Wednesday Roundups #51: 22 Albums/EPs You Should Listen to In Your Spare Time
Wednesday Roundups #51: 22 Albums/EPs You Should Listen to In Your Spare Time
Stream releases from Kamasi Washington, WILLOW, Charlotte Day Wilson, Rachel Chinouriri, Spice 1, Ras Kass RJ Payne & Havoc, Slum Village, Saigon & Fredro, Nubiyan Twist, Dana Williams, 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 Kamasi Washington, WILLOW, Charlotte Day Wilson, Rachel Chinouriri, Spice 1, Ras Kass, RJ Payne & Havoc, Slum Village, Saigon & Fredro, Nubiyan Twist, Dana Williams, Rome Streetz & Wavy da Ghawd, NAIMA, Emalia, Play Nice, Jawnino, Jadasea, Liv.e, Valee & Black Noi$e, Forest Claudette, Iman Omari, Masamoon, and Ibibio Sound Machine.
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.
Kamasi Washington: Fearless Movement (Jazz)
Kamasi Washington’s audaciously courageous effort, The Epic, marked not only a personal soaring for the saxophonist but also a significant shift in the jazz world, especially after he collaborated with Kendrick in To Pimp a Butterfly. The album was a source of inner turmoil for the Los Angeles native before its unveiling. The consistent focus on his unwavering vision is brought to life in his latest offering, Fearless Movement. This work brings together 12 dynamic and wide-ranging compositions, clocking in at just under 90 minutes. It cogently dispels any traditional perception of jazz as a narrow, isolated musical realm. Instead, it highlights the synergistic camaraderie of his primary ensemble, a friendship dating back to their early youth.
[Listen]
WILLOW: Empathogen (Alternative/Jazz)
Having just enchanted audiences with a performance on NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert, WILLOW graces the music world once more with her latest, and sixth studio album, Empathogen. Originally carving out a niche for herself with poignant tracks encapsulating the turbulence of young adulthood and the mental battles that often accompany it—feelings of paranoia or the sting of deceit from a friend—her new LP signals a shift in tone. The music is imbued with a greater sense of tranquility and introspection. Brimming with tinges of alternative, funk, and jazz, WILLOW wields distorted instruments to masterfully create an atmosphere of paranoia. In the lead up to the unveiling of the album, she presaged its arrival with the singles “Run!,” “Alone,” and “Symptom of Life.” These offerings now take their place among a collection of nine additional songs. “Home,” one of such tracks, is a cooperative effort with Jon Batiste, and is characterized by a heavy focus on instrumentation artfully punctuated with chant-like vocals. In “Pain for Fun,” she assembles her sonic deftness with the assist of St. Vincent.
[Listen]
Charlotte Day Wilson: Cyan Blue (R&B)
Charlotte Day Wilson’s inaugural album on XL Recordings, Cyan Blue, unveils the latest progression of her extraordinary songcraft. Through a collection of 13 tracks, she persistently utilizes music as a conduit for dissecting relationships, providing her with a mechanism to engage with and comprehend herself in an expansive, life-sized perspective. Her origins trace back to a diverse blend of R&B and folk, and it’s her emotive, distinctive vocal quality and ageless music style that has attracted international awareness.
[Listen]
Rachel Chinouriri: What a Devastating Turn of Events (Pop)
In the album What a Devastating Turn of Events, Rachel Chinouriri encapsulates her life journey, painting a vivid picture of her trials, triumphs, and everything in between, using the sophisticated, fluid musical articulation cultivated through years of exploration and creativity. Infused with a touch of brutal honesty and a broad-ranging musical palette, the album embarks on a thoughtful expedition through the bright and dark corners of life. For Chinouriri, this process of creation and revelation serves an instrumental therapeutic function—a catharsis she fervently hopes resonates with her audience.
[Listen]
Spice 1: Platinum O.G. 2 (Hip-Hop)
The esteemed virtuoso of West Coast rap, Spice 1, is staging a masterful performance yet again, cementing his legendary status with the eagerly awaited sequel album, Platinum O.G. 2. Spice 1’s distinct standing in the densely populated field of hip-hop is defined not just by his undisputed talent as a lyricist or his profound roots within the genre, it is his propensity to relay the raw, unvarnished chronicles of street existence, which has carved out his place in the annals of rap nobility. With Platinum O.G. 2, Spice 1 brings to the table an impressive array of features including iconic artists such as Snoop Dogg, Rick Ross, Conway the Machine, DJ Premier, Paul Wall, Treach, MC Eiht, Devin The Dude, Bushwick Bill, KXNG Crooked, CL Smooth, Lil Flip, and Sway Calloway, among others—a veritable feast of musical talent that further distinguishes the album.
