Wednesday Roundups #12: 6 Albums/EPs You Should Listen to In Your Spare Time
Stream releases from Lloyd Banks, Alfa Mist, Brooke Combe, Zombie Juice, Madison Ryann Ward, and Kyle Lux.
Welcome back to Shatter the Standards!
The twelfth outing of Wednesday Roundups returns.
It might be challenging to prioritize your music listening when so much new music isĀ available. Shatter the Standards provide a weekly summary of newsworthy releases on streaming platforms. Lloyd Banks, Alfa Mist, Brooke Combe, Zombie Juice, Madison Ryann Ward, and Kyle Lux were among the artists with new albums or projects last week. Watch for weekly music drops every Wednesday for suggestions of lesser-known albums.
Here are your roundups for today!
Lloyd Banks ā The Course of Inevitable 3: Pieces of My Pain (Hip-Hop) [Listen]
Lloyd BanksĀ recently released his anticipated album, The Course of the Inevitable 3: Pieces of My Pain. Cartune Beatz's production shines through on most tracks, while the lyrics take a more personal approach than the previous two albums. ItĀ appears that the talented lyricist from the G-Unit crewĀ continues to showcase his unwavering consistency, whether through a potential fourth release in the upcoming year or a different project altogether.
Alfa Mist ā Variables (Jazz) [Listen]
Alfa Mist's boundless music is truly remarkable. The UK musician effortlessly blends jazz, hip hop, and soul, among other music genres, on his fourth album, Variables. The album showcases diverse musical styles, from expansive jazz explorations to succinct rap and R&B tracks, with many pieces falling somewhere in the middle. Alfa Mist enlists the soulful vocals of frequent collaborator Kaya Thomas-Dyke and South African folk singer Bongeziwe Mabandla on his latest project. Additionally, the album showcases Alfa Mist's rapping skills. The sequence is well-crafted, blending vocal-focused tracks with instrumentals and alternating between dynamic improvisation and infectious rhythms. This album seamlessly blends elements of jazz and hip-hop, resulting in a unique sound that defies categorization.
Brooke Combe ā Black Is the New Gold (R&B) [Listen]
Introducing Brooke Combe's latest mixtape, Black Is the New Gold, featuring her most refined and polished compositions yet. At the age of 23, Combe has already made a remarkable impact on the music industry, earning recognition from fans and experts as a potential superstar in the making. Brooke Combe's first release, consisting of only eight tracks, is exactly what we hoped for and beyond.
Zombie Juice ā Love Without Conditions (Hip-Hop) [Listen]
Introducing Zombie Juice, a talented MC from vibrant Brooklyn, New York. He rose to prominence as a member of the dynamic trio Flatbush Zombies alongside his fellow high schoolmates. At 32, he continues to captivate audiences with his unique style and lyrical prowess. Meechy Darko's Gothic Luxury showcases his unique style as a solo artist and sets him apart from his work with Flatbush and the Beast Coast. Jewice successfully achieves a similar effect on Love Without Conditions. The artist's lyrics delve into personal struggles with abuse, homelessness, and loss, while the production showcases a diverse range of styles from trap to jazzy boom bap and even psychedelia.
Madison Ryann Ward ā A New World (R&B) [Listen]
It's undeniable that the nature of existence is often unforeseeable. The response to such ambiguity may vary based on personal convictions, either with a positive or negative outlook. Madison Ryann Ward, a singer-songwriter, resonates with this feeling, and her unwavering faith propels her towards the latter. Madison has just dropped her debut album, A New Thing, which features twenty-two whopping tracks. This project boasts a soulful sound with the talented contributions of Ty Brasel, Benji, and Aaron Gallard. Notable pre-released singles include Seasons, Go Back, Prodigal, Anchor, and Wanda.
Kyle Lux ā Cascade - EP (Pop/R&B) [Listen]
After a two-year hiatus, Kyle Lux makes a triumphant return with his latest offering, the Cascade EP. The EP is a highly anticipated project that delves into themes of love, queerness, and sex, among others. It takes listeners on a sonic journey that can be enjoyed in various settings. Press play and immerse yourself in the infectious rhythm.