New releases last four weeks: Hip Hop/R&B

Review: Apathy's Connecticut Casual: Chapter 2 delivers a potent sequel to his original project with a refined production and matured subject matter. With Playa Haze's influence evident, the album's soundtrack blends modern and nostalgic elements, complementing Ap's witty wordplay and enthusiastic delivery. Tracks like 'Connecticut Formal' and 'Hammond Court Kids' paint vivid pictures of life in CT, while 'No One Can Hear You Scream In Space' and 'Vacation' delve into introspection with compelling hooks. Ap's versatility shines on 'Jackie O' and 'Fenwick,' evoking different eras seamlessly. Collaborations like 'Never Change' with Little Vic and 'Todd McFarland' featuring Celph Titled add depth and diversity. The production, ranging from smooth samples to gritty beats, perfectly complements Ap's sonic missiles of bars. Connecticut Casual: Chapter 2 is a standout release in 2024, showing Apathy's growth and artistry while offering an an exciting audio adventure.

Review: Bruno Berle hails from the coastal Brazilian city of Maceio, and he charmed the world in no uncertain terms with his 2022 album No Reino Dos Afetos. Berle's music is steeped in the tradition of MPB and Brazilian music overall, but he combines dreamy songwriting with an artful kind of lo-fi production which makes his sound all the more charming. This follow-up record once again finds Berle working closely with Batata Boy, drawn from the same seven-year period of developing ideas while moving from Maceio to Sao Paulo via some recording sessions in Rio de Janeiro. It's diaristic and scrapbook like, but rendered with such conviction it swoops in around your grey matter and carries you off to somewhere very pleasant indeed.

Review: Sizzling-hot hip-hop duo Blue Lab Beats are on everybody's lips now, thanks at least in part to the announcement of their latest full-length album, Blue Eclipse. Heralding an exciting new era for the duo, these 12 songs reveal the depth and breadth of producer NK-OK, and multi-instrumentalist Mr DM's musical ambition. Throwing back to their debut EP 'Blue Skies', which even pre-dates their involvement with record labels, Blue Eclipse signals a circling back to their origins while also embracing the new; the pair's usual jazztronica remit is lent the utmost contemporary spin, with notes of drill, neoclassical, trap and Jersey bounce - all still prevalent styles - peeking through in these latest productions.

Review: DJ Nappa is a UK hip-hop originator who digs deep into his love of film for this superb new album of instrumentals. Specifically, Midnight Music looks to the world of horror, thrillers and sci-fi from the 1970s and 1980s and turns out some wonderfully inspired joints for We Stay True Records. As such there is an expectedly creepy vibe with eerie pads, slow-motion beats and plenty of haunting vocal samples weaving their way in and out of earshot. It all plays out like an absorbing mind movie full of shadowy corners and menacing moods. Another triumph for man like Nappa.

Review: 20-year scene veteran DJ Unknown has dropped plenty of great albums in his time both in solo mode and with the Tru-Paz band. He is known for his harmonious and soulful sound and for offering up driving beats for MCs to set to work on. He first rose to prominence in Toronto playing a mix of house, rock, reggae and hip hop but is now a full matured beatmaker who excels on his new album Prisoners of Gravity. It embarks on an epic science fiction journey, depicting life in a dystopian Earth and the quest for a purpose beyond its bounds conveyed through a captivating audio-visual narrative with psychedelic undertones. Ambitious in scope and execution, it offers an immersive experience that pushes the boundaries of hip-hop imagination and creativity.

Review: Well, well, well. We did not see this one coming, never in a month of stoner Sundays. he might have become the nation's sweetheart thanks to his unlikely hit show with Martha Stewart in the US but did you ever expect Snoop Dogg to be putting out an album of kids hits featuring him on the mic? It's an actually quite wonderful collision of words that pairs all the big hooks and melodies with a more modern style of production and charming vocal guests spots from Snoop on each tune. Amazing stuff.

