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There’s plenty of new music to sift through. How do you know what is good or bad? Well, that’s where we come in.

Aside from a busy week of interesting news, there’s always a plethora of dope music that drops. Sometimes it’s out of nowhere, and sometimes it is promoted and released right when we expect it. As rap heads, we are all for it and love to talk about the new ish that comes out. In an attempt to keep you up to date with everything, we are going to round up our favorite tracks that we’ve been bumping in the offices. Click through for the best songs of the week.

Previously: The 25 Most Anticipated Albums For The Rest Of 2014
The 25 Best Songs Of 2014 (So Far)
The 25 Best Mixtapes Of 2014 (So Far)
The 25 Best Hip-Hop Albums Of 2014 (So Far)

Mick Jenkins, "Lazarus"

Mick Jenkins, a representative from Chicago's more conscious-minded sect, has announced his signing to Cinematic Music Group.

"Jonny Shipes is the only person that approached me offering to work for free," he tells XXL exclusively. After growing and working together, as well as exploring other options, I'm happy to make the decision to partner with Cinematic Music Group. I'm making movies anyway."

To celebrate the announcement, Jenkins dropped another peek at his upcoming work. He has cited more soulful influences like Sade and Jill Scott when he spoke to us for The Break. "Lazarus" sounds like it tries to be just as spiritual; Jenkins sounds focused and emotive over Chuck Strangers' dreamlike flute. The real talk moments come mellifluously in this hookless cut. "Hold your head boy they preaching your thoughts/ Have your soul for a fuckin' Jesus Piece and a Porsche."

Check out the track above. The Water[s] will be out Aug. 12 via Cinematic.

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Cam'ron featuring Jim Jones and Hell Rell, "C.F.W.U."

Killa Cam drops off two new tracks for fans on the heels of his First of the Month EP. While both tracks aren't expected to be on his forthcoming joint EP with A-Trak, they should satisfy listeners for now.

On "So Bad," Nicki Minaj adds a verse to a track Cam recorded with Yummy a while ago. It's a playful tune with a hot soul sample that both sexes will enjoy. Nicki even mentions Cam'ron's Paid in Full character.

The second track "C.F.W.U." is a bonafide Dipset banger, featuring Jim Jones and Hell Rell. The gang reunites to rep Harlem and trade verses like they used to over a hard-hitting AarabMUZIK production. Listen below:—Christopher Harris

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Jeremih Featuring Chance The Rapper, "The End"

Jeremih turns 27-year-old today. To celebrate his birthday, the Def Jam singer/producer gifted fans with a six-track EP, titled No More. The project, which is exclusively produced by Shlohmo only has one feature: Chance the Rapper.

The single off No More is “The End.” The 2014 XXL Freshman harmonizes throughout the track, before he half-sings, half-raps his verse at the end. “You don’t wanna smoke,” he raps. Nice to hear both artists hold it down for Chi-town. Press play on “The End” below and listen to Jeremih’s entire No More EP here.—Christopher Harris

 

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Joell Ortiz Featuring B.o.B And Mally Stakz, "Music Saved My Life"

Joell Ortiz's Slaughterhouse mates Joe Budden and Royce Da 5'9" have recently been making headlines for the Total Slaughter battle rap event. Ortiz decides to go through the inspirational route with "Music Saved My Life," a new cut from his upcoming album, House Slippers.

B.o.B and Mally Stakz join Ortiz in a story that involves absent fathers ("music was my stepdad"), listening to Luther Vandross and finding inspiration through hip-hop — a popular narrative in the genre. B.o.B boosts the track with his laser-focused verse.

House Slippers is expected to drop later this year.

Previously: Listen To Joell Ortiz And Vado’s “0 To 100″ Freestyles
CyHi The Prynce Featuring Royce Da 5’9″ And Joell Ortiz “Huey (Remix)”

[via DJ Envy]

Lil Bibby Featuring Kevin Gates, "We Are Strong"

Two 2014 XXL Freshman link up for "We Are Strong," which is the first release from Lil Bibby's highly anticipated Free Crack 2. Produced by DJ Pain, Bibby and Kevin Gates trade back and forth bars about that trap life. Bibby's Free Crack 2, hosted by DJ Drama, is set to release on Aug. 1.

Listen to the track above.

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