Wednesday Roundups #71: 25 Albums/EPs You Should Listen to In Your Spare Time

Stream releases from Nubya Garcia, Blu & Exile, MC Lyte, Jaz Karis, Alemeda, Jae Stephens, Orion Sun, Xenia Manasseh, Calvin Richardson, Ibrahim Maalouf, Justin Nozuka, Dave Guy, Mortimer, 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 Nubya Garcia, Blu & Exile, MC Lyte, Jaz Karis, Alemeda, Jae Stephens, Orion Sun, Xenia Manasseh, Calvin Richardson, Ibrahim Maalouf, Justin Nozuka, Dave Guy, Mortimer, Desert Camo, Liana Banks, Killah Priest, Zoe’s Shanghai, Ayọ, Sadhugold, SB11, JEMS!, LION BABE, Vice Souletric, Adanna Duru, and OT the Real.

​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.

Nubya Garcia: Odyssey (Jazz)

Odyssey represents a continuation of Nubya Garcia’s exploration into jazz, showcasing her growth as a saxophonist and composer. This album, her second full-length release, integrates a variety of musical influences, demonstrating Garcia’s ability to blend traditional jazz elements with contemporary sounds. Unlike her debut, Odyssey incorporates an orchestra, specifically the Chineke! Orchestra is known for its diversity, which adds a layer of orchestral richness to her music. This collaboration results in an expansive and intricate sound, providing a backdrop that elevates Garcia’s saxophone melodies.

[Listen]

Blu & Exile: Love (the) Ominous World [Hip-Hop]

Blu & Exile have returned with their fourth collaborative project, Love (the) Ominous World, marking another chapter in their storied partnership that began with their acclaimed debut, Below the Heavens. This album continues their tradition of blending introspective lyrics with soul-infused beats, a signature style that has cemented their status in the hip-hop community.

[Listen]

MC Lyte: 1 of 1 (Hip-Hop)

MC Lyte returns to the music scene with 1 of 1. This album, her first in nearly a decade, sees MC Lyte collaborating with a roster of notable artists, including Stevie Wonder, Queen Latifah, and Common. The production, helmed by Warryn Campbell alongside contributions from other acclaimed producers like DJ Scratch and Easy Mo Bee, blends classic hip-hop elements with contemporary sounds, showcasing Lyte’s evolved artistry while maintaining her signature lyrical style.

[Listen]

Jaz Karis: Safe Flight (R&B)

Jaz Karis has released her debut album, Safe Flight, which explores her experiences through travel and personal growth. The album was shaped across various global locations, reflecting Karis’s journey between her home in London and other cities like Los Angeles, where most of the album was crafted. This geographical spread contributes to the album’s theme, focusing on the transitions and emotions of leaving home and exploring new horizons.

[Listen]

Alemeda: FK IT - EP (Pop)

Alemeda’s debut EP, FK IT, introduces her to a broader audience under the Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE) banner in collaboration with Warner Records. This project showcases Alemeda’s eclectic musical style, drawing from her Ethiopian-Sudanese heritage and her upbringing in a strict environment where music was initially restricted. FK IT features a collection of tracks, including previously known singles like “Gonna Bleach My Eyebrows” and “Guys Girl,” alongside new offerings such as “Below the Belt,” “I Already Dug Your Grave,” and “Not Asking for Much.”

[Listen]

Jae Stephens: Sellout - EP (Pop/R&B)

Jae Stephens released her EP titled Sellout on Issa Rae’s Raedio. This project features six tracks, showcasing her capabilities within the R&B genre. The EP merges various influences to craft a modern sound that still pays homage to classic R&B elements. The production of Sellout includes contributions from several producers like Johnny Goldstein and Sensei Bueno, among others, indicating a collaborative effort to bring diverse sounds into the mix.

[Listen]

Orion Sun: Orion (R&B)

Orion Sun, born Tiffany Majette, has released a self-titled album, Orion, which reflects her journey and artistic evolution. Moving from her hometown in New Jersey to Los Angeles, this album captures the essence of her personal growth, inspired by her relocation and introspective exploration. The album Orion does not just represent her music but embodies her life’s narrative, drawing inspiration from a classic painting by Nicolas Poussin, where the figure of Orion is depicted blind, searching for the sun. This metaphor resonates deeply with her path, seeking light through her experiences and music. Her music, a blend of alternative R&B and indie elements, reflects her willingness to explore and sit with the uncomfortable aspects of life, adding depth and relatability to her songs.