Review: Now enjoying an ever more celebrated status in the hip hop world off the back of his albums with Madlib, Freddie Gibbs is back in solo mode with You Only Live 2wice, his third full-length studio album. It comes after the artist has endured some difficulties in his personal life and the experiences of overcoming those is what influences and inspires the music here. As he rises from the ashes - an idea which is embodied on the album cover - he goes it totally alone on all eight cuts with nary a guest in sight. He bares his soul throughout with the well-received and violin-laced single 'Crushed Glass' sitting next to standout hits such as '20 Karat Jesus' and 'Amnesia.' It's a great return.

Review: When Keyon Harrold lists the influences that he turned to during the creation of his rich and evocative new album Foreverland, he cites the likes of Radiohead, Fleet Foxes, Fela Kuti, John Coltrane, and, for a second, he becomes vulnerable; the list is too basic, too serious-music-listener-starter-pack. But, out of that moment of insecurity, he spins an indelible flex: "You are what you eat, and I have a pretty strict diet in dope shit. Taking in Keyon Harrold's career to-date, it's clear that the 'world-class trumpeter' (Essence) and composer is very serious about that diet. He's a jazz musician but in the most expansive sense, working with a list of dream collaborators: generational legends Keith Richards and Diana Ross; rap stars like Mac Miller and Nas; neo-soul icons Erykah Badu and D'Angelo; and modern soul stars Black Pumas and Leon Bridges. His circle of regular collaborators is formidable and includes his music industry mentor Common (who hired him for his first touring gig), his New School classmate Robert Glasper, and GRAMMY winners Maxwell, PJ Morton, Gregory Porter, and YEBBA. Even apart from its compositional intricacies and stylistic innovations, Foreverland is a triumph of resilience and empowerment. "What will be said when you're gone?", says Keyon. "If you're not living life - getting beat up, getting your heart broken, winning, losing - what are you doing? What about your life can people learn from? If you don't put yourself in the ring sometimes, there won't be anything." On Foreverland, Keyon takes life's challenges head-on - and emerges, in both music and in life, with a renewed sense of purpose.

Review: On his new album 1LB (One Lucky B**tard) Boldy James collaborates with Belgian producer Your Boy Posca to carve a newly distinctive sonic niche within his already prolific discography. Embracing a refined, relaxed vibe with gritty soul samples and eerie 1980s aesthetics, the project seamlessly unfolds to tell a vivid portrayal of a Midwest drug dealer. Limited to vinyl and cassette formats, this exclusive, limited, numbered, clear orange galaxy vinyl version cannot fail to immerse you in a world of atmospheric storytelling. This is one of those evocative albums that stays with you long after it has finished playing.

Review: Jay Z's cult fav At Studio One is now available for the first time as a very limited vinyl pressing following its huge success as a download since first release more than a decade ago. This unique album combines Jay Z's famous Black Album acapellas with classic Studio One reggae riddims from the very heart of 1970s Kingston. The result is a seamless fusion where killer backing tracks complement Jay Z's vocals perfectly and create an all new and superb listening experience. If you're a fan of reggae-hip hop blends, this LP is a must-have addition to your collection.

Review: While rooted in the quintessential sound of the late 1950s and early 1960s, UK jazz ensemble The Jazz Defenders explore fresh territory while honouring their jazz heritage on their third album, Memory In Motion. Tracks like 'Chasing Fantasies' and 'Fuffle Kerfuffle' showcase their swing jazz finesse, while 'Meanderthal' and 'Snakebite Playfight' infuse soulful grooves akin to 1960s jazz legends. Collaborations with UK rapper Doc Brown on 'Rolling On A High' and the uptempo funk of 'Net Zero' add modern flair, while introspective moments like 'Take A Minute' and the closing 'Enigma' offer a serene balance. Memory In Motion celebrates jazz's legacy and innovation, blending tradition with contemporary influences for an immersive listening experience.

