15 must-listen new albums: Doechii, Rza, Big Sean, kehlani & more

As we bid farewell to August, the music world graces us with an impressive array of new releases. This week’s lineup features offerings from established icons and rising stars alike. Hip-hop heavyweights Big Sean and RZA, R&B innovators Kehlani and Muni Long, and genre-bending artists like Doechii and Pink Siifu have all dropped new projects. We’re also seeing exciting releases from diverse acts such as Coco & Clair Clair, Tank & the Bangas, John Legend, Fireboy DML, Syleena Johnson, Robert Glasper, Snakehips & EARTHGANG, Joya Mooi, and Carlitta Durand. This week’s releases span an impressive range of genres and styles, from hip-hop and R&B to children’s music and even classical compositions. Here are our picks for the must-listen new albums of the week

Doechii – “Alligator Bites Never Heal”

Tampa’s rising star Doechii drops her highly anticipated mixtape, marking her first full-length project under Top Dawg Entertainment. This 19-track offering showcases Doechii’s versatility, blending aggressive openers with lush R&B cuts. From the menacing “STANKA POOH” to the soulful “WAIT,” Doechii explores themes of self-expression, fame, and personal struggles.

Coco & Clair Clair – “Girl”

Atlanta-based duo Coco & Clair Clair return with “Girl,” a follow-up to their 2022 release “Sexy.” Drawing inspiration from artists like Saint Etienne and Madonna, the album blends synthpop, hip-hop, and alternative sounds. With its exploration of vulnerability and romance, “Girl” represents a significant step in the duo’s artistic evolution.

Tank & the Bangas – “The Heart, The Mind, The Soul”

New Orleans-based group Tank and the Bangas present an ambitious three-part spoken word collection. Produced by James Poyser, Iman Omari, and Robert Glasper, each part explores different aspects of human experience. The project showcases the band’s eclectic blend of funk, soul, hip-hop, and spoken word.

John Legend – “My Favorite Dream”

Grammy-winning artist John Legend ventures into children’s music with “My Favorite Dream.” Produced entirely by indie-folk artist Sufjan Stevens, this album features nine original songs and three reimagined Fisher-Price tunes. Legend approaches this project with the same high standards as his regular work, aiming to create timeless children’s music.

RZA, Colorado Symphony & Christopher Dragon – “A Ballet Through Mud”

Wu-Tang Clan’s RZA boldly moves into classical music with “A Ballet Through Mud.” Composed and scored by RZA and performed by the Colorado Symphony Orchestra, this album follows RZA’s journey from Staten Island to stardom. It’s a unique blend of hip-hop sensibilities and classical orchestration.

Kehlani – “While We Wait 2”

R&B powerhouse Kehlani returns to their roots with “While We Wait 2,” a sequel to their beloved 2019 mixtape. Embracing influences from the early ’90s and 2000s, this album delivers smooth production that complements Kehlani’s signature vocals. Standout tracks like “Love Like” and “When He’s Not There” (featuring Lucky Daye) showcase Kehlani’s lyrical depth.

Big Sean – “Better Me Than You”

Detroit’s own Big Sean triumphantly returns with “Better Me Than You,” his first full-length project since 2020. This 21-track album showcases Sean’s growth and maturity, blending introspective lyrics with West Coast funk influences. Featuring collaborations with Charlie Wilson, Gunna, and DJ Premier, the album explores personal growth and self-awareness themes. Check out his Tiny Desk Concert.

Fireboy DML – “Adedamola”

Nigerian sensation Fireboy DML releases his deeply personal fourth album, “Adedamola.” Named after the artist’s first name, this project showcases Fireboy’s unique blend of Afrobeats, R&B, and pop. With collaborations featuring Seun Kuti, Lojay, and Jon Baptiste, “Adedamola” promises to cement Fireboy DML’s status as a global superstar.

Syleena Johnson – “Legacy”

R&B veteran Syleena Johnson presents “Legacy,” a deeply personal project featuring collaborations with her father. Led by the revelatory track “Monsters in the Closet,” this album marks the end of Johnson’s solo recording career and is a fitting tribute to her family’s musical heritage.

Robert Glasper – “Code Derivation” (Apple Music Exclusive)

Five-time Grammy winner Robert Glasper releases “Code Derivation,” an Apple Music exclusive showcasing his unique blend of jazz and hip-hop. Each track is presented in two versions: one performed live by Glasper’s band and another “flipped” by a chosen producer, illustrating the deep connection between jazz and hip-hop.

Muni Long – “ReVenge”

Grammy-winning artist Muni Long dropped her sophomore album “Revenge,” described as “one big diary entry.” With production from industry heavyweights like Tricky Stewart and Tommy Brown and a feature from rapper GloRilla, “Revenge” promises to deliver emotionally charged, high-quality R&B.

Pink Siifu – “Got Food at the Crib, Vol. 4”

Experimental hip-hop artist Pink Siifu continues his innovative “Got Food at the Crib” series with Volume 4. Known for his unconventional release strategies and lo-fi aesthetics, this Bandcamp exclusive likely features a continuous stream of music that blends underground hip-hop with experimental production.

Snakehips & EARTHGANG – “SNAKEGANG Vol 1 (Deluxe)”

Electronic duo Snakehips and hip-hop group EARTHGANG release the deluxe version of their collaborative EP. This expanded edition includes a new track, “Don’t Rush,” which showcases the seamless blend of Snakehips’ production skills and EARTHGANG’s hip-hop artistry.

Joya Mooi – “Open Hearts”

South African-Dutch singer-songwriter Joya Mooi shares her vibrant new EP ‘Open Hearts.’ This six-track project explores themes of identity and historical depth, fusing Mooi’s signature style with bright new elements of pop and indie.

Carlitta Durand – “Make Me Stay”

North Carolina-born and Minnesota-raised songbird Carlitta Durand released her latest 6-song EP, “Make Me Stay,” collaborating with DMV-based production team Anikan & Vader. With collaborations with Little Brother, 9th Wonder, and The Foreign Exchange, Durand brings her soulful, passionate vocals to this new project. “Make Me Stay” showcases Durand’s addictive sound, igniting raw emotion from her life experiences.