13 New Hip-Hop & R&B Albums You Should Listen to Right Now (Week of April 30)
This week's batch of new albums features a debut from a viral star, a the official Yasuke soundtrack, and more.
It's harder than ever to keep track of new albums nowadays, and here at Okayplayer, we want to make it a bit easier for you. Every Friday, we round up the best hip-hop, R&B, and more for your listening pleasures. Take a look at the new projects and stream any standouts below.
This week, Fayetteville, North Carolina singer Morray released his 13-track debut album Street Sermons. The 28-year-old was admittedly close to quitting music before his "Quicksand" video took off. As the story goes, the track came about after his wife convinced him to take a more earnest, heartfelt approach to his music. Just a few months later, the project currently has over 61 million YouTube views, and has hit number 71 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Elsewhere, Brooklyn producer/DJ J. Period released his debut album Story to Tell. This first release, Chapter One, features narration from Dave Chappelle, as well as guests like Lin-Manuel Miranda, Black Thought, and Jemele Hill. Roc Nation singer Maeta drops a new EP, Habits, featuring production from Kaytranada, DJ Mustard, and Skrillex, and features from Buddy.
Virginia singer Shelley (formerly known as Big Baby DRAM) is back after a three-year absence. His new album, Shelley FKA DRAM, features guest appearances from Erykah Badu on "'93 Acura Vigor," H.E.R. for "The Lay Down," and Summer Walker on "All Pride Aside."