Review: JPEGMAFIA's Veteran is a confrontational and glitchy masterpiece, both musically and politically charged. Drawing inspiration from Ol' Dirty Bastard's experimentalism, the album delves into themes of racism, gentrification, and internet culture with unapologetic fervor. Entirely self-produced, the album showcases JPEGMAFIA's adept ability to use of sound and texture, weaving together frayed elements into a cohesive and atmospheric whole. Tracks like 'Baby I'm Bleeding' and 'Panic Emoji' exemplify the album's sonic chaos, with distortion and fragmentation used percussively and melodically. JPEGMAFIA's delivery is equally dynamic, seamlessly transitioning between singing and rapping, often on the same track. His lyrical prowess shines on 'Williamsburg,' where he paints a vivid portrait of gentrification's cold and industrial reality. JPEGMAFIA's music remains firmly rooted in his unique perspective, making Veteran a breathless and essential addition to the hip-hop landscape.

Review: LP! marked the fourth studio album by esteemed Baltimore rapper JPEGMAFIA. Dropping back in October 2021 and coinciding with his 32nd birthday, the record boasts collaborations with DatPiMaa, Kimbra, and Tkay Maidza and picked up plenty of acclaim from Pitchfork, NME, and others. Lyrically, it delves into JPEG's struggles within the music industry while maintaining his own sense of authenticity. Fully self-produced, it epitomizes his artistic ethos and comes after he has amassed over 1.5 million monthly Spotify listeners and a 500K+ strong Instagram following. As such with this album, JPEGMAFIA has solidified his status as a leading figure in contemporary and experimental hip hop.

Review: KLIM is a producer who hails from Aviv and is based in Ukraine. He grew up on the classic hip-hop of New York and Detroit and it shows in his crisp boom-bap beats. There have been an eye-watering amount of them to date with over 40 albums to his name. Each one comes laden with soul and this new one, Planet SL1200, which no doubt named after the hardware he used to make it, is another doozy. The short, sketchy tracks convey great vibes and ride on compelling beat work that cannot help but encourage you to zone out and daydream.

Review: Talib Kweli and Madlib, two hip-hop heavyweights, have reunited for the highly anticipated Liberation 2, an expansive album exploring themes of revolution, love, and pan-Africanism, all set against Madlib's jazz-infused productions. Featuring collaborations with Q-Tip, Westside Gunn, and Mac Miller, the album is a global call for unity. Its thought-provoking lyrics and raw soundscapes showcase Kweli's enduring influence and Madlib's production prowess, paying homage to the genre's roots while pushing its boundaries. This album has been on many people's list as a potential hip-hop album of the year and we won't be at all surprised if that's where it ends up.

Review: Dan The Automator and Nathaniel Merriweather came together to magic and epic effect back in 2001 on this superbly named album, Music To Make Love To Your Old Lady By. It is a cult classic and much sought-after record that gets reissued here on turquoise vinyl and still sounds as fiercely original now as it did back then. The Lovage supergroup also features Mike Patton, Jennifer Charles and Kid Koala while guest contributors include an equally hefty mix of names such as Damon Albarn, Africa Bambaata and Maseo. Musically this is a seductive mix of hip hop and soul from across the ages, all with a seductive overtone.

Review: The second instalment of the Revenge trilogy is another doozy that once again reaffirms the indomitable spirit of the vengeful Gorilla at the same time as showcasing a relentless pursuit of violent justice. Against the brilliantly evocative backdrop of cinematic beats crafted by expert producer The Dirty Sample, Ol' Gorilla Bones is in top form as he spins vivid yarns of gruesome retribution against inept rappers. While revenge remains the central motif across this 16-track album, the duo's horrorcore narrative delves into unexpected realms that range from hockey references on 'Gerry Cheevers' to literary allusions on 'Honest Proposal'. It's a fine sequel full of macabre beat magic.

Review: ProleteR's Curses From Past Times is a captivating blend of instrumental hip-hop, jazz, and lo-fi beats. Originally self-released in 2011, crafting heavy-weight boom bap beats infused with sprightly chanson samples. Drawing from the tradition of sample-based hip-hop, each track is a seamless fusion of jazz and Charleston influences, complemented by intricate guitar arrangements and smooth synth layers. Curses From Past Times is a testament to ProleteR's ability to create a nostalgic yet innovative sound that resonates with both hip-hop enthusiasts and lovers of jazz-infused beats.

