NEW MUSIC MONDAYS…A sensational plethora of audio goodness from BLARF, Little Simz, AZ, Jenevieve, Action Bronson, Brother Wallace, Namasenda and Jarrod Lawson

Little Simz – Sugar Girl

(AWAL)

Little Simz continues her reign as one of the most versatile artists in the game with the Sugar GirlEP. This isn’t the grand, orchestral Simz of Sometimes I Might Be Introvert; this is Simz at the 2 AM warehouse rave. Reunited with producer Jakwob, the four-track project leans heavily into club textures, fast-moving UK dance production, and high-adrenaline spontaneity. The collaborative energy is top-tier, featuring the likes of JT, 070 Shake, and Deela. Standout tracks like “GAME ON” capture the raw energy she recently brought to the Coachella stage, proving she can dominate electronic and dance spaces while keeping her razor-sharp lyricism intact.

Blarf – Film Scores For Films That Don’t Exist

(Stones Throw Records)

Eric André’s musical alter-ego, Blarf, has returned with a project that is as technically impressive as it is surreal. While most know André for his chaotic brand of comedy, this record proves his Berklee College of Music roots are no joke. Recorded with a full live orchestra across Los Angeles and Budapest, the album is a cinematic fever dream inspired by legendary composers like Ennio Morricone and Vangelis. It’s a dense, avant-garde tapestry of strings, horns, and experimental noise that feels like a score to a lost 1970s horror masterpiece. It’s challenging, brilliant, and exactly the kind of left-field brilliance we expect from the Stones Throw camp.

AZ – Doe or Die III

(Mass Appeal Records)

Thirty years after his revolutionary debut, the legendary Anthony Cruz—better known as AZ—completes one of hip-hop’s greatest trilogies with Doe or Die III. This isn’t just a nostalgia trip; it’s a masterclass in the “Mafioso” rap style that AZ helped pioneer. The production is a lush boom-bap dream, featuring veteran heavyweights like Large Professor, Buckwild, Statik Selektah, and Bink!. Whether he’s trading bars with Nas on the soulful “Surprise” or demanding the world alongside Jadakiss on “Gimme the World,” AZ’s flow remains crisp, timeless, and completely unwashed. It’s a sophisticated, cinematic victory lap for a true Brooklyn icon.

Jenevieve – Scrawled

(Joyface Records)

Jenevieve continues to prove she is the princess of “vibe” with her latest project, Scrawled. Her voice is a nostalgic, airy dream that sits perfectly over production that feels like a modern, neon-lit update on 80s pop and R&B. The project feels deeply personal and intimate, like reading a secret diary set to a groove. It’s the kind of music that manages to feel both futuristic and classic at the same time—perfect for those slow drives or late-night reflections. Jenevieve’s ability to weave melody with atmosphere remains unmatched in the current Alt-R&B landscape.

Action Bronson – PLANET FROG

(Loma Vista Recordings)

Bam Bam Baklava is back with PLANET FROG, and it might be his most eccentric “flex” yet. The album deliberately yanks the drums out from under you, opting for stripped-down, atmospheric loops from Daringer and Harry Fraud that focus on velocity and mood rather than traditional bangers. Lyrically, Bronson is speed-running his own vocabulary, stacking references to vintage Lancia cars, John Rambo, and obscure 90s NBA players into single lines. With features from Roc Marciano, Meyhem Lauren, and a standout Lil Yachty verse on “TRICERATOPS,” it’s a psychedelic journey through the mind of a man who raps like he’s trying to freestyle his way out of quicksand—ridiculous, random, and incredibly fun.

Black Milk – Ceremonial

(Mass Appeal Records)

Detroit’s own Curtis Cross returns with Ceremonial, an album that argues forcefully for his status as a premiere lyricist as much as a world-class producer. This isn’t a high-energy “flex” album; it’s a hushed, stubbornly adult project that behaves like a private ritual. Blending live drums, room noise, and moral weight, the production is durable and unsentimental, avoiding museum-piece Detroit tropes for something much more immediate. It’s a reflective look at his 20-year journey—from Slum Village to Random Axe—delivered with a “keep your voice down” intensity that demands the listener’s full attention.

Brother Wallace – Electric Love

(Single Lock Records)

Brother Wallace delivers a jolt of spiritual energy with Electric Love. This isn’t just a gospel record; it’s a lively, soul-inspired outing that captures the raw, infectious power of a Southern church without the “preachy” overtones. Wallace uses his acrobatic, soaring vocals to build a debut that feels both fresh and ancient. It’s a record about connection and joy, grounded in live instrumentation that makes you want to move. In an era of programmed perfection, Brother Wallace brings the human element back to the forefront of soul music.

Namasenda – Limbo

(PC Music)

The Swedish pop innovator Namasenda enters a bold new era with Limbo. After a year of creative flow in her Stockholm studio, she has delivered an 11-track debut that is raw, honest, and remarkably unpolished. Resisting the “glossy” expectations of modern pop, the album explores themes of uncertainty and self-doubt over signature heavy synths and garage-inspired drums. It’s a deeply internal record—featuring zero collaborations—that serves as a backbone for her evolution as a pop star. Tracks like “Alright” feel instinctive and immediate, proving that Namasenda’s most powerful tool is her own unfiltered honesty.

Jarrod Lawson – Just Let It

(Dome Records)

The master of intricate jazz-soul is back with Just Let It, a project that showcases his throaty, emotive vocals—often compared to legends like Bobby Womack and Donny Hathaway. Lawson’s ability to find the pocket and stay there is second to none, blending complex jazz arrangements with a deep, soulful groove that feels like a warm embrace. Milwaukee, mark your calendars: The soul legend himself is bringing this incredible sound to The Pabst Theater on Saturday, August 22, 2026, for the Fresh Coast Jazz Festival! It’s a rare chance to see a global master of the groove in the heart of the 414.