NEW MUSIC MONDAYS. An audio cacophony of goodness from all over the globe and several genres. Newness from RAYE, Wynton Marsalis, Nubiyan Twist, ye and more…

Justine Skye – Candy

(Warner Records)

 Justine is officially in her “Kaytra-bounce” era, and honestly, it’s exactly what the culture needed. Candy feels like a late-night drive through a city that never sleeps, blending that infectious, elastic production from Kaytranada with Skye’s most self-assured vocals to date. It’s flirtatious, it’s rhythmic, and it’s a total pivot from her earlier pop-leaning work into something that feels much more organic to the Urban Alternative movement. If you need a track to wake up the morning commute, this is the one.

Elmiene – sounds for someone

(Def Jam Recordings)

 If you’ve been looking for that “stop-what-you’re-doing” vocal performance, Elmiene just delivered the blueprint. His debut full-length is a soul-searching meditation that feels like it was whispered into a microphone in a room full of ghosts and legends. With Raphael Saadiq and Sampha in the production credits, the lineage of D’Angelo and Maxwell is clearly preserved here. It’s raw, it’s intimate, and it’s a mandatory spin for anyone who still believes in the power of a pure, unfiltered soul singer.

RAYE – THIS MUSIC MAY CONTAIN HOPE

(Human Re Sources)

 RAYE isn’t just making songs anymore; she’s building worlds. This sophomore project is a massive, orchestral-soul odyssey that proves she is one of the most ambitious architects in music right now. Teaming up with Hans Zimmer for a “Click Clack Symphony” sounds crazy on paper, but in the headphones, it’s revolutionary. This is “High Art” Urban Alternative—mixing spoken word, big-band jazz, and gritty R&B in a way that feels both theatrical and deeply personal.

Ye – BULLY

(YZY / Gamma)

Ye is back in his minimalist, Tokyo-inspired bag, and Bullyfeels like a sharp departure from the stadium-shaking chaos of his recent years. Working alongside James Blake and 88-Keys, this project leans into haunting melodies and stripped-back percussion that highlights the “soul-sampling” genius we first fell in love with. It’s experimental, a bit moody, and definitely built for the underground heads who appreciate a rapper who isn’t afraid to get a little weird with the textures.

Nubiyan Twist – Chasing Shadows

(Strut Records)

This is the global heartbeat of the week. Nubiyan Twist has perfected that “Afro-Jazz-Funk” fusion that makes you want to move and think at the exact same time. With guests like Fatoumata Diawara and Bootie Brown, Chasing Shadows is a sun-drenched journey through polyrhythms and brass-heavy arrangements. It’s the perfect bridge for the HYFIN audience—staying rooted in jazz tradition while keeping one foot firmly planted on a modern dancefloor.

Alessia Cara –  Love Of Lack Thereof

(Def Jam / EP Entertainment)

 Don’t let the “pop” history fool you—Alessia just went full Jazz vocalist on us. Reimagining her biggest hits as jazz and soul-inspired versions was a genius move. This compilation feels like an intimate set at a smoky basement club, stripping away the radio polish to reveal the grit and soul in her songwriting. Collaborating with legendary artists Norah Jones and Nelly Furtado adds a sophisticated, “Legacy” feel to the project that makes it an easy add for our afternoon jazz-fusion blocks.

NOSANGE – Lowfeye 

(Mfana kamakhulu Entertainment / Africori)

 Lowfeye is our global AfroPop hero of the week. This debut album is a seamless blend of Afropop, Hip-Hop, and soulful textures. While the heavy hitters are dropping singles, Lowfeye delivered a chesive and bumping full body of work that captures the “New Africa” sound—perfect for an Urban Alternative listener who wants to stay ahead of the curve. We are enamored with the one-of-a-kind slow on ‘Indlela (feat Blue Pappi) and the bonkers production skills of Saakbeats. Damn!

Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra w/ Wynton Marsalis – Let Freedom Swing

(Blue Engine Records)

Wynton MArslais, one of the most revered Jazz musicians alive today, and his masterful crew are doing exactly what jazz is supposed to do: speaking truth to power and keeping it thorough. Let Freedom Swing is a fiery live recording that pairs big-band virtuosity with the orations of freedom fighters like Nelson Mandela. It’s civic-minded, musically complex, and serves as a vital reminder that our music has always been the soundtrack to the struggle. It’s high-energy jazz that feels completely relevant to the 2026 social climate.

Flea – Honora

(Nonesuch Records)The biggest but most gorgeous and well-crafted surprise of the week comes from the hands of one of the world’s most cherished and accomplished bassists, the Red Hot Chili Peppers iconic, Flea. Flea’s latest solo foray isn’t a slap-bass funk fest; it’s a deeply atmospheric jazz record where he leads on the trumpet and other instruments. Inspired by his love for the genre and featuring a haunting collab with Radiohead’s Thom Yorke, Honorais a musical masterclass. It’s moody, instrumental-heavy, and shows a vulnerable side of a veteran musician who is still finding new ways to express the Black music traditions that raised him.

Check us out here, every Monday as we recap the great releases after we have had some time to digest the goodness. Follow us at hyfin.mke on Instagram and stay abreast of all goings on at HYFIN. Peace and Love!!!