Welcome back to Shatter the Standards!
The fifth outing of Wednesday Roundups returns.
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. Che Noir, Yazmin Lacey, Chiiild, Rome Streetz, Adi Oasis, James Vickery, Mach-Hommy & Tha God Fahim, Superbad Solace, Drea, WanMor, La’Quan Mitchell, and Willie Will & Jazz Digga were among the artists with new albums or projects last week. Keep an eye out for weekly music drops every Wednesday for suggestions of lesser-known albums.
Here are your roundups for today!
Che Noir & Big Ghost Ltd — Noir or Never (Hip-Hop) [Listen]
The Big Ghost pack features nine songs where Che Noir's lyrical imagery shines. Listen to Veracruz and Caps Lock to hear why the Buffalo artist deserves your focus.
Yazmin Lacey — Voice Notes (R&B) [Listen]
When planning her debut album, British vocalist Yazmin Lacey was drawn to themes of introspection and growth. It's safe to say that her work is remarkable and that her record continues the work of neo-soul legend Erykah Badu. Sticky and delightful tunes permeate this entire endeavor.
Chiiild — Better Luck In the Next Life (Alternative) [Listen]
Chiiild makes music for all introverts and people who like to gaze inward. Better Luck In the Next Life is the third album by the Montreal-born artist, and it is an intensely evocative compilation of mournful yet comforting songs.
Rome Streetz & Big Ghost Ltd — Wasn’t Built In a Day (Hip-Hop) [Listen]
Wasn't Built In a Day is an album created by Big Ghost, and Rome Streetz is always on hand. Lyrically, he's been on fire lately, with tracks like Godspeed, an album opener, and Royal Flush, a serious candidate. The collaboration with Method Mad on Pz n Qz is another rap masterpiece.
Adi Oasis — Lotus Glow (R&B) [Listen]
While Adeline may have changed her name to Adi Oasis, she hasn't sacrificed a thing. Lotus Glow is her most mature and completely formed work to date. Adi Oasis is Lotus Glow and vice versa; the two share a similar blend of spirit and introspection.
James Vickery — Sheet Music - EP (R&B) [Listen]
James Vickery's new EP, Sheet Music, comes after many excellent songs, including the Kojey Radical duet With U, The Reason, and (I Get So) Emotional. James Vickery's latest EP features contributions from a bevy of top-tier producers like Jordon Manswell, Fred Cox, George Moore, Maths Time Joy, and CVRE, and it seeks to expand on the sensual textures of his earlier work while marking the beginning of the next stage in his musical development.
Mach-Hommy & Tha God Fahim — Notorious Dump Legends, Vol. 2 (Hip-Hop) [Listen]
Mach-Hommy is back with another remarkable verbally driven release, Notorious Dump Legends, Vol. 2. The album features guest appearances from Tha God Fahim. The album's songs range from laid-back and straightforward to complex and challenging. The whole thing is fascinating.
Superbad Solace — Sol Controller 3 (Hip-Hop) [Listen]
Superbad Solace of the Timeless Truth crew drops the third installment in his Sol Controller series, produced by Mono En Stereo.
Drea — Candid (R&B) [Listen]
Drea's newest record, Candid, is an audacious declaration of openness, fragility, and sensuality. The record reflects her life and artistic development, from her youth to her sex life. Drea's first foray into producing is an R&B masterpiece featuring her pals and some special guests, where she ventures into territory she's never gone near before.
WanMor — WanMor - EP (R&B) [Listen]
New R&B act WanMor has dropped their self-titled debut EP via Mary J. Blige's 300 Entertainment label, Beautiful Life Productions, Inc. The six-song EP features four new tracks; I Call Your Name, Must Be Love, Certified, and In My Life, which is more emotionally open than the previously published Mine and Every Pretty Girl In the City.
La’Quan Mitchell — Hey Mayne (Hip-Hop) [Listen]
La’Quan Mitchell, a duo of Lank & DJ Pasquan, released their debut album, Hey Mayne. This sixteen-track outing features Dale Jokinen, LSMuzikk, Larry, Lavender, and Memphis legend, Project Pat.
Willie Will & Jazz Digga — Hymnz (Hip-Hop/Gospel) [Listen]
Willie Will & Jazz Digga released their collaborative effort with Hymnz. The album's concept was fascinating as they put their spin on some of the most popular hymns that we come to know and love.