Chika 3
Photo Credit: Leeor Wild
This week's crop of new albums features a slew of newcomers, as well as blog-era classics finally being added to streaming platforms.
As the world awaits the return of live concerts, we here at Okayplayer are still keeping our ears to the ground. Every Friday, we round up the most notable new albums that dropped in the previous week, so you don't have to go searching.
This week, we've got a deluxe edition album from Giveon, as well as projects from newcomers like Chika, Blxst, and Kalan.frfr. In addition to the new projects, Pac Div's 2009 mixtape Church League Champions and Jhene Aiko's sailing soul(s) have been added to streaming services after a decade.
Stream your favorites below.
Giveon — When It’s All Said And Done… Take Time
Photo Credit: Nico Kartel for Epic Records
Long Beach R&B phenom Giveon has dropped the deluxe edition of his first two EPs titled When It's All Said and Done...Take Time. The project, which he dropped along with the video for "Heartbreak Anniversary," features just one duet with Snoh Aalegra and production from Boi-1da, Maneesh, and Sevn Thomas.
CHIKA — ONCE UPON A TIME
Photo Credit: Warner Records
Days before her performance at the 2021 Grammys on Sunday, Alabama-via-Nigeria MC Chika has dropped a brand new EP. BJ the Chicago Kid lends his services to the intro "Fairy Tales," an autobiographical track through the lens of folklore themes.
BLXST — Just For Clarity
Photo Credit: Red Bull Recordings
After the success of No Love Lost, Los Angeles multi-hyphenate Blxst drops a two-track EP just in time for the spring. Drakeo the Ruler joins on the "moody" Don't Forget, while Russ and Blxst team up for the guitar-driven "Fck Boys."
Sean Paul — Live N Livin
Photo Credit: Dutty Rock Productions
Reggae legend Sean Paul returns with his first album since 2014's Full Frequency. The project is the first of two slated releases in 2021. Live N Livin features guest appearances from Serani, Damian Marley, and many more.
Pac Div — Church League Champions
Photo Credit: Pac Div
Pac Div's 2009 mixtape Church League Champions was one of the more respected releases of the blog era. Over a decade later, fans can more easily reminisce, as the mixtape has finally been added to digital streaming platforms.
Kalan.FrFr — TwoFr 2
Photo Credit: Roc Nation
Los Angeles MC Kalan.frfr recruits Cypress Moreno, Mozzy, and Stunna 4 Vegas for breezy, bouncy music perfect for a (post-vaccine, hopefully) trip to the West Coast, with production from Bankroll Got It, .
Lil Migo — King of The Trap
Photo Credit: CMG
Yo Gotti's CMG imprint has quietly been building a formidable roster. One of their newest members, Memphis MC Lil Migo, recruits his label mates Blac Youngsta, Moneybagg Yo, and 42 Dugg for his latest project.
Na-Kel Smith — A Dream No Longer Deferred
Photo Credit: A Dream No Longer Deferred Records
Skater-turned-rapper and Odd Future affiliate Na-Kel Smith drops his third studio album, A Dream No Longer Deferred. The project is spacey and chaotic, with production reminiscent of early-era Playboi Carti.
DJ Muggs — Dies Occidendum
Photo Credit: Soul Assassins
Cypress Hill's in-house producer DJ Muggs describes his new album as "a mythical voyage across fog-laden, scorched earth terrain from the original friar of dark hip-hop." The album could easily score a horror film.
Lucy Park — Before I Speak
Photo Credit: After Dinner Records
For the wistful and reflective Before I Speak, London-bred singer Lucy Park says she focused on "capturing a specific mood for each song...using imagery and experimenting with vocal tones was fun to play around with while figuring out how to make this happen."
USERx — USERx
Photo Credit: Atlantic Records
Hampton, Virginia duo Ross "Rozwell" Fitzgerald and Matt Maeson worked on their debut EP, USERx, for over five years. The finished product--a homegrown project featuring Masego, Pusha T, and West Banks--is hard to pin down, a fitting addition to Virginia's unorthodox legacy.
Valrie June — The Moon and Stars: Prescriptions for Dreamers
Photo Credit: June Team Music
Tennessee roots rock guitarist and singer Valerie June has been co-signed by artists like Bob Dylan for her bluesy, folk, and gospel-inspired music. Tracks like "Call Me A Fool" blend soul and country seamlessly.
Pino Palladino & Blake Mills — Notes With Attachments
Photo Credit: Verve Label
Pino Palladino has played bass for names like D'Angelo, The Who, John Mayer, and Nine Inch Nails. Along with Blake Mills, a session player for bands like Weezer, The Avett Brothers, and the Dixie Chicks, the two come together for Notes With Attachments.
Camden Malik — Love of My Life 2
Photo Credit: 10k
Sacramento MC Camden Malik takes a page out of 03 Greedo and Lil' B's books with the 40-track tome Love of My Life 2. The project features rising newcomers like Pink Siifu, MAVI, and Lisa Gardenia.
</p><p><strong>G4Jag & Mephux — REGRESSIONS</strong></p><p/><p>
<small class="image-media media-caption" placeholder="Add Photo Caption..."> Photo Credit: G4Jag & Mephux</small></p><p>New York MC G4 Jag brings a gruff delivery and strong mic presence to the crisp-but-rugged sounds of producer Mephux for <em>Regressions</em>. The project features guest appearances from Flee Lord and Lord Trill.</p><p></p><p><strong>Skinnyfromthe9 — <em>Love Me Now</em></strong></p><p/><p>
<small class="image-media media-caption" placeholder="Add Photo Caption..."> Photo Credit: Skinnyfromthe9</small></p><p>New Jersey MC Skinnyfromthe9 returns with <em>Love Me Now</em>, packed with amped-up cuts like "Bust It Down" and "Butterflies." Producers like DillyGotItBumpin, River Beats, and Tobi Aitch come along for the party.</p><p></p><p><strong>Jhene Aiko — <em>Sailing Soul(s)</em></strong></p><p/><p>
<small class="image-media media-caption" placeholder="Add Photo Caption..."> Photo Credit: Def Jam</small></p><p>Another solid blog era project has finally hit streaming. Jhene Aiko's debut <em>sailing soul(s), </em>complete with hits like "July," "Growing Apart Too," and "Sailing Not Selling." Revisit the project on your preferred platform now.</p><p></p>
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