NEW MUSIC MONDAYS: Transcendental audio presentations from all over the globe from : Ibeyi, Benny The Butcher, T.I., Aleywa, Maxo Kream, Nectar Woode, Sekou, Naomi Sharon, Devon Gillfillian, Tasha and Keturah.

Ibeyi – Offering

(AWAL Recordings)

French-Cuban twin sisters Lisa-Kaindé and Naomi Diaz return with Offering, their fourth studio album that stretches their mesmerizing global soundscapes into grander, experimental territories. Known for blending modern electronic elements with traditional Yorùbá chants and Afro-Cuban percussion, the duo reaches a brilliant creative peak here. The production feels delightfully restless, contrasting heavy rhythm sections with delicate, baroque melodies.

The record is previewed by the post-industrial R&B jam and lead single “Moshpit,” which floats somewhere beautifully between alternative pop and classic soul. Another focal point is the title track “Offerings,” a song where the sisters trade haunting harmonies over glimmering keyboards. With a guest collaboration from UK visionary Sampha on the track “Gold Threads,” Offering is a brilliant testament to the sisters’ evolving artistry.

Benny The Butcher – The Plugs I Met 2.5 / Anniversary Edition

(Black Soprano Family / EMPIRE)

Benny The Butcher is extending the legacy of one of modern hip-hop’s most universally acclaimed series. Acting as a bridge chapter before a future full trilogy installment, The Plugs I Met 2.5 brings that premium, cinematic street-rap energy Benny has mastered. Arriving right alongside a definitive combined Anniversary Edition that fuses the original Plugs I Met projects into one collection, this release shows exactly why the Buffalo lyricist remains an absolute heavyweight.

The 6-track EP is executive produced by long-time sonic architects like Harry Fraud, Daringer, Beat Butcha, and the late DJ Shay. The rollout is highlighted by the stellar new music video and lead single “Can’t Be Much,” where Benny completely skates over soul-looped production. The project features incredibly high-profile features, including a massive collaboration with Wu-Tang Clan royalty Raekwon on “Talk Shows,” plus hard-hitting appearances from 38 Spesh, Bruiser Wolf, ElCamino, and Fuego Base.

Maxo Kream – O.Y.N

(Persona Money Global / EMPIRE)

Maxo Kream hits different when he’s fully locked in, and O.Y.N is proof that he’s one of the most consistent storytellers in the game. What makes this project an absolute standout is the production—the entire album is handled by the mercurial JPEGMAFIA. Peggy provides a sonic backdrop that balances his signature left-field chaotic energy with deep, soul-sampled pockets that allow Maxo’s heavy-stepping Houston flow to absolutely dominate.

The rollout gave us a taste of what to expect, but hearing the full vision come together is something special. The single “Fake Jeezy” features a blistering, fast-paced collaboration with Denzel Curry that will have speakers rattling all summer, while the more introspective single “Time Out” showcases Maxo at his absolute finest. Throw in a slick R&B-infused link-up with Isaiah Falls on “Cum over,” and you’ve got a dynamic, must-listen record.

T.I. – Kill the King

(Grand Hustle / EMPIRE)

An era comes to an end, and Tip is going out with his chest out. Marking his final studio album after an incredible 25-year run in the music industry, Kill the King is a grand, theatrical victory lap for the King of the South. The production leans heavily into the majestic, cinematic trap soundscapes he pioneered, with heavy-hitting executive backdrops provided by legendary hitmakers like Pharrell. True to form, T.I. brought an absolute powerhouse roster of friends along for the ride. The single roster reads like a hip-hop and R&B hall of fame, featuring star-studded collaborations with Anderson .Paak, The-Dream, 2 Chainz, Jeezy, T-Pain, Usher, Summer Walker, and YoungBoy Never Broke Again. It’s an elegant, heavy-hitting, and deeply reflective goodbye that cements his undisputed legacy.

Alewya – ZERO

(LDN Records)

If you want to know what the future of global music sounds like, tap into Alewya’s debut album ZERO. The London-based, Ethiopian-Egyptian artist and producer has delivered a project that completely defies categorization, blending her deep East African heritage with the raw club energy of the UK underground. Co-produced alongside long-term collaborators Craigie Dodds and Dean James Barratt, with executive production from jungle icon Shy FX, the sonics on this record are incredibly rich and textured.

The album moves flawlessly from moments of intense club energy to deeply spiritual stillness. Fans who were hooked by early singles like “City of Symbols,” “Eshi,” and “Night Drive” will find themselves completely immersed in the full body of work. The latest standout single, “Maktoub,” serves as the perfect centerpiece for an album that feels less like a standard debut and more like a groundbreaking cultural transmission.

