Wednesday Roundups #39: 15 Albums/EPs You Should Listen to In Your Spare Time
Wednesday Roundups #39: 15 Albums/EPs You Should Listen to In Your Spare Time
Stream last week’s releases from Brittany Howard, Little Simz, Annie Tracy, Blu, Terrace Martin, Rhymefest, Dizzee Rascal, Joel Ross, MadeinTYO, 1999 WRITE THE FUTURE, DJ Muggs, and more.
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 Brittany Howard, Little Simz, Annie Tracy, Blu, Terrace Martin, Rhymefest, Dizzee Rascal, Joel Ross, MadeinTYO, 1999 WRITE THE FUTURE, DJ Muggs, Koryn Hawthorne, Recognize Ali, Awon & Parental and Joël Lobban.
If you’re struggling to keep up with the ever-evolving music scene, subscribing to the Shatter the Standards newsletter is your ticket to staying in the loop. They don’t just skim the surface with mainstream hits; they dive deep, bringing hidden gems right to your inbox weekly.
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.
Brittany Howard: What Now (Alternative)
Brittany Howard returns with an incredible LP, and it’s no sophomore slump. Compared to her Alabama Shakes work and debut, What Now sees Howard stepping further into her voice as a solo artist and experimenting with a broader range. You can feel Howard’s personal journey within the album. Songs are often emotionally complex and offer glimpses into her vulnerability and strength.
[Listen]
Little Simz: Drop 7 - EP (Hip-Hop)
Little Simz uses her Drops EPs for raw expression: journal entries paralleling her meticulously crafted full-lengths. Drop 7, however, feels different. Produced by Jakob, these seven tracks reveal a distinct duality, almost as if Simz consciously showcases two sides of her current artistic personality. Does this mean a new sonic direction is fully underway? Perhaps not. Instead, Drop 7 might be a glimpse of Simz testing the boundaries of her artistry, flexing her range in real time. Whatever the motivation, what’s undeniable is her enduring creative vitality and relentless experimentation, whether on a full album or a short, sharp shock of an EP.
[Listen]
Annie Tracy: ACT II - EP (R&B)
Wilmington-based singer Annie Tracy possesses a voice that carries hints of classic soul while reflecting contemporary pop sensibilities. Her debut EP, ACT I, reveals a knack for emotionally resonant songwriting that explores the highs and lows of love and life. With a sequel to kickstart 2024, following a strong launch of her career in 2023, Tracy stands poised as an artist on the verge of wider recognition.
[Listen]
Blu & Roy Royal: Royal Blue - EP (Hip-Hop)
California hip-hop mainstay Blu proves he’s still got the fire, joining forces with producer Roy Royal for a vibrant new project. Roy’s soulful beats and sharp turntable skills perfectly complement Blu’s impassioned delivery and wordplay. This is West Coast hip-hop that pays homage to tradition while sounding fresh and engaging, a must-listen for fans of the underground scene.
[Listen]
Terrace Martin: Her Thoughts - EP (Jazz)
Terrace Martin has been on a musical run since 2023, and he’s back with another EP, Her Thoughts. Martin said that this record was his way of saying thank you and showing appreciation for who they are and what they do. With six tracks, it features nothing but covers including, H.E.R.’s “Damage” and SZA’s “Snooze.”
[Listen]
Rhymefest: James & Nikki: A Conversation (Hip-Hop)
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.
[Listen]
Dizzee Rascal: Don’t Take It Personal (Hip-Hop)
Grime icon Dizzee Rascal isn’t content to rest on his laurels. His eighth studio album, Don’t Take It Personal, sees him fearlessly experiment, pushing beyond his core sound to incorporate house, garage, Afrobeats, and more. Featuring exciting appearances by P Money, Frisco, Not3s, and Predz UK, along with a stellar lineup of producers, this project showcases Dizzee’s versatility. It proves he’s an artist still hungry for sonic exploration.
[Listen]
Joel Ross: nublues (Jazz)
nublues, vibraphonist Joel Ross’s fourth Blue Note release offers a unique and captivating exploration of blues and ballad traditions. At the album’s core lies the compelling interplay between Ross and his exceptional ensemble: Immanuel Wilkins (alto saxophone), Jeremy Corren (piano), Kanoa Mendenhall (bass), and Jeremy Dutton (drums), with Gabrielle Garo (flute) as a featured guest. While showcasing Ross’s vibraphone virtuosity, nublues emphasizes the expressive communication defining the album. Memorable melodies underscore the ensemble’s collaborative dynamic, inviting listeners to experience the profound musical conversation at the heart of this remarkable release.
