Alright, we gotta do some housekeeping in my playlists. I’m taking the opportunity this week to go back and review the projects I still have yet to fully dive into so I can focus on all of the newest drops slated for next week (there are a lot of them y’all).
I won’t waste time with a long intro, let’s get into the top ten:
Now I am not new to this project, I was excited for this to drop when it did last month but I am REMISS because I have not been featuring any of my top picks from this Marigold album! I have a lot of favorites from this one, including “Love Again” and “On & On”. Truly, you should just listen to the whole thing, but if you’re going to cherry pick, this song I feel is a must. Alex Isley sounds amazing all up and through the songs on this album, though, I promise.
Speaking of projects I’m late to featuring on my lists, Ama Lou is another one of my new favorite voices that I listen to way too much to not highlight in my top picks each week. “Trust Nobody” had me in a chokehold just like everybody else, it’s true, but I like so many vocal moments she showcases here on “Same Old Ways”.
Where are all these R&B men coming from? Am I late to the party or is there a wave of resurgence for the crooners and sensitive hopeless romantics? I am not complaining one way or another, keep it coming y’all, please. I’ve missed this genre.
Ravyn Lenae is on my “getting ready” playlist, specifically for when I’m applying the finishing touches to my makeup. She sets the mood perfectly for the moment when I place the punctuation on a look and I KNOW I look good enough to start collecting my thirst trap selfies.
Okay, this one I am late on so that’s my bad. This song is pure poetry and it’s perfectly summed up by this album artwork. I don’t live anywhere near a solemn beach but I wish I did because I’d go there in the evening in an oversized hoodie and watch the sunset while listening to this song.
We love a good interpolation! Also is it me, or is H.E.R. stepping OUT out with these features lately? I wouldn’t guess this feature is her off of a blind listen, and I’m okay with that. I like being surprised, especially when the result is a bop like this.
I didn’t believe my eyes at first when I saw Ed Sheeran and Lil Baby on the same song but at this point in time, no collaboration is truly that surprising. Ed Sheeran consistently makes good music, and Lil Baby fits right into the vibe of the song. This release has definitely been quiet as far as my circles go but that almost makes me respect it more, honestly.
This is my alternative pick for the week, gotta keep y’all on your toes! Santino has a very distinct blend of punk rock and R&B fundamentals in his music and voice, respectively, and I find it soothing. Like watching a re-imagined Twilight with an all-Black cast. Actually, that’s EXACTLY what listening to him feels like, wow. Not me being accurate.
And now that I’m in an alternative mood, this Sampha feature feels even more appropriate. The beat keeps distracting me from keying into the lyrics (in a good way) so I’m going to have to Genius lyrics this one so I can truly appreciate the message behind the song, but at this point, I’m with whatever it is, the song hits just that much.
Alright, well now the alternative train is just continuing to the next station. This Omar Apollo project, Ivory, has given me plenty to dive into this weekend. This would be a great album to get on vinyl, honestly, just for this song. “Bad Life” featuring Kali Uchis would also sound amazing on a record player. I will be keeping my eye out for an Urban Outfitters exclusive vinyl drop.
You know where to find the playlists! Give them a listen and hype me up or drag me for my picks in the comments! See y’all next week.
-T