Rockstar Junkie

Album ∙ Hip-Hop/Rap ∙ 2025

Loe Shimmy

Some may have balked at Loe Shimmy’s prodigious 2024, which featured no less than three projects and an opening spot on Lil Baby’s tour. Yet the payoff to this prolific rap hustle became abundantly clear as his Brent Faiyaz collab “For Me” charted strong and foreshadowed his subsequent placement on XXL’s coveted Freshman Class list. His second album to move away from a long-held Zed-centric title scheme, Rockstar Junkie finds the Florida native settling into fame without departing radically from the sound that got him to this level.

From the cinematic scene-setting of “Tubi Movie” and “Private Party” to the reward-reaping hedonism of “Kill the Scene” and “Zuper Sonic,” his nonchalantly melodic delivery suits his distinctive instrumental choices. Furthermore, the robust features list connects his recent past with his elevated present, with established stars like Quavo and Trippie Redd joining returning figures NoCap and ffwaty. Don Toliver contributes to the bleary-eyed vibe of “3am,” while Brooklyn drill don Sleepy Hallow adapts to the mellow mood of “Super Dirty.”