4 must-listen new album from Apollo Brown, Summer Pearl and more

This week brings a diverse slate of new releases spanning multiple genres. Detroit’s boom bap maestro Apollo Brown delivers introspective instrumentals on his label debut, while London’s Summer Pearl continues her meteoric rise with a soulful jazz-infused EP. Electronic innovator TOKiMONSTA returns with an emotionally charged album featuring impressive collaborations, and French producer Kuna Maze evolves his sound with a live band-focused sophomore effort. Let’s dive into these four must-listen projects.

Apollo Brown – Elevator Music

Detroit producer Apollo Brown makes his debut on his own Escapism Recordings with “Elevator Music,” a deeply introspective collection that showcases his signature boom bap production style. The veteran beatmaker, who has previously collaborated with hip-hop luminaries like Ghostface Killah and O.C., creates a sonic landscape that balances simplicity with emotional depth. Standout tracks like “At Peace” and “Upward Bound” evoke a nostalgic atmosphere perfect for reflection, celebrating the beauty in everyday moments. With this release, Brown continues to honor hip-hop’s golden era while pushing the boundaries of instrumental production.

Summer Pearl – The Interlude

Rising London jazz artist Summer Pearl follows her acclaimed 2023 mixtape “outmysystem” with a captivating seven-track EP released via Kitto Records. “The Interlude” showcases Pearl’s genre-fluid approach, blending jazz, neo-soul, and UK-leaning R&B with her warm, free-flowing lyricism. Her conscious celebration of Black and female liberation shines through tracks like “The Creator,” which demonstrates her sharp penmanship in a style reminiscent of Bahamadia. The EP’s focus track “The Rebound” features Afronaut Zu of Rudimental and Steam Down fame, embracing themes of joy and freedom. With co-signs from artists like Omar and Paul Weller, Pearl continues to establish herself as one of the UK’s most exciting new voices.

TOKiMONSTA – Eternal Reverie

Grammy-nominated producer TOKiMONSTA returns with “Eternal Reverie,” a deeply personal album released on her own Young Art Records. This emotionally charged project holds special significance as it was postponed last fall when she stepped away to care for her best friend before her passing, ultimately transforming the album into a tribute to her memory. The 14-track collection features an impressive roster of collaborators, including a reunion with Anderson .Paak on the soulful “On Sum” with Rae Khalil, marking a decade since their first collaboration. Other standouts include the samba-inspired dance floor anthem “Corazon / Death By Disco Pt. 2” and “Feel It” featuring grouptherapy. The project showcases TOKiMONSTA’s signature ethereal soundscapes while pushing boundaries across electronic, house, and hip-hop genres.

Kuna Maze – Layers

French-born, Brussels-based producer Kuna Maze evolves his sound with his sophomore album “Layers,” a live-driven project that captures the energy and spontaneity of his band performances. Following his debut “Night Shift,” which evoked smoky jazz clubs through modern electronic music, this new offering sees Kuna Maze working directly with his band in the studio to create a more organic experience. Drawing inspiration from the UK jazz scene, the album uses jazz as its foundation while expanding into various genres from house to dub. Previously released singles like “Bristol Changes” and the saxophone-led “Stab” highlight his ability to create intricate rhythms and melodies that build to epic momentum. Kuna Maze continues to use the dancefloor as a tool for connection, with the album’s release celebrated by a performance at Brussels’ AB Concerts.