Life is too short to listen to bad music. So…let us fight through it for you and only supply you with that good stuff. Despite the reports, Hip-Hop is alive and well and, in many ways, is better than it’s ever been before. Not only are we able to go back and listen to all of our favorites, at the click of a button, there is also a ton of great music still being made by artists, young and veteran alike…if you know where to look.

To help with that task, we’ve created two playlists. One features more recent music–songs that have been released within the last year or so–while the other is throwback, focused on the ’80s and ’90s. We update each of these playlists regularly, so, if you like what you hear, subscribe to follow us on Spotify.

This Throwback Playlist Celebrates The Hip-Hop That Is Never Played-Out. (Audio)

Today, we celebrate the newer music. In the last 12 hours, Kendrick Lamar released DAMN. Already, the TDE/Aftermath/Interscope Records release appears to be the most talked-about Hip-Hop album thus far in 2017. However, that does not mean that there was not another high profile album by Rap veterans on April 14.

Talib Kweli & Styles P have partnered for The Seven. Like DAMN., this project has a concept. With seven songs on the EP, the “Poets & Gangstas” intro explains the number as “the secret.” “Hiding behind the illusions,” this Javotti Media release is a new plateau for two longstanding collaborators. With guests including Common, Rapsody, and the whole LOX trio, The Seven is a lucky listen for Hip-Hop fans in search of new dopeness, and collaborative chemistry.

Talib Kweli’s 10 Favorite Albums Are An Eternal Reflection Of Great Music

We’ve included several choice cuts from The Seven on our playlist, and you can listen to the full EP here. In addition, you can hear some exceptional new music from Kendrick Lamar, Logic, AZ, Ludacris, Joey Bada$$, Evidence, Raekwon, and a host of others. There’s also splashes of Soul and Funk, because no one can live on just Rap music alone.

The newest songs, including those from The Ghost and ‘Lib’s collabo, are up top. Press play and let it ride, or hit shuffle. Either way, enjoy the great new music that’s out there, and don’t forget to follow us on Spotify.