Every week, countless albums drop across all genres of music and now with the coronavirus, we’re probably going to get more music than ever. So sit back relax and listen to some of our favorite new releases with “This Week’s Rotation,” featuring albums from Ant Clemons, ShooterGang Kony, Princess Nokia and more.
Ant Clemmons – Happy 2 Be Here
A frequent Kanye West collaborator, Ant Clemons recently released his debut album “HAPPY 2 BE HERE.” His silky, pure falsetto and crisp lyricism are enough to capture any listener’s attention. Known for his signature red beanie, the project features soulful, smooth jams, and also includes features from Ty Dolla $ign, Timbaland and Pharrell — what’s not to love?
Fav tracks: Aladdin, Best Friend, Good 4 U
ShooterGang Kony – Red Paint Reverend
Following the release of his standout single, “A Sinner’s Story,” Oak Park rapper ShooterGang Kony dropped his latest album “Red Paint Reverend” on February 26. Kony confronts reality in a unique and passionate way, his intensity is unmatched. His style is aggressive and a reflection of his inner demons. The best moments in the album arrive as Kony shares deeply personal stories. His sense of humor seeps into much of the project’s upbeat songs, contributing a light-hearted beacon amongst much of the harsh reality that surrounds “Red Paint Reverend.”
Fav tracks: A Sinner’s Story, Dearly Departed, Jungle
Princess Nokia – Everything is Beautiful/Everything Sucks
New York-based rapper Princess Nokia recently dropped two new projects, “Everything is Beautiful” and “Everything Sucks.” Nokia shares a diverse range of collective memories and experiences in the double-sided project. “Everything is Beautiful” is a light-hearted project featuring euphoric keys and happy-go-lucky production. “Everything Sucks” is the opposite; it’s bleak, gritty and cruel. The two albums juxtapose each other with a stark contrast that proves Princess Nokia is a force to be reckoned with.
Fav tracks:
Everything is Beautiful: Green, Eggs, & Ham, Sugar Honey Iced Tea (S.H.I.T)
Everything Sucks: Woes, Welcome to the Circus, Just A Kid
Lil Baby – My Turn
After a dramatic rise to fame in 2017, Lil Baby has been methodically perfecting his craft. After dropping several mixtapes in 2018, in 2019, the Atlanta native only occasionally dropped a few singles and a feature here and there. However, Lil Baby’s unique vocal style and trap production stand out on his latest project, “My Turn.” The new project features standout appearances from Gunna, Lil Uzi Vert and Lil Wayne. At 20 tracks and 60 minutes, the album is lengthy, bold and brash. Lil Baby marries his street consciousness into vivid storytelling, “My Turn” is a project you don’t want to miss.
Fav tracks: Forget That, Grace, Emotionally Scarred
Kool John & Iamsu! – The Pop Up, Vol. 1
Bay Area legends, Kool John and Iamsu! link up for a 22-minute, banger-filled project. Kool John and Su channel their Bay Area roots on “The Pop Up Vol. 1.” The project is full of hyphy, braggadocious, energetic tunes. Get ready to have the thizz face permanently stuck on your dome after playing all nine songs. HBK members Skipper, P-Lo, Jay Ant, Kuya Beats and Show Banga all contribute to the project.
Fav tracks: In This Party, No Love, When I Walk In
Seji Oda – BLUE
Oakland-native Seji Oda’s hyphy lo-fi has serenaded the local underground music scene for some time now. Oda uses soothing ambient textures and chord progressions, allowing his hollowed-out singing and witty raps to blend with ease.
Fav tracks: Blue, Tuesday!, Lately // WAIT4U