A.CHAL – On Gaz

A.CHAL’s “To The Light” was a huge hit, catapulting the Peruvian-born R&B singer into mainstream attention. Following up last year’s Welcome to GAZI album, On Gaz features some of A.CHAL’s best work to date, expanding on his signature hip-hop-informed R&B sound that’s finding him compared to the likes of Stwo, Amir Obe, and PND. On Gaz finds the singer linking up with A$AP Nast, Gazi Ghost, and French Montana for a remix of his hit “Round Whippin'”.

Adamn Killa – I Am Adamn

Coming off a tour with Yung Lean, Adamn Killa has finally dropped his debut studio album. After releasing a couple of intriguing mixtapes last year (Mr. 650 and, most notably, Back 2 Ballin: The Mixtape), I Am Adamn finds Killa expanding on his new-school sound with some of his best work yet. The album is featureless, with production from Ryan Hemsworth, Shlomo, and more.

 

Alt-J – Relaxer

After a three year break, Alt-J finally return with a new album. Their debut, An Awesome Wave, is one of my favourite albums of all time, and they followed it up incredibly strongly in 2014 with This Is All Yours. Three years later, the Leeds-based alt-rock trio has returned with Relaxer, an eight-track album that finds them expanding on their signature sound without diverting from what made them one of the UK’s most beloved rock groups. Catch Wolf Alice’s Ellie Roswell on the album’s first single, “3WW”.

Figg Panamera – Cali Boy Down South

Formerly known as JT the Bigga Figga, 45-year-old Figg Panamera has been a big figure in the underground rap scene for nearly three decades now. His latest release, Cali Boy Down South, features Kevin Gates, 21 Savage, and Killa Twan.

 

 

ItsTheReal – Teddy Bear Fresh

Brother Jeff and Eric Rosenthal have been running a successful podcast/interview show for a while now, getting some real gems out of the artists they talk to, but unfortunately their rap career leaves something to be desired. Their comedy-rap punchlines are flat and uninteresting, their delivery is boring; in short, they fail to live up to actually successful comedic rappers like Das Racist or even Lil Dicky. Somehow, however, they got some incredible features: Michael Christmas, Jazz Cartier, Bun B, Curren$y, and Smoke DZA are all too good for this album.

Jay Prince – Late Summers

Jay Prince’s Smile Good was one of last year’s best EPs, an eight-track project that found Prince really learning what to do with his sound: his first two projects, Beautiful Mercy and BeFour Our Time suffered because he seemed to be unsure what type of music he was trying to make. Late Summers finds the UK rapper teaming up with Aminé, Shakka, Avelino, and more for an album as summer-suited as its name suggests.

Kool G Rap – Return of the Don

Didn’t see this coming, but Kool G Rap, a revered veteran in the rap game, has returned with his first solo album in six years. Teaming up with producer MoSS, the Queens rapper delivered an eleven-track project with a ton of local features. Raekwon, Termanology, Saigon, KXNG Crooked, Sheek Louch, Conway, Westside Gunn, and more appear on the 48-year-old’s eighth album.

 

Mozzy & Gunplay – Dreadlocks & Headshots

I’ve been hoping we’d hear from Gunplay soon; his most recent release, a sequel to his breakout hit “Bible on the Dash”, had me fiending for more from MMG’s secret weapon. Teaming up Sacramento rapper Mozzy, the unexpected duo got together for a whole album titled Dreadlocks & Headshots (with a sole feature from someone named E Mozzy). Apparently, Gunplay is also set to release a solo album next week. Get hyped.

 

PARTYNEXTDOOR – Colours 2

PNDCOLOURS is one of the OVO crooner’s most beloved projects, and he’s been teasing the followup for years now. Last night, with no warning, PARTYNEXTDOOR finally released the four-track EP. He balances party-ready tracks with his typical hazy, drugged-out R&B soundscapes for an absolutely solid project.

 

Tara Terra – Where’s Your Light?

Emily Blue is one of Chicago’s hidden talents, an up-and-coming singer and activist who uses her music to spread messages about feminist issues. She’s got her hand in a ton of different side projects, most notably indie rock group Tara Terra. Following up 2015’s Daughter, Tara Terra have returned with Where’s Your Light?, self-described as “infectious indie rock”, that shows yet another side to Chicago’s remarkable music scene.

Yo Gotti – Gotti Made-It

Remember when Yo Gotti shot at Young Dolph a hundred times, and not one of them connected? Gotti’s career probably should’ve ended right there, but if there’s any way to scrape together a comeback, it’s by teaming up with one of rap’s biggest current producers. Mike WiLL Made-It is clearly the star of this project, with his variation of sounds playing out under Gotti’s monotone, uneffected flow. Nicki’s verse is also one of her worst in a while, and that’s saying something.