NEW MUSIC MONDAYS. Outstanding new music from Tank & The Bangs, GIVEON, IshDARR and Canis Beats, Brooklyn Funk Essentials, Tayc, Like, Mya, cosmic collective and Dua Saleh

Brooklyn Funk Essentials — Black Butterfly

(Dorado Records)

The icons of the acid-jazz movement are officially back on the scene! Marking the legendary multicultural collective’s eighth full-length studio album, Black Butterflyarrives three years after their 2023 release Intuition. Produced and co-written by bassist Lati Kronlund, the live-recorded studio album blends soul, hip-hop, jazz, and Latin rhythms into an infectious groove-evolution. Boasting brilliant vocal leads from Alison Limerick, Ebba Åsman, and Desmond Foster, the album’s undeniable lead single “Bust The Bus Stop” delivers sharp analog instrumentation and a massive rhythm section that reminds audiences why the group has racked up over 100 million global streams.

IshDARR & Canis Major — There Is No Tomorrow

(OSYS World / Independent)

The Cream City’s own hip-hop trailblazer is back with an absolute statement piece! A decade into his career, IshDARR links up with long-time collaborative producer Canis Major for There Is No Tomorrow, their first comprehensive full-length collaborative album following a string of singles dating back to 2024’s Nothing Else Matters era. The 7-track masterpiece features no guest vocalists, choosing instead to let Ish’s signature melodic trap flow float effortlessly over Canis Major’s punchy, cinematic production. Led by the hard-hitting, high-energy lead single and delicacy “Steak Wonton” the project serves as a masterclass in urgency, lyricism, and hometown pride.

Tank & The Bangas — The Last Balloon

(Verve Forecast / Universal Music Group)

The final chapter of an iconic conceptual trilogy has arrived! Dropping four years after their Grammy-nominated 2022 masterpiece Red Balloon, frontwoman Tarriona “Tank” Ball guides listeners through the band’s fourth major-label studio album. Recorded at the historic Complex Studios in Los Angeles, the record functions as a brilliant mix of raw emotional poetry and soulful celebration, featuring guest appearances from neo-soul powerhouse Ledisi, vocalists David Shaw and Jelly Joseph, and instrumentalist Iman Omari. Driven by the atmospheric, deeply reflective lead single “Nighttime”, the project balances sweeping arrangements with the group’s unmistakable New Orleans jazz-funk foundations.

GIVEON — BELOVED: ACT II

(Not So Fast / Epic Records)

The baritone titan returns to expand his sonic universe. Dropping ten months after the original July 2025 standard edition of his sophomore album Beloved, this meticulously curated deluxe expansion injects five brand-new tracks into the critically acclaimed, Grammy-nominated catalog. The updated project leans heavily into rich live orchestration and cinematic ’70s soul strings, boasting stellar guest collaborations with R&B stars Kehlani, Teddy Swims, and frequent writing partner Leon Thomas III. Led by the two-step-ready, bass-driven lead single “Jezebel”, the album positions Giveon’s velvet vocals at the absolute forefront of modern R&B storytelling.

Tayc — JOŸA

(H24 / Play Two)

The global king of “Afrolov'” marks a major creative turning point with his highly anticipated sophomore studio album, JOŸA. Following a string of massive international hits and his collaborative HÉRITAGEera, the French-Cameroonian superstar delivers an album explicitly dedicated to pure joy, brightness, and maturity. The project effortlessly bridges the gap between Parisian contemporary R&B, West African Afrobeats, and Kizomba rhythms, crafting a rich, danceable, and emotionally upbeat landscape. Driven by the heavy R&B-infused lead single “Girlfriend”, the album cements a whole new sub-genre known as “Joy Music” across the global soundscape.

Like — Today Sounds Good

(Independent)

This brilliant self-titled effort serves as the official debut album from the rising, underground indie-soul and alternative R&B outfit. Sounds Goodis a beautifully self-contained piece of art, focusing heavily on internal band chemistry while featuring select, stellar instrumental cameos from keyboardist Kiefer and experimental producer Knxwledge. Led by the ethereal, lo-fi R&B lead single “Patterns,” the project effortlessly floats between jazzy chord progressions, bedroom soul, and crisp, hip-hop-inspired drum breaks that represent the absolute cutting edge of independent DIY music culture.

Kaleena Zanders — Anything Goes

(Helix Records)

The reigning queen of soulful dance music drops a boundary-pushing, genre-fluid masterpiece. Serving as her highly anticipated, no-skips debut full-length studio album, Anything Goes acts as a direct reaction to a chaotic world, urging creators to move without limits. The 7-song project sees Zanders command half the tracks completely solo, while inviting high-profile electronic collaborators like Shift K3Y, Bipolar Sunshine, Hayley May, and NO BILLS to join the ride. Blending breakbeat, UK garage, and deep house, the high-octane project is led by the driving, gospel-vocal-fueled title single “Anything Goes.”

cosmic collective — COSMICOOKS vol. 7

(Independent)

The incredibly prolific, genre-bending jazz-funk ensemble continues their legendary sonic run with COSMICOOKS vol. 7, marking their seventh installment in their acclaimed experimental series. Wasting absolutely no time, this massive 27-track album lands right on the heels of their previous volumes, showcasing the band’s relentless creative output. Relying on warm analog instrumentation and deep improvisational alchemy, the project is led by the bright, summery fusion track “every flower loves the sun.” It delivers an incredibly rich listening experience tailor-made for audiophiles and jazz heads alike.

Mýa — Retrospective

(Planet 9 / Virgin Music)

Ownership, independence, and sheer artistic longevity define this monumental return! Arriving as her milestone tenth studio album, Retrospectivemarks the Grammy-winning icon’s first full-length project in eight years, following 2018’s T.K.O. (Technical Knock Out). Co-produced alongside Lamar “MyGuyMars” Edwards, the meticulously crafted independent record features brilliant multi-generational guest spots from rap heavyweights 21 Savage and Joyner Lucas. Driven by the sultry, mid-tempo funk-pop lead single “ASAP,” the record seamlessly honors late ’70s and ’80s soul roots while remaining fiercely contemporary.

Dua Saleh — Of Earth & Wires

(Against Giants / Ghostly International)

A brilliant study in sonic chaos and spiritual renewal. Arriving as their highly anticipated sophomore studio album following their 2024 full-length debut I SHOULD CALL THEM, the Sudanese-American trailblazer serves up an experimental masterpiece inspired by natural global disruptions. Executive-produced by Billy Lemos (SZA, Tinashe), the album features major contributions from alternative stars Gaidaa and aja monet, alongside an incredible three-song guest run from indie icon Bon Iver. Led by the haunting, electronic-folk lead single “Flood” (featuring Bon Iver), the project blends avant-garde rap, R&B, and Sudanese proverbs into a staggering work of art.