Wednesday Roundups #69: 12 Albums/EPs You Should Listen to In Your Spare Time

Stream releases from Ransom/Conway the Machine/V Don, ASTN, Elcamino, Conductor Williams/Rei the Imperial, RINI, Durand Bernarr/Charlie Vettuno, Pale Jay, ANKHLEJOHN, Masok, Demae, 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 Ransom/Conway the Machine/V Don, ASTN, Elcamino, Conductor Williams/Rei the Imperial, RINI, Durand Bernarr/Charlie Vettuno, Pale Jay, ANKHLEJOHN, Masok, Demae, Olivia Longott, and Laia.

​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.

Ransom, Conway the Machine & V Don: Chaos Is My Ladder 2 (Hip-Hop)

Ransom out of Jersey City and Conway the Machine from Buffalo, New York, unite for a collaborative LP, Chaos Is My Ladder 2. The chemistry between the two East Coast artists is undeniable, elevated by V Don’s production, which remains as solid as it was in the first installment. This sequel solidifies its place as one of the best in Ransom’s discography and demonstrates the undeniable talent of both emcees when they join forces.

[Listen]

ASTN: What a Night to Be In Love - EP (R&B)

ASTN solidifies his position as a trailblazing force in the contemporary R&B landscape. These tracks lay the groundwork for his newest EP, What a Night to Be In Love. The highly anticipated project follows his 2023 EP, Where Do We Go From Here?, which amassed over 25 million streams across platforms and garnered critical acclaim from esteemed media outlets such as V Magazine, VIBE, Entertainment Tonight, and Rated R&B.

[Listen]

Elcamino: Built for Cuban Links (Hip-Hop)

Elcamino dropped another project, Built for Cuban Links, a mere six months after his previous release, The Game Is the Game. This latest offering, named after Raekwon’s iconic debut album Only Built 4 Cuban Linx..., is entirely produced by Ill Tone, departing from his collaboration with Real Bad Man on his last project. While Ill Tone may not yet be on par with Real Bad Man, his interpretation of boom-bap and drumless sounds perfectly complements Elcamino’s vivid storytelling, making for a concise 20-minute listen.

[Listen]

Conductor Williams & Rei the Imperial: Operation Flamethrower (Hip-Hop)

With beats done by Conductor Williams, Rei the Imperial showcases his lively narratives and clever wordplay on Operation Flamethrower. The stellar production across the project allows the Rejection Society frontman to elevate his signature storytelling and witty lyricism to unprecedented heights.

[Listen]

RINI: Lucky 7 (R&B)

RINI releases Lucky 7, which features the singles “Miracle,” “Matter to You,” and his latest track, “Your Ecstasy,” which is a must-add to your playlist. This EP follows his 2022 album, Ultraviolet, which continues to gain traction on various music platforms. “Your Ecstasy” is a mesmerizing song that explores the theme of addiction, specifically being addicted to a person. RINI likens the euphoric feelings induced by someone’s presence to that of a potent drug.

[Listen]

Durand Bernarr & Charlie Vettuno: Charlie Vettuno Presents… Where In the World Is Carmen Randiego?! - EP (House)

Durand Bernarr released his latest collaborative EP with production duo Charlie Vettuno, titled Charlie Vettuno Presents… Where in the World is Carmen Randiego?!. Released just months after Bernarr’s previous EP, En Route, in May, both projects represent exciting detours as the artist embarks on a fresh chapter in his musical career.

[Listen]

Pale Jay: Low End Love Songs (Soul)

Pale Jay returns with Low End Love Songs. The album is described as a diary in the form of songs, with each tune encapsulating a distinct moment in Pale Jay’s life and to process complex emotions. It departs from loop-based song structures towards more detailed and lush compositions, incorporating Latin influences to add new layers of rhythms and textures to Pale Jay’s soul-music roots.

[Listen]

ANKHLEJOHN: Pride of a Man (Hip-Hop)

ANKLHEJOHN releases his highly-anticipated, Pride of a Man, which features guest appearances by notable artists such as Navy Blue, Domo Genesis, Fly Anakin, and Willie the Kid. If you’re here for more high-quality raps and production from August Fanon and The Alchemist, then look no further.

[Listen]

Masok: Challenge Accepted (R&B)

The Tel Aviv band Masok is back with their second LP for Raw Tapes, Challenge Accepted. As you listen, you can’t help but move your body to the rhythm. The quartet has always refused to be pigeonholed into a specific genre, and with Challenge Accepted, they’ve created a unique blend of sounds that will keep you dancing. You might call it futuristic soul, post-funk, or R&B from another planet—but whatever the label, it’s undeniable that Masok’s music is infectious 

[Listen]

Demae: Deliver Me - EP (R&B)

Demae’s newest EP, Deliver Me, exhibits her growing recognition as a distinctively original artist in UK music. The singer-songwriter’s latest creation blends soul and alternative R&B, resulting in a collection that’s intensely personal and widely accessible. From an early age, Demae’s father cultivated her passion for music. This upbringing in Harlesden shaped her distinctive sound, which draws inspiration from classic hip-hop and modern soul. The EP’s popular tracks “Speechless” and “Go Ur Own Way” demonstrate Demae’s ability to craft music that resonates with a broad audience while maintaining her style.

[Listen]

Olivia Longott: You Are (R&B)

After a 23-year-long yeats, Olivia Longott (formerly Olivia) has unveiled her latest musical creation, You Are. This compact collection of seven tracks demonstrates the Brooklyn artist’s versatility and emotional depth. The album’s centerpiece, sharing its name with the record, pays homage to Olivia’s mother, who succumbed to Parkinson’s disease in 2018. This tribute forms the emotional core of the release.

[Listen]

Laia: Tape Decks & Diaries, Vol. 2 (The Playlist) - EP [R&B]

The long-awaited release of Tape Decks and Diaries Vol 2: The Playlist has finally arrived, much to the elation of eager fans everywhere. With meticulous care and an unmistakable passion, Laia devoted countless hours to crafting this EP. The sheer enjoyment experienced throughout the creative process shines through in every meticulously-produced track.

[Listen]