The Round-Up: Best Songs of The Week (feat. Joey Badass, Nick Hakim, Gorillaz and More) [Playlist]

Suppose we all thought we'd be listening to a new Kendrick album right about now. Obviously, that's not the case and honestly, I'm not that mad about it. After two weeks of assuming the Compton rapper was clogging up Joey Badass' release lane, the Brooklyn bomber's new album, ALL-AMERIKKKAN BADA$$ has landed with a thunderclap of politically-charged bars and an overarching sound that doesn't immediately bring you to the corner of Myrtle and Broadway circa 96. And that's a very good thing indeed. Joey embracing his era is Joey at his best and that's terribly clear now.

But the week wasn't anxious anticipation and fruitless longing. Brooklyn's icy soul specialist, Nick Hakim, delivered a hypnotic treat off his forthcoming full-length debut. Everyone's favorite cartoon band dropped another taste of their upcoming album with some uplifting bars Pusha T and a haunting hook from Mavis Staples. Kaytranada and BADBADNOTGOOD snuck out yet another collaboration, providing the smoky suite for Shay Lia's latest single. Throw in a mesmerizing return from Mount Kimbie (featuring James Blake) new albums from Allan Kingdom, Future Islands and the immutable Father John Misty and you've got another damn-good week in music.

Naturally, we've collected standouts from each of the day's releases, along with all of the week's best cuts into another stellar edition of The Round-Up. Stream it down below and subscribe to our Spotify channel for even more selections from your favorite artists, classic or contemporary.