Wednesday Roundups #49: 22 Albums/EPs You Should Listen to In Your Spare Time
Stream releases from Luther, Gangrene, Cavalier, Bbymutha, Cadence Weapon, Kooley High & Tuamie, Seafood Sam, Ghost-Note, Hus KingPin, Swank & King Draft, Duckman, Yah Sin, Bless Picasso, 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 Luther, Gangrene, Cavalier, Bbymutha, Cadence Weapon, Kooley High & Tuamie, Seafood Sam, Ghost-Note, Hus KingPin, Swank & King Draft, Duckman, Yah Sin, Bless Picasso, Blue Lab Beats, Leaf Dog, Inayah, Mez, Amirah, Genia, XLOVCLO, Shanae, and Pastor Mike Jr.
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.
Luther: Luther (R&B)
Originally released in June 1976, the R&B music world ushered in an eternal changer: Luther Vandross. His debut album, Luther, demonstrated his extraordinary singing, creative, and production talents. The album included the hit single “Funky Music (Is a Part of Me),” which was later reinterpreted by Luther Vandross and David Bowie as “Fascination” on Young Americans shows Vandross’s influence on Bowie through setting and arrangement. Additionally, the album features “Everybody Rejoice (A Brand New Day)” from the award-winning musical The Wiz, Vandross’ only recording of the song.
[Listen]
Gangrene (The Alchemist & Oh No): Heads I Win, Tails You Lose (Hip-Hop)
With a duo made up of the Alchemist and Oh No, Gangrene has evolved significantly over the years. Initially perceived as a gimmick focused on themes of decay and filth—used metaphorically to represent their unique style of beats and rhymes—the project has matured into a distinct artistic philosophy. Their work challenges conventional tastes, particularly evident in their latest release, Heads I Win, Tails You Lose. This album delves deep into the aesthetics of hip-hop’s more rugged elements: breakbeats, jarringly arranged samples, and continuous lyrical threats aimed at hypothetical adversaries.
[Listen]
Cavalier: Different Type Time (Hip-Hop)
Cavalier’s Different Type Time seems to have its unique vibration. Although not directly featured on the album, Quelle Chris plays a crucial role; he produced eight of its songs and assisted Cavalier throughout the creative process as an associate producer and consigliere. At the same time, the names of Messiah Muzik, Wino Willy, Ohbliv, Ahwlee, Child Actor, Fushou, and other producers also appear on the production list, each of whom contributed their talents to the ethereal soul music of this album. Cavalier is at the center of all these elements, dancing as nimbly as a skipping rope on the street. Different Type Time exemplifies hip-hop, bold and original, yet always deeply rooted in the culture.
[Listen]
Bbymutha: Sleep Paralysis (Hip-Hop)
Sleep Paralysis, the second album from rapper Bbymutha, who splits her time between Atlanta and Chattanooga, reveals a new look. She ditched the steady Southern-type bangers for the British dance/garage beats she fell in love with on a fate-changing cross-ocean tour, rediscovering her habitual insomnia and forgotten childhood memories. Per usual, Sleep Paralysis showcases Bbymutha’s mastery of style, taste, and unique genre.
[Listen]
Cadence Weapon: Rollercoaster (Hip-Hop)
On his sixth studio album, Rollercoaster, Cadence Weapon captures the dizzying contradictions of modern culture and technology with precision and irreverence through urgent rap anthems. Using hyper-pop and electronic production techniques, the artist successfully recreates the “sensory overload” of the Internet, a space that was once seen as a utopian playground and has now become the ruins of capitalism. Pemberton’s album showcases his growing knack for blending social commentary with radical rap, humor, and pop sensibilities, it’s also a bold artistic exercise that serves as a reminder that people don’t have to follow the crowd without thinking.
[Listen]
Kooley High & Tuamie: All Infinite (Hip-Hop)
When Kooley High, a hip-hop collective from North Carolina, teamed up with Atlanta-born producer Tuamie to launch a new album, All Infinite, we seemed to have entered an eternal musical dimension, literally. The album blends musical drum beats with outstanding hip-hop flow productions, taking listeners through rich terrain constructed from natural samples and sound editing.
