Friday Music Guide: New music from Beyoncé, Camila Cabello, J-Hope and more

Billboard's Friday Music Guide serves as a handy guide to this Friday's most essential releases — the essential music everyone will be talking about today and that will dominate playlists this weekend and beyond.

This week, Cowboy Carter arrives, Camila Cabello defies expectations and J-Hope continues his winning streak. Check out all of this week's picks below:

beyonce, Cowboy Carter

There was a time when Beyoncé was known more for her radio and less for her entire thematic statements. Bey has spent a little more than a decade spinning that script, and while she's still scoring hits (like her most recent No. 1 single, “Texas Hold 'Em”), she's become one of the boldest album-makers in modern music . Cowboy Carter, which breaks down country music history through its superstar lens, heralds a sound and then reshapes it, blending popular voices and classics into a unique vision that ranges from acoustic lullabies like “Protector” to workouts that they stop the show like “Ya Ya”. It's a work of stunning ambition and execution, and as with all of her recent work, Beyoncé's legend continues to grow.

Camila Cabello feat. Playboi Carti, “I Luv It”

'I Luv It' is bananas: Camila Cabello repeats the title line breathlessly as synths swirl around her words, then a sample of Gucci Mane's classic single 'Lemonade' drops and finally Playboi Carti drops in to mumble shortly before the single dropped. The whole thing is off-the-wall pop experimentation, but for Cabello, this might be just what the doctor ordered as she enters the next phase of her solo career — “I Luv It” is brash and knowingly surprising, something which is more than enough.

J-Hope, Hope on the Street Vol. 1

After 2022 Jack in the box showcased J-Hope's solo aspirations and passion for hip-hop, Hope on the Street Vol. 1 continues to expand his artistic world while also recruiting some special guests. BTS fans will love hearing Jung Kook lay down on 'I Wonder…' and his warm production bed, while Benny Blanco and Nile Rodgers help create the dance track 'Lock / Unlock' – however, J -Hope remains a commanding presence, giving each track the attitude it needs.

mgk x Trippie Redd, genre: sad

Machine Gun Kelly and Trippie Redd are frequent collaborators and kindred spirits, exploring the lines between rock and hip-hop and using their vulnerabilities to connect with younger listeners. At 27 minutes, the collective project genre: sad allows MGK and Trippie to play off each other at a fast pace, telling their stories of resentment and longing on tracks like the restrained “Lost Boy” and the Frou Frou-sampling “Beauty” that leans proudly into that ” sadboy”. inscription.

Editor's Pick: Sheryl Crow, Development

Sheryl Crow reflected on her 2019 album Threads would it be her last; thank god he was wrong. Development is an incredible affair that focuses more specifically on Crow's persona after her guest-laden previous album: the recent Rock Hall inductee tapped producer Mike Elizondo to make her pop-rock musings a little harder, but her smoky voice and her witty lyricism are the stars of the show, and haven't mellowed one iota after a long layoff and a few decades in the game.