Review: Aussie soul boy and soothing crooner Jordan Rakei is a profile songwriter, producer and vocalist who has put out plenty of great records in recent times. They have made him a firm festival favourite over on these shores and as such he was tapped up back in 2021 to make his entry into the esteemed Late Night Tales series. As per the MO, he takes a deep dive into his record collection to soundtrack a session back at his once the sun has gone down. It's classy and sophisticated from front to back with jazz, soul, folk, deep house and plenty of his own tracks all adding up to something beautifully escapist.

Review: The reissue of Pete Rock & CL Smooth's Main Ingredient reminds hip-hop heads what a timeless masterpiece it really is. The record has a sure place in hip-hop history and has since it was originally released in 1994. The album showcases the duo's famous and unparalleled chemistry, with Pete Rock's soulful production and CL Smooth's smooth lyricism blending seamlessly on tracks that continue to resonate with listeners and very much capture the essence of 90s hip-hop while still remaining relevant today. 'Sun Won't Come Out', 'The Main Ingredient', and 'Get On The Mic' all demand to be played loud and proud

Review: Led by recent single 'Yeern 101', Blue Lips marks Schoolboy Q's sixth studio album, a crowning achievement for a rapper now entering the for-the-ages establishing era of his career. Following up 2019's Crash Talk, it's been a good five years, with Q flexxing his ability to take his time; in the run-up, the rapper commented on this decision to move slowly but surely by clarifying that he does not view releasing music as a sport. Despite this claim, Q still flaunts a lavish lifestyle here, yet still manages to spare no sense of humility, chopping and changing between flows while appearing to critique said stereotyped lifestyle from the inside. Instrumentally, it's dark and tinged in a navy-dyed smoke, taking production risks (the slow muted soul of 'Blueslides' is as tender as Q has ever sounded) and stylistic meanders across Mustardy ratchet, dusty crate-dug flips, and even jungle (!) on 'Foux'.

Review: Arriving on lovely forest green vinyl, Standing On Giant Shoulders is the superb new album from Seafood Sam, a modern marvel who defies categorisation. Hailing from North Long Beach, he embodies a fusion of contradictions that define true originality as he seamlessly blends rap, soulful vocals, and masterful production and does so with effortless flair. Picture him cruising in vintage Cadillacs, indulging in caviar with a blade tucked away and exuding timeless charm in classic Pelle Pelle attire as you listen to this record which suggests he is an enigmatic figure who channels the spirit of blaxploitation icons into the digital era, fusing 90s lyrical prowess with futuristic swagger. In an age craving authenticity, Seafood Sam emerges as a beacon of modern heroism.

Review: In 2024 urban and club are often interchangeable terms. Both are also painfully reductive, but that's a point for another time. Los Angeles-based vocalist and producer serpentwithfeet is a case in point, an artist who deftly weaves together sexy and seductive with nightlife energy, proving not only the breadth of each canon but also how much ground they can share. While this may not be unfamiliar, it's relatively new ground for the man with the mic in question, whose previous exploits have often been rooted in gospel tones, nodding to his own upbringing in a religious household. GRIP is musically revelatory in that sense, then, and impeccably crafted.

Review: fabric's prestigious presents series is back with another superb entry, this time from Shygirl whose mix marks the start of the legendary London club's 25th birthday celebrations. She is one of five artists seeing up mixes this year and includes some fine and extended versions of some of her recent club favourites as well as forthcoming music from the likes of Danny Daze & Jonny From Space, plus some well-known modern classic cuts from Eliza Rose, Florentino, Jacques Greene and Hudson Mohawke. It's a wild ride through Shygirl's unique sonic landscape that comes on bright acid yellow vinyl.

Review: Waajeed is a top tier talent - a producer, DJ, expert beat maker and label head at Dirt Tech Rack who moved away from his deep house sounds to cook up this masterful hip hop record back in 2006. It now arrives on vinyl almost 20 years later but time has not diminished its quality. It finds the Detroit native, who thrives on breaking conventional boundaries, telling the story of the kidnapping of Patricia Hearst as an emblematic American tale that he pairs with a raw beat framework that taps into the vibes of artists like J Dilla and Slum Village. It is a serious work from a serious artist.