5 must-listen new albums: Smino, Shabaka, Elmiene and more

HYFIN presents five essential releases this week that showcase the breadth of contemporary music. Smino delivers a polished hip-hop album, Shabaka explores jazz fusion landscapes, Apollo Brown & CRIMEAPPLE unite for a classic hip-hop offering, Elmiene addresses global concerns through soul music, and Brian Nasty crafts a personal narrative through rap and film.

Smino – Maybe in Nirvana

St. Louis’s sonic architect returns with a concise yet potent 10-track journey that perfectly captures his artistic evolution. Following 2022’s “Luv 4 Rent,” this new offering showcases Smino’s masterful blend of neo-soul harmonies and innovative hip-hop production. Collaborations with Thundercat, Ravyn Lenae, and Houston legend Bun B add depth to the project’s soulful landscape, while the production evokes late 90s Timbaland aesthetics with a contemporary twist.

Shabaka – Possession EP

The renowned multi-instrumentalist’s latest EP extends the spiritual jazz conversation into new territories, featuring an impressive roster of collaborators, including Billy Woods, Elucid, and Esperanza Spalding. Following his acclaimed 2024 album, this digital-only release demonstrates Shabaka’s ability to bridge the gap between avant-garde jazz and experimental hip-hop, particularly evident in the mesmerizing lead single “Timepieces” featuring Billy Woods.

Apollo Brown & CRIMEAPPLE – THIS, IS NOT THAT

This collaboration pairs Detroit’s production veteran Apollo Brown with CRIMEAPPLE’s intricate wordplay for a compelling 13-track narrative. Coming during CRIMEAPPLE’s incredibly productive year (with approximately 70 tracks released), the album features carefully curated guest appearances from Willie The Kid and Sonnyjim. The project showcases Apollo Brown’s signature soul-sampling prowess while providing the perfect canvas for CRIMEAPPLE’s vivid storytelling.

Elmiene – Elmiene For The Deported EP

The British-Sudanese soul singer’s latest EP is a powerful cultural statement, addressing global displacement crises through six emotionally charged tracks. Fresh off a BRIT Rising Star nomination, the 23-year-old artist weaves his Sudanese heritage with contemporary soul sensibilities, creating a timely commentary on humanitarian issues affecting Sudan, Palestine, and Lebanon. His remarkable vocal abilities and poetic approach make this project particularly significant in today’s sociopolitical landscape.

Brian Nasty – Anywhere, But Here With You

The London-based polymath’s ambitious two-part mixtape showcases his versatility as both rapper and producer. The project documents a transformative three-year period in Brian’s life, featuring collaborations with Felix of Paris Texas, Wiki, and production from Ezra Collective’s Joe Armon-Jones. Accompanied by a series of global short films shot on 16mm, this release demonstrates Brian’s commitment to artistic authenticity across multiple mediums, blending personal narrative with visual storytelling.