Wednesday Roundups #68: 25 Albums/EPs You Should Listen to In Your Spare Time

Stream releases from Juicy J, Syleena Johnson, Day26, Tobe Nwigwe, Shemekia Copeland, Smoke DZA, Marques Houston, Carlitta Durand, AJ Snow, Joya Mooi, Tempest, Jazlyn Martin, RZA, Graft, 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 Juicy J, Syleena Johnson, Day26, Tobe Nwigwe, Shemekia Copeland, Smoke DZA, Marques Houston, Carlitta Durand, AJ Snow, Joya Mooi, Tempest, Jazlyn Martin, RZA, Graft, Louis York, Dinah Jane, Rasheed Chappell & Beatsbyjblack, K.A.A.N. & DJ Hoppa, Dayo Bello, Da Flyy Hooligan & Sonnyjim, MetBoi & Starr Nyce, Barkaa, FIG, Joelle James, Corey Fonville, Charlie Hunter, and Adrian Olsen.

​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.

Juicy J: Ravenite Social Club (Hip-Hop)

Juicy J has ventured into new territory with his album Ravenite Social Club. This project sees him exploring a jazz-infused style, a noticeable shift from his well-known hip-hop roots. The album features collaborations with artists like Robert Glasper and Cordae, indicating a blend of genres that brings a fresh sound to his music catalog. The album’s production also involves JR Swiftz, known for his work with Griselda, which provides a backdrop that complements Juicy J’s new lyrical approach.

[Listen]

Syleena Johnson: Legacy (R&B)

Syleena Johnson’s album Legacy marks her twelfth studio release and is her final solo project, dedicated to her father, the Blues Hall of Fame legend Syl Johnson. The album features singles like “Monsters in the Closet” and “Black Balloon,” which have introduced Johnson’s work to listeners through a lens that focuses on themes of mental health and personal introspection. Including her father’s vocals adds depth and nostalgia, making Legacy a bridge between generations of music lovers.

[Listen]

Day26: Day Ones (R&B)

Day26 is back with Day Ones, showcasing their evolution while staying true to the R&B roots that fans have cherished since their inception. The album includes contributions from all five members—Willie Taylor, Brian Angel, Big Mike, Que, and Robert Curry—who have co-written the tracks, infusing the album with various personal insights and experiences. This project is Day26’s first full-length album since Forever In a Day in 2009, making it a long-awaited addition to their discography.

[Listen]

Tobe Nwigwe: Hood Hymns (Hip-Hop)

Hood Hymns encapsulates Tobe Nwigwe’s unique storytelling ability, where he discusses the realities of life in Alief, including themes of gang violence and redemption through faith. This album continues his tradition of delivering reflective and forward-looking music, emphasizing growth, community, and spiritual resilience.

[Listen]

Shemekia Copeland: Blame It On Eve (Blues)

Shemekia Copeland returns with Blame It On Eve, which features tracks that reflect her growth and engage with themes of empowerment, history, and contemporary issues. Copeland’s voice, one of the most distinctive in modern music, is the album’s anchor. Her delivery ranges from soulful and smooth to powerful and commanding, allowing each song to breathe and tell its story. Blame It On Eve closes with “Heaven Help Us All,” a cover that encompasses the album’s overarching message of hope, sung with a depth that resonates.

[Listen]

Smoke DZA: THC3 (Kushedgod Bitch) [Hip-Hop]

Smoke DZA released THC3 (Kushedgod Bitch), a project that adds to his extensive discography while deepening his exploration into cannabis culture and self-reflection. Following his collaboration with Flying Lotus on Flying Objects, this project highlights Smoke DZA’s comfort zone, characterized by his relaxed delivery and fresh production techniques

[Listen]

Marques Houston: The Best, Worst Year Ever (R&B)

Marques Houston’s latest release highlights a year of emotional turbulence for Houston that deals with personal triumphs and challenges. “Last Drop,” “Admit It,” and “Cowgirl” were released as singles, with “Cowgirl” particularly noted for its playful yet sensual vibe, sampling Bobby Brown’s “Rock Wit’cha.” Houston aimed to blend nostalgia with contemporary R&B flair for this track. Houston is set to release a documentary titled The World of Marques Houston, which will further explore his career’s ups and downs, providing fans with an even deeper look into his life. This multi-faceted approach to sharing his story through music and visual media underscores Houston’s commitment to authenticity and connection with his fans.

