February 2024 Roundups: The Best Albums of the Month

Featuring Brittany Howard, Erick the Architect, and Shaé Universe, here are the best albums that came out in February of 2024.

February 2024 saw a surprisingly remarkable wave of album releases showcasing a diverse range of genres and artistic visions, notably hip-hop and R&B if you know where to look. These critically acclaimed albums offer a compelling snapshot of the year's musical landscape, with veteran acts and rising stars delivering notable releases.

Rhymefest: James & Nikki: A Conversation

Drawing inspiration from a profound dialogue between James Baldwin and Nikki Giovanni, Rhymefest crafts a thought-provoking project that examines Black American experiences, calls for social justice, and explores the complexities of gender roles. Featuring soundbites from the original conversation alongside powerful contributions from artists like Helixx C. Armageddon and Saba the Godis, this Golden State Entertainment release speaks to the power of spoken word and music as vehicles for meaningful storytelling.

Brittany Howard: What Now

On her debut album, Jaime, Brittany Howard showed us her unique interpretation of love, religion, and family through bold arrangements of guitars, pianos, and drums, which hark back to the most thought-provoking and surprising versions of contemporary soul. In her recently released second LP, What Now, she proceeds from these same narratives, only with a greater focus on her love life and sounding less abstract, being more concrete with the way he works on her sound. What Now exemplifies itself as an exquisite work from start to finish. Throughout the entire journey, Brittany makes us experience various feelings—anger, sadness, and joy. We can feel all of this; everything Howard felt during this challenging stage in her life. Her performance is spectacular. The singer’s voice quickly passes through our barriers, reaching us in the most vulnerable places. This is a rare skill among artists today.

Cory Henry: Church

Multi-GRAMMY-winning artist Cory Henry has delivered a surprise to fans with his debut gospel album, a dynamic 23-track collection. This project marks a return to Henry’s musical origins, celebrating his roots and offering potent inspiration, exuberant praise, and soulful introspection. Steeped in the classic gospel tradition and infused with contemporary sensibilities, the album reflects Henry’s upbringing in Brooklyn’s Unity Temple Church, where the musician began his journey at age two, learning the organ from his mother, Marie Henry, a multi-instrumentalist and choir director. The album features collaborations with renowned artists like Raphael Saadiq, The Tone3s, Robert Randolph, Charlie Bereal, and iconic gospel figures Donnie McClurkin, John P. Kee, and Kim Burrell. With this powerful project, Henry affirms his status as a skilled singer, songwriter, producer, and masterful keyboardist.

Erick the Architect: I’ve Never Been Here Before

Brooklyn-born Erick the Architect, widely recognized as a founding member of the acclaimed Flatbush Zombies, takes center stage with his long-awaited debut solo album, I’ve Never Been Here Before. The album unfolds as a captivating exploration of Erick’s innermost thoughts and experiences. He paints a powerful portrait of life’s challenges and triumphs, drawing inspiration from the streets of Brooklyn and the depths of his psyche. Erick’s artistry lies in his ability to fuse genres seamlessly. Elements of jazz, soul, R&B, dancehall, psychedelia, synth, trap, and classic boom-bap meld together, creating a signature sound distinct from his creative vision. Each track, from the searching nature of “Breaking Point” to the vibrant energy of “Mandevillian,” makes a specific impact and invites us into Erick’s personal journey. As the last member of Flatbush Zombies to embark on a solo project, Erick confidently proves his ability to stand out as a powerful presence in his own right.

Revival Season: Golden Age of Self Snitching

Atlanta duo Revival Season delivers a striking debut with Golden Age of Self-Snitching, a sonically adventurous album that defies easy categorization. Brandon “Bez” Evans and Jonah Swilley draw inspiration from genre-bending acts like the Beastie Boys, resulting in a dynamic fusion of rap, rock, and other influences. On tracks like “The Path” and “Chop,” Bez demonstrates lyrical dexterity, weaving social commentary into memorable hooks. Swilley’s production underscores Bez’s vocals, revealing a collaborative process where the beats are constructed organically around the lyrical content. This approach contributes to the album’s cohesive feel, elevating it beyond a mere collection of tracks. Golden Age of Self-Snitching offers a bold and refreshing perspective, proving that innovation remains a driving force within the genre.

Jordan Mackampa: WELCOME HOME, KID!

London-based soul artist Jordan Mackampa embraces a sonic homecoming with his new album, WELCOME HOME, KID! The project showcases a return to Mackampa’s roots in R&B, soul, funk, and gospel, channeling the nostalgia of his childhood with fresh energy. This bold collection reflects the artist’s growing confidence and his commitment to celebrating Blackness and queer identity. This album offers candid storytelling with songs about love, loss, and self-discovery.

Heems & Lapgan: LAFANDAR

Himanshu Suri, better known as Heems, the former voice of Das Racist, returns to the musical stage with LAFANDAR, his first solo album release in nearly ten years. A Queens native, Heems seamlessly weaves his Indian-American identity into his work, a signature woven throughout his musical history. Heems earned his distinctive reputation in the industry by fusing playful lyrics with influences from his Asian heritage, defying the typical boundaries of underground rap. His artistry, fueled by a sharp wit and a conscious embrace of his “otherness,” sets his work apart. LAFANDAR solidifies this unique approach; the album finds Heems and Lapgan honing a fresh, sophisticated sound that shines brightly within the independent music scene. This concise LP packs a punch, and with notable guest appearances from artists like Kool Keith, Blu, Open Mike Eagle, Quelle Chris, and Your Old Droog, this twelve-track album delivers a dynamic sound.

Shaé Universe: Love’s Letter

UK R&B artist Shaé Universe, known for her engaging music and fabulous live performances, has released her new project, Love’s Letter. This 10-track collection explores the many facets of love with a touch of classic R&B nostalgia. Her growing popularity in the UK, West Africa, and beyond suggests that Love’s Letter could mark a breakthrough moment in this rising star’s career.

Ol’ Burger Beats: 74: Out of Time

Ol’ Burger Beats takes us on a sonic journey with his new album, 74: Out of Time.  Every track locks into a smooth 74 BPM groove, effortlessly channeling the vibes of 1974, its music, activism, and iconic aesthetics. This ambitious 17-track project features a who’s-who of underground hip-hop talent, including Fly Anakin, Awon, Quelle Chris, Pink Siifu, Yungmorpheus, Lojii, billy woods, Tha God Fahim, Vic Spencer, and Vuyo. Each song flows seamlessly into the next, creating a time capsule of sound.

Jack Freeman: Nina

R&B singer/songwriter Jack Freeman is back with his new album Nina, and it’s a must-listen. This Houston-based artist channels the experiences of love, relationships, and pain into a dynamic exploration inspired by Black women. You might have heard his sultry single “U N D R E S S” or his first single, “Shine.” The total project showcases Freeman’s artistic range. Co-produced by the Grammy-winning Bryan-Michael Cox, it features everything from house beats and bounce rhythms to chopped-and-screwed remixes.