Wednesday Roundups #40: 11 Albums/EPs You Should Listen to In Your Spare Time
Wednesday Roundups #40: 11 Albums/EPs You Should Listen to In Your Spare Time
Stream last week’s releases from serpentwithfeet, Raheem DeVaughn, Jack Freeman, Shaé Universe, DaVionne, N3WYRKLA, Pip Millett, Ol’ Burger Beats, Heems & Lapgan, 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 serpentwithfeet, Raheem DeVaughn, Jack Freeman, Shaé Universe, DaVionne, N3WYRKLA, Pip Millett, Ol’ Burger Beats, Heems & Lapgan, Alicia Creti, and Jordan Mackampa.
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.
serpentwithfeet: GRIP (R&B)
serpentwithfeet continues his artistic evolution on his third album, GRIP. While his early work established a distinct experimental and gothic sound, GRIP expands on the joyful exploration of gospel and Black queer love introduced on DEACON. This new album features vibrant instrumentals reminiscent of early 2000s R&B, drawing inspiration from sonic innovators like Timbaland, Missy Elliott, Brandy, and Pharrell. GRIP is a tribute to the culture that nurtured serpentwithfeet’s personal growth and acceptance of his sexuality.
[Listen]
Raheem DeVaughn: Winter in Love (R&B)
R&B artist Raheem DeVaughn, known as the “Love King,” has released his new EP Winter in Love. This eight-track collection continues his exploration of romance and relationships, solidifying his reputation within the genre. Find the Winter in Love EP exclusively on Even.biz, a platform that facilitates direct connections between artists and their fans. This project marks the final installment in DeVaughn’s “Seasons in Love” series.
[Listen]
Jack Freeman: Nina (R&B)
R&B singer/songwriter Jack Freeman is back with his new album Nina, and it’s a must-listen. This Houston-based artist channels the experiences of love, relationships, and pain into a dynamic exploration inspired by Black women. You might have heard his sultry single “U N D R E S S” or his first single, “Shine.” The total project showcases Freeman’s artistic range. Co-produced by the Grammy-winning Bryan-Michael Cox, it features everything from house beats and bounce rhythms to chopped-and-screwed remixes.
[Listen]
Shaé Universe: Love’s Letter (R&B)
UK R&B artist Shaé Universe, known for her engaging music and fabulous live performances, has released her new project, Love’s Letter. This 10-track collection explores the many facets of love with a touch of classic R&B nostalgia. Her growing popularity in the UK, West Africa, and beyond suggests that Love’s Letter could mark a breakthrough moment in this rising star’s career.
[Listen]
DaVionne: Good Grief - EP (R&B)
DaVionne always loved singing, her voice echoing through her Augusta church since childhood. But she took the leap in middle school and joined the chorus, expanding her musical world. That journey led her to her debut EP, Good Grief. At its heart, her R&B sound blends with soulful, folk-inspired vocals to tackle the heartbreak and healing that followed her first real relationship. This 5-track project dives directly into the raw experience of a breakup that lingered on and off for a year.
[Listen]
N3WYRKLA: it’s not you, it’s me (R&B)
Rising R&B artist N3WYRKLA debuts her EP it’s not you, it’s me. If you enjoyed her recent feature on Brent Faiyaz’s “Outside All Night” on Larger Than Life, this EP showcases her unique style and emotional depth. The New Jersey-based artist demonstrates significant potential within the R&B landscape.
[Listen]
Pip Millett: Tell Jimmy - EP (R&B)
Manchester R&B artist Pip Millett continues her momentum by releasing her new EP, Tell Jimmy. This five-track project features collaborations with Maverick Sabre and Linden Jay and follows her successful debut album When Everything Is Better, I’ll Let You Know (2022). The EP also includes her recent collaboration with Rae Khalil, “Eating Out.”
[Listen]
Ol’ Burger Beats: 74: Out of Time (Hip-Hop)
Ol’ Burger Beats takes us on a sonic journey with his new album, 74: Out of Time. Every track locks into a smooth 74 BPM groove, effortlessly channeling the vibes of 1974; its music, activism, and iconic aesthetics. This ambitious 17-track project features a who’s-who of underground hip-hop talent, including Fly Anakin, Awon, Quelle Chris, Pink Siifu, Yungmorpheus, Lojii, billy woods, Tha God Fahim, Vic Spencer, and Vuyo. Each song flows seamlessly into the next, creating a time capsule of sound.
[Listen]
Heems & Lapgan: LAFANDAR (Hip-Hop)
Heems returns with his first full-length album in a decade. Collaborating with Indian American producer Lapgan, the album features an impressive lineup of guest artists, including Open Mike Eagle, Quelle Chris, Kool Keith, Saul Williams, Blu, and Your Old Droog. This release marks the debut of Heems’ new venture, Veena, a multifaceted platform encompassing a magazine, brand, and record label. Interestingly, the album also includes a track dedicated to Bukayo Saka, the rising star of England’s national football team and Arsenal.
[Listen]
Alicia Creti: Self/Less - EP (Pop/R&B)
Rising vocalist Alicia Creti debuts her EP Self/Less. This collection of songs explores the journey of self-discovery and overcoming internal limitations. Creti's music invites listeners to reject negativity and embrace their authentic selves. Self/Less chronicles her personal growth for those seeking to reclaim their power.
[Listen]
Jordan Mackampa: WELCOME HOME, KID! (R&B)
London-based soul artist Jordan Mackampa embraces a sonic homecoming with his new album, WELCOME HOME, KID! The project showcases a return to Mackampa’s roots in R&B, soul, funk, and gospel, channeling the nostalgia of his childhood with fresh energy. This bold collection reflects the artist’s growing confidence and his commitment to celebrating Blackness and queer identity. This album offers candid storytelling with songs about love, loss, and self-discovery.
[Listen]