January 2025 is shaping up to be an exciting month for music, marked by a diverse range of new album releases, notable performances, and significant industry updates.
The month kicked off with Lil Baby's new album, *WHAM (Who Hard as Me)*, released on January 3. This album features 15 tracks and includes guest spots from prominent artists like Young Thug, Future, Travis Scott, and 21 Savage. Lil Baby is already gearing up for his next album, *Dominique*, set for release in February[2][4].
On January 10, several notable releases hit the scene. Ethel Cain released her album *Perverts*, known for its cathartic and dynamically intense songs. Franz Ferdinand dropped *The Human Fear*, blending their signature indie rock with energetic tracks. Ringo Starr released *Look Up*, a country-infused album produced by T-Bone Burnett. Other releases on this day include Moonchild Sanelly's *Full Moon*, a vibrant showcase of her unique sonic fingerprint, and new works from Stick To Your Guns and Lambrini Girls[2].
Later in the month, Mac Miller's estate released his second posthumous album, *Balloonerism*, on January 17. This project was recorded over a decade ago but never officially released, and its official version includes 14 tracks. The album has been highly anticipated by fans after versions of it leaked online[1][2][4].
The Weeknd is set to release his album *Hurry Up Tomorrow* on January 24, which is the final installment of his second album trilogy that began with *After Hours* in 2020. The Weeknd will perform at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, on January 25, and will also embark on a tour and debut a film of the same name in theaters on May 16[1][2][4].
Other upcoming releases include Kane Brown's fourth studio album, *The High Road*, on January 24, which mixes dancehall-ready roots pop and family-focused balladry. Rapper and producer MIKE will release his album *Showbiz* on January 31, and Tyga is set to return with his solo comeback album *Not Safe For Work* on the same day[2][4].
On the industry front, significant changes are anticipated. The music streaming landscape is expected to see consolidation among streaming services due to financial viability concerns. Netflix is planning to launch a music streaming division, leveraging its existing infrastructure and tech talent. Artificial intelligence continues to shape the music industry, from production to ethical debates over training AI models on copyright-protected content and the use of posthumous releases and voice mimicry[2].
TikTok remains crucial for music discovery despite legal challenges, and Spotify faces controversy over its payment structures for bundled content. The use of AI in music production and the ethical considerations surrounding it are ongoing topics of discussion and debate[2][5].
In summary, January 2025 is packed with diverse new releases, notable performances, and significant industry updates, reflecting the dynamic and evolving nature of the music world.
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