The second week of December brings a fresh wave of new music releases, offering a diverse soundscape for listeners. From a highly anticipated hip-hop collaboration to indie rock and industrial sounds, artists are ensuring the year ends with significant musical contributions.
Key Takeaways
- Nas and DJ Premier release their first full collaborative album, "Light-Years."
- Conway The Machine delivers new '90s East Coast boom bap with "You Can’t Kill God With Bullets."
- This Is Lorelei reworks older lo-fi tracks for the studio album "Holo Boy."
- Juliana Hatfield's "Lightning Might Strike" draws inspiration from personal hardships.
- HEALTH explores heavier industrial sounds in "Conflict DLC."
Nas and DJ Premier Unite for "Light-Years"
Hip-hop fans are celebrating the release of "Light-Years," a full-length collaborative album from legendary rapper Nas and pioneering producer DJ Premier. This project marks a significant moment, bringing together two figures whose work has defined the genre for decades.
DJ Premier, known for his distinctive boom-bap sound, previously produced three iconic tracks on Nas's debut album, "Illmatic." These included "N.Y. State of Mind," "Memory Lane (Sittin' in da Park)," and "Represent." Their partnership continued on later fan favorites such as "Nas Is Like" and "I Gave You Power."
Producer's Prolific Year
"Light-Years" is DJ Premier's third collaborative project of 2025, following earlier records with Roc Marciano and Ransom. This highlights his continued influence and productivity in the hip-hop scene.
The new album arrives during a prolific period for Nas, who has released multiple projects this decade, including the "King's Disease" and "Magic" trilogies. Listeners can expect the classic DJ Premier sound, a treat for those who have followed their individual careers for over 30 years.
Conway The Machine Continues Boom Bap Legacy
For those who appreciate the '90s East Coast boom-bap sound, Conway The Machine's new album, "You Can’t Kill God With Bullets," offers a contemporary take. Conway, a member of the Griselda collective, has been instrumental in keeping this distinct hip-hop style alive for the past decade.
The album showcases Conway's consistent ability to deliver sharp, impactful lyrics. Despite maintaining his signature style, he continues to craft fresh and compelling punchlines that resonate with his dedicated fanbase.
"Conway's flow remains as potent as ever, proving that a classic sound can still feel incredibly current," one music observer noted.
His work, alongside other Griselda artists, has cemented their place as torchbearers of a sound that prioritizes raw lyricism and gritty production. This new release further solidifies his standing in the genre.
This Is Lorelei Reimagines Older Tracks in "Holo Boy"
Indie rock project This Is Lorelei, led by Nate Amos, presents "Holo Boy," an album that revisits and reworks ten of his earlier lo-fi recordings. This project follows his critically acclaimed 2024 album, "Box For Buddy, Box For Star," which marked a shift to a more polished studio sound.
"Box For Buddy, Box For Star" was recognized as one of the best albums of 2024, with its deluxe reissue featuring the popular MJ Lenderman version of "Dancing in the Club." Amos describes "Holo Boy" as his "sort-of-second sort-of-album," highlighting its unique approach to his catalog.
From Lo-Fi to Studio Polish
Nate Amos spent a decade creating lo-fi recordings before his 2024 breakthrough. "Holo Boy" bridges these two periods, taking the raw charm of his early work and enhancing it with studio production, offering a new perspective on familiar songs.
The project provides a fascinating insight into Amos's artistic evolution. While the original lo-fi versions hold a particular charm, the studio treatments on "Holo Boy" demonstrate how these songs can shine with a cleaner, more developed sound.
Juliana Hatfield's "Lightning Might Strike"
Veteran indie rock artist Juliana Hatfield releases her new album, "Lightning Might Strike," a follow-up to her 2021 album "Blood." Hatfield's career has been marked by consistent quality and a distinctive vocal style.
The album draws inspiration from a series of personal challenges, including the loss of a close friend, the death of her dog, and her mother's cancer diagnosis. The title itself is a metaphor for the profound ideas explored within the songs.
A Family Story
Hatfield revealed that her mother's younger brother was struck and killed by lightning at age 16. This event led her mother to believe in a predetermined plan for individuals, an idea that deeply influenced the album's themes.
Hatfield stated, "With this album I was contemplating these ideas—fate, powerlessness...the effects of trauma...the ways we can’t and don’t change." Tracks like "Popsicle," "Wouldn’t Change Anything," "Fall Apart," and "Strong Too Long" delve into these complex emotional landscapes, showcasing her lyrical depth.
HEALTH Delivers "Conflict DLC"
Industrial revivalists HEALTH are back with "Conflict DLC," an album that continues the heavy, dark sound established in their 2023 release, "Rat Wars." This new offering further pushes the band's boundaries, delivering some of their most intense music to date.
"Conflict DLC" often features pounding rhythms and abrasive textures, creating a visceral listening experience. Despite the intensity, lead singer Jake Duzsik's vocals provide a striking contrast, often described as "damn-near-angelic."
Evolution of Sound
HEALTH began as a noise-pop band before evolving into their current industrial sound. Their recent albums, including "Rat Wars" and now "Conflict DLC," represent their heaviest and most metal-influenced work, solidifying their place in the industrial music scene.
The juxtaposition of heavy instrumentation and Duzsik's melodic voice remains a core element of HEALTH's sound. This album further refines that balance, creating a powerful and immersive sonic journey for listeners.