Wednesday Roundups #37: 9 Albums/EPs You Should Listen to In Your Spare Time
Stream last week’s releases from Sy Smith, Masta Ace & Marco Polo, IAMGAWD & Clypto, CRIMEAPPLE & Preservation, Vic Spencer, Ché Noir, Kota the Friend, R.A.P. Ferreira & Fumitake Tamura and MiLES.
Welcome back to another issue of Wednesday Roundups!
Diving into the world of music can be overwhelming with the constant influx of albums. That’s where Shatter the Standards steps in, making your musical navigation easier every Wednesday. They slice through the noise, bringing you a curated list of noteworthy new drops accessible on streaming platforms. Just last week, they spotlighted fresh beats from a diverse lineup, including Sy Smith, Masta Ace & Marco Polo, IAMGAWD & Clypto, CRIMEAPPLE & Preservation, Vic Spencer & Original Super Legend, Che Noir, Kota the Friend, R.A.P. Ferreira & Fumitake Tamura and MiLES.
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In today’s rapid-fire release culture, it’s easy to miss out on some real musical gems. Shatter the Standards does the heavy lifting for you, sifting through the latest releases and handpicking the ones that make a mark. Stay ahead of the curve and discover music that steps outside the mainstream box by joining their newsletter.
Sy Smith: Until We Meet Again (R&B)
Sy Smith’s latest offering, Until We Meet Again, emerges as a vibrant celebration of reconnections and the complex web of human relationships. This album navigates through a spectrum of emotional landscapes, from the sweet sorrow of looking back on times gone by in “Summer of ’93” to the tangled feelings of ongoing connections in “Why Do You Keep Calling Me.” It delves into a journey of self-discovery with tracks like “Photograph” and “Remember How to Fly” while also touching on the pain of lost love in songs such as “Always Pick Up for You” and the titular track. The album doesn’t shy away from exploring the relief found in parting ways, as heard in “Masterclass,” or the anticipation of future encounters encapsulated in “Slide.” Smith’s work on this album is a comprehensive showcase of her skill across musical, vocal, lyrical, and emotional dimensions, creating an experience that is both richly textured and deeply resonant.
[Listen]
Masta Ace & Marco Polo: Richmond Hill (Hip-Hop)
Masta Ace and Marco Polo, veterans hailing from Brooklyn with enduring influence in the rap domain, unveil their latest collaborative work, Richmond Hill. This album arrives as a successor to their highly praised 2018 offering, A Bruekelen Story, extending across 18 tracks that encompass skits. Richmond Hill delves into the transformative power of hip-hop over an individual’s life trajectory and illustrates how echoes of the past continue to shape our current realities, featuring Inspectah Deck, Coast Contra, Blu, Che Noir, and Speech from Arrested Development, alongside Masta Ace’s frequent collaborators Stricklin and Wordsworth among others. This ensemble of talent underscores the album’s exploration of hip-hop’s enduring impact, bridging generations through its storytelling and great lyricism.
[Listen]
IAMGAWD & Clypto: Bloodstained Suede II (Hip-Hop)
In Chicago’s underground scene, IAMGAWD stands out, particularly when paired with Clypto from California for their latest effort, Bloodstained Suede II. This sequel welcomes listeners back to a world where Clypto’s lush beats provide the perfect backdrop for IAMGAWD’s sharp and dynamic delivery. Known for his compelling lyricism and distinctive style, IAMGAWD continues to impress with this latest project.
[Listen]
CRIMEAPPLE & Preservation: El León (Hip-Hop)
The initial release in an exciting trilogy by CRIMEAPPLE and Preservation marks a fresh hunting season for this dynamic duo. The album title, reflecting the jungle’s supreme ruler, symbolizes the relentless pursuit and ambition that has always characterized CRIMEAPPLE’s approach to his craft. As this series unfolds, expect CRIMEAPPLE and Preservation to navigate new territories with unmatched supremacy.
[Listen]
Vic Spencer & Original Super Legend: Be Double Clip Tight (Hip-Hop)
Vic Spencer remains a prolific figure in Chicago’s hip-hop community, consistently delivering quality work. His latest release, Be Double Clip Tight, adds another commendable chapter to his discography. While we hold a particular fondness for his Spencer for Higher and Psychological Cheat Sheet series, this new addition certainly merits attention. Spencer’s unique voice in the hip-hop landscape is further solidified with this project, maintaining his reputation for high-caliber releases.
[Listen]
Che Noir: The Color Chocolate, Vol. 1 - EP (Hip-Hop)
Che Noir presented a project with Big Ghost last year (Noir or Never) that’s still in rotation. Her delivery, reminiscent of the raw essence of 90s hip-hop, focuses on pure lyrical skill without the distraction of excessive production elements. Through The Color Chocolate, Vol. 1, which spans just shy of 11 minutes, Che Noir commands attention, offering a glimpse into her journey with authenticity and precision. Although brief, this project effectively demonstrates her profound capability as an artist.
[Listen]
Kota the Friend: Lyrics to GO, Vol. 5 (Hip-Hop)
Kota the Friend's latest offering, Lyrics to GO, marks his fifth installment in a series that fans have come to anticipate with eagerness. Known for his laid-back beats and sharp lyrical prowess, Kota doesn't disappoint in this latest project. Among the standout tracks, "TULUM" captures attention with its robust production by Hit-Boy, complemented by Kota's adept flow variations and compelling lyrical narratives. However, it's "OREGON" that truly shines as the pinnacle of this collection. Here, the production takes a different turn, setting the stage for Kota's storytelling that paints a vivid picture, making it an exceptionally engaging listen.
[Listen]
R.A.P. Ferreira & Fumitake Tamura: The First First to Make Contact When We Dap (Hip-Hop)
R.A.P. Ferreira, renowned for his creative wordplay, delivers an interesting experience with The First Fist to Make Contact When We Dap. This album, albeit brief, is rich with abstract and philosophical musings that invite deep reflection. The collaboration with Fumitake Tamura, a Japanese producer celebrated for his ambient and glitch-infused soundscapes, marks a notable success. Together, they fuse jazz rap’s smooth tones with the intricate textures of glitch music, crafting an essential listen for fans of unconventional hip-hop, a clear showcase of Ferreira’s inventive approach and Tamura’s meticulous craftsmanship.
[Listen]
MiLES.: Life Thru New Lens - EP (R&B)
A newcomer in R&B, MiLES., released a five-track EP with Life Thru New Lens. Written and produced solely by himself, this effort features two released singles, including the uptempo “Baby Blue” and “Running In a Circle,” which brings together a mix of classic R&B and funk-inspired sounds. We will keep an eye out for him as he preps up for an upcoming album.
[Listen]