Wednesday Roundups #62: 18 Albums/EPs You Should Listen to In Your Spare Time
Stream releases from BLK ODYSSY, Freeway & Jake One, Hailey Knox, Bradd Marquis, Parlor Greens, Ransom & MadeInTYO, redLee, Amindi, L’Orange, Fatboi Sharif & Duncecap, Nana, 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 BLK ODYSSY, Freeway & Jake One, Hailey Knox, Bradd Marquis, Parlor Greens, Ransom & MadeInTYO, redLee, Amindi, L’Orange, Fatboi Sharif & Duncecap, Nana, Snakehips & EARTHGANG, Elmiene, Kate Stewart, deM atlaS, Mourning [A] BLKstar, Jerome Thomas & Pitch 92, and Alysha Monique.
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.
BLK ODYSSY: 1-800-Fantasy (Alternative)
The third album from BLK ODYSSY, titled 1-800-Fantasy, blends R&B with alternative, early 2000s pop/rock, new wave hip-hop, funk, and soul. The Texas-based artist describes it as a concept record exploring reality and fantasy. To create this album, BLK ODYSSEY adopted a method acting approach in the studio, embodying a shape-shifting character. The LP features collaborations with Wiz Khalifa on “XXX,” as well as appearances by Harry Edohoukwa and Joey Bada$$.
[Listen]
Freeway & Jake One: The Stimulus Package 2 (Hip-Hop)
A follow-up to the 2010 collaboration between Freeway and Jake One with the same name, The Stimulus Package 2 arrives after a 14-year hiatus. This new album features 15 tracks, including the singles “Freezer” and “Ringin,” featuring Jadakiss. Freeway collaborates with various artists throughout the project. The opening track, “Time,” pairs him with Conway the Machine from Griselda and Drumwork. “Philly” reunites State Property members, showcasing Peedi Crakk alongside Freeway. Black Thought joins on “Keep Winnin,” Sauce Walka appears on “My Own,” and Scholito contributes to “Crystals & Keys.”
[Listen]
Hailey Knox: For the Best - EP (R&B)
The R&B genre is experiencing a revival, driven mainly by the ladies. Hailey Knox, a New York native now based in Los Angeles, exemplifies this exciting trend. Her debut EP, For the Best, showcases her bold production experiments, blending clear vocals with dynamic instrumentals. Knox’s music combines melodic riffs and emotive lyrics that draw listeners in. Each track on the EP is crafted with a simplicity that highlights every element, from the percussion to the memorable hooks. This approach allows Knox to showcase her innovative style within the current R&B renaissance.
[Listen]
Bradd Marquis: I Choose You - EP (R&B)
The latest EP from American indie soul artist Bradd Marquis, titled I Choose You, offers a romantic narrative from a groom’s perspective on his wedding day. Marquis explores the groom’s thoughts about his chosen partner and their future together. The EP’s music gradually intensifies, complementing the heartfelt vocals and mirroring the emotional weight of the subject matter. While sonically differs from what we hear from him, it’s a much-deserved listen.
[Listen]
Parlor Greens: In Green We Dream (Soul)
In Green We Dream blends soul, jazz, and R&B, creating a rich musical experience. Parlor Greens crafts songs that explore love, resilience, and self-discovery, appealing to a broad audience. The album’s tracks range from energetic dance tunes to emotional ballads, showcasing the band’s versatility. Full instrumentation and strong vocals characterize each song, reflecting the group’s musical skill. Listeners will find the album’s content reflective and encouraging, with various moods and rhythms that inspire repeat listeners.
[Listen]
Ransom & MadeInTYO: Smoke & Mirrors - EP (Hip-Hop)
The collaborative EP Smoke & Mirrors unites the skills of Ransom and MadeInTYO. This three-track project opens with its namesake, “Smoking Mirrors,” followed by “Antebellum,” featuring Che Noir, and concludes with “Human Nature,” which includes J. Arrr. For Ransom, a New Jersey-based rapper, this release marks his second EP of the year after Lavish & Misery, a project produced by Harry Fraud.
[Listen]
redLee: Stop On Red Signal - EP (Hip-Hop)
This EP ventures into more experimental hip-hop territory, with redLee’s production featuring MIKE and Jadasea as collaborators. The sample processing is pleasant but requires innovative chopping techniques or unique source material. Despite creating an agreeable atmosphere, the project might benefit from further development in a full-length album format. While the EP establishes a solid foundation, there’s potential for redLee to expand and refine his approach in future releases.
[Listen]
Amindi: Luvr - EP (R&B)
Luvr signals a new phase in Amindi’s career, featuring six R&B-meets-trip-hop tracks that offer insight into her creative mind. The Los Angeles-based artist explores themes of love, intimacy, and feminine power through psychedelic sounds. Collaborating with Rogét Chahayed, Amindi crafts a multi-layered soundscape that showcases her soft, sultry style. This collection represents Amindi’s artistic growth, blending raw emotion with refined production. The EP’s introspective mood and expressive approach highlight Amindi’s evolving talent, solidifying her position as a notable rising voice in the music scene.