[Listen]
Ras Kass, RJ Payne & Havoc: Guttr (Hip-Hop)
In a sensational collaborative effort, the acclaimed wordsmith from the West Coast, Ras Kass, finds an equally commanding companion in RJ “The Reign Man” Payne, a battle rap virtuoso from Philadelphia with Brooklyn roots. Together, they collaborated on the formidable effort of creating their inaugural album, appropriately titled Guttr. Coupled with the masterful production skills of Havoc, this evocative duo boasts a dazzling array of penetrating lines complemented by an impressive roster of standout guest appearances.
[Listen]
Slum Village: F.U.N. (Hip-Hop)
In the year 2015, Slum Village, the veteran rap group, released an album titled Yes! This album, lauded critically, was their last major piece of work nearly a decade ago. It successfully highlighted the capability of both T3 and Young RJ to keep the essential spirit of the foundational group alive, all the while infusing it with a renewed vigor. Post this commendable feat, both T3 and Young RJ embarked on individual journeys, exploring their personal artistic avenues. Now, they have made a comeback, uniting once again for F.U.N. In this effort, they skillfully recapture some of the quintessential elements which were characteristic of their earlier sound. A plethora of illustrious guests—the likes of Robert Glasper, Cordae, Eric Roberson, Larry June, and Sango—embellish this album, adding more dimensions and depth to it.
[Listen]
Saigon & Fredro: The Jordan Era (Hip-Hop)
The engaging yet tumultuous narrative of New York’s rapper, Saigon, paradoxically, may have been one that languished in the shadows, untold. In a peculiar twist of fate, this resembles elements of the album’s title that Saigon proposed to the esteemed music industry titan, Atlantic Records, nearly two decades ago in 2002. The ensuing agreement was, however, unfortunately marred by a protracted period of stagnation; Saigon waited, poised on the precipice of release, for an agonizing seven years, before the record company finally released him, holding his ‘greatest story.’ Fast forward through the sands of time, we find ourselves almost twenty years hence. As a tribute to the 50th anniversary of the genre that has revolutionized the music world, hip-hop, seasoned rapper Saigon and Sweden’s multi-platinum music producer Fredro have engaged in a creative partnership, crafting a homage to Hip-Hop. The musical offering resonates deeply with the sonic characteristics of hip-hop from 1984-1998, often referred to as the Jordan Era. In addition, they have rallied an impressive roster of notable figures from the industry to aid them in this soulful commemoration. The album features the striking talents of Grandmaster Caz, Pete Rock, Big Daddy Kane, Kool G Rap, Grand Puba, Sadat X, Rockness Monsta, Craig G, Ill Skratch, among other luminaries.
[Listen]
Nubiyan Twist: Find Your Flame (Jazz)
The Sheffield-based Nubiyan Twist have established their global renown with their striking big-band atmosphere and electrifying live performances. Each consequent record reveals a progressive enhancement in their sonic manifestation—a sound that transcends their initial influences, harnessing the vitality of their large London band to devise an innovative fusion of jazz, soul, and Afrobeats. Their latest offering, Find Your Flame, integrates the talents of vocalist Aziza Jaye, whose exceptional prowess has further sharpened the group’s musical alignment—a percussive blend of drums, keyboards, and meticulously designed horns. The album is further enriched with guest contributions from established artists like Nile Rodgers featuring on a guitar track, Corto Alto appearing on trombone, and vocal performances from Seun Kuti, Ria Moran, and others.
[Listen]
Dana Williams: End of the World (R&B)
Dana Williams is back with her third EP, End of the World. Led by the title track, we find Dana’s trademark casual jazziness painting an emotional portrait that centers on solitude, genuineness, and offers commentary on society’s fixation with industriousness. Simultaneously, it subtly hints at the looming menace of global climate change. The tune, “Uncomplicated,” revels in its own subtleties, with the rumble of drums and strumming guitar lying at its core. We admire the songstress’s talent for transforming her introspective musings into harmonies with a universal resonance.
[Listen]
Rome Streetz & Wavy da Ghawd: Buck 50 - EP (Hip-Hop)
Rome Streetz is back at it, again! He unveils his Buck 50 EP, featuring Wavy da Ghawd on the boards, and it’s six tracks of pure rapping that pure hip-hop fans will enjoy. Stepping into the limelight under the banner of the influential Griselda Records, Rome Streetz now holds the status of one of the most sought-after figures in underground hip-hop. This meteoric rise can be attributed in part to his unique, raw vocal stylings and acutely artistic lyrics. Wavy da Ghawd, whose forte lies in the production scene, has left significant fingerprints on the underground Brooklyn circuit and beyond. With a portfolio boasting collaborations with rap luminaries such as Rome Streetz, Eddie Kaine, Rim, and Ty Farris among others, he has cemented his status and contribution immensely. The tandem of Rome and Wavy has indeed culminated in a formidable creative partnership.
[Listen]
NAIMA: City Lights EP (R&B)
NAIMA has finally released her long-awaited EP, City Lights. This singer-songwriter, forged in the crucibles of the New York City music scene, has made a stunning entrance with a monochromatically styled music video for her refreshingly soul-infused title track launched into the public domain in 2021. Prior to her ascent in the music industry, she meticulously developed her skills at the renowned Berklee College of Music, situated in Boston, majoring in vocal techniques and the business aspects of music. This Bandcamp-exclusive EP includes the songs “Did I Do (Intro),” “Runnin,” “Take the M train (Interlude),” “WannaGO,” “ThunderGO,” and “City Lights.”
