Emerging London rap star Armor kickstarts a promising 2026 as the first full week of the year announces new music from Bruno Mars, DaBaby, and Earl Sweatshirt. While 2025 was a huge year for hip-hop, the new year expands on the success with upcoming mega tours from Cardi B, Clipse, and more.
The new year usually delivers a surge of new artists. All eager to make a name for themselves early with catchy new music.
Fans spend the early part of the year exploring new acts to add to their playlists, while today’s superstars activate campaigns for anticipated albums. Armor is among those new acts breaking out early with his magnetic appeal.
The superstars may have taken over the billboards and media advertisements, but there’s plenty of new artists gaining momentum through word-of-mouth and social media. From Armor to Polo G to the return of Atlanta’s J Money, here’s a list of new music you might have missed this week.
Armor’s Experiences “Hood Anxiety”
The latest release delivers the emerging rap star’s most open and reflective track yet. It addresses themes of loss, betrayal, family pressures, mental health, substance misuse, toxic relationships, and misdirected purpose. The record reflects a turbulent period in his life and serves as one of the emotional centrepieces of the album.
VanVan & Heiress Harris Solidify Friendship With “That’s My Bestie”
The kiddies take a big leap into 2026 with an anthem-like collaboration about friendship. The track is catchy, radio-friendly, and potentially a viral hit. A joint album is almost certain for these two in the future.
JhonieDamnD Switches From Fort Worth To “Memphis Flow”
The man who is bringing the Texas boogie back travels to Graceland to show off some new dance moves. Linking with the locals, the track will quickly gain instant regional buzz. 2026 is gearing up to be the Fort Worth act’s breakthrough year.
DaBaby Warns No Disrespect, So “Don’t Insult Me”
Focusing on his core fanbase, the North Carolina rap star continues to address his personal issues on the latest track from his upcoming album. Featuring his daughter, he discusses the frustrations that come with fame. He delivers the usual confidence but with severity in his message.
J Money & Yung LA Go Back To The Future Using “Futuristic Lingo”
The mid-2000s make a comeback with the ATL’s most memorable acts of that era, bringing back that old feeling. The futuristic flow displays nostalgia as the new year presents the opportunity for a viral comeback. After Metro Boomin’s callback, the latest song keeps their comeback alive for a second term.
DW Flame & Go Yayo “Came To See” About All The Smoke
L.A. and Fort Worth link up for a smash-mouth collaboration that has the hood in a chokehold. Accepting all the smoke, the two’s lyrics prove that they are ready for whatever at a moment’s notice.
Finesse2Tymes Goes “Back 2 The Bottom”
The Memphis rap star has been going through a lot lately. He hits the reset button in the latest track and allows his well-known lyrical abilities to stand out. Starting over, the rapper and his fans can begin the next chapter of his career.
Polo G Fights A “Spiritual War”
The latest single wrestles with faith, trauma, and survival. The Chicago rap star reflects on street violence, inner demons, and moral conflict, framing life as a battle between righteousness and temptation. The song blends vulnerability and prayer, showing an artist seeking peace amid chaos and constant pressure.
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