NEW MUSIC MONDAYS. Transcendental flyness and superb audio from M.I.A., yaya bey, Adrian Younge, Honey Dijon, Jessie Ware, Blue Lab Beats, Protoje and Buddy

M.I.A. – M.I. 7 

(Ohmni Music)

The global disruptor is back, and she’s taking us to church church—but not the way we might be used to. M.I. 7 is a global form of gospel, yet a pivot that trades traditional pews for heavy, distorted basslines and rhythmic chants that feel like a spiritual riot. It’s an experimental journey through 16 tracks that somehow blend the Book of Revelation with the grit of the London underground, featuring the massive textures of the Sunday Service choir to ground the chaos.

The absolute banger here is “Everything.” It’s a high-energy anthem that shakes the speakers with a dance-pop vibe while M.I.A. delivers some of her most melodic work to date. If you’re looking for that “Urban Alternative” fire that challenges the listener while keeping the pulse moving, this is the center of the plate.

Yaya Bey – Fidelity 

(drink sum wtr)

Yaya Bey has officially surrendered to her soul, and the result is a masterclass in “melancholic equanimity.” Fidelity moves away from the crisp, high-treble pop sounds of that have saturating the airwaves these days and dives deep into the mid and bass tones, feeling like a love letter to the 2000s R&B she was raised on. It’s vulnerable, dusty, and incredibly chic, pulling from the DNA of Mary J. Blige and Marvin Gaye while staying firmly rooted in the 2026 Alt- Soul landscape that she is one of the dopest representatives of.

You gots to spin “In the Middle.” It’s a seductive, languid groove that would feel just as at home in a dimly lit jazz club as it would on a Milwaukee summer night. Between the ambient accents and Yaya’s supple vocals, this project is the definition of “tonal excellence.”

Jessie Ware – Superbloom 

(EMI / Capitol)

Jessie Ware continues her reign as the disco-pop queen, she’s a lover, a freak and a mother (her words lol)  but Superbloom sees her elevating the voal and stylistic evidence she’s perfected over the last few years. While she’s become a podcasting powerhouse with the highly entertaining and insighftul Table Manners, this album proves her music is anything but an afterthought—it’s a lush, straightforwardly retro journey that sands away the futuristic sheen for a warmer, more organic feel while, as always, showcasing off her insanely operatic voice.

The standout heater is “Automatic,” which features a surprise deep-voiced spoken-word appearance from Euphoria and Michael star Colman Domingo. It’s the perfect blend of her podcast world and her dancefloor roots, making it an essential add for the daytime rotation or the after 2:00am vibes. Ayyyeee

Honey Dijon – The Nightlife 

(Classic Music Company)

Honey Dijon is bringing the club and House Music legacy and culture of Chicago, London, and Amsterdam directly to your ears with The Nightlife. This isn’t just house music; it’s a high-concept celebration of Black queer dance history featuring an incredible roster of voices like Greentea Peng, Bree Runway, and Mahalia. It’s rhythmic, unapologetic, and heavy on the “Soul” in electronic soul.

The track that’s going to ignite the 414 is “Slight Werk” featuring Bree Runway. It’s sharp, rhythmic, and carries that high-fashion energy that Honey is known for. If you need a transition from R&B to high-gear energy, this is the one.

Adrian Younge – Something About April III 

(Linear Labs)

The hella prolific “Analog Maestro” completes his legendary trilogy with Something About April III, and it was worth the decade-long wait. The commitment and locked-in for a decade energy is astounding and inspirational for real.  Recorded entirely at his Linear Labs studio with a 30-piece orchestra, this project is a psychedelic funk and soul journey heavily influenced by the rich musical culture of Brazil. It’s cinematic, lush, and serves as a reminder of why Younge is the most sampled man in hip-hop.

Spin “Esperando por Voce” to hear that full orchestral power. It captures that “Jazz Is Dead” spirit with a high-end production value that jazz heads will obsess over. It’s not just an album; it’s a blueprint for the future of analog soul. High. Quality. Audio.

Blue Lab Beats – Blue Eclipse 

(Blue Note / Decca Records)

The London “Jazztronica” duo is back with Blue Eclipse, on the legendary Blue Note Records, with an album that perfectly represents their journey from their first EP to Grammy-winning heights. NK-OK and Mr DM have reconvened and curated a project that feels like a family affair, blending boom-bap grooves with sophisticated jazz-funk textures. It’s bright, ambitious, and exactly the kind of energy modern jazz that aficionados or folks new to the genre will rock with, heavily.

The banger here is “Say Wow” featuring MCs IDK and Jay Prince who continue their stellar run in 2026. It’s a transatlantic bridge of lyricism over a silky, syncopated jazz beat that’s going to have the phones lighting up.

Protoje – The Art Of Acceptance 

(In.Digg.Nation)

Protoje is calling this project a “spiritual reckoning,” and you can hear the creative rebirth in every note. The Art Of Acceptance is a masterclass in modern reggae, blending traditional roots with digital reggae and hip-hop grooves provided by longtime collaborator Winta James. It’s a powerful gathering of voices, featuring a “dream team” of Jamaican talent.

The must-play track is “At We Feet” featuring Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley. The chemistry between these two is undeniable, creating a massive, socially conscious anthem that bridges the gap between Kingston and the world.

Buddy – Simmie Sims III 

(Independent / Columbia)

One of Compton’s most versatile artists returns with his self-titled effort, Simmie Sims III, and it is a star-studded affair that still feels deeply personal. This project is without doubt one of the breeziest and fly albums of 2026. The always exceptional Buddy has always navigated the space between street wisdom and high art, and this 14-track project is his most cohesive yet. It features heavy hitters like Jay Rock, Guapdad 4000, and even a heartwarming appearance from his son, Simmie Sims Jr.

You’ve got to go with “Pray for A Blessing” featuring Jay Rock. It’s a gritty, soulful West Coast anthem that we have been looking for since the last big one, you already know.