[Listen]
Seafood Sam: Standing On Giant Shoulders (Hip-Hop)
Seafood Sam is a futuristic piece of art. This description may initially sound confusing, but it exemplifies the double contradiction in a truly original work. The North Long Beach native defies convention with his effortlessly cool, timeless style that defies exact comparison. He is a highly skilled rapper and a symphonic producer. With Standing On Giant Shoulders, his debut album for the emerging label drink sum wtr, the songs reveal a forward-looking sense rooted in the soul of their ancestors. He creates spiritual hymns for the streets, touching on universal ideas and irrepressible rhythms. In an era beset by short-term thinking, his ambition demonstrates a deep dive into music history and meticulous attention to detail.
[Listen]
Ghost-Note: Mustard n’Onions (Jazz)
Since their inception in 2014, drummer and bandleader Robert Sput Searight and percussionist Nate Werth have been at the forefront of a remarkable ensemble known as a groove-centric collective that blends funk, hip-hop, and jazz. This group has successfully cultivated a widespread following across the globe. Their latest offering, Mustard n’Onions, builds on the success of their 2018 critically lauded album Swagism. This new record escalates their musical offerings with a collection of original tracks. The album boasts contributions from notable musicians such as bassist MonoNeon, who previously collaborated with Prince, keyboardist Dominique Xavier Taplin from Toto, and saxophonist/arranger Sylvester “Sly5thave” Onyejiaka. Additionally, the album features legendary keyboardist Bernard Wright as a special guest, enhancing the project’s appeal and depth.
[Listen]
Hus KingPin: In a State of Nirvana (Hip-Hop)
Hus KingPin, in his latest EP release, In a State of Nirvana, draws inspiration from Kurt Cobain and his legendary band, Nirvana, showcasing a deep appreciation for their revolutionary impact on music. This EP marks another chapter in Hus’ ongoing efforts to honor influential music from genres typically distinct from his own.
[Listen]
Swank & King Draft: Vice City (Hip-Hop)
Swank & King Draft have returned with their latest offering, Vice City, marking their fourth studio album. Released through Jamla Records, the album collaborates with the iconic producer 9th Wonder and includes a notable feature from Roc Nation’s Reuben Vincent. The album delves into the seductive yet perilous world of vices, tackling themes such as drugs in “Like a Jungle,” wealth in “Expensive Taste,” and sex in “Too Much.”
[Listen]
Duckman: Black Soprano Eskimo (Hip-Hop)
The Black Soprano Family has made notable strides this year, introducing fresh talent that diversifies their roster. Among the newest additions is an Alaska-based rapper, Duckman, a surprising revelation given the geographical and stylistic distance from the group’s usual affiliations. Unlike his peers, who typically lean towards a more traditional underground style associated with Griselda, Duckman’s musical backdrop predominantly consists of trap beats. While the production of his tracks may not break new ground, it supports his style effectively, enhancing his vocal delivery and thematic content.
[Listen]
Yah Sin: Sirius Sin (Hip-Hop)
Staten Island’s newest musical export, Yah Sin, is making waves with his latest release, Sirius Sin. This album marks a significant point in his career as it skillfully balances the essence of traditional New York rap with a fresh approach. Unlike others who may seem to replicate past styles, Yah Sin revitalizes the genre without losing its foundational spirit. The album starts with “Voodoo Child,” where Yah Sin immediately captures attention with his dynamic delivery. As a Wu-Tang affiliate, he narrates a gripping story from a first-person perspective, detailing his experiences and growth in a neighborhood plagued by crime.
[Listen]
Bless Picasso: Rillest In the Room (Hip-Hop)
Bless Picasso’s latest offering, Rillest In the Room, delves deep beneath the surface to unearth something exceptional. As men tirelessly dig through layers of earth under a relentless sun, searching for hidden gems encased in sediment, Picasso equips his audience with metaphorical shovels to uncover this musical gem. Not just content with reigning supreme in his current domain, Picasso is reaching greater heights with this work.
