Our thoughts, opinions, and live reaction to the latest album from 6LACK, 'Since I Have A Lover.'
A.CHAL showed great growth on this project as he expanded his musical reach and really tapped into the latin aspect of his music - leading to some legit dance hits. He's poised to be next up.
Here is Alicia Keys' homage to classic hip-hop and the essence of New York. It's still her tried and true sound of a girl and her piano, but with a lot more grit and edge. Her vocals are as strong as ever as she continues this trend of black consciousness and culture. She's the definition of consistent greatness.
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'Divine’ presents Amanie Illfated as an artist whom we will certainly hear more from in the future.
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Overall, Platinum Fire is just a really smooth, vibe heavy listen throughout and although it doesn't stray too far from typical R&B tropes, it's a really impressive debut that warrants people's attention and has made Arin Ray a name I'll be looking out for in the future.
Benhamin Navy has just released "Permission", a track that has the pulse of a Dominican heartthrob and the memories of NYC Salsa.
Bill Withers was a classic embodiment of a true, unadulterated musical genius, not just because of timeless hits, but also because they came from a man with a stutter and no musical education whatsoever.
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Bryson Tiller's follow-up to his massive first project feels like a quarter step forward than a major leap ahead. That's not a bad thing as he still sounds great, just expect more of a remaster of something already stellar instead of something wholly new and exciting.
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On 'We're All Going Down," Cass Clayton and her band deliver a potent blues/southern soul combination for modern times.
Awaken, My Love! is an interesting experiment that has some noteworthy moments but is ultimately held back by it's too faithful adherence to it's 70's funk influences. Sorely missing the levity, personality, and subject matter Gambino has become known for.
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Whatever your opinion about Chris Brown and his music won't be swayed in either direction by Heartbreak on a Full Moon; at this point in his career he's a master at his craft and rarely makes a musical (keyword 'musical') misstep. This however, would have definitely been a case where less is more. I only made it about a quarter of the way through this monstrosity before my interest and attention began to wane.
Check out our sit down with guitarist extraordinaire Justus West, where we talk about his new single "Come Together", playing with Mac Miller, John Mayer calling him one of his Top 5 guitarists, being on Tiny Desk a record number of times, and much more.
Despite some cliche and well worn elements, 6LACK still delivers an enjoyable listen that shows he's capable of carving out his own lane in the crowded space of alternative R&B.
We got chance to catch French-Caribbean soul singer Adi Oasis at the DC9 in Washington D.C. and it was as soulful, funky, sexy, and fierce as any act you'll see this year. Be sure to catch her on tour.
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Allan Kingdom's major debut may not be particularly groundbreaking but it is still a very strong first offering that manages to push the envelope of what is modern hip-hop that much more. With shades of Cudi, he's got a bright future ahead of him.
Ariana Grande's follow up to her well received 'Sweetener' is a pop banger that takes a scorched earth approach that delivers a simultaneously personal, yet impersonal ride that's brimming with self-determined energy.
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With ‘Are You There, Boy?’ Beharie has come up with one of the best debut albums of 2023.
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Sonically 'Everything Is Love' is as good as you'd expect from Beyoncé & Jay-Z but I don't think there's anything here that's mind-blowing or different than what we've heard from them before (mostly like throwaways from the 'Lemonade' and '4:44' sessions). 'Everything Is Love' doesn't push either one of them artistically but it answers a lot of questions and lives up to their high musical standards.
It was passionate, powerful, soulful and vulnerable all at the same time. There were elements of funk and experimental R&B, accentuated by her extraordinary vocal range, and the message of the music was heartfelt and sincere.
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Funk Wav Bounces Vol. 1 is a short, slight detour from what Calvin Harris is normally known for. It's generally enjoyable but doesn't leave much of a lasting impression or take many risks. Here's to hoping for more from Vol. 2.
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Cautious Clay's 'Karpeh' is an intricate genre-crossing album that will end up on many best-of-the-year lists.
Our thoughts, opinions, and live reaction to the latest album from Chlöe, 'In Pieces.'
Check out our sit down with French Caribbean, Brooklyn based soul-funk-r&b artist Adi Oasis. We talked about her new album 'Lotus Glow,' her journey in music, blowing up during the pandemic, Serena Williams, and much more.
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On their new album, 'Heartbreakers Space Club', Brooklyn's Dakota Jones turn some classic soul/R&B sounds into something quite modern.
