Mixxyville

August came with a wave of major drops across R&B, hip-hop, and pop — and the variety gave fans a little something for everyone. From Mariah the Scientist’s heartfelt storytelling to Metro Boomin’s Atlanta nostalgia, here’s everything you need to know about the hottest albums of the month.

Metro Boomin – A Futuristic Summa (Aug 1)

Metro Boomin came through with A Futuristic Summa, a DJ Spinz-hosted double mixtape that takes listeners back to Atlanta’s mid-2010s trap era. Featuring Future, Young Thug, Gucci Mane, and more, it’s both a time capsule and a playlist for late-night drives.

Mariah the Scientist – Hearts Sold Separately (Aug 22)

Mariah returned with Hearts Sold Separately, an atmospheric 10-track journey through love, loss, and self-reflection. With smooth R&B production and features like Kali Uchis, it’s a project that proves Mariah knows how to make vulnerability sound luxurious.

Teyana Taylor – Escape Room (Aug 22)

Teyana Taylor delivered a full cinematic experience with Escape Room, pairing her music with a stunning visual short film. The project feels like an artistic rebirth — soulful, dramatic, and deeply intentional.

Ciara – CiCi (Aug 22)

Ciara blessed fans with her eighth studio album, expanding on her 2023 EP of the same name. Packed with collaborations (Chris Brown, Normani, Latto, Lil Baby, Busta Rhymes, and more), CiCi is a celebration of resilience, empowerment, and fun — very much classic Ciara energy.

JID – God Does Like Ugly (Aug 22)

Atlanta lyricist JID proved yet again why he’s one of rap’s sharpest pens with God Does Like Ugly. The album balances razor-sharp lyricism, intricate flows, and deeply personal storytelling. Mixing soulful beats with hard-hitting production, this project shows JID in full command of his artistry — both experimental and grounded in authenticity.

Offset – Kiari (Aug 22)

Offset got personal with Kiari, an 18-track album named after his birth name. While it has plenty of bangers and features (JID, Gunna, John Legend, Ty Dolla $ign, NBA YoungBoy), it’s the introspection that makes this project special. Songs like “Move On” show a raw, reflective side to Offset we haven’t always seen.

Maroon 5 – Love Is Like (Aug 22)

Maroon 5 returned with Love Is Like, bringing their signature pop-rock melodies mixed with fresh modern production. Smooth, catchy, and heartfelt, this album feels tailor-made for late summer nights and radio rotation.

BigXthaPlug – I Hope You’re Happy (Aug 22)

Dallas rapper BigXthaPlug continues to ride his wave of momentum with I Hope You’re Happy. Heavy beats, street-certified flows, and plenty of Texas swagger make this album another strong entry in his catalog.

Kid Cudi – Free (Aug 22)

Kid Cudi dropped Free, a project that embodies his signature spacey vibes and introspection while also experimenting with new sounds. True to its name, the album feels like liberation — both sonically and spiritually — as Cudi continues to redefine what hip-hop can sound like.