KTC Music Report: Xzibit claims new territory with "Kingmaker," Joy Crookes challenges beauty standards in "Carmen"

The sun is shining and the birds are chirping.

Legends are releasing new albums and rising stars are refining their craft.

This week, we got to explore two of our favorite new releases. We chatted with Darren Waller and JRod, who dropped a vibey single in preparation for their new collaborative EP. We also caught up with longtime Kick The Concrete supporter Tre Capital, who is featured on his father's first album in more than a decade.

Some other music that caught our attention is a sprinkling of some R&B, some boom-bap, a fun dance remix and a reminder to not take yourself too seriously.

Here's the Kick The Concrete Music Report:

Xzibit — "Kingmaker" Album

The King is back! Xzibit released his first album in more than a decade in the form of "Kingmaker." The project is thoughtful and fierce as the West Coast veteran reflects on the importance of keeping real ones in your circle and dominating your space while staying grounded by family and faith.

The production is signature West Coast (DJ Battlecat's beat for "Shut Yo Mouth" is iconic) sprinkled with cinematic soundscapes, reflective reverbs and a bit of jazz. There's a variety of guests, including Dr. Dre, Busta Rhymes, Jenn Em, Ice Cube, Compton Av, JasonMartin, Lorine Chia and X's fellow Serial Killers member B-Real. Tre Capital is featured on "End of the Day" for his first official placement on one of his dad's albums.

Read more about Tre Capital's "Kingmaker" feature and where he's at creatively

Joy Crookes — "Carmen" Single

We adore Joy Crookes. Her voice is so warm and her storytelling ability is unmatched. Her new single, "Carmen," is a witty look at modern beauty standards. The song is bolstered by a light-hearted piano and what a press release deems "punchdrunk percussion" with the honest confession of "I want to be wanted like Carmen." The video has a tinge of "Mean Girls" and leaves fans with an encouragement to not follow trends, but embrace your own beauty!

Aminé — "13 Months of Sunshine" Album

Aminé is back with his first solo album since 2021's "TWOPOINTFIVE" and the Portland artist delivered. "13 Months of Sunshine" is 16 tracks of groovy goodness. The singles "Vacay," "Arc De Triomphe" and "Familiar" are all here. But "Feels So Good" lives up to its name and "Be Easier On Yourself"is a reminder to self — and to others — to do just that. The album might feel a little literal, but sonically it's engaging and overall it's uplifting, exactly what sunshine is supposed to do.

Darren Waller and JRod — "Streets Get Cold" Single

Darren Waller is preparing to release his "Cadillac Problems" EP with JRod. Their latest single is "Streets Get Cold" about the emotional push and pull after a romance fizzled out. The woozy track, produced by PALE1080, would fit right in on Drake’s “Dark Lane Demo Tapes,” or next to Pop Smoke’s “What You Know Bout Love” on a tracklist. It follows Waller’s energetic “Top Play” and shows the former tight end’s versatility.

Read more about Darren Waller and JRod's vision for "Cadillac Problems"

Code Green — "Roxanne" Single

Los Angeles-based duo Code Green surprised fans with a vibey new single, "Roxanne." Between Nesimento's woozy hook and Bruceleevo's silky verse, it's perfectly infectious.

Little Simz — "Young" Single

Fans are confused by Little Simz's new song and video for "Young." The British MC has amassed a following with her thoughtful reflections on ambition, race and spirituality. So her ridiculous take on feeling "old" might be surprising. But the song, grounded by a smooth bass line, a nursery rhyme flow and a whiny hook, is actually incredibly clever. We love the reunion with Dave Meyers, who also directed her video for "Gorilla" as well as Kendrick Lamar's "Humble" and Sabrina Carpenter's "Taste," because the whimsy actually shows what a great, well-rounded artist Little Simz is. We all need to have some fun sometimes, right?

Theory Hazit — "Boombap Is My Love Language" Album

Words of affirmation? Acts of service? Physical touch? Nope. "Boombap Is My Love Language."

That's what Theory Hazit declares on his latest offering. The beat tape has actually been out for a while now, but it just landed on streaming services. Theory Hazit has crafted beats for Redman, Busta Rhymes and more (besides being an incredible MC himself). On this lil sampler, he flexes his ability to create out-of-this-world soundscapes with whimsical pop culture soundbites. It's incredible.

Jon Keith ft. Madison Ryann Ward — "CALL" Single

San Diego-bred artist Jon Keith teamed up with soulful singer Madison Ryann Ward for this really touching track. It's one of those songs that, upon a casual listen, could be about an estranged family member. It's actually from the perspective of the Heavenly Father offering assurance that no matter what the distance has grown to, He is always willing to offer His love and guidance. The gentleness of the song is so inviting and the layered vocals at the end... have a box of tissues ready.

Alok, Łaszewo and A$AP Rocky — "HIGHJACK (right back)"

We had to toss this little gem in here. A$AP Rocky's single "HIGHJACK" was one of Kick The Concrete's top songs of 2024 because of its snappy production and Flacko's smooth flow. Brazilian dance music superstar Alok teamed up with California-bred pop trio Łaszewo to remix the track. It's just a lot of fun!