Sekou – In a World We Don’t Belong Pt. 2

(EMI / Republic Records)

The 21-year-old vocal prodigy is back to break our hearts and heal them all at once. Following up on the bliss of his previous installment, In a World We Don’t Belong Pt. 2 is a vulnerable, sobering look at the messy, complicated realities of growing up and navigating love. Sekou’s church-reared, powerhouse vocals are pushed to stunning new heights over lush, live-sounding instrumentation that feels classic yet completely fresh.

The mixtape is anchored by the incredible lead single “Dangerous Lover,” an all-out synth-driven bubbler that has been tearing up the airwaves. He dives deep into emotional accountability on the confrontational standout track “Does She Know” and addresses the pain of being kept a secret on “Needy.” To top it all off, Sekou wraps the project with a breathtaking, soul-stirring cover of Fleetwood Mac’s 1977 classic “Songbird” that will leave you with goosebumps.

Devon Gilfillian – Time Will Tell

(Fantasy Records)

Devon Gilfillian delivers an absolute masterclass in classic, vintage soul with a razor-sharp modern edge on Time Will Tell. Recorded in the hollowed halls of Nashville, Gilfillian wraps his warm, buttery vocals around psych-soul grooves that tackle everything from deeply personal love to social optimism. The live instrumentation is crisp, organic, and incredibly rich, letting every bass groove and horn swell breathe.

The rollout was led by the stunningly cinematic single “Hold On (Hourglass),” a track that perfectly encapsulates the album’s reflective, timeworn themes. Another massive highlight is the groovy, infectious single “Moonflower,” a collaborative standout featuring the stellar guitar and vocal talents of Brittany Howard. For anyone craving real, raw musicianship, Gilfillian has delivered a true mid-summer classic.

Tasha – You Are Spring!

(Bayonet Records)

Chicago singer-songwriter and poet Tasha brings a breathtaking breath of fresh air with You Are Spring!. This project is a masterfully gentle, sun-drenched collection of indie-folk and soft soul that feels like a warm embrace. Driven by delicate acoustic guitar strumming, poetic lyricism, and radiant vocal arrangements, Tasha creates an intimate world that demands you slow down and just breathe. The gorgeous lead single “Clarion” sets the breezy pace of the album, while the follow-up single “Perfect” showcases her ability to find immense beauty in the quietest, everyday moments. The album also features a beautiful, understated collaboration with indie-soul artist Cassandra Jenkins on the track “Greenery.” It’s a beautifully grounded piece of art perfect for morning coffee and slow-paced days.

Naomi Sharon – No Sleep in Paradise

(OVO Sound / Santa Anna Label Group) Dutch-Caribbean singer-songwriter Naomi Sharon completely masters the art of late-night alternative R&B on her stunning second album, No Sleep in Paradise. The project is a masterclass in atmospheric, sultry soundscapes, driven by nocturnal synths and deep, hypnotic basslines. Backed by executive production from Jordan Ullman (of Majid Jordan) and Alex Lustig, Sharon’s velvety vocals glide effortlessly through stories of heartbreak and healing.

The album is anchored by a stellar run of singles including the ambient ballad “Bittersweet,” the upbeat dance groove “Miss That,” and the vulnerable slow-burner “Weak.” A major highlight on the tracklist is “Try,” a stellar collaboration produced by Kaytranada that infuses his signature bouncy, rhythmic percussion with Naomi’s smooth melodies. It’s an immersive, gorgeous record made for nocturnal listening.

Nectar Woode – Naturally

(Communion Records)

Breakout UK artist Nectar Woode delivers an effortless, incredibly bright dose of contemporary neo-soul on her highly anticipated EP, Naturally. Infusing acoustic warmth with jazz-tinged rhythms, the project feels beautifully grounded, breezy, and completely authentic. Her voice possesses a rich, honeyed texture that glides over live horn sections and sparkling guitar licks with absolute ease.

The project is driven by the stellar title track and lead single “Naturally,” which has been making major waves across global soul playlists. The secondary single “Headroom” showcases her songwriting depth, touching on themes of self-preservation and mental clarity. Featuring a slick, groove-heavy collaboration with modern jazz trailblazer Oscar Jerome on the track “Sunlight,” this EP cements Nectar as a major force to watch.

Keturah – Nsanje

(Hen House Studios)

Affectionately known as Malawi’s “local girl” turned global music royalty, Keturah delivers a vibrant, deeply organic masterpiece with Nsanje. The album is a beautiful celebration of traditional African rhythms, Afro-folk storytelling, and acoustic purity. Keturah’s soaring, emotionally raw vocals take center stage, backed by intricate percussion, acoustic guitars, and traditional instruments that make the entire project feel alive.

The album’s emotional core is felt through the powerful title track and lead single “Nsanje,” which tackles themes of jealousy and cultural unity. The rollout also featured the gorgeous, rhythmic single “Moyo,” a song that has captivated global folk audiences. With brilliant collaborative instrumentation from legendary West African kora player Toumani Diabaté’s ensemble, Nsanje bridges generations and borders flawlessly.