Wednesday Roundups #43: 9 Albums/EPs You Should Listen to In Your Spare Time

Stream last week’s releases from MIKE & Tony Seltzer, Jae Skeese & Superior, Ransom & Harry Fraud, Moor Mother, Kahil El’Zabar & Ethnic Heritage Ensemble, CJ Fly, LNDN DRGS, Sule, and Tyler Daley.

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 MIKE & Tony Seltzer, Jae Skeese & Superior, Ransom & Harry Fraud, Moor Mother, Kahil El’Zabar & Ethnic Heritage Ensemble, CJ Fly, LNDN DRGS, Sule, and Tyler Daley.

​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.

MIKE & Tony Seltzer: Pinball (Hip-Hop)

MIKE, the prolific rapper from New York, has reunited with producer Tony Seltzer for the new full-length album Pinball. Seltzer, who previously collaborated with MIKE on the beloved 2017 release May God Bless Your Hustle, infuses the project with trap influences. The musicians offered a preview of the album with the single “R&B,” the full release features guest appearances from Earl Sweatshirt, Tony Shhnow, Niontay, and Jay Critch.

[Listen]

Jae Skeese & Superior: Testament of the Times (Hip-Hop)

Jae Skeese, the inaugural signee to Conway the Machine’s Drumwork Music Group imprint, has joined forces with Superior to release their collaborative effort titled Testament of the Times. The album boasts guest appearances from talented artists, including Rome Streetz, OT the Real, Ty Farris, and Kota Savia.

[Listen]

Ransom & Harry Fraud: Lavish Misery (Hip-Hop)

Ransom and producer Harry Fraud have connected for their inaugural collaborative project, Lavish Misery. The 8-track project, introduced with the single “Live from the Roxy,” which co-stars Boldy James, also includes an array of captivating tracks such as “Immaculate Conception,” “Chain of Command,” “Matchstick Men,” “The Losses,” “Eye of the Storm,” “Wilson Fish” featuring 38 Spesh, and “AND 1.” This collaboration marks a continuation of Ransom and Harry’s previous work, as they connected in 2022 on 38 Spesh and Harry Fraud’s “Band Brothers,” which also featured Benny the Butcher.

[Listen]

Moor Mother: The Great Bailout (Alternative)

The Great Bailout marks Moor Mother, aka Camae Ayewa’s ninth studio album and her third release with ANTI- Records. The album features production contributions from diverse artists, including Mary Lattimore, Lonnie Holley, Vijay Ayer, Angel Bat Dawid, Sistazz of the Nitty Gritty, Aaron Dilloway, and more on various tracks. Ayewa, whom Pitchfork has dubbed “the poet laureate of the apocalypse,” creates music that contains multitudes of instruments, voices, and cacophony. Her work delves into themes of Afrofuturism and collective memory, drawing inspiration from the forebearers of jazz, hip-hop, and beat poetry.

[Listen]

Kahil El’Zabar & Ethnic Heritage Ensemble: Open Me, a Higher Consciousness of Sound and Spirit (Jazz)

As the Ethnic Heritage Ensemble approaches its golden jubilee, Kahil El’Zabar, a former collaborator of luminaries such as Nina Simone and Stevie Wonder, assumes the mantle of leadership. The percussionist, composer, and fashion designer’s latest offering, Open Me, a Higher Consciousness of Sound and Spirit, represents a continuation of his foray into the realm of what he terms “Great Black Music.” This ambitious project deftly interweaves original compositions with reimagined renditions of classics penned by the likes of Miles Davis, further solidifying El’Zabar’s commitment to this multifaceted musical genre.

[Listen]

CJ Fly: baited (Hip-Hop)

One thing about CJ Fly is he always puts in the work. Last year, he released two albums, HEALING FROM OUR WOUNDS and PIRANHA with Stoic Beats. Now, he returns once more with a nine-track project, produced by Stoic once again, baited, featuring his most impressive rapping as of late.

[Listen]

LNDN DRGS: Affiliated 2 (Hip-Hop)

Compton rapper Jay Worthy and Canadian producer Sean House return with a sequel to 2019’s debut, Affiliated 2. They return with throwback West Coast-flavored funk and smooth soul samples provided by gangsta lyrics. This LP boasts an impressive feature list, including Del Thee Funky Homosapien, Lil’ Keke, Doom Genesis, Kokane, MC Eiht, and more.

[Listen]

Sule: Written On Wides Corner (Hip-Hop)

Black Soprano Family has consistently demonstrated its ability to nurture and elevate its ever-growing roster of talented artists, and Sule’s latest release is no exception. Written On Wides Corner represents a significant leap forward for the Englewood emcee, surpassing his previous material in quality and impact. The production on the EP, which is primarily grounded in the traditional boom-bap sound with subtle trap undertones, provides a robust foundation for Sule’s lyricism. The guest list, while short, is carefully curated and adds depth to the project without overshadowing the central star.

[Listen]

Tyler Daley: Son of Zeus - EP (R&B)

Tyler Daley is now surging into his autonomy by releasing his debut solo EP, Son of Zeus. Daley’s influence merges a nostalgic love for pirate radio with a diverse mix of musical inspirations, ranging from roots reggae and street soul to R&B while modernizing his sound through his affinity for hip-hop and UK rave music. With humble beginnings in Manchester's vibrant music scene, Daley has crafted a signature sound that reflects his unique artistic vision.

[Listen]