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HYFIN Connecting The Culture
Rhythm Lab Radio Redefining the Urban Sound
88Nine
As the definition of “terrorist” expands, so does state violence
Discovering her past: Element uncovers her roots through African Ancestry DNA testing Tarik Moody
Arriving exactly six years after his Grammy-winning It Is What It Is, Thundercat’s latest effort is an organically stunning and stubbornly present new chapter. While the album maintains his signature dream-like falsetto and virtuosic bass work, it feels more empathetic and grounded than ever. Tracks like “ThunderWave” with WILLOW and “This Thing We Call Love” feat. Channel Tres showcase a beautiful balance between his familiar jazz-fusion humor and a new, vulnerable introspection regarding the blurring lines between reality and the digital world. Musically, the album ranges from dance-floor-ready anthems to soft, piano-driven balladry like “Pozole.” It is a thought-provoking response to the deep introspection of his previous work, proving that even as he looks over a world he sees as “on fire,” he is constantly evolving his singular sound. The worldwide collaborator is BACK!
The kings of “Lifestyle Rap” have reunited for their most expansive collaborative effort since 2009. This double-disc project is a masterclass in sonic contrast; Disc 1 leans into the high-energy, anthemic Wiz sound, while Disc 2 settles into the hazy, soulful, “optimal altitude” vibes that Spitta fans live for. With standout tracks like “2Easy 2Ounces” and “Cinema Drugs,” the duo proves that their chemistry is completely timeless, offering the perfect soundtrack for a top-down drive through the city. Musically, the album is a “gumbo” of luxury production, featuring beats from heavyweights like Cardo and Trauma Tone. It’s a celebration of their decade-long brotherhood and an essential listen for anyone who appreciates the finer things in life—smooth flows, expensive cars, and even better vibes. Head over to @hyfin.mke on IG to enter to win a pair of tickets to see Curren$y LIVE at The Rave on April 15th, baby!
On her third full-length album, Arlo Parks slips into the nocturnal underbelly of New York City, delivering her most confident and assured self to date. The record is infused with a club-rooted energy, drawing on influences ranging from Burial to LCD Soundsystem, yet it never loses the signature poetic lyricism and hushed vocal delivery that first defined her sound. The result is a body of work that feels “lived-in,” capturing the tension between early-morning euphoria and the inevitable comedown.
The lyrics resist romanticizing the scene, instead using vivid details to render the atmosphere of city parties and the complexity of desire. Standout moments like “Get Go” and the Kelly Lee Owens-inspired “Heaven” solidify Parks as a master of “melancholy euphoria,” creating a world where listeners can find room for their own experiences between the lines.
This 33-track double album is a definitive manifesto for the underground soul-rap movement. Structured as a split release—MIKE helming POMPEII and Earl leading UTILITY—the project finds both artists moving away from their signature dusty loops toward the “glassy,” industrial production of the SURF GANG collective. It’s a dense, sonic “gumbo” where the hazy atmosphere of destruction meets a mechanical, forward-thinking rhythm.
Conceptually, the record navigates the wreckage of identity and the “utility” of rebuilding community in a modern, often disorienting world. Standout tracks like “Leadbelly” and “Minty // Earth” showcase a creative brotherhood at its absolute peak, trading intricate, laid-back flows over “pulseless” ambient textures. For the HYFIN listener, this is a 70-minute meditation on the Black avant-garde—mandatory listening for anyone tracking the future of the Urban Alternative sound.
Earl Sweatshirt and MIKE make their way to Milwaukee for a live concert at The Rave on June 22nd
Swae Lee finally steps out of the “feature king” shadow to deliver a solo statement that proves his melodic instincts are top-tier. Same Difference successfully bridges the gap between his high-octane Rae Sremmurd roots and a refined, “Urban Alternative” palette featuring acoustic licks and lo-fi textures. It feels like a California sunset—warm, psychedelic, and effortlessly cool.
The project shines when Swae gets vulnerable on tracks like “Chasing Butterflies,” exploring the isolation of fame over club-ready anthems. It’s a refreshing pivot that elevates him to a fully realized artist with a singular vision. For the HYFIN audience, this record is the perfect mix of mainstream appeal and indie-soul experimentation.
(KEYQAAD / SIRE RECORDS)
Omah Lay’s sophomore effort is a masterclass in “Afro-Depression”—a genre he has refined into a polished, global aesthetic. On Clarity of Mind, the Port Harcourt native offers a 13-track journey through spiritual warfare and isolation, stripping away the bravado of his debut for raw vulnerability. With long-time collaborator Tempoe behind the boards, the sonic landscape is a murky, mid-tempo “gumbo” of religious symbolism and haunting melodies. It’s an intentional, atmospheric project that feels more like a late-night therapy session than a club run.
The album’s strength lies in its refusal to chase radio trends, opting instead for a singular, hypnotic mood. Tracks like “Jah Jah Knows” and “Amen” reflect a man grappling with his place in the world, using his signature melodic “cry” to bridge the gap between pain and prayer. For the HYFIN audience, this is the definitive “Today” sound of the diaspora—sophisticated, moody, and deeply human.
HYFIN is a media movement from Radio Milwaukee.
Milwaukee’s only Urban Alternative radio station features the full spectrum of Black music beyond R&B and Hip-Hop plus Milwaukee music. HYFIN connects the culture with the latest Black culture news, podcasts and more. Listen to best hip hop & R&B, dance, Afrobeats and more!
Get your tickets now for just $10 in advance or $15 at the door and join us at 220 East Pittsburgh on May 10th.
