Wednesday Roundups #30: 21 Albums/EPs You Should Listen to In Your Spare Time
Wednesday Roundups #30: 21 Albums/EPs You Should Listen to In Your Spare Time
Stream releases from Terrace Martin & Alex Isley, Jesse Boykins III, Shay Lia, Naomi Sharon, The Shindellas, Arin Ray, Felix Ames, Elmiene, Berhana, sahn, Priya Ragu, and more.
Welcome back to Shatter the Standards!
The thirtieth outing of Wednesday Roundups!
It might be challenging to prioritize your music listening when so much new music is available. Shatter the Standards provides a weekly summary of newsworthy releases on streaming platforms. Terrace Martin & Alex Isley, Jesse Boykins III, Shay Lia, Naomi Sharon, The Shindellas, Arin Ray, Felix Ames, Elmiene, Berhana, sahn, Priya Ragu, Beharie, A-Reece, Stu Bangas, Meechy Darko, RJ Payne, Tha God Fahim, KXNG Crooked & Joell Ortiz, Sweata & Mu$, Infinity Song, and Hunnah 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!
Terrace Martin & Alex Isley — I Left My Heart in Ladera (R&B) [Listen]
In their collaborative effort, I Left My Heart in Ladera, Terrace Martin and Alex Isley pay homage to the Ladera and Crenshaw communities in Los Angeles, known for their vibrant Black culture and global influence. The duo kicks off the album with a rendition of Sade’s “Paradise,” later incorporating the skills of Robert Glasper and Paul Cornish to craft a unique auditory journey.
Jesse Boykins III — New Growth (R&B) [Listen]
Jesse Boykins III has broken his six-year hiatus with New Growth, an album that challenges traditional notions of masculinity. Unlike the conventional male singer who glorifies his romantic escapades, Boykins adopts a more introspective approach. In tracks like “No Love Without You,” he explores the nervous excitement inspired by love, likening it to the experience of taking a test. In “Kind and Nasty,” he expresses a balanced desire for qualities of kindness and audacity in his romantic partners, framing it not as a conquest but as an expression of love.
Shay Lia — FACETS (R&B) [Listen]
In her sophomore album, FACETS, Shay Lia collaborates with an eclectic mix of producers who are trailblazers in the dance/pop genre. Yet, the album is far from a mere collaborative effort; it’s a deeply personal chronicle of a period in Lia’s life marked by solitude. Situated in Montreal, the singer navigates this solitary phase with the aid of a diverse group of musical talents. Among them are KAYTRANADA, a collaborator with whom she has previously stormed dance floors, and GuiltyBeatz, an Afrobeats sensation. The lineup also features Chiiild, a prodigy in psych-soul, Majid Jordan, who specializes in Toronto’s synth-pop, and Andrés Rebellón, known for his work with Cuco.
Naomi Sharon — Obsidian (R&B) [Listen]
Naomi Sharon’s debut album, Obsidian, marks her transition from musical theatre to a solo career under Drake’s OVO Sound label. The album is tinged with Sharon’s spiritual inclinations; she recounts how wearing an obsidian necklace absorbed the day’s negative energies, an experience that influenced the album’s title and mood. The record is a sanctuary of vulnerability, offering solace to those who engage with it.
The Shindellas — Shindo (R&B) [Listen]
The Shindellas, a pop-R&B girl group, operate from a century-old yellow house in a quaint Tennessee town. Their latest album, Shindo, is a significant milestone, being their first work to benefit from external promotional support courtesy of Nashville indie label Thirty Tigers. The album positions them for broader recognition and larger performance venues.
Arin Ray — Phases III - EP (R&B) [Listen]
Last Friday marks the culmination of Arin Ray’s musical triptych with the release of Phases III, an 11-track EP that has been eagerly awaited. With contributions from industry stalwarts like Tricky Stewart and James Fauntleroy, the EP navigates the emotional rather than the rational, particularly in an era where illusion often leads to reality. Arin Ray skillfully oscillates between neo-soul, ‘70s and ‘90s R&B, and experimental genres, creating a harmonious blend as he explores themes ranging from fleeting encounters to deeper yearnings.
Felix Ames — JENA (R&B) [Listen]
In his debut album, JENA, Felix Ames crafts a harmonious blend of jazz, R&B, soul, and gospel. The album, composed of 12 meticulously curated tracks, guides you through the diverse musical influences that have shaped Felix’s life. By skillfully fusing elements from both contemporary and classic styles, he achieves a sound that resonates as modern while paying homage to the foundational R&B influences that shaped him.
Elmiene — Marking My Time - EP (R&B) [Listen]
Elmiene, a 21-year-old artist based in Oxford, has released his new EP, Marking My Time, via Polydor/Def Jam Recordings. This EP follows his well-received independent debut, El-Mean, released earlier this year. The new project features collaborations with notable artists like Jamie Woon, James Vincent McMorrow, Syd (The Internet), Lil Silva, and Sampha, signaling Elmiene’s rising influence in the music industry.
