Wednesday Roundups #22: 14 Albums/EPs You Should Listen to In Your Spare Time
Stream releases from Victoria Monét, Mello Music Group, Open Mike Eagle, Ta-ku, DJ Muggs, and more.
Welcome back to Shatter the Standards!
The twenty-second outing of Wednesday Roundups!
It might be challenging to prioritize your music listening when so much new music is available. Shatter the Standards provide a weekly summary of newsworthy releases on streaming platforms. Victoria Monét, Mello Music Group, Open Mike Eagle, Ta-ku, DJ Muggs, Terrace Martin & James Fauntleroy, D2X, Gareth Donkin, Kendra Morris, NappyHigh, Dark Lo & V Don, Fridayy, Zae France, and Sha Hef were the artists with new albums or projects last week. Watch for weekly music drops every Wednesday for suggestions of lesser-known albums.
Here are your roundups for today!
Victoria Monét — JAGUAR II (R&B) [Listen]
R&B music has declined in true stars recently, but Victoria Monét is an exception. Though she may not be a household name, she has a devoted following of those in the know. Her debut album, JAGUAR II, attests to her talent and energy. Produced primarily by D’Mile, the album is a fun and energetic take on R&B that channels the classics without feeling retro. With 11 tracks spanning just 35 minutes, the long-awaited debut showcases Monét’s versatility, from the funky “Smoke” featuring Lucky Daye to the string-laden “How Does It Make You Feel” to the dancehall-inflected “Party Girls” with Buju Banton.
Mello Music Group — Omakase (Hip-Hop) [Listen]
The Mello Music Group compilation series has evolved beyond mere curation, becoming a platform for innovative sounds and collaborations. The series has fostered connections between artists, sometimes leading to signings and full albums. The latest installment, Omakase, exemplifies sound possibilities when untethered from commercialism and genre boxes.
Open Mike Eagle — another triumph of ghetto engineering (Hip-Hop) [Listen]
Open Mike Eagle’s new album, auto reverse is a triumph of ghetto engineering, combines subgenres such as soul, conscious hip-hop, lo-fi, and jazz. Featuring Young Zee, Video Dave, STILL RIFT, Eshu Tune, and Blu, Eagle has created a colorful and creative project with nine songs over 25 minutes.
Ta-ku — Songs to Come Home To (R&B) [Listen]
Ta-ku’s new album, Songs to Come Home To, is a timeline of his artistic progression. Longtime fans will remember his previous projects, Songs to Break Up To and Songs to Make Up To, and will appreciate that his debut is the final installment in the beloved series. The 20-track album is a nostalgic and beautiful representation of the universal journey of growing through life.
DJ Muggs — Soul Assassins 3: Death Valley (Hip-Hop) [Listen]
DJ Muggs, the legendary producer, has released a 19-song project titled Soul Assassins 3: Death Valley. The third installment in the Soul Assassins series follows the original, released in 1997. Soul Assassins 3 offers a mix of jazz and boom-bap-like production across its 46-minute and 14-second runtime. The album boasts 19 tracks, with DJ Muggs teaming up with Cee-Lo Green on “Joker’s Wild” and bringing together Ice Cube, MC Ren, and B-Real from Cypress Hill for “Dump On Em.” Other notable guests include Method Man, Slick Rick, Devin The Dude, Boldy James, Roc Marciano, Jay Worthy, Meyhem Lauren, Rome Streetz, and many more.
Terrace Martin & James Fauntleroy — Nova - EP (Jazz) [Listen]
Terrace Martin and James Fauntleroy, two music icons, have teamed up for a new EP titled Nova. This six-track, 22-minute masterpiece is a serene journey into beautiful singing and soothing beats. The duo has worked together on numerous occasions in the past, including on songs such as “Drones,” “Reflection,” and “Too Late.” Fans are sure to embrace this new venture.
D2X — Hotel 1105 (Hip-Hop) [Listen]
Chicago’s MC D2X ascends to new heights with his second studio album, Hotel 1105. Executive produced by Ro Moore and Millwood, the album follows D2X’s debut, The Color Blue, released in 2021. Hotel 1105 offers a collection of 10 intricately crafted tracks perfect for those who immerse themselves in music. The album is written and recorded in various bedroom studios in England and France, showcasing the artist’s skill and talent.
Gareth Donkin — Welcome Home (R&B) [Listen]
Gareth Donkin, a 23-year-old from London, makes his debut with the extraordinary album Welcome Home. The album blends soul, funk, pop, yacht rock, hip-hop, jazz, and bossa nova. It showcases Donkin’s stunning mix of instrumental virtuosity and emotional intuition. The album is a must-listen for those who appreciate profoundly moving lyrics and sophisticated melodic and harmonic craftsmanship.
Kendra Morris — I Am What I’m Waiting For (Soul) [Listen]
Kendra Morris’s new album, I Am What I’m Waiting For, is a perfect blend of rough-hewn powerhouse vocals and arrangements that showcase her extensive record collection and whimsical instinct for joyous noises. The album is vibrant and varied, packed with personality, and will transport listeners to a bygone era. Imagine Dusty Springfield fronting Spoon circa Kill The Moonlight or a 60s girl group creative directed by Nick Lowe and PeeWee Herman. This album is not to be missed.
NappyHigh — MENACE (Hip-Hop) [Listen]
Los Angeles-based NappyHigh, a record producer, DJ, musician, and songwriter/rapper, has recently unveiled his new album, MENACE. The 18-track project collaborates with diverse artists, including Westside Gunn, Raekwon, Blu, Mick Jenkins, and Canadian producer Elaquent.
Dark Lo & V Don — Charlie Pope 2 (Hip-Hop) [Listen]
Philly rapper Dark Lo and New York producer V Don have teamed up again for their latest album, Charlie Pope 2. This follow-up to their 2021 release, Charlie Pope, is the third collaborative project between the pair and features appearances from Willie the Kid and Benny the Butcher.
Fridayy — Fridayy (R&B) [Listen]
Fridayy, the Grammy-nominated R&B sensation, has released his highly anticipated debut album. The 14-track album is a personal and creative journey for the rising star.
Zae France — Rhythm n Backwoods Szn II - EP (R&B) [Listen]
Rising R&B artist Zae France has returned with his latest EP, Rhythm n Backwoods Szn II. This project showcases Zae’s growth and offers a dynamic listening experience, taking listeners on a rollercoaster ride of sounds and styles, from intense passion and desire to uptempo, euphonious bops. Zae’s music reflects on the realities of life, love, and the ups and downs that can bring him closer and pull him apart within the blink of an eye.
Sha Hef — Shark Tank (Hip-Hop) [Listen]
Bronx rapper Sha Hef released an eight-track EP, Shark Tank. Produced by Nicholas Craven, it’s a sample-based minimalist adventure featuring Jay Worthy and Rome Streetz.
BONUS: Danger Mouse & Jemini the Gifted One — Born Again (Hip-Hop) [Listen]
In the long-awaited [revived] second album Born Again by Danger Mouse & Jemini, the duo delivers a nostalgic throwback to early-2000s rap. The album’s ten tracks showcase Jemini’s versatile lyricism and Danger Mouse’s imaginative production, creating a timeless quality that rivals recent releases from hip-hop greats. Jemini’s storytelling skills shine in tracks that offer introspective verses and a narrative approach uncommon in today’s music. Danger Mouse’s production pays homage to the era of crate-digging and sampling, incorporating familiar sounds while maintaining self-awareness.