8 New Hip-Hop, R&B & Alt Albums You Should Be Listening To (Week of February 10)
Kelela shares Raven her newest album. And Liv.e also returns with Girl in the Half Pearl.
After taking some time to heal and stretch her wings, Kelela returns with her sophomore album Raven. The album is downright impressive and is led by the previously released tracks “Washed Away,” and “Happy Ending.” The additions of “On the Run” and “Contact” which dropped this year ahead of the album were equally as compelling. The singer took her time with this highly anticipated release, no complaints here.
Liv.e unleashes her new album Girl in the Half Pearl. And Paramore returns with This Is Why.
Kash Doll links up with DJ Drama for Back on Dexter: A Gangsta Grillz Mixtape. Shy Glizzy drops off Flowers. Enchanting shares Luv Scarred / No Luv (Deluxe). Marlon Craft releases SPACE 2. And Shady Blu reveals her debut EP Topic Of Discussion.
Kelela – Raven
Raven is a transformative R&B album that’s jam-packed with emotions and jazzy improvisation. It’s a stunning return for the singer.
Standout Tracks: “Let It Go,” “Far Away”
Liv.e – Girl in the Half Pearl
Liv.e’s Girl in the Half Pearl is a meaty and succinct release. The follow-up to Couldn’t Wait to Tell You (2020) is also experimental and a bit jazzy. On it she leans into earnest lyricism which is paired with trippy beats.
Paramore – This Is Why
Paramore returns with an energetic and punchy album. It’s an invigorating and refreshing experience too.
Standout Tracks: “The News,” “C'est Comme Ça”
Kash Doll x DJ Drama – Back on Dexter: A Gangsta Grillz Mixtape
Kash Doll is back. With the assistance of DJ Drama, she unloads aggressive lines while aligning herself with some of her rap peers like Lakeyah, Babyface Ray, and Icewear Vezzo.
Standout Tracks: “ADD IT UP Ft. Lakeyah,” “ON THE FLO Ft. Sada Baby”
Shy Glizzy – Flowers
On Flowers, the D.C. rapper shares some catchy songs while also giving himself his own flowers. “Slime-U-Out” is an early favorite.
Standout Tracks: “The Real Is Back,” “Slime-U-Out Ft. 21 Savage”
Enchanting – Luv Scarred / No Luv (Deluxe)
Enchanting has a raspy voice that’ll always leave us yearning for more. In the latter half of her latest project, she serves up witty euphemisms that work extremely well. Her Baby Tate-assisted track "Heaux Things" is A1.
Standout Tracks: “O.P.P. Ft. Jdot Breezy & Whoppa Wit Da Choppa,” “Kater To Me”
Marlon Craft – SPACE 2
Laidback, mellow vibes is the best way we can describe SPACE 2. “Young Man” is particularly sharp and ideal for unwinding and wrapping your week.
Standout Tracks: “I Still Don’t Cry,” “Young Man”
Shady Blu – Topic Of Discussion
Long Beach, CA native Shady Blu is putting on for her city. On her debut EP she is pushing her easygoing cadence that led her to become co-signed by Snoop Dogg. The mixing on this project is also ultra-smooth thanks to MixedByAli.
Standout Tracks: “Hold Up,” “PUT ON A SHOW”