Wednesday Roundups #41: 11 Albums/EPs You Should Listen to In Your Spare Time
Stream last week’s releases from Erick the Architect, Cory Henry, EARTHGANG, Liam Bailey, LaRussell, Erika de Casier, Tha God Fahim, Sadistik, Nerves Baddington, DOE, and Anthony Evans.
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 Erick the Architect, Cory Henry, EARTHGANG, Liam Bailey, LaRussell, Erika de Casier, Tha God Fahim, Sadistik, Nerves Baddington, DOE, and Anthony Evans.
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.
Erick the Architect: I’ve Never Been Here Before (Hip-Hop)
Erick the Architect of Flatbush Zombies fame, delivers a bold and deeply personal debut album, I’ve Never Been Here Before. The project balances bravado and vulnerability, showcasing the evolving artistry of the young rapper. Notable collaborations include the afrobeat-inspired “Beef Patty” featuring Boy Boy and the house-infused “Ambriosa” with Channel Tres.
[Listen]
Cory Henry: Church (Gospel)
Veteran keyboardist Cory Henry channels his gospel roots on his aptly named inaugural gospel release, Church. This ambitious, 23-track project explores Henry’s musical upbringing and features a mix of gospel legends, contemporary stars, and posthumous features. Look out for collaborations with Raphael Saadiq, Kim Burrell, and Donnie McClurkin.
[Listen]
EARTHGANG: ROBOPHOBIA - EP (Hip-Hop)
Atlanta’s dynamic EARTHGANG duo continues their EARTHGANG vs. the Algorithm concept series with ROBOPHOBIA. The new EP features guest appearances from Snoop Dogg, Tommy Newport, and their collaborative Spillage Village. It offers a distinct blend of styles and continues their exploration of contemporary themes.
[Listen]
Liam Bailey: Zero Grace (R&B/Reggae)
Liam Bailey teams up again with El Michels Affair’s Leon Michels on his sophomore album Zero Grace. Pushing beyond the sound of his 2020 album Ekundayo, the project reveals a more intimate and introspective songwriting style, showcasing another facet of Bailey’s diverse talent.
[Listen]
LaRussell & Hit-Boy: RENT DUE (Hip-Hop)
West Coast collaborators LaRussell and Hit-Boy deliver hard-hitting bars and raw energy on RENT DUE. The seven-track release follows several successful singles, including “Another One” and “Luxury,” fully showcasing their impactful chemistry behind the mic.
[Listen]
Erika de Casier: Still (R&B)
Danish musician Erika de Casier follows up her acclaimed 2021 album Sensational with Still. Leaning into 90s and early 2000s-infused R&B with modern electronic flourishes, the album features guest appearances from They Hate Change and Blood Orange. De Casier’s unique production style and deft songwriting continue to impress.
[Listen]
Tha God Fahim: Dump Goat 2 (Hip-Hop)
Underground rapper Tha God Fahim unveils Dump Goat 2, the follow-up to his 2017 compilation project. Like its predecessor, the album blends older and newer material, showcasing the prolific artist’s output and collaborations with various producers.
[Listen]
Sadistik & Maulskull: Oblivion Theater (Hip-Hop)
Sadistik and Maulskull join forces on Oblivion Theater, a unique and darkly evocative release. Maulskull’s innovative production style pairs hauntingly with Sadistik’s introspective lyricism. The album offers a starkly original and immersive sonic experience that blurs the lines between storytelling and soundscapes.
[Listen]
Nerves Baddington: Kiss Your Nerves Goodbye (Hip-Hop)
Nerves Baddington has returned with Kiss Your Nerves Goodbye, on the heels of releasing a double album in 2022 (Micro/macro). This album explores a wide range of sounds and lyrical themes, indicated by the intriguing titles and diverse featured artists, including Rob Sonic.
[Listen]
DOE: Note to Self - EP (Gospel)
Gospel artist DOE delivers an uplifted message with her new EP, Note to Self. The 6-track project focuses on themes of faith, inspiration, and strength. Her single “Breathe” offers a particularly optimistic outlook, aiming to bring comfort to those seeking hope.
[Listen]
Anthony Evans: Revive (Gospel)
Anthony Evans returns with Revive, an album reflecting his struggles and renewal of faith. Drawing on both original compositions and classic worship songs, Evans’ release promises soulful melodies and heartfelt lyrics chronicling his journey through hardship and doubt.
[Listen]