[Listen]
MadeinTYO: TYO 808 (Hip-Hop)
MadeinTYO built his initial buzz on unpredictable, high-energy bangers like the breakout hit “Uber Everywhere.” Later projects, including 2023’s NEO TYO, showed glimpses of a stylistic shift with toned-down trap production and increasingly introspective lyricism. That evolution becomes explicit on TYO 808. Leaving trap behind, he embraces a rich R&B/soul sound throughout this 18-track set. Collaborations with established vocalists like BJ the Chicago Kid, Peyton, and even his brother 24Hrs further underscore this departure.
[Listen]
1999 WRITE THE FUTURE: hella (˃̣̣̥╭╮˂̣̣̥) ✧ ♡ ‧º·˚ (Hip-Hop)
For fans seeking fresh approaches within the hip-hop landscape, 88rising’s 1999 WRITE THE FUTURE demands attention. This collaborative ensemble boasts a prolific output of sonic variety and unexpected pairings. Two specific tracks demonstrate their appeal. “LiGhT RAiLs,” driven by redveil’s dynamic soul-infused trap production, showcases heavy-hitting features from Rick Ross and Rich Brian. Their sonic fluidity shines on “MiNt cHoCoLaTe,” a surprising yet compelling blend of jazz fluidity (courtesy of BADBADNOTGOOD) contrasting with raw, streetwise verses by Westside Gunn and Conway the Machine.
[Listen]
DJ Muggs: Death Valley (Original Motion Picture Score) [Hip-Hop]
DJ Muggs releases an original motion picture score to Death Valley. Since 2017, he has been on an unprecedented run, and plans on not stopping anytime soon. It includes instrumental tracks as well as songs with features from other artists, including CRIMEAPPLE, RLX, Meyhem Lauren, Roc Marciano, Rome Streetz, Devin The Dude, T.F, Jay Worthy, 2 Eleven, Cappadonna, and Boldy James.
[Listen]
Recognize Ali: As You Sow So Shall You Reap (Hip-Hop)
Prolific lyricist Recognize Ali takes no prisoners with As You Sow So Shall You Reap. At 32 minutes, this project packs a punch, delivering classic hip-hop in its purest form, hard-hitting beats, intricate rhyme schemes, and an uncompromising lyrical focus. Fans who crave that pure, uncut hip-hop sound will find this release invigorating.
[Listen]
Koryn Hawthorne: On God (Gospel/R&B)
Koryn Hawthorne’s sophomore LP, On God, delivers inspirational yet accessible R&B music. With her fresh sound and youthful perspective, the artist, who first gained recognition on The Voice, continues to build a unique artistic identity. Tracks like the JWhiteDidIt-produced single “Excellent” showcase an exciting trajectory, offering relatable songwriting, catchy melodies, and a healthy dose of upbeat attitude.
[Listen]
Awon & Parental: Sublime (Hip-Hop)
Brooklyn-born rapper Awon, known for his collaborative spirit, delivers another gem with Sublime. His partnership with French beatmaker Parental seamlessly blends jazzy instrumentation with deft lyricism, resulting in a hip-hop album that evokes the golden age of the genre while maintaining a modern edge. Fans of Jazzmatazz and classic 90s hip-hop will find much to love about this release by Awon’s Don’t Sleep Records and the German label HVV.
[Listen]
Joël Lobban: I Still Think About You - EP (R&B)
A four-year silence isn’t unusual, but Toronto singer-songwriter Joël Lobban’s new EP, I Still Think About You, delivers one song each year since his last project. What was he doing? The answer washes over you with “Crazy…”, the deceptively smooth yet emotionally raw opening track. Lobban’s been working through a personal transformation, and it shows. With its chilled beats, bedroom-indie guitars, and hints of saxophone, this EP is a dreamy R&B departure from the gritty trap-infused style of 2020’s GRUNGE GOSPEL. Yet, despite the shift, echoes of his soulful, church-raised roots remain a grounding force in his melodies.
[Listen]