NEW MUSIC MONDAYS. World Class NEW music from Baby Keem, Moonchild, Dominique Fils-Aimé, Pale Jay and more…

Friday, February 20th, 2026 brought us yet another week of some transcendental flyness in terms of New Music! However, we like to let these projects marinate over the wekkend and absorb them into ourlives and become part of the weekend fabric and THEN give them proper time to steep and then finally give our assessment. That said. That time has past and here we are with some of our favorite pics of last week’s bevy of scintillating audio featuring an MC that has longevity written all over his porject on top his family ties. Smooth sensational artistry from a trio of Californians who always bless us wiith sunshine and warmth. Plus a whole lot more. Shall we:

Baby Keem – Ca$ino

After five years of anticipation, Baby Keem returns with Ca$ino, an 11-track odyssey released via pgLang/Columbia. Moving away from the high-octane “Keem-isms” of his debut, this project is a somber, cinematic exploration of familial trauma and the “gamble” of upbringing. Production is helmed by a powerhouse team including Cardo, Sounwave, Danja, and Michael Uzowuru. Standout track “Good Flirts” (feat. Kendrick Lamar & Momo Boyd) flips the script with a soulful, romantic interpolation of Common’s “The Light,” while “Circus Circus Freestyle” provides a three-part beat-switching masterclass. The album closes with the devastating “No Blame,” sampling James Blake to detail Keem’s reconciliation with his past.

Larry June, Curren$y & The Alchemist – Spiral Staircases

The ultimate “lifestyle rap” crossover has arrived. Produced entirely by The Alchemist, Spiral Staircases is a 7-track masterclass in luxurious leisure released through Jet Life/ALC/EMPIRE. Larry and Spitta glide over soulful, anti-rap textures that feel like a coastal drive in a six-figure car. “Everything’s Allocated” sets a semi-eerie, nocturnal mood with chiming keys, while “Empty Pages” serves as an elegant closer featuring warm horns and a rare vocal verse from Alchemist himself. It’s unhurried, refined, and speaks fluently in the language of financial freedom and peace.

Moonchild – Waves

L.A. trio Moonchild marks 14 years together with Waves, their most vulnerable and emotionally raw project to date on Tru Thoughts. Eschewing their typical love songs, the album focuses on the rhythm of grief and self-compassion. Multi-instrumentalists Amber Navran, Max Bryk, and Andris Mattson handle all production, blending their signature woodwinds with new sonic experimentation. The lead single “Not Sorry” features a powerhouse duo in Jill Scott and Rapsody, while “For Yourself” brings together Lalah Hathaway and legendary drummer Chris Dave for a masterclass in rhythmic soul.

Dominique Fils-Aimé – My World Is The Sun

Montreal’s JUNO-winning visionary completes the second chapter of her new trilogy with My World Is The Sun, released via Ensoul Records. Produced by Jacques Roy, the album was recorded live to capture a raw, “room-filling” spiritual energy. The project opens with “Ma Mélodie [intro],” featuring a 1970s cassette recording of Dominique’s mother, before blooming into tracks like “Sea of Clouds” and “Phoenix Rising.” It’s a jazz-soul sanctuary that incorporates diverse instrumentation, including the tabla and didgeridoo, to create a universal soundscape of healing.

Pale Jay – Celestial Suite Flips

The masked soul sensation Pale Jay returns to his roots with Celestial Suite Flips on Karma Chief/Colemine Records. This project is an expansive “flip” of his debut EP, showcasing his fragile falsetto over dusty, self-produced beats that pay homage to Donny Hathaway and J Dilla. A major highlight is “Donny In Valdez (PJ’s Flip)” featuring a guest verse from Erick The Architect, which reimagines the track with a modern hip-hop edge. The album includes full instrumentals, allowing listeners to appreciate the analog warmth and serene string arrangements that define the “Pale Jay” aesthetic.

KADEEM. – Highs + Lows

Toronto-based soul standout Kadeem delivers a stunning exploration of duality with his new project Highs + Lows. Released through Inertia Music, the project is a sonic rollercoaster that mirrors the peaks and valleys of a burgeoning creative career. Produced largely by the visionary Junia-T and Lantz, the production leans into dusty, crackling boom-bap textures layered with sophisticated jazz chords. The standout title track “Highs + Lows” features a gritty but melodic guest verse from Rome Fortune, while “Sunrise in Scarborough” showcases Kadeem’s ability to blend rapid-fire flows with a smooth, neo-soul vocal finish. It’s an honest, “Urban Alternative” diary that feels incredibly timely for 2026.

Tiana Major9 – November Scorpio

The long-awaited debut album from East London’s Tiana Major9, November Scorpio, is finally here via +1 Records. This 11-track masterpiece is a bold declaration of independence, moving from the polished “Motown” era of her past into a raw, self-actualized sound. Production is a global affair, featuring the likes of PRGRSHN, JLL, and Pera, who help Tiana navigate through reggae-fusion, jazz, and 90s-inspired R&B. “Shook One” is a brilliant, soulful reimagining of the Mobb Deep classic that explores romantic fear, while the nostalgic “Always” features a heart-stopping vocal duet with Yebba. The album is a “Scorpio” through and through—intense, vulnerable, and fiercely authentic.