HYFIN’s 9 must-listen new albums: Che Noir, BADBADNOTGOOD, Elmiene and more

This week’s must-listen new albums offer something for everyone: Megan Thee Stallion returns with a star-studded deluxe edition featuring unexpected collaborations across genres; British-Sudanese artist Elmiene delivers soul-stirring R&B on “Anyway I Can”; bassist Anna Butterss crafts a genre-bending journey through afrobeat and jazz on “Mighty Vertebrate”; Irish rapper Rejjie Snow explores global sounds on his Brazil-influenced “PEACE 2 DA WORLD”; Buffalo’s Che Noir showcases her dual talents as rapper-producer on “The Lotus Child”; Bay Area veteran Lyrics Born bids farewell with his funk-infused “Goodbye, Sticky Rice.”

The Cromagnon Band reimagines break-beat culture through live instrumentation on “Mode”; UK supergroup Flock pushes experimental jazz boundaries on their sophomore effort; and BADBADNOTGOOD returns to their roots while pushing forward with their three-part “Mid Spiral” collection.

Megan Thee Stallion – MEGAN: ACT II

Hot Girl Meg marks a new chapter in her career with this independently released deluxe edition, her first project since establishing Hot Girl Productions. The 13-track album showcases her versatility through unexpected collaborations, including a rock-influenced track with Spiritbox and a K-pop crossover with TWICE. The project demonstrates Megan’s growing artistic freedom, featuring creative sampling choices and confidence in asserting her independence.

Elmiene – Anyway I Can

The British-Sudanese singer continues his meteoric rise with his third EP, following his breakthrough moment at Virgil Abloh’s final Louis Vuitton show. The project seamlessly blends contemporary R&B with organic instrumentation, showcasing Elmiene’s remarkable vocal range from gentle soul to powerful falsetto. His D’Angelo-influenced style shines particularly bright on tracks like “Anyways,” which masterfully builds from minimal arrangements to emotional crescendos.

Anna Butterss – Mighty Vertebrate

The Adelaide-born bassist delivers a genre-defying masterpiece on International Anthem Records. Co-produced with Ben Lumsdaine and featuring collaborators like Jeff Parker, the album emerged from focused compositional exercises that blend vintage afrobeat, Malian desert guitar, and lo-fi hip-hop. The standout track “Dance Steve” exemplifies Butterss’ innovative approach, while “Ella” channels atmospheric qualities reminiscent of Angelo Badalamenti.

Rejjie Snow – PEACE 2 DA WORLD

The Irish rapper’s third album, produced entirely by Rahki, marks a mature evolution in his artistry. Influenced by fatherhood and time spent in Brazil, the 13-track project features Kaytranada-produced singles “Keep Up” and “All Night.” Snow’s global perspective shines through in tracks like “Tokyo Drift” and “Rio de Janeiro,” creating a worldly sonic palette that reflects his personal growth.

Che Noir – The Lotus Child

Buffalo’s finest continues cementing her hip-hop position with this powerful new release. The project showcases Noir’s dual talents as both producer and lyricist, featuring impressive collaborations with Rapsody and 38 Spesh. Her exceptional storytelling abilities and social commentary shine through, building on the foundation of previous acclaimed works.

Lyrics Born – Goodbye, Sticky Rice

The legendary Bay Area rapper’s final album serves as a fitting capstone to a three-decade career. Produced by Teak Da Beatsmith, the 10-track project embraces ’80s R&B and funk influences, featuring the Jazz Mafia horn section and vocalist Joyo Velarde. It’s a celebration of Lyrics Born’s independent spirit and pioneering role as an Asian-American hip-hop artist.

The Cromagnon Band – Mode

This trio’s second album offers a fascinating approach to instrumental music. Through live studio jams, the trio reverse-engineers beloved breaks into new compositions. The result is a cinematic and psychedelic dark funk album that draws from Nordic psych/jazz, classical music, and boom-bap hip-hop, creating space for listeners to craft their narratives within the soundscape.

Flock – Flock II

This UK supergroup’s sophomore effort, recorded in the Welsh countryside, pushes the boundaries of experimental jazz. The collective, featuring Bex Burch, Sarathy Korwar, and Danalogue, used unique compositional devices like revolving lamps and mobile apps to create their ethereal soundscape. The album is a testament to the collaborative spirit’s power in contemporary British jazz.

BADBADNOTGOOD – Mid Spiral

In this comprehensive collection, the Canadian trio returns to its instrumental jazz roots while expanding its sonic palette. The project was originally released as three digital suites—Chaos, Order, and Growth—and features collaborations with Toronto jazz scene stalwarts and LA musicians. The result is a mature evolution of their signature style, incorporating everything from jazz-funk to psychedelic elements, all captured with pristine 70s-inspired production quality.