Things We Loved in Music This Week: August 16

August 16, 2025 - Hip Hop
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As the week in music comes to a close, Hypebeast has rounded up the most notable music-related headlines – new releases, live performances, merch drops, fashion and footwear collaborations, and more.


Pharrell Launches VIRGINIA Creative Agency

 

 

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On the heels of Kendrick Lamar and Dave Free‘s Project 3 Agency launch, Pharrell is the latest to officially unveil his own creative platform. Described to be “a destination where music, fashion, design, and community converge,” the hub will host merch drops, new music, and other limited edition collaborations. Also described as a “pseudonym and a playground for experimentation, storytelling, and direct connection,” VIRGINIA’s first endeavors? Officially releasing Pharrell’s BLACK YACHT ROCK VOL 1 CITY OF LIMITLESS ACCESS as its inaugural “project” as well as a limited VIRGINIA edition of his adidas Adistar Jellyfish.

Steve Lacy Announces Next Album, Oh Yeah?

The follow-up to Gemini Rights will soon be upon us. Steve Lacy revealed that his next album – officially entitled Oh Yeah? – is in the pipeline, preceded by lead single “Nice Shoes.”

Highest 2 Lowest’s Fusion of Music and Cinema

 

 

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Any Spike Lee film is sure to have a well-curated soundtrack, and with a cast led by A$AP Rocky and Denzel Washington, Highest 2 Lowest is no exception. The press run has been enlivening yet refreshing, Rocky and Washington talking about what they’re currently listening to, among other topics. Washington, for one, shared that he’s currently bumping Samara Cyn and Smino‘s “brand new teeth.”

Chance The Rapper Announces And We Back Tour

 

 

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A few days ahead of the album release, Chance The Rapper revealed he’ll be heading back on the road for the first time in a while, embarking on the And We Back Tour in support of his Star Line album this fall.

Alex Moss Designs Icebox Chain for Drake

 

 

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Jeweler Alex Moss has been on a run, especially with creating custom pieces for Drake. The latest piece of one-of-one ice is perfect for the rapper’s next new album, taking the shape of an icebox.

Tyler, The Creator Drops “Sugar On My Tongue” Video

The second official music video from Tyler, The Creator‘s DON’T TAP THE GLASS comes for fan-favorite cut “Sugar On My Tongue.”

Tyler, The Creator Also Appearing in the Marty Supreme Trailer

Set to premiere on Christmas Day, A24‘s long-awaited Marty Supreme is fronted by a ping-ponging Timothée Chalamet. The rest of the cast is just as starry, including none other than Tyler, The Creator, who makes a brief debut in the first teaser trailer for the film.

Doja Cat Officially Announces New Album, Vie

 

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With “Jealous Type” due out next week, Doja Cat revealed she actually has more in store than just one single. She’s slated to release her next studio album – entitled Vie – on September 26.

Dominic Fike Kicks Off Rocket Rollout

What started with bringing his son out on stage for his Lollapalooza set is now a full-blown album rollout. After revealing “All Hands on Deck” via Instagram this week and then sharing his new rebranded website (complete with a video game), Dominic Fike will be releasing his new mixtape, Rocket, next week.

Justin Bieber Drops “First Place” Music Video

Following up “YUKON” comes the SWAG visual for “First Place,” which offers another intimate look into Justin Bieber‘s family life, marriage to Hailey, and his son Jack.

SZA Joins Vans As Artistic Director

 

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SZA‘s latest side quest? Teaming up with Vans for a multiyear partnership as the brand’s new Artistic Director. The musician will oversee campaign direction as well as silhouette design.

Mariah The Scientist Reveals HEARTS SOLD SEPARATELY Trailer and Tracklist

 

Mariah The Scientist has staged a cinematic look into her HEARTS SOLD SEPARATELY album, dropping next Friday. The project’s trailer reveals the tracklist (though features aren’t listed) and sees appearances from Karrahbooo and Chelley from Love Island. 

And These New Releases:

DijonBaby
Spotify | Apple Music

Chance The Rapper Star Line
Spotify | Apple Music

KAYTRANADAAIN’T NO DAMN WAY!
Spotify | Apple Music

fakemink – “Braces”
Spotify | Apple Music

Kal BanxRhoda
Spotify | Apple Music

Babyface RayCodeine Cowboy
Spotify | Apple Music

Protect – 500 Days of Summer
Spotify | Apple Music

Dominic Fike – “All Hands On Deck,” “Aftermath – Edit,” “Smile”
Spotify | Apple Music

Khalid – “in plain sight”
Spotify | Apple Music

billy woods, Gabe ‘Nandez, Preservation – “War”
Spotify | Apple Music

Ferg – “Bike Air Anthem”
Spotify | Apple Music

Armani White x Samara Cyn – “GHOST.”
Spotify | Apple Music

Cardi B – “Imaginary Playerz”
Spotify | Apple Music

A$AP Rocky – “Trunks,” “Both Eyes Closed”
Spotify | Apple Music

Cash Cobain, BunnaB  – “Hoes Be Mad”
Spotify | Apple Music

Chief Keef, Mustard – “Shake Dat”
Spotify | Apple Music

Leon ThomasMUTT: Live From NPR’s Tiny Desk
Spotify | Apple Music

MahaliaLuvergirl
Spotify | Apple Music

King Princess – “Girls”
Spotify | Apple Music

FearDorian x osquinn – “bags”
Spotify | Apple Music

Coco JonesWhy Not More? (MORE!)
Spotify | Apple Music

Conan Gray – Wishbone
Spotify | Apple Music

El Cousteau – “Menace to Society”
Spotify | Apple Music

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