As 2025 came to a close, the music world wrapped up the year with one last New Music Friday on December 26, and the final release slate of the year did not disappoint. A mix of established chart-toppers and emerging voices dropped fresh tracks that showcased the wide spectrum of musical creativity shaping today’s soundscape. From high-energy rap and smooth neo-soul to experimental pop and global influences, this week’s music releases offered something for virtually every kind of listener—and set the tone for the musical direction heading into 2026.
One of the most anticipated releases came from Lil Uzi Vert, whose new single “What You Saying” quickly made waves across social media and streaming platforms. Known for their futuristic beats and genre-bending approach to trap, Uzi delivered a track that blends melodic hooks with rapid-fire delivery, supported by a dynamic and punchy beat. The song captures the rapper’s knack for turning unconventional flows into mainstream anthems and continues a streak of creativity that has kept them relevant throughout the year. For fans of Uzi’s earlier work, the track offered a more polished and confident expression of the style that helped define their rise.
In contrast, Ravyn Lenae brought a softer, more introspective sound with her latest single “Bicycle Race.” The track builds on her reputation for blending contemporary R&B with ethereal, neo-soul elements. Her lush vocal layering and nuanced production choices highlight her evolution as an artist who can channel emotional depth without sacrificing rhythm or sophistication. “Bicycle Race” is both reflective and rhythmically inviting, drawing listeners into Lenae’s sonic world with warmth and grace. It’s another step forward for an artist who has steadily carved out her place in the R&B landscape.
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Sexyy Red’s new single “If You Want It” added bold energy to the week’s playlist. With her signature unapologetic flair, Red leaned into themes of empowerment, celebration, and self-assurance. The track’s heavy bass and playful lyrics provided an irreverent counterpoint to some of the more subdued releases of the week. Known for her candid style and viral presence, Sexyy Red continues to push the boundaries of contemporary rap while connecting with fans through authenticity and raw charisma.
Beyond these headlining releases, the final New Music Friday of the year also shined a spotlight on several international and emerging artists. Japanese-Korean girl group XG dropped “4 Seasons,” a sleek and energetic track that reinforces their growing impact on the global pop scene. Their multilingual approach and sharp choreography continue to attract international acclaim, and this release solidified their momentum as they build toward broader crossover success.
Ghanaian-American singer MOLIY released “Backie,” a track rooted in Afro-fusion that brings together rhythmic percussion, catchy hooks, and modern pop influences. Her distinctive voice and cultural fusion make her one of the rising artists to watch, and “Backie” stands out as both a danceable tune and a reflection of her boundary-pushing musical identity. Her work represents a growing trend of global music influencing U.S. mainstream sounds, signaling the increasingly international makeup of today’s pop music landscape.
Meanwhile, Wrabel contributed a double release with “Shape of My Heart” and “Sugar,” both of which highlighted his emotive songwriting and minimalist, piano-driven production. These intimate tracks provided a quieter, more reflective close to the year’s musical output, appealing to listeners drawn to vulnerable storytelling and heartfelt lyrics. Wrabel’s contributions offered balance to a release schedule filled with high energy and genre experimentation.
The week also featured new work from indie pop band Coyote Theory and artist Artemas, whose respective tracks “So Sweet” and “Time Alone With U” continued to build their followings in the alternative and bedroom pop spaces. These songs, though flying slightly under the radar compared to the marquee names, brought their own flavor to the week’s offerings and reflected the continued blurring of genre boundaries that has come to define much of 2025’s music scene.
More than just a collection of individual tracks, the December 26 release slate offered a collective snapshot of where music stands at the year’s end. It encapsulated the push-and-pull between innovation and tradition, global influence and local identity, introspection and exuberance. Whether through the futuristic flows of Lil Uzi Vert, the emotional textures of Ravyn Lenae, or the global rhythms of MOLIY and XG, this New Music Friday served as a capstone to a year of evolution across genres.
For artists, it was a chance to close out the year with a final creative statement. For listeners, it was an opportunity to discover new sounds and revisit favorite genres before the calendar flips. And for the industry, it was one last reminder that even in the quieter post-holiday period, music remains a constant pulse—innovating, inspiring, and building anticipation for what lies ahead in 2026.