Wednesday Roundups #66: 18 Albums/EPs You Should Listen to In Your Spare Time
Wednesday Roundups #66: 18 Albums/EPs You Should Listen to In Your Spare Time
Stream releases from Jae Skeese, 38 Spesh, Rosie Lowe, Kalisway, Skylar Simone, Chromonicci, Diamond D, Nikka Costa, Angela Muñoz, Essosa, Devon Allman, Hus KingPin, Tama Gucci, Le$, and more.
Welcome back to another issue of Wednesday Roundups!
Diving into the world of music can be overwhelming with the constant influx of albums. That’s where Shatter the Standards steps in, making your musical navigation easier every Wednesday. They slice through the noise, bringing you a curated list of noteworthy new drops accessible on streaming platforms. Just last week, they spotlighted fresh beats from a diverse lineup, including Jae Skeese, 38 Spesh, Rosie Lowe, Kalisway, Skylar Simone, Chromonicci, Diamond D, Nikka Costa, Angela Muñoz, Essosa, Devon Allman, Hus KingPin, Tama Gucci, Le$, Manana, MALIA, Yogi & Woof and GRiMM DOZA & Monday Night.
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.
Jae Skeese: Ground Level (Hip-Hop)
Jae Skeese released singles, including “Situated” featuring Big K.R.I.T. and “Brick After Brick (Ground Level),” which also serves as the album’s intro track. These songs set the tone for the overarching theme of building one’s legacy brick by brick on his second solo LP.
[Listen]
38 Spesh: Mother & Gun (Hip-Hop)
The album continues 38 Spesh’s signature blend of gritty storytelling with sharp lyricism, reflecting life in upstate New York. The production, with contributions from Jimmy Dukes, among others, adds to the album’s raw, authentic feel.
[Listen]
Rosie Lowe: Lover, Other (Alternative)
Lover, Other is described as a freewheeling collection of styles, showcasing Lowe’s versatility. The album darts from one genre to another, especially in its first half, with a mix of infectious beats, danceable electronica, and R&B influences.
[Listen]
Kalisway: A Kid from Toronto (R&B)
The release of A Kid from Toronto has reaffirmed Kalisway’s place in the music scene, combining depth, an experimental approach, and its unfiltered perspective on life’s complexities.
[Listen]
Skylar Simone: Shiver - EP (R&B)
Formerly known as Skylar Stecker, she has returned with a five-track EP under Def Jam, including two songs produced by D’Mile.
[Listen]
Chromonicci: Fold the Light (R&B)
A music artist/producer released his long-awaited debut effort.
[Listen]
Diamond D: The Diam Piece 3: Initium (Hip-Hop)
The veteran hip-hop producer returns with Grade A hip-hop with spitters leading the way.
[Listen]
Nikka Costa: Dirty Disco (Soul)
This LA-based singer is back with a soulful, funky album.
[Listen]
Angela Muñoz: Descanso - EP (R&B)
A twenty-two-year-old singer debuted with Adrian Younge four years ago and is back with an EP released under Stones Throw Records.
[Listen]
Essosa: Essie’s World - EP (Pop/R&B)
Rising UK R&B artist released her debut EP.
[Listen]
Devon Allman: Miami Moon (Soul)
Devon Allman’s first album in eight years highlights its neon-coloured grooves, suggesting a blend of funk, soul, and smooth textures, with influences from the likes of Curtis Mayfield, Sade, and even some of Clapton’s solo work like “461 Ocean Boulevard.”
[Listen]
Hus KingPin: The Olympics Tape: First Session - EP (Hip-Hop)
Hus KingPin thematically connects to competition and personal achievement, akin to the Olympics, where only the best rise to the top.
[Listen]
Tama Gucci: Notes to Self (R&B)
Tama Gucci's long-awaited debut blends ‘90s R&B and ‘00s pop with influences from jungle to drum and bass, reflecting his musical journey from Miami to New York.
[Listen]
Le$: Steak x Sushi - EP (Hip-Hop)
Le$ has released a new EP featuring a collection of songs recorded between 2018 and 2023 in Japan with Japanese producers.
[Listen]
Manana: Our Broken Hearts Mend (R&B)
Manana’s debut album highlights healing, love, and self-reflection through a blend of R&B, neo-soul, and bossa nova elements, showcasing her versatility.
[Listen]
MALIA: Back In My Body (R&B)
MALIA dropped an album suggesting an expedition to return to oneself, embracing personal power, and stepping into a higher version of oneself.
[Listen]
Yogi & Woof: Let Tha Dopeness Begin (Hip-Hop)
Yogi & Woof’s album dives deep into the G-funk era of the ‘90s, reminiscent of West Coast classics from artists like Snoop Dogg, Warren G, and Tha Dogg Pound.
[Listen]
GRiMM DOZA & Monday Night: Thank You, ‘Preciate It (Hip-Hop)
GRiMM DOZA and Monday Night team up for a hip-hop collaboration tape with boom-bap elements and fresh samples.
[Listen]
Ebonie Smith: On Imagination (R&B/Spoken Word)
Ebonie Smith presents a spoken-word tribute album to Black women featuring Roberta Flack, Flyana Boss, Lori Lightfoot, Dawn Richard, Valerie June, and others.
[Listen]