[Listen]
L’Orange: The Manipulation (Instrumental Hip-Hop)
L’Orange’s beat tape, The Manipulation, introduced his distinctive approach of combining old-school audio elements with contemporary rhythms. The re-release features new artwork that reflects L’Orange’s creative sensibilities, offering a renewed perspective on the album’s distinctive audio landscapes. This record allows newcomers and existing fans to experience the music differently, highlighting L’Orange’s initial foray into the industry.
[Listen]
Fatboi Sharif & Duncecap: Psychedelics Wrote the Bible (Hip-Hop)
Fatboi Sharif went in an utterly different way on the latest EP with Psychedelics Wrote the Bible. Produced by Duncecap, Sharif takes you on an acid trip, with SKECH185 as the only guest feature.
[Listen]
Nana: 3 - EP (Hip-Hop)
The Los Angeles hip-hop scene has been a fertile ground for talented rappers, with many going on to influence the broader music industry. Nana, a Crenshaw-based artist, is a voice that is gaining attention. His recent three-song EP demonstrates why LA has been an ideal training ground for MCs. The city’s competitive environment, filled with skilled rappers vying for recognition, has honed the abilities of its emerging artists. Nana’s work reflects this high standard, adding to the list of impactful voices that have emerged from Los Angeles in recent years.
[Listen]
Snakehips & EARTHGANG: SNAKEGANG EP Volume 1 - EP (Electronic/Hip-Hop)
The SNAKEGANG Volume 1 EP brings together UK production duo Snakehips and Atlanta-born hip-hop group EARTHGANG in collaboration to deliver an ideal summer release. The partnership between these artists feels natural, as their styles blend effortlessly. Their shared creativity and energy are evident throughout the EP, showcasing their musical identities’ complementary nature. The combination of Snakehips’ production skills and EARTHGANG’s innovative hip-hop approach results in a cohesive and engaging project.
[Listen]
Elmiene: Live from 525 - EP (R&B)
A surprise release from British soul artist Elmiene, Live from 525, features nine tracks recorded during an impromptu Instagram Live session. The EP, originating from a Los Angeles Airbnb, includes performances of recent singles “Sweetness” and “Crystal Tears.” Two unreleased songs appear alongside covers and stripped-down versions of tracks by Cleo Sol, Prince, Dijon, and Midnight Star. This intimate collection showcases the Oxford-based artist’s versatility and spontaneity.
[Listen]
Kate Stewart: Solace - EP (R&B)
The Solace EP marks Kate Stewart’s return to the music scene. This project diverges from her previous work, which focused on love, peace, and calmness without expectations. In the EP’s intro, Stewart acknowledges that music has become more of a job than a passion. Announcing a hiatus, she expresses the need to rediscover her happiness and reignite her passion for music.
[Listen]
deM atlaS: Fantasy Pkwy (Alternative)
deM atlaS hails from St. Paul, Minnesota. His musical career began in his late teens when he started rapping. After self-releasing his debut, Turner formed a long-lasting partnership with Rhymesayers label. Recently, he took an unexpected turn by releasing Fantasy Pkwy, an alternative album. Turner’s lyrics often explore mental health and endurance, reflecting his aim to support and inspire listeners. As a rapper and singer, he expresses many emotions through his music.
[Listen]
Mourning [A] BLKstar: Ancient//Future (Soul)
Ancient//Future showcases Mourning [A] BLKstar’s notable growth since their previous studio release. The album blends contemporary digital techniques with live instrumentation to create narratives highlighting the African Diaspora. Violinist Caitlin Edwards contributes to the project, adding depth to M[A]B’s most candid and provocative work yet. LA-based artist Dakari Akil created the album’s striking cover art, effectively representing the music’s essence. Listeners will immediately notice the band’s enhanced directness and uninhibited approach upon experiencing Ancient//Future.
[Listen]
Jerome Thomas & Pitch 92: Submerge (R&B)
Combining sophisticated musical arrangements with modern production techniques, Submerge tackles themes of desire, identity, protection, and empathy. The album’s lower frequencies feature seductive contemporary elements, while its sound pays homage to past musical traditions. Jerome Thomas has carved out a unique position in the industry due to his remarkable vocal ability and skill in presenting soul music with a modern twist.
[Listen]
Alysha Monique: “6776” an Alysha Monique Prelude (R&B)
Alysha Monique’s latest release showcases her vocal talents in jazz and soul music. Her performances focus on themes of love, individuality, and self-actualization. Monique’s work continues to evolve, backed by musicians who aim to innovate. Her voice and stage presence draw audiences into her musical world.
[Listen]
Bonus: Starlito: Imposter Syndrome (Hip-Hop)
[Listen]
Bonus: Unruly: Black Beloved (Hip-Hop)
[Listen]
Bonus: Benji.: Love Gun 2 - EP (R&B)
[Listen]