[Listen]

Carlitta Durand: Make Me Stay - EP (R&B)

This EP from Carlitta Durand marks her debut with +FE Music, although she has been affiliated with The Foreign Exchange for over a decade and has appeared on numerous recordings. The EP is produced by the DMV-based production team Anikan & Vader, showcasing a collaborative effort that promises to deliver a unique sound. The release of Make Me Stay follows a series of successful projects from +FE Music, including Darien Brockington’s comeback album Where Love Grows and Phonte’s unexpected EP Pacific Time 2.

[Listen]

AJ Snow: The Game Don’t Deserve Me (Hip-Hop)

The Game Don’t Deserve Me suggests a narrative of self-worth and perhaps a critique of the industry’s reception of AJ Snow. His approach to this album might be to let the music speak for itself, challenging listeners to interpret and connect with the tracks on their terms. This strategy underscores confidence in his artistic expression, where the music’s merit lies in its ability to resonate with individuals rather than being predefined by critics or industry standards.

[Listen]

Joya Mooi: Open Hearts - EP (R&B)

Joya Mooi collaborated closely with Johannesburg-based producer duo Easy Freak and platinum-certified writer and producer Bastian Langebæk to craft an expansive project that encourages listeners to redefine their stories and appreciate the simple moments in life. The EP is a personal and therapeutic journey for Joya Mooi, who has always found solace in music. Mooi’s transnational heritage initially made her feel lost when she grew up in a bicultural family in Amsterdam, with her father from South Africa and her mother from the Netherlands.

[Listen]

Tempest: The Ranch - EP (R&B)

The Ranch EP could be interpreted as Tempest’s artistic evolution, blending her soulful vocals with production that leans towards a more laid-back, introspective sound, fitting for late-night listens or personal reflection. This EP, featuring collaborations with Amindi, was produced by Dan Forte and Louie Lastic, with mastering by Anthony Vilchis and mixing by Erick Bardales. The project comprises five tracks, each contributing to a cohesive theme of reflection and self-worth.

[Listen]

Jazlyn Martin: Identity Crisis - EP (R&B)

Jazlyn Martin makes her debut in the music industry, showcasing her talents beyond acting and dancing. Identity Crisis is a musical diary of Martin’s introspection and self-discovery. The lead single, “Perfect,” stands out for its honesty, where Martin addresses the pressure of societal expectations and the facade of perfection. This track, along with others like “They Say,” which encourages self-confidence, illustrates Martin’s journey towards embracing her vulnerabilities

[Listen]

RZA, Colorado Symphony & Christopher Dragon: A Ballet Through Mud (Symphonic)

The LP is a coming-of-age story exploring love, friendship, and personal growth themes. It features characters named after Greek musical scales, mirroring RZA’s life from his childhood in Staten Island’s project housing to the grandeur of concert halls. The Colorado Symphony Orchestra performed the composition conducted by Christopher Dragon. RZA has expressed that he hopes people will use the music to score their own lives, transforming mundane activities into something magical and inspiring their imaginations.

