Wednesday Roundups #60: 10 Albums/EPs You Should Listen to In Your Spare Time

Stream releases from Stalley, Jimetta Rose & Voices of Creation, Brainorchestra, NappyHIGH & Maggie Kiing, X-Ray Ted, Bizarre & Foul Mouth, Quinn Deveaux, FloFilz, Suga Free & Sporty, and Anthony Q.

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 Stalley, Jimetta Rose & Voices of Creation, Brainorchestra, NappyHIGH & Maggie Kiing, X-Ray Ted, Bizarre & Foul Mouth, and Anthony Q.

​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.

Stalley: Peerless (Hip-Hop)

Saturday afternoons are perfect for a relaxing drive, and today’s weather is just right. The only things you need to complete the experience are great music and a worthy companion. With an abundance of digital options, choosing the right one is crucial. Consider the latest release from Stalley, a talented rapper from Ohio, titled Peerless. It’s a laid-back, soulful cruise with wisdom and street gospel that will make your ride more enjoyable.

[Listen]

Jimetta Rose & Voices of Creation: Things Are Getting Better (Gospel)

Jimetta Rose and her vocal collaborators, the Voices of Creation, offer a balm for the weary soul with their latest release, Things Are Getting Better. On Day Dreamer Recordings, the album dances across genres, weaving together threads of house, funk, soul, R&B, and hip-hop to create a vibrant sonic fabric.

[Listen]

Brainorchestra: Relic - EP (Hip-Hop)

The esteemed MC-producer, Brainorchestra, returns with a meticulously self-produced six-track collection, perfect for the summer season. Exuding refined artistry, he prioritizes remarkable lyricism and exceptional rare loop excavation, marking a significant evolution in their signature sound. This offering is set to usher in a revitalizing experience for new and devoted followers.

[Listen]

NappyHIGH & Maggie Kiing: Enigmatic (Hip-Hop)

Enigmatic blends soulful beats and stylish melodies in the latest album from NappyHIGH and Maggie Kiing. NappyHIGH, renowned for his diverse sampling landscapes, complements Maggie Kiing’s ethereal vocals perfectly, crafting a short effort that pays homage to the past while looking ahead. Each song takes listeners on a captivating journey, intertwining rich, hypnotic melodies with poignant lyrics.

[Listen]

X-Ray Ted: Moving On (Hip-Hop)

X-Ray Ted put together a collection that shows off his wide range of influences as a producer on Moving On. He shows off years of hard work and perfecting his unique style. He mixes funk, soul, hip-hop, and beat breaks like a pro.

[Listen]

Bizarre & Foul Mouth: HGG3: Art Peace (Hip-Hop)

Bizarre from the now-defunct D12 has released his seventh solo album, HGG3: Art Peace. The latest installment in the He Got a Gun trilogy shows Bizarre’s best work and solidifies his winning team-up with producer Foul Mouth. Foul Mouth’s production mixes boom-bap beats with drumless tracks and jazz rap elements, giving Bizarre the perfect backdrop to showcase his intense lyricism.

[Listen]

Quinn Deveaux: Leisure (Soul)

The esteemed artist Quinn DeVeaux unveiled his latest studio album, Leisure. This new record showcases Mr. DeVeaux’s continued growth and maturation as a soul singer-songwriter as he incorporates fresh elements into his musical repertoire. As a young man, Mr. DeVeaux was heavily influenced by his mother’s preference for ‘80s R&B and his father’s affinity for classic rock. The culmination of these diverse influences is evident in the successful gambit that Mr. DeVeaux undertook in Nashville, which has only solidified his reputation as a versatile artist.

[Listen]

FloFilz: Handful (Hip-Hop)

The release of Berlin-based beatmaker FloFilz under the prestigious Cologne-based record label Casual Low Grind is here with Handful. This 10-track journey epitomizes FloFilz's mastery of music production due to his diligent efforts over two years.

[Listen]

Suga Free & Sporty: Street Communion (Hip-Hop)

In partnership with Sporty, renowned West Coast hip-hop veteran Suga Free is thrilled to present their collaborative album, Street Communion, to the fans. This solid work comprises eleven tracks and contains no features. Suga Free delighted his audience the previous year by releasing the SugaKane album, a joint effort with Kokane. This well-received album showcased production from illustrious figures such as Ant Banks, Big Zeke, Tha Chill, and Cutty Dre.

[Listen]

Anthony Q.: Rebirth of Soul (R&B)

If you want some classic R&B with a little bit of humor sprinkled in, look no further than hitting play on Anthony Q.’s Rebirth of Soul project. Listen to “Hard On These Hoes,” and you won’t be disappointed.

[Listen]

Bonus: Adia: Stubborn Nature - EP (R&B)

In her latest release, Stubborn Nature, up-and-coming R&B artist Adia navigates through self-exploration and personal development. With her ever-evolving sonic palette, the EP draws from different genres such as neo-soul, R&B, indie soul, and experimental styles. The seven tracks are well-crafted and produced by esteemed collaborators, including The Kount, Vooo, Bluestab, Rugawd, and others.

[Listen]

Bonus: VanVan: VAN VAN (Hip-Hop)

A remarkable five-year-old rapper known as VanVan has recently garnered considerable attention online. While child stars in hip-hop have been previously observed, VanVan’s distinct persona, marked by her youthful appearance and an uncanny sense of style, makes her a compelling figure in the industry. Her self-titled debut, VanVan, is a must-listen for young fans and seasoned listeners, as it highlights her potential. This EP features collaborations with esteemed artists such as Rapsody, Da Brat, and MC Lyte, further solidifying VanVan’s credibility in the rap genre and demonstrating her ability to hold her own alongside industry veterans.

[Listen]