[Listen]

Xenia Manasseh: Love/Hate Pt. 2 (R&B)

Xenia Manasseh’s music, blending Afrobeats with neo-soul and jazz elements under an R&B core, showcases her evolution as an artist since her debut. Since the Fallin’ Apart EP, her work has been marked by a blend of smooth rhythms and poignant lyrics, reflecting personal growth and a broader appeal. Love/Hate Pt. 2 is the concluding chapter to her initial exploration of love themes.

[Listen]

Calvin Richardson: Five Years Later… (R&B)

Calvin Richardson has returned to the music scene with his latest album, Five Years Later... This album marks his first collection of entirely new material after a significant hiatus, aimed at long-time fans of classic R&B and those newly discovering his music.

[Listen]

Ibrahim Maalouf: Trumpets of Michel-Ange (Jazz)

Ibrahim Maalouf’s album Trumpets of Michel-Ange is an homage to the quarter-tone trumpet invented by his father. This instrument, which includes an additional fourth valve, allows for exploring microtones, a characteristic feature of Middle Eastern music, blending seamlessly with Maalouf’s jazz and contemporary music influences.

[Listen]

Justin Nozuka: Chlorine (Alternative)

Justin Nozuka’s album, Chlorine, continues his previous EP, blending pop, R&B, and folk elements into a distinctive sound that has characterized his career since his debut. The album features 12 tracks and encapsulates Nozuka’s soulful vocal style and capacity to craft lyrics that delve into personal and emotional landscapes.

[Listen]

Dave Guy: Ruby (Jazz)

Recognized for his distinctive trumpet playing, Dave Guy has stepped into the forefront with his debut solo album, Ruby. Born in 1978, Guy’s musical journey is deeply rooted in the vibrant scenes of New York City’s East Village, where the hip-hop culture and the dynamic sounds of the ‘90s enveloped him. His education at LaGuardia Performing Arts High School, followed by studies at the Manhattan School of Music and The New School, honed his skills, blending the influences of jazz legends like Donald Byrd with the fresh, innovative beats of hip-hop groups like A Tribe Called Quest.

[Listen]

Mortimer: From Within (Reggae)

Mortimer has described From Within as an expression of human duality, embracing life’s light and dark aspects while maintaining hope amidst pain. The album features collaborations with notable artists like Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley, Kabaka Pyramid, and Lila Ike, enriching its texture with diverse influences and voices. Each track on From Within tells part of Mortimer’s story, from the introspective and acoustic vibes of “Whole Heap” to the dancehall rhythms in “Slowly.”

[Listen]

Desert Camo: S/T (Hip-Hop)

Desert Camo’s self-titled project combines Heather Grey’s production skills with Oliver the 2nd’s lyrical capabilities, creating an album that reflects a blend of introspection and commentary on life’s complexities. From tracks such as “Oh, So It’s Like That??” to “High Brow,” the album covers a spectrum of emotions and experiences, employing a soundscape that supports the lyrical content with its versatility.

[Listen]

Liana Banks: Apt. 210 (R&B)

Liana Banks has been actively promoting her album Apt. 210 across social media, emphasizing its upcoming release and personal significance. The album, teased with previews and tracklist announcements, represents a milestone in Banks’ career, showcasing her journey in the music industry from a songwriter to stepping into the spotlight with her voice.

[Listen]

Killah Priest: Abraxas Rebis Simha Pleroma (Hip-Hop)

This work from Killah Priest continues his engagement with themes that blend spiritual, historical, and cultural references, a style well-noted in his earlier works like Heavy Mental. Purpose handles the album’s production, adding a consistent sound that complements Killah Priest’s lyrical style. Abraxas Rebis Simha Pleroma includes tracks that reflect his complex lyricism, often drawing upon a wide array of mythological and theological motifs.

[Listen]

Zoe’s Shanghai: Undergrowth - EP (Soul)

Zoe’s Shanghai’s Undergrowth arrived as a sophomore project following their debut album, Lava Love. This new EP encapsulates a narrative of growth and deepening trust within the band, reflecting a progression from their earlier work, symbolized by Lava’s fluid and transformative nature. Undergrowth explores personal and collective evolution themes, showcasing the band’s ability to blend various musical elements into their work.