Berhana — Amén (The Nomad’s Dream) [R&B] [Listen]
Berhana, an Ethiopian-American musician, has graced the music scene again with his second album, Amén (The Nomad’s Dream), released through EGT Recordings. This album, a successor to his 2019 debut Han, features 12 tracks, including the previously released “Gone (Abebe Bikila),” “Like a Habit,” and “Break Bread.” Notably, the first two tracks were also cast with visual accompaniments. Berhana collaborated primarily with Canadian producer Pomo, dedicating meticulous attention to the album’s nuances.
sahn — The Mornings (R&B) [Listen]
Under the moniker sahn, formerly known as Simone Ledward Boseman, we find an artist willing to expose her emotional core. Her inaugural album is a collection of nine tracks that are as passionate as they are unfiltered. Through her music, she chronicles her grieving process, her renewed relationship with her late husband, Chadwick Boseman, and her spiritual growth. The album is a bittersweet testament to the transformative power of love.
Priya Ragu — Santhosam (R&B) [Listen]
Priya Ragu’s debut album, Santhosam, explores the quest for happiness and the reconciliation of cultural identities. The album blends danceable rhythms with thoughtful lyrics, showcasing Ragu’s ambition and resilience. Ragu celebrates personal freedom and challenges societal expectations on tracks like “School Me Like That” and “Adalam Va.” The album also addresses togetherness, family, and social justice, inviting listeners to join Ragu on a spiritual journey towards freedom.
Beharie — Are You There, Boy? (R&B) [Listen]
Meanwhile, Beharie introduces us to his first album, Are You There, Boy?, a reflective and vivid tapestry that delves into the multifaceted nature of human emotions. The album resonates with those grappling with a range of feelings—from self-doubt and regret to love—while also probing the fluidity of identity.
A-Reece — P2: THE BIG HEARTED BAD GUY (Hip-Hop) [Listen]
The Pretoria-born MC A-Reese has unveiled his third studio album, P2: THE BIG HEARTED BAD GUY, a thematic continuation of his 2016 debut, Paradise. The album showcases A-Reece’s evolution from an eager newcomer to a revered figure in the music community. Between his debut and this latest release, A-Reece has honed his skills through mixtapes, EPs, and collaborations. His latest work grapples with the challenge of meeting high expectations, featuring moments highlighting his personal and artistic growth.
Stu Bangas — Death Wish (Part II) [Hip-Hop] [Listen]
The Boston-based producer, Stu Bangas, returns with Death Wish (Part II), an eagerly awaited sequel since its 2021 predecessor. Collaborating with iconic emcees like Ras Kass and Psycho Les from the Beatnuts, Stu crafts tracks that resonate with new and seasoned fans. His relationship with these artists blossomed during the creation of the Empires LP, a joint venture with Eric Bobo of Cypress Hill fame.
Meechy Darko — Doses (Hip-Hop) [Listen]
Meech Darko of Flatbush Zombies has been holding his own. Last summer, he released Gothic Luxury, an album executive-produced by Dot da Genius. While the album has been well-received, it serves as an appetizer for his forthcoming project, Doses. The strength of this project lies not just in its production but also in the candidness that Meech brings to his lyrics—a quality that promises to be present in his next release.
RJ Payne — THE BARBER SHOP (Hip-Hop) [Listen]
RJ Payne has also been making waves. Formerly known as Reign Man, he recently dropped his ninth EP, The Barber Shop, produced in collaboration with C-Lance of Enemy Soil Entertainment. The project offers a unique conceptual experience, simulating the atmosphere of a real barbershop backed by C-Lance's consistently engaging beats.
Tha God Fahim — Tha Supreme Hoarder of All Pristine Wealth (Hip-Hop) [Listen]
Atlanta’s Tha God Fahim has been prolific in the southern hip-hop scene. With a discography that now includes 20 full-length albums, Fahim continues to evolve. His latest project features production from Camoflauge Monk, offering a varied sonic experience that complements Fahim's rejuvenated vocal delivery. Initially gaining recognition as an affiliate of Griselda Records and one-third of the Dump Gawds, Fahim's achievements, including standout albums like Breaking Through tha Van Allen Belts and Dump Assassins, are not to be overlooked.
Joell Ortiz & KXNG Crooked — Prosper (Hip-Hop) [Listen]
The rap duo comprising Joell Ortiz and KXNG Crooked is also back in the spotlight. Both artists have navigated challenging label situations early in their careers but later found success as part of the supergroup Slaughterhouse. Their latest album, Prosper, follows their previous release, JFKLAX, and promises to be another solid addition to their growing body of work.
Sweata & Mu$ — Don Music (A Fasss Auntie Tape) [Hip-Hop] [Listen]
Sweata teams up with Mu$ (formerly known as the Musalini) to deliver their collaborative EP, Don Music (A Fasss Auntie Tape). This short project is produced by 9th Wonder, so you know what you get when you see the name. Dope beats and dope rhymes.
Infinity Song — Metamorphosis (Singer/Songwriter) [Listen]
The Soft Rock ensemble of siblings known as Infinity Song has released their transformative EP, Metamorphosis, via Roc Nation. Apart from a cover of Fleetwood Mac's "Dreams," the project is self-produced and self-written, highlighting the band's multifaceted talents. The EP significantly departs from their debut album, Mad Love, and hints at a promising and enduring career ahead.
Hunnah — That’s All for Now - EP (R&B) [Listen]
Last but not least, Hunnah, who first captured our attention in 2021 with her EP Unloved, returns to the spotlight. Her latest EP, That’s All for Now, is a raw, soul-stirring work that demands emotional courage. We’re grateful she shared this cathartic piece, which mirrors her inner world.