IshDARR – Four The Better

Following up last year’s well-regarded Broken Hearts & Bankrolls album, Milwaukee rapper IshDARR has returned with a new EP. Apparently, the six-track project was recorded while IshDARR was on tour with buzzing R&B duo THEY., and the rapper bills the project as a sequel to his 2014 debut EP The Better Life. Four the Better features production from Canis Major, J Robb, Emani, and more.

 

John Mayer – The Search for Everything

After releasing two EPs in January and February (The Search for Everything: Wave One and Wave Two), singer/songwriter John Mayer compiled those tracks and more into his surprise-released seventh album, The Search for Everything. Mayer’s new album features collaborations with both James Fauntleroy (playing keys on “Still Feel Like Your Man”) and Sheryl Crow (on “In the Blood”).

 

Kendrick Lamar – DAMN.

I hope you have your shit together, because Kung Fu Kenny just came through with his fourth studio album. Following up last year’s untitled unmastered., Kendrick’s changed up his sound and aesthetic for one of his most impressive projects to date. It’s an absolute monstrosity of an album, blending styles and genres and delving deeper into the artist’s psyche than ever before. It’s the type of album to spend the next couple years sitting down and analyzing, but also an album that features some of Kenny’s hardest bangers ever (“Humble”, “DNA”). DAMN. is a confrontation with legacy and morality in the face of a vengeful God, told only in the way Kendrick can. Catch Rihanna, U2, and Zacari as the sole features (Zacari is no stranger to TDE at this point, appearing on Ab-Soul’s “RAW (Backwards)” and Isaiah Rashad’s “Wat’s Wrong”). Alongside usual names like Sounwave and DJ Dahi, Kendrick grabbed Alchemist, Steve Lacy, 9th Wonder, BADBADNOTGOOD, Mike WiLL Made-It, James Blake, Cardo, and more for production.

Little Dragon – Season High

Swedish electronic band Little Dragon follows up their critically acclaimed and Grammy-nominated Nabuma Rubberband with their long-awaited fifth album, Season High. Despite taking a three year break, Little Dragon have been busy, collaborating with Mac Miller, Denzel Curry, Kaytranada, De La Soul, and Flume in recent years.

 

 

Playboi Carti – Playboi Carti

Playboi Carti won himself the nickname of the “Jay Electronica of Mumble Rap” due to his ability to grow a massive fanbase without ever dropping a project (last year’s In Abundance was a fan-made compilation). He’s broken the Jay Elec curse, however, and finally released a self-titled project, with features from Lil Uzi Vert, Leven Kali, and A$AP Rocky (fitting, since he’s recently been announced as a new member of A$AP Mob). While those outside his fanbase will continue to wonder exactly what it is about Carti that people adore, he certainly managed to create a particular vibe with his first record. It’s some of the best work he’s put out to date.

Rich Homie Quan – Back to the Basics

Rich Homie Quan has been accused of breaking his word: with his last few mixtapes being his most underwhelming music to date, he may have finally stopped going in. After disappearing on a jet ski late last year, however, Quan has apparently returned with a new project, and if the title is any indication, he might be returning to his earlier sound.

 

 

Talib Kweli & Styles P – The Seven

Two of New York’s most revered MCs, Talib Kweli (Blackstar, Reflection Eternal) and Styles P (The LOX), have teamed up for an exciting new collaborative project. Their seven-track EP, appropriately titled The Seven, features appearances from Jadakiss, Common, Rapsody, Sheek Louch, and more.

 

 

Tinie Tempah – Youth

UK rapper Tinie Tempah has been in the game for twelve years now, and just recently he reached a massive milestone: “Not Letting Go”, the first single from his new album Youth, gave him his sixth number one on the UK charts, surpassing Dizzee Rascal as the highest for any rap artist. Youth features a variety of interesting feature choices, including Zara Larsson, Tinashe, Kid Ink, Wizkid, Bugzy Malone, Jake Bugg, and David A. Stewart (of the Eurythmics).

Various Artists – The Fate of the Furious OST

The Fast & the Furious soundtracks are pretty well known at this point for generic, poppy, trap rap; the musical equivalent of the Fast & Furious movies. The eighth movie int the franchise is no exception, but like always, they keep things fun. The list of artists in this soundtrack is the biggest draw: Young Thug, 2 Chainz, Post Malone, Kehlani, Pitbull, Migos, Kevin Gates, Lil Yachty, Travis Scott, Wiz Khalifa, Ty Dolla $ign, Jeremih, PnB Rock, Lil Uzi Vert, and more.

Also released:

Da Villins & Skizz, Cashmere Dice: Check this one out for the posthumous Sean Price feature (RIP Sean Price).
Die Antwoord, Made By God: The South African dance-rap crew released an instrumental album, featuring beats from Ten$ion, Donker Mag, and Mount Ninji and the Nice Time Kid.
GetItIndy, Hot Coffee: The Bay Area singer/rapper drops off her debut mixtape, featuring Nef the Pharaoh, Mimi Green, D’Marcus Bleu, and DLO.
Kap G, Super Jefe: The latest project from Kap G features Pharrell and Dae Dae.
Lil Baby, Perfect Timing: While fielding offers from Gucci and Thug, Lil Baby drops off his debut tape, featuring Lil Yachty, Young Thug, Gunna, and Duke.
Lou Phelps, 001: Experiments: Kaytranda’s brother’s first project, with features from Bishop Nehru, Innanet James, and CJ Flemings.