Wednesday Roundups #44: 8 Albums/EPs You Should Listen to In Your Spare Time
Stream last week’s releases from Tierra Whack, Chuck Strangers, Rhyan Douglas, Elcamino, Locksmith, CRIMEAPPLE, Kembe X, and Chyna Streetz.
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 Tierra Whack, Chuck Strangers, Rhyan Douglas, Elcamino, Locksmith, CRIMEAPPLE, Kembe X, and Chyna Streetz.
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.
Tierra Whack: WORLD WIDE WHACK (Hip-Hop)
Following the release of a trio of three-song EPs (tentatively titled Rap?, Pop?, and R&B?) in 2021, Tierra Whack’s enigmatic absence from the limelight in the ensuing years left many perplexed. The vibrant critical darling, renowned for her ability to convey profound messages in succinct compositions, had seemingly retreated into silence. However, six years after the release of Whack World, she unveiled WORLD WIDE WHACK, touted as the rapper’s authentic full-length debut. While early videos maintained high-concept ideas and cartoonish aesthetics, a closer listen revealed a newfound vulnerability, startling in its unvarnished honesty.
[Listen]
Chuck Strangers: A Forsaken Lover’s Plea (Hip-Hop)
Chuck Strangers, a pivotal figure in the early ‘10s NYC rap renaissance, now based in Los Angeles, takes center stage with his new solo LP, A Forsaken Lover’s Plea. The album features an array of fellow NY natives, including Pro Era comrade Joey Bada$$, Flatbush Zombies’ Erick the Architect, and Queens’ own Remy Banks, who contribute guest verses. The production credits boast the expertise of Californian-beat veteran The Alchemist and the masterful Strangers himself. Building upon the foundation laid by May’s The Boys & Girls EP, A Forsaken Lovers Plea encapsulates a broader spectrum of Strangers’ artistic odyssey, employing imagery of a tragic love affair to allude to his relationship with hip-hop.
[Listen]
Rhyan Douglas: Circles - EP (R&B)
Rhyan Douglas, an emerging alt-R&B singer, has unveiled his debut EP, Circles, produced by Wondagurl and Eli Brown. The nine-track collection, which includes the previously released songs “Last Page,” “Young & Reckless,” “Conversations,” and “Spin The Block,” commences with the latter, wherein the Canadian artist expresses his desire to salvage a relationship after his shortcomings. Circles delve extensively into the 19-year-old’s experiences with love—the elation, the missteps, and all that lies between. It is a coming-of-age narrative that possesses the potential to resonate with any listener.
[Listen]
Elcamino & Real Bad Man: The Game Is the Game (Hip-Hop)
Buffalo-based emcee and singer Elcamino follows up his Black Soprano Family Records debut, They Spit On Jesus, with his 15th EP. A mere five months later, Real Bad Man’s presence is felt throughout The Game Is the Game. Real Bad Man continues to solidify his position as one of the most sought-after producers in the underground scene, while the guest list is equally impressive, and Camino elucidates the realities of the world.
[Listen]
Locksmith: No Atheists In Foxhole (Hip-Hop)
N.A.I.F. (No Atheists In Foxholes) marks the latest Richmond, CA indie heavyweight Locksmith album. The album boasts features from Slaine, Ransom, P-Lo, DaBoii, Sa-Roc, Chris Webby, Jon Connor, Iamsu!, Ekoh, Snak The Ripper, and more. A West Coast artist and producer, Locksmith first garnered attention in the underground hip-hop scene by participating in MTV’s MC Freestyle Championship. Alongside his group, The Frontline, Lock received commercial radio airplay and cultivated a regional buzz.
[Listen]
CRIMEAPPLE: LETHIMCOOK (Hip-Hop)
CRIMEAPPLE’s prolific streak of exceptional releases continues with LETHIMCOOK. This LP is a masterfully crafted platter laced by the talents of Loman, MichaelAngelo, Don Leisure, Comma Uno, and DJ Swet.
[Listen]
Kembe X & Hippie Sabotage: Sleep Paralysis (Hip-Hop)
Kembe X returns with his third full-length album, Sleep Paralysis, produced by the Sacramento duo Hippie Sabotage, marking his first release in nearly five years. While Kembe has collaborated with the Saurer brothers on several occasions, they have finally unveiled Sleep Paralysis after dedicating an entire year to its creation. This comeback is a natural progression for Kembe; one new listener will be deeply invested in it. With the assistance of Hidden Sabotage, he explores uncharted sonic territories, delving into subject matter that is significantly more personal than his earlier works.
[Listen]
Chyna Streetz & 183rd: From Hell to Chanel (Hip-Hop)
Chyna Streetz, a Brooklyn-based emcee, presents her full-length debut album, From Hell to Chanel. This LP represents Chyna’s necessary artistic evolution, particularly compared to her early EPs. The fact that R.F.C. Music Group’s in-house producer, 183rd, handled the entirety of the production from top to bottom adds to the album’s significance. Chyna’s growth as a songwriter is evident, and 183rd’s production exhibits fluency that surpasses her previous material.
[Listen]