[Listen]
Blue Lab Beats: Blue Eclipse (Jazz/Hip-Hop/Neo-Soul)
Blue Lab Beats, a rapidly ascending production duo, has just unveiled their fourth studio album, Blue Eclipse. This release showcases the extensive musical ambitions of producer NK-OK and multi-instrumentalist Mr DM. The album spans 12 tracks, each highlighting the duo’s dynamic range and depth. Notably, Blue Eclipse features collaborations with an impressive roster of artists, including Mercury Prize-nominated Kojey Radical and Daley on the track “Take Time,” as well as IDK and Jay Prince on “Say Wow.” Additionally, Amber and Farah lend their talents to “Wait a While,” with Poppy Daniels appearing on the album’s title song.
[Listen]
Leaf Dog: When Sleeping Giants Wake (Hip-Hop)
Leaf Dog continues his impressive streak in 2024 by releasing his eighth full-length solo LP When Sleeping Giants Wake. As a member of some of the top UK hip hop groups like The Four Owls and the 3 Amigos & Brothers of the Stone, Leaf Dog’s latest album marks his fifth release this year. The album predominantly features boom-bap production but also incorporates elements of soul and jazz. This blend offers a comprehensive view of Leaf Dog as an artist and individual. His new work includes appearances by renowned artists such as Busta Rhymes and Sean Price, adding to its appeal.
[Listen]
Inayah: Wait, There’s More (R&B)
Inayah’s latest release, Wait, There’s More, captures the multifaceted essence of a woman navigating multiple roles. The album showcases her ability to transform a familiar tune like Fantasia’s “When I See You” into an anti-love anthem, celebrate spirituality in “Glory,” and project self-assurance through “Pretty Girls.” This collection of songs not only highlights her musical diversity but also reflects her struggles with postpartum depression and the complexities of balancing life as both a mother and an artist.
[Listen]
Mez: The Loading EP (Hip-Hop)
Raleigh, North Carolina’s own Mez celebrated his 34th birthday with the release of his fifth EP since his emergence in 2010 with the debut mixtape. The Paraplegics, Mez, has steadily crafted a notable career in the music industry. His visibility and acclaim were substantially boosted by several guest appearances on Dr. Dre’s third and supposed final album, Compton. Building on this momentum, he released a series of two-track EPs titled Data Plan. Continuing his upward trajectory, Mez signed with Mass Appeal Records, where he launched his latest project, The Loading.
[Listen]
Amirah: Wish It Wasn’t You - EP (R&B)
Amirah embodies a butterfly’s grace and allure as she navigates the globe. Her debut EP, Wish It Wasn’t You, introduces us to an 18-year-old artist exploring young love and self-discovery themes. From the playful beats of “Tokio” to the vibrant energy of the title track and the sheer beauty of “Beautiful,” each of the six tracks offers a delightful auditory experience filled with engaging melodies that are sure to enchant.
[Listen]
Genia: 4 AM In the Ville - EP (R&B)
Genia, a 22-year-old artist from Victorville, California, has quickly become a notable figure in Los Angeles’s dynamic music scene. Her latest release, 4 AM In the Ville, issued by Def Jam Recordings, showcases her unique blend of vulnerability and melody. This project effectively draws in her audience with its introspective content and varied musical styles.
[Listen]
XLOVCLO: Good Girls - EP (R&B)
The DMV native XLOVCLO has released her Good Girls EP. With just five tracks, she showcased her range of R&B, pop, and hip-hop.
[Listen]
Shanae: Reset - EP (R&B)
The anticipation is palpable as the curtain rises on the debut EP Reset from the Australian-South African R&B sensation Shanae. This seven-track outing from the emerging singer-songwriter’s career builds upon the momentum generated by her previously released singles “Outside” and “Leave It.” These initial forays into the musical landscape introduced us to Shanae’s fusion of R&B, soul, Afro-pop, and avant-garde electronic elements.
[Listen]
Pastor Mike Jr.: I Got Away - EP (Gospel)
Pastor Mike Jr., affectionately known as PMJ, has released his eagerly awaited new EP, I Got Away. Hailed as “The New King of Urban Inspiration,” this EP includes six tracks highlighting PMJ’s unique sound blend. The EP features the dynamic track “He Got Me” in collaboration with Big Boi from OutKast and the profoundly moving ballad “I’m the Problem.” This collection showcases PMJ’s ability to overcome difficult situations through his music.
[Listen]