Wednesday Roundups #21: 6 Albums/EPs You Should Listen to In Your Spare Time
Wednesday Roundups #21: 6 Albums/EPs You Should Listen to In Your Spare Time
Stream releases from Mick Jenkins, Leon Thomas, AMAKA, NEMS & Scram Jones, Teddy Bryant, and Cautious Clay.
Welcome back to Shatter the Standards!
The twenty-first outing of Wednesday Roundups returns after a month-long of uninspired releases.
It might be challenging to prioritize your music listening when so much new music is available. Shatter the Standards provide a weekly summary of newsworthy releases on streaming platforms. Mick Jenkins, Leon Thomas, AMAKA, NEMS & Scram Jones, Teddy Bryant, and Cautious Clay were 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!
Mick Jenkins — The Patience (Hip-Hop) [Listen]
Mick Jenkins delivers his most passionate and skillful performance since The Water[s] on The Patience. The album showcases the Chicago rapper’s new, aggressive flow and cadence. The production is jazzy and unconventional, with strong lyricism throughout. The album features impressive collaborations, including Freddie Gibbs, Benny the Butcher, and JID. While some tracks feel too short and could have been fleshed out more, the overall project is engaging and cohesive. The Patience marks a return to form for Mick Jenkins and solidifies his place among Chicago’s top hip-hop artists.
Leon Thomas — Electric Dusk (R&B) [Listen]
Leon Thomas, a seasoned member of Hollywood, releases his debut album titled Electric Dusk. Known for his work as a songwriter for A-list artists, Thomas finally presents his artistic vision. The album explores the highs and lows of his life in the entertainment industry with a cinematic touch. Thomas tackles themes of love and power, acknowledging the corrupting influence of absolute power. The album showcases Thomas’ songwriting process and his ability to create vivid imagery. Electric Dusk marks Thomas’ official entry into the R&B world, establishing him as a new mainstay in the genre.
AMAKA — OASIS - EP (R&B) [Listen]
AMAKA, formerly of the duo VanJess, has released a new EP titled OASIS. Produced solely by KAYTRANADA, the EP features six tracks that blend AMAKA’s sultry vocals with her afro-futurism style. The project includes singles “Cruisin’” and “Leave It Behind,” which showcase the upbeat and laid-back vibes of the EP. AMAKA describes OASIS as a place where people can escape and feel most confident and free. With KAYTRANADA’s production, the EP offers a genre-blending experience that sets AMAKA apart from her peers. The EP is a perfect soundtrack for winding down the summer.
NEMS & Scram Jones — Rise of the Silverback (Hip-Hop) [Listen]
New York emcee NEMS releases his fourth full-length album, Rise of the Silverback. After a successful battle rap career and a previous album collaboration, NEMS teams up with producer Scram Jones. The album features gully boom bap tracks, trap-infused beats, and a blend of both styles. Notable features include Sheek Louch, Gunplay, and Ghostface Killah. The production by Scram Jones strikes a balance between boom bap and trap that was lacking in NEMS’ previous album. Overall, Rise of the Silverback is considered one of NEMS’s best works, delivering consistent feature performances and showcasing his skill with the pen.
Teddy Bryant — Dinner for Two (Soul) [Listen]
Dinner for Two is Teddy Bryant’s second album, featuring a mix of genres like hip-hop, street soul, neo-soul, contemporary jazz, funk, and house music. The album aims to create a cinematic experience for the listener, filled with romance, adventure, and imagination. It includes collaborations with Stimulator Jones, Morris Mobley, and Stella Zekri Ouiddir. The album showcases the talents of various musicians, such as Ferdileem, Eric Assarsson, and Stephan Kammerer. Dinner for Two is a unique and artistic work that offers tunes for dancing, loving, and grooving.
Cautious Clay — KARPEH (Jazz) [Listen]
Cautious Clay’s new KARPEH album is a bold and potent reintroduction. It explores his family’s lineage and tells their stories honestly and sincerely. The album’s three parts unfold like a multi-generational novel, delving into his roots. The signing with Blue Note is significant, allowing Clay to embrace his multi-instrumental skills. The album is a rich embodiment of his jazz influences, with impressive arrangements and light pop melodies. Clay’s willingness to evolve and be authentic in his songwriting makes KARPEH a spectacular achievement.
BONUS: C.S. Armstrong — Come As You Are (R&B) [Listen]
C.S. Armstrong has released a new album titled, Come As You Are. The album features 16 songs, including some tracks from his previous EP. Armstrong produced a significant portion of the album himself. Notable guest artists on the album include Coco O., Mick Jenkins, Buddy, and aja monet.