[Listen]

Graft: Golden Child - EP (Hip-Hop)

Graft is back with another EP in almost seven years. Golden Child explores identity, legacy, and transformation themes, mirroring Graft’s personal and artistic evolution. The album avoids direct storytelling in favor of more abstract expressions of these themes, allowing others to interpret the music through their own experiences

[Listen]

Louis York: Songs With Friends (R&B/Pop/Gospel)

Louis York continues their collaborative spirit, featuring a diverse array of artists like Anthony Hamilton, Jessie J, Tamia, PJ Morton, Gramps Morgan, The Shindellas, Lalah Hathaway, and Chris Daughtry. Songs With Friends might be described as a fusion of New American Soul with elements of pop, R&B, and perhaps even hints of gospel, reflecting the diverse influences of its contributors. The singles from their second album offer a glimpse into the album’s thematic and musical breadth. “Alone a Lot” with Anthony Hamilton explores themes of loneliness and the search for connection, set against a backdrop of soulful melodies. “Heaven Bound” featuring Jessie J, and “Three Little Words” with Tamia, tackle romantic narratives, showcasing Louis York’s ability to craft songs that resonate emotionally while maintaining a contemporary R&B flair.

[Listen]

Dinah Jane: Juice Country: Volume 1 - EP (Pop/R&B)

Dinah Jane returns with a project that follows her previous work, including the maxi-single released in April 2019. The EP includes the single “Ocean Song,” the first single from this new era of her music. Known for her work as a former member of Fifth Harmony, she has been actively releasing music consistently this past year since she departed from the group. 

[Listen]

Rasheed Chappell & Beatsbyjblack: Nonstop: JFK > ATL (Hip-Hop)

Rasheed Chappell and Beatsbyjblack have collaborated on a new album titled Nonstop: JFK > ATL. The album follows the release of several singles, including “Ice Burg (Good Run),” “No Play Play,” and “Haysoos,” which have garnered significant attention. Rasheed Chappell is known for his vivid wordplay and ability to paint pictures through language in his raps. Beatsbyjblack, an Atlanta-based finger drummer and DJ, combines their distinct regional styles with New Jersey boom-bap bar work and Atlanta’s energetic, trap-heavy production characteristic.

[Listen]

K.A.A.N. & DJ Hoppa: In Due Time (Hip-Hop)

K.A.A.N. and DJ Hoppa have finally released In Due Time. The album features a range of tracks as he tackles perseverance, introspection, and sturdiness. K.A.A.N.’s rapid-fire delivery and DJ Hoppa’s genre-blending beats create a diverse soundscape that dazzles from start to finish.

[Listen]

Dayo Bello: A Penny for Your Thoughts (R&B)

From South East London, Dayo Bello releases A Penny for Your Thoughts, exploring youth, love, and self-discovery, typical for an artist at the cusp of adulthood, offering a glimpse into Bello’s personal reflections and emotional landscapes.

[Listen]

Da Flyy Hooligan & Sonnyjim: Culture (Hip-Hop)

The collaboration between Da Flyy Hooligan and Sonnyjim is notable, as both artists are recognized for their contributions to UK rap. Da Flyy Hooligan continues with his A1 rapping and Sonnyjim, in particular, has been praised for his densely written rhymes and memorable one-liners, as seen in his previous works, including his project with Buckwild.

[Listen]

MetBoi & Starr Nyce: Humble Beginnings - EP (Hip-Hop)

MetBoi and Starr Nyce released a short EP with dope rhymes and sample-based beats.

[Listen]

Barkaa: Big Tidda - EP (Hip-Hop)

Barkaa describes the EP as “a celebration of Blak joy, the importance of Blak love, and the beauty of Blak culture.”

[Listen]

FIG: Feel Again - EP (R&B)

As FIG details about her newest EP, it’s “a project all about going through unfamiliar experiences and emotions to try to find yourself again.”

[Listen]

Joelle James: iSCREAM Scoop 1 - EP (R&B)

iSCREAM Scoop 1 is characterized by its blend of R&B with contemporary elements, featuring tracks that explore emotional depth and personal narratives, a signature of Joelle James’s songwriting style.

[Listen]

Corey Fonville, Charlie Hunter & Adrian Olsen: Montrose (Jazz)

Corey Fonville, Charlie Hunter, and Adrian Olsen released a thirty-minute instrumental tape that you can vibe to while cooking, cleaning, and other things.

[Listen]