This week HYFIN brings you seven must-listen albums spanning experimental electronic, hip-hop, alternative, and global fusion. From FKA Twigs’ transcendent electronic journeys to Benjamin Booker’s genre-defying transformation, Jordan Adetunji’s meteoric rise, Jeshi’s explosive sophomore effort, Boldy James’ trap-influenced pivot, Khadija Al Hanafi’s electronic innovations, and the cross-cultural collaboration between Ale Hop & Titi Bakorta, each release pushes boundaries while maintaining authentic artistic vision.
FKA Twigs – Eusexua
The avant-garde pop artist returns with her third studio album, marking her first full-length release since 2019’s “Magdalene.” Influenced by Prague’s underground techno scene, “Eusexua” represents a spiritual journey into presence and disconnection from technology. The 11-track project, featuring an unexpected collaboration with North West and production from longtime collaborator Koreless, showcases Twigs’ evolution while maintaining her experimental essence. Born from the ashes of leaked demos, this album demonstrates her resilience and innovative spirit.
Jeshi – Airbag Woke Me Up
East London’s Jeshi makes a dramatic sonic shift on his sophomore album, moving away from the social commentary of “Universal Credit” toward a more explosive, dynamic sound. Drawing inspiration from The Prodigy and Nine Inch Nails, this release maintains its distinctly English identity while pushing into new territories. The album, featuring collaborator LEILAH, captures the artist’s quest to feel alive and his determination to avoid creative stagnation.
Benjamin Booker – Lower
After years of silence, Benjamin Booker emerges with a stunning reinvention on “Lower.” Working with underground hip-hop producer Kenny Segal, Booker traverses dream pop, noise pop, and experimental hip-hop territories. This 11-track journey, born from extensive experimentation between Los Angeles and Perth, represents a fearless departure from his garage rock roots while maintaining his emotional depth.
Khadija Al Hanafi – !OK!
The Tunisian producer’s latest seven-track offering builds upon her reputation for genre-blending experimentation. “!OK!” showcases Al-Hanafi’s evolution from her “Slime Patrol” series, combining ethereal soundscapes with aggressive energy. Her unique production style continues to merge footwork, jersey club, and jungle elements, creating intimate yet unpredictable sonic landscapes.
Boldy James – Permanent Ink
Detroit’s storyteller takes an unexpected turn with “Permanent Ink,” experimenting with mainstream trap production and shorter song structures. The 13-track project, produced by Roger Goodman, showcases James’s versatility through bright tones and hollow drum patterns. While different from his previous work with The Alchemist, the album maintains his distinctive deep voice and precise lyricism.
Ale Hop & Titi Bakorta – Mapambazuko
This remarkable collaboration between Peruvian artist Ale Hop and Congolese guitarist Titi Bakorta creates a mesmerizing fusion of psychedelic Afro-Latin rhythms and soukous guitar work. Recorded in Kampala, the album weaves Bakorta’s intricate guitar patterns with Hop’s experimental sound design and powerful percussion, creating a unique cross-cultural dialogue.
Jordan Adetunji – A Jaguar’s Dream
The Northern Irish rapper’s new mixtape showcases his versatility across Hip-Hop, R&B, Alternative, Afrobeats, and Hyperpop. Fresh off his GRAMMY nomination, Adetunji collaborates with producers Take A Daytrip and Chase & Status to create an immersive 24-minute journey. The project reflects his meteoric rise while exploring themes of love and heartbreak through a genre-defying lens.