9 New Hip-Hop & R&B Albums You Should Be Listening To (Week of March 3)
Masego, Mach-Hommy, Rome Streetz, and Che Noir released albums that caught our attention this week. De La Soul also rolls out their entire music catalog.
It's De La Soul Day. As of today, you can now stream the entire music catalog of the dynamic rap group. Since it's the 34th anniversary of their 1989 debut album 3 Feet High & Rising, it's fitting. Oldheads rejoice!
Mach-Hommy and Tha God Fahim drop Notorious Dump Legends: Vol. 2. Che Noir returns with a Ghost Ltd-produced LP Noir or Never. Rome Streetz also connects with Ghost Ltd for Wasn't Built In A Day. The Creed III soundtrack by Dreamville also dropped at midnight.
Masego reveals his second album created alongside Kelvin Wootan, Monte Booker,Richie Souf, and a few other talents. Kali Uchis shares Red Moon In Venus featuring Don Toliver, Omar Apollo, and Summer Walker. Saint Louis native Jordan Ward releases his first album FORWARD. Neo-soul newcomer Yazmin Lacey releases her debut Voice Notes.
De La Soul – 3 Feet High & Rising
Get your De La Soul fix with 3 Feet High & Rising, while you're at it, you can also stream De La Soul Is Dead, Buhloone Mindstate, Stakes Is High, Art Official Intelligence: Mosaic Thump and AOI: Bionix.
Masego
The multi-instrumentalist returns with a genre-blending album that fuses jazz, hip-hop, and R&B. The self-titled release is romantic at times, but Masego’s persona contains multitudes so it’s also filled with tales of dealing with shallow, insecure women.
Standout Tracks: “Sax Fifth Avenue,” “Afraid of Water”
Mach-Hommy x Tha God Fahim – Notorious Dump Legends: Vol. 2
Mach-Hommy is back with another impressive lyrically driven release. Some tracks on the album are easygoing and easily digestible, while others are dense and heady. The entire release is stimulating.
Standout Tracks: “Bad Hands,” “Froms Vailsburg to Vaudeville”
Rome Streetz x Big Ghost Ltd – Wasn't Built In A Day
Rome Streetz is in his bag all throughout Wasn’t Built In A Day entirely produced by Big Ghost Ltd. He continues his hot streak with lyrical cuts like intro track “Godspeed” and another heavy contender “Royal Flush.” Also, “Pz n Qz” featuring Method Mad is a match made in rap heaven.
Standout Tracks: “Godspeed,” “Pz n Qz”
Che Noir x Big Ghost Ltd – Noir Or Never
With a beat pack from Big Ghost Ltd, Che Noir serves up nine tracks showcasing her picturesque lyrics. Tracks like “Veracruz” and “Caps Lock” showcase why you should be paying attention to the Buffalo rapper.
Standout Tracks: “Resilient,” “Veracruz Ft. 7xvethegenius”
Dreamville– Creed III: The Soundtrack
There are some sneaky cuts on here that ring off so well during the Michael B. Jordan-directing Creed III. That's no shocker given the strong lyricists that call Dreamville home. One song that hits particularly hard is Baby Rose's "Heavy Is The Head," her voice is supreme on this one. Other favorites are below.
Standout Tracks: "Anthem with Big Sean & EST Gee," "Adonis Interlude (The Montage) with J. Cole," "Greater with Ari Lennox"
Kali Uchis – Red Moon In Venus
When Kali Uchis dropped “I Wish you Roses” earlier this year this made it clear that her next album would be lush and emotionally driven. Red Moon In Venus is filled to the brim with music only someone who is lovesick could create. For her latest, Kali Uchis delivers a psychedelic pop album that feels both sweet and sour.
Standout Tracks: “Love Between…,” “All Mine”
Jordan Ward – FORWARD
Saint Louis native Jordan Ward’s debut album FORWARD is laced with alt elements and hits of pop that make his version of R&B sound refreshing. His knack for unique sounds is also showcased on this well-produced compilation.
Standout Tracks: “WHITE CROCS Ft. Ryan Trey,” “SIDEKICK Ft. Joyce Wrice”
Yazmin Lacey – Voice Notes
For her debut, UK singer Yazmin Lacey had her heart fixated on telling stories of self-discovery. What she created is an impressive album that carries on the legacy of neo-soul titan Erykah Badu. The melodies on this project are sticky and delightful too.
Standout Tracks: “Bad Company,” “Fools Gold”