[Listen]

Ayọ: Mami Wata (R&B)

Ayọ returns with Mami Wata. The involvement of various artists and producers like Freddy Koella, who has taken on roles as producer and arranger, alongside contributions in instrumentation, highlights the collaborative essence of this project. Classical instruments like the viola, cello, and violin, arranged by musicians such as Christophe Cravero and Gaël Rakotondrabe, add complexity and richness to the album’s sound.

[Listen]

Sadhugold: The Ballad of D.B. Looper (Hip-Hop)

The Ballad of D.B. Looper by Sadhugold is an album that captures a unique narrative through its music without directly referencing the infamous character of D.B. Cooper in its title.

[Listen]

SB11: Heavenly Unknown (Hip-Hop)

SB11 releases Heavenly Unknown, featuring collaborative efforts with artists like Flashius Clayton, Planet Asia, and Josiah The Gift. This album showcases SB11’s production skills, bringing together a collection of tracks where each guest artist adds their unique flair to the beats provided by SB11.

[Listen]

JEMS!: Gems In the Cornerstore II (R&B)

Gems In the Cornerstore II represents a collaboration between Elujay and J.Robb, marking their second project together under JEMS!. The duo has taken a hands-on approach in the production, with J.Robb’s background in future beats and Elujay’s lyrical contributions blending to forge their distinct sound. The album includes a variety of tracks that feature an eclectic mix of genres, reflecting influences from R&B, hip-hop, Lovers Rock, dancehall, and even indie elements. This mix is not random but a curated selection that speaks to their shared and individual musical tastes, cultivated from their respective backgrounds and experiences in Oakland and Baltimore, with sessions taking place across Los Angeles, Oakland, London, and New York.

[Listen]

LION BABE: House of LION BABE (Dance)

House of LION BABE is the latest project from the American R&B duo LION BABE, consisting of singer Jillian Hervey and producer Lucas Goodman. The album features a variety of tracks that showcase Hervey’s vocal agility and Goodman’s production skills, focusing on creating a soundscape that feels retro and contemporary.

[Listen]

Vice Souletric: Vice for President 4 (Hip-Hop)

Vice for President 4 represents the culmination of Vice Souletric’s journey in the Vice for President series. As an artist rooted in Ohio, Vice Souletric has established himself within the hip-hop scene, not only as a performer but also as a producer. The album features collaborations with artists such as Slum Village, RJ Payne, and eLZhi, indicating Vice’s ability to bring together diverse voices in hip-hop.

[Listen]

Adanna Duru: Stuck In a Record Deal - EP (R&B/Afrobeats)

Adanna Duru uses this EP to express her artistic identity further and share her narrative through music. Known for her participation in talent shows like American Idol and The Voice, the track “Honest Liar” from the EP explores themes of distrust and the complexities of personal relationships, likely drawing from Duru’s encounters.

[Listen]

OT the Real: Cost of Living (Hip-Hop)

OT the Real’s project Cost of Living represents his continued exploration of the themes of survival and success within the urban environment of Philadelphia, where he honed his craft. This eighth EP deals with the gritty realities of street life, personal ambition, and the associated costs.

[Listen]

Bonus: Langston Bleu: Love Is a Luxury - EP (R&B)

Love Is a Luxury by Langston Bleu represents a fresh addition to the R&B genre, aligning with themes of affection and extravagance. This project features Bleu’s perspective on love through an opulent lens.

[Listen]

Bonus: SheLailai: Butterfly - EP (Hip-Hop)

An emerging talent from Vancouver, SheLailai has introduced her debut EP, Butterfly Effect, highlighting her unique sound, blending R&B, house, funk, and hip-hop. This project showcases her capability as a lyricist and her versatility in modulating her vocal delivery to convey various emotions and narratives. Her music does not conform strictly to current trends, which allows her to carve out a distinctive niche in the music scene.

[Listen]

Bonus: Lavils: I Wish We Didn’t… - EP (R&B)

With I Wish We Didn’t..., Lavils offers an eight-song EP that spans just over seventeen minutes, delivering a concise record. This collection explores themes of regret, longing, and introspection as Lavils sings about the emotional depths of wishing circumstances had been different—a feeling mirrored in the EP’s title.

[Listen]

Bonus: Sal Ly: 21’s Fro (R&B)

The title 21’s Fro suggest themes related to youth, growth, or a personal milestone, considering the common association of ‘21’ with coming of age. The album’s content can be seen as an artistic expression capturing Sal Ly’s current career. This project is a platform where Sal Ly explores various sonic elements, blending different genres or experimenting with new sounds.

[Listen]