP Rocky’s return is a major event, and J. Cole’s philosophical album arrives. Gabby Samone steps forward with her debut single. Wiz Khalifa and Gunna also contribute significant music. These artists dominate the current spotlight, offering diverse sounds for every music fan. The music industry updates are buzzing with these fresh drops, making this New Music Friday a standout in the calendar.