[Listen]
Emalia: Supreme - EP (R&B)
An R&B newcomer, Emalia, has unveiled her Supreme EP with six tracks. She quotes on her Instagram: “This EP has been a project over two years in the making. I wrote these songs coming out of a dark place, at a time when I was working hard to see the light. In many ways, they reflect the positive mindsets I developed from negative circumstances.”
[Listen]
Play Nice: Misfit Fantasy (R&B)
Play Nice returns with their second album, Misfit Fantasy. The project is a follow-up to Home Buddies, which came out in 2020.
[Listen]
Jawnino: 40 (Hip-Hop)
Jawnino, the Grime music marvel, ushers in his first mixtape, 40, an impressive lineup of 15 tracks teeming with guest appearances. Notable contributors such as Jesse James Solomon (“265”), Cold (“Wind”), and the acclaimed New York-based rapper MIKE (“Short Stories”) lend their talents. Each song draws from Jawnino’s personal experiences within London’s aura, translating the narratives that have significantly shaped his existence, as he himself conveyed in press releases.
[Listen]
Jadasea: Too Many Tears (Hip-Hop)
In his latest oeuvre, Too Many Tears, Jadasea, the South London rap artist, strikes a harmonious convergence of hip-hop, jazz, and skilfully interwoven samples. This album, a solitary endeavor following the successes of Pressure Sensitive and The Corner: Vol. 1, largely features Jadasea’s capabilities as a self-producer. Preceding its release, the premier single, “Not Much 2 Say”, was shared last month, accompanied by a visually stunning Standby-directed, edited, and produced video.
[Listen]
Liv.e: PAST FUTUR.e (Electronic)
Bursting onto the scene with her acclaimed 2023 album Girl in the Half Pearl, the LA-based neo-soul and R&B maverick Liv.e, originally from Dallas, continues to push the boundaries of experimentation with her new much-anticipated release. While its exact designation—be it an EP, mixtape, or album—may be a point of debate, the fact remains that PAST FUTUR.e is a captivating listen from an artist who resists pigeon-holing.
[Listen]
Valee & Black Noi$e: Partridge - EP (Hip-Hop)
Chicago rapper Valee partners with Detroit producer Black Noi$e to present his fifth EP, Partridge. Having garnered attention through a series of mixtapes and EPs between 2015 and 2018, Valee surged into the limelight when Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, signed him to a collaborative deal with G.O.O.D. Music under the prestigious banner of Def Jam Recordings.
[Listen]
Forest Claudette: Jupiter - EP (Pop/Alternative R&B)
Forest Claudette, the unique voice in alternative R&B, takes audiences on an out-of-Earth experience with the all-new EP, Jupiter. Released under Warner Records, this four-song collection includes the pre-released songs “Kobe Beef” and “Gold.” A deep exploration of love, life, and personal identity, Jupiter provides a unique look into the life of this non-binary artist.
[Listen]
Iman Omari: Saturday Morning Rise - EP (R&B)
The versatile Iman Omari graces fans once more with his vocal magic in his fresh EP, Saturday Morning Rise. This EP also features the vocal talents of JaVonte and Kenyon Dixon, enhancing the overall musical experience.
[Listen]
Masamoon: B.I.D.S. (Beautifully Ignorant Disrespectful Shit) [Hip-Hop]
Masamoon has rapidly emerged as a force to be reckoned with in underground hip-hop. Comprised of renowned artists including Big Left, Aztek the Barfly, Billy NoJokes, and Frankie Fadeless, their collaboration first came to light in Big Left’s anticipated return album, Slaughter of the Innocents, particularly its potent finale track, “Get It.” Fast-forward two years, and the engaging ensemble has unleashed a full-length album entitled Beautifully Ignorant Disrespectful Shit, firmly solidifying their place. Truly living up to its name, their debut LP stands as an unapologetic powerhouse of raw energy and lyrical depth, laced with production choices that resonate with the gritty authenticity of their sound. It unequivocally ranks among the most hard-hitting, grimy recordings released this year, and heralds a new era of dominance for Masamoon in the underground sphere.
[Listen]
Ibibio Sound Machine: Pull the Rope (Electronic)
Pull the Rope, the latest release from Ibibio Sound Machine, shines a fresh spotlight on band leaders Eno Williams and Max Grunhard. Retaining the inherent positivity, sensuality, and exuberance of their music, the ne album, however, presents a marked deviation from their critically celebrated 2022 record, Electricity. The essence of human connection they traditionally promote has migrated spaces, from the radiant vibrancy of a daytime festival to the feverish, pulsating energy of an nocturnal dance club. The ambience may have transformed, but the promise of standout moments of joy remains relentless.
[Listen]