A Seat at the Table came out of left field and surprised as one of the most complete artistic projects to come out this year. The neo-soul production was absolutely spectacular and her honest, raw, social commentary make this a must listen. Her sister waded in the shallow end of black consciousness and cultural embrace, Solange dove in the deep end head first.
Introverted Intuition is an interesting introduction to TDE's mysterious signee. It has some bright moments that show what he's capable of, but far too often gets bogged down in unnecessary abstractness.
Darkness and Light is his most ambitious album in years, flirting with the deeper, darker side of himself but never fully committing to going 'there.' Resulting in yet another great sounding but safe album that doesn't resonate for all that long.
After an already strong go around with Her EP, SiR follows it up with the even stronger Her Too. Smooth, sultry, neo-soul R&B with some great live instrumentation and great vocals. He's quickly becoming one of my favorites on TDE.
This is the third solo offering from The Internet, and while it's the shortest of the trio it might show the most potential. At only 18 years of age, Steve Lacy shows a command and understanding of funk and soul well beyond his years. He is as equally strong in front of the boards as he is behind them; giving us glimpses of what might be the next big thing.
American Teen is an interesting first effort from the up and comer. It has a really unique retro feel to it that sets it apart from his peers, but at times it can come off as too forced. If hipster had a sound, this might be it. But I can see why so many are excited about his potential. He's like a lesser, male American Lorde.
I was always skeptical about SZA's true musical talent and appeal. None of her previous work ever connected with me and I found her rather lethargic. However, after CTRL's fantastic production and the raw honesty in the songs, I'm a skeptic no more. There's something to all the hype.
Trip felt like Jhené Aiko's most fully realized project yet and a major improvement over her major debut. It was just nowhere near as psychedelic as it was implied or as I hoped for, and ended up being a pretty straightforward ride.
Majid Jordan's latest is accentuated by some incredible synth work and a retro futuristic feel that does enough to create an infectious, almost dream like project with some serious grooves. It's good, clean, feel good music.
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.
From a child prodigy, to rock producer, to leader of the first truly integrated rock/soul/funk band, and author of some of the best modern music and two of the best rock/soul/funk albums around, Sly Stone's life and musical story is a sadly unfinished one full of 'what-ifs.'
At 30 years old, Anderson East is just getting started and without question will be one to watch in the coming years. East is currently on tour with his full band and Jade Bird with summer dates throughout the Midwest. Regardless of the type of music you think you like, East’s energy has something for everyone and is a performer you can’t afford to miss. Check out our full gallery of shots from the night.
Yes Lawd! is pure instrumental bliss! The way Knxwledge layers old funk/soul samples over sharp percussions and smooth chords would make J Dilla proud. While Anderson .Paak's smooth, raspy vocals leave you with no choice but to get lost in the groove. Phenomenal.
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.
Fin serves almost as a proof of concept for the rising singer, and the way she can effortlessly glide from one style to the next with her signature humble bravado, proves that she's capable of almost anything. She took some already fantastic production and elevated it to the next level; that's the mark of a star, and the sky's the limit for her after this one.
The Drum Chord Theory is the second solo offering to come from the members of The Internet and it's their second really strong offering that shows off everything they're capable of as individuals. Matt Martians is a phenomenal rising producer who's crafted some great experimental grooves that dabble in funk, R&B, and neo-soul. There are some definite hints of early Pharrell and Star Trak.
Drunk is easily one of the most unique listens I've had in quite some time. It's crazy brew of free flowing instrumentation, crazy synths, funky bass lines, and random noises give you a peek into the wild mind of Thundercat.
Tuxedo is a more than admirable throwback to the disco/funk golden era of yesteryear without feeling like a cheap imitation. Their second go around improves on their formula in every way possible and begs for you to just throw it on and groove out the whole way through.
JMSN has been one of the most consistent artists out there. Constantly giving us solid project after solid project. Whatever Makes U Happy won't change your opinion about him but it's yet another solid project that really captures the essence of that 90's era neo-soul he loves so much.
Old school turns SOUL-school with a gospel groove. This is the style BJ Wilbanks is bringing back, and it’s in line with that of the genre’s greats.
SiR's debut is a refreshing listen and change of pace from what's out there today, as it's rooted in more traditional R&B tropes of true love and relationships, and while I don't think it'll set the world on fire, it's a very strong starting point for even greater things in the future. TDE has yet to miss on an artist.
Despite the clear similarities to Amy Winehouse, Kali Uchis' music stands on it's own and it's a brilliant exploration of blues, funk, soul, R&B, and latin sounds, which she maneuvers through with impressive ease. Isolation is a breathtaking debut and a statement piece that shows she might just be music's next big thing.
Janelle Monáe is at her most authentic self here, but while much of it is about self expression and living your truth, it's still very timely and aware of the larger things happening in our society (protest music you can party to). An album all her own sound that can only be described as 'futuristic funk' - it's sonics are lush, it's synths are bright, and it's bounce is irresistible.
It's almost impossible not to get caught up in the nostalgic bliss of Leon Bridges' "Good Thing" but there's enough modernity present to keep me coming back for more than just the family cookout.