NEW MUSIC MONDAYS. Sensational NEW Music from Jill Scott, The Olympians, hemlocke springs, Brent Faiyaz, Charlotte Day Wilson, Knowsum and Ransom, Boldy James & Nicholas Craven

Jill Scott – To Whom This May Concern

(Blues Babe Records/The Orchard / Sony Music)

Jill Scott marks her monumental return after 11 years with a 19-track album that serves as a masterclass in the Philly “neo-soul” lineage. This is an expansive record that refuses to rush, balancing lush vocal performances with sharp, modern lyricism.

• Key Collaborators: The guest list bridges generations, featuring JID on the standout “To B Honest,” Tierra Whack on the playful “Norfside,” and Ab-Soul on the poetic “Ode to Nikki.” Trombone Shorty adds a triumphant brass energy to “Be Great,” while Too $hort makes a surprise appearance on “BPOTY.”
• The Sound: With production from DJ Premier, Adam Blackstone, and Andre Harris, the album feels grounded in live instrumentation while maintaining a crisp, contemporary edge.

The Olympians – In Search of A Revival

(Daptone Records/The Orchard / Sony Music)

It’s been 9 years since we last heard from the Daptone supergroup, and they have used that time to perfect their cinematic instrumental sound. Led by keyboardist and vibraphonist Toby Pazner, the band has moved from the dusty, mythological vibes of their debut toward a more lush, 1970s-inspired orchestral soul.

• The Band: This 17-person ensemble is a “who’s who” of the Brooklyn funk scene, featuring members of The Dap-Kings, El Michels Affair, Antibalas, and the Menahan Street Band.
• The Sound: Expect heavy brass arrangements, sweeping strings, and the kind of steady, analog rhythm section that makes every track feel like the climax of a vintage thriller.

Hemlocke Springs – the apple tree under the sea

(Good Luck Have Fun/ AWAL / Sony Music)

Two years after “Sever the Blight” turned her into an indie sensation, Hemlocke Springs delivers a debut album that is as eccentric as it is brilliant. This project is a “DayGlo DIY” triumph, blending 80s synth-pop with medieval-coded metaphors.

• Key Collaborators: Springs co-produced the entire project with BURNS (known for his work with Lady Gaga). The record also features a guest appearance by Pvris on electric guitar for the track “The Beginning of the End” and Nana Adjoa on “W-W-W-W-W.”
• The Sound: It’s a high-energy, technicolor journey that explores self-discovery through unconventional song structures and playful, soaring vocals.

Brent Faiyaz – Icon

(ISO Supremacy/UnitedMasters)

Returning 2 years after Wasteland, Brent Faiyaz has stripped away the sprawling narratives for a focused, 10-track exhibition. This album leans heavily into Faiyaz’s love for classic R&B arrangements, moving toward a smoother, more refined aesthetic.

• Key Collaborators: In a bold move, Faiyaz appears as the only vocalist on the album—there are no guest features. However, the credits are stacked behind the scenes with executive production by Raphael Saadiq and mastering by Mike Dean.
• The Sound: With production contributions from Chad Hugo, Benny Blanco, and Tommy Richman, the project feels like a midnight drive through 1980s Tokyo, fueled by analog synths and MJ-esque vocal layers.

Ransom, Boldy James & Nicholas Craven – Salvation For These Wicked

(Momentum Entertainment)

One year after their various collaborative singles, the “holy trinity” of underground rap returns for a full-length sermon. This 7-track project is built on the undeniable chemistry between the two emcees and their preferred architect of sound.

• Key Collaborators: While the trio handles the heavy lifting, they brought in Young Chris for “Collection Plates” and OT The Real for “Field of Nightmares.”
• The Sound: Entirely produced by Nicholas Craven, the record is defined by soul-sampled, drumless loops that provide the perfect atmospheric backdrop for Ransom’s surgical lyricism and Boldy’s gritty, grounded delivery.

Charlotte Day Wilson – Patchwork

(Stone Woman Music / XL Recordings / Beggars Group)

Following her 2024 album Cyan Blue, Charlotte Day Wilson returns just 2 years later with Patchwork, an EP she describes as a “mosaic of imperfection.” It’s a short but incredibly potent collection of songs that finds Wilson exploring the quieter corners of her soul.

• Key Collaborators: The standout collaboration is with fellow Toronto artist Saya Gray on the single “Lean.” The project also features vocal contributions from Yukimi (of Little Dragon) on the track “Quiet.”
• The Sound: Minimalist, jazz-inflected, and incredibly intimate. Wilson continues to prove that her voice is one of the most powerful instruments in the game, even when she’s barely whispering.

Knowsum – Jersey Fantasy

(Sichtexot)

After a 3-year break from his solo instrumental work, the German producer Knowsum has pivoted from his lo-fi roots into something much more frantic and futuristic. Jersey Fantasy is a departure from the “chill beats” world into the high-octane energy of club culture.

• The Setup: While primarily a technical showcase for his own production skills, the album represents a bridge between his classic boom-bap foundations and the rapid-fire rhythms of the Jersey Club scene.
• The Sound: Fast-paced, sample-heavy, and experimental. It’s a rhythmic “fantasy” that pushes the boundaries of what a beat tape can be in 2026.