NEW MUSIC MONDAYS: Beyoncé, Flamingosis, Nemzzz. KARRAHBOOO,LAZER DIM 700, corto.alto, Blu & Sndtrak & Dizzee Rascal

Beyoncé – B’Day (20th Anniversary Deluxe Edition)

(Columbia Records)

Queen Bey takes listeners back to 2006 with a massive 20th-anniversary expansion of her seminal sophomore LP. Originally written and recorded in a whirlwind two-week session, B’Day remains one of the most explosive, fast-paced R&B albums of the century. The production on this newly remastered edition holds up impeccably, serving up brass-heavy instrumentation, live drum fills, and peak vocal runs that remind us why Beyoncé remains an undisputed titan of the genre.

The standout track “Déjà Vu” still feels like an unstoppable force of nature, but the real draw here is the vault tracks. Unearthing previously unreleased gems alongside refreshed high-definition visual remasters gives long-time fans a peek into her creative process during one of the most prolific eras of her career.

It’s an essential retrospective that bridges two decades of R&B excellence.

Flamingosis – Mood Provider 13

(Self-Released)

The Brooklyn-via-New Jersey producer Aaron Velasquez, better known as Flamingosis, returns with another masterclass in smooth, head-nodding beatmaking. Packed with 16 previously unreleased beats, funky sample chops, pristine drum loops, and breezy synth work, Mood Provider 13 is engineered specifically for late-summer cruising and weekend kickbacks. He blends vintage soul and disco flourishes with modern lo-fi flair, keeping the rhythm bouncy without ever feeling overly cluttered.

The standout track “Summer Breeze (Reprise)” pairs perfectly with golden-hour vibes, locking into an irresistible bass groove that will have radio listeners immediately shazam-ing their screens. Milwaukee heads take note: You can catch Flamingosis bringing these infectious grooves live to The Cooperage on October 30th—be sure to grab tickets before it sells out!

This project cements his spot as one of the most consistent instrumental architects making music today.

Black Bananas – Bad Bunch

(Drag City)

Led by alternative icon Jennifer Herrema, Black Bananas returns with Bad Bunch, a wild, cross-genre experiment that fuses heavy synth-funk, electro-boogie, and gritty garage rock. Operating completely outside traditional boundaries, the album pairs distorted, synth-heavy basslines with infectious dance rhythms, delivering a raw, high-energy groove designed for late-night radio sessions.

Standout cut “Physical Culture” lays down a heavy-bottomed, funk-infused synth groove anchored by Herrema’s unmistakable vocal swagger. From front to back, the record balances electronic experimentation with undeniable rhythm, proving that modern funk comes in all shapes and colors.

It’s an energetic, genre-bending thrill ride that injects pure alternative-funk attitude into your playlist.

Nemzzz – LOCKED IN

(Ultimate Building Blocks / Flygerian / Atlantic UK)

The Manchester MC continues his absolute tear through the UK rap scene with LOCKED IN, a project that proves his slick, laid-back delivery can hold its own on a global stage. Nemzzz thrives on minimal, heavy-bass production that leaves plenty of room for his sharp, unbothered cadence and clever punchlines. Instead of rushing his flows, he glides over the beats with a calm confidence that commands your attention from start to finish.

The album is stacked with standout moments, including high-profile collaborations with Travis Scott, Latto, and Lil Yachty that showcase his cross-Atlantic appeal at an all-time high. Meanwhile, solo cuts feature Nemzzz spitting cold, witty bars about his rise to fame over snappy, modern drill-infused percussion.

It’s easily one of the most complete and polished UK rap releases to drop this week.

corto.alto – SOME SMALL FORTUNE

(Ninja Tune)

Scottish multi-instrumentalist, producer, and composer Liam Shortall—the genius behind corto.alto—returns with SOME SMALL FORTUNE, a genre-defying tour de force that pushes modern UK jazz into uncharted territory. Following his Mercury Prize-nominated debut, this album blends fiery brass arrangements, heavy electronic basslines, and hip-hop grooves with lush, cinematic orchestral textures. Shortall’s background as a trombonist shines throughout the composition, giving the record a rich, live-band energy while maintaining crisp, contemporary studio polish.

The standout track “APRIL” (featuring anaiis) captures the project’s brilliance instantly, floating delicate, soulful vocals over a complex, slow-burning nu-jazz rhythm. Heavyweight features across the record—including Chicago MC Mick Jenkins and Nigerian pop artist Vector—keep the tracklist constantly evolving and fresh.

It’s an expansive, boundary-breaking album that cements corto.alto as an absolute leader in the global jazz fusion movement.

KARRAHBOOO – NOT DA 2

(NOTTHETWO, LLC / Self-Released)

Stepping out into the spotlight with complete artistic control, Karrahbooo delivers a project overflowing with personality, sharp wit, and modern Southern bounce. Known for her nonchalant, slick-talking flow, NOT DA 2 finds the Atlanta rapper refining her signature style over crisp, trunk-rattling production. She makes effortless flexes sound like casual conversation, delivering memorable one-liners over heavy 808s and playful synth melodies.

The standout tracks feature a bass-heavy bounce that lets her charismatic delivery take total control. Tracks across the project show a young artist fully comfortable in her own skin, taking ownership of her narrative and laying down a blueprint for her next era.

It’s fun, unapologetic, and packed with the exact kind of energy modern hip-hop radio needs right now.

LAZER DIM 700 – LD7

(Fast Music Records)

Emerging from the Georgia underground, LAZER DIM 700 delivers LD7, a raw, 19-track onslaught of unfiltered energy. Operating completely without features, he relies on his abrasive cadence, fast-paced punchlines, and chaotic, distorted production to drive the entire project forward. His unique vocal delivery sits right on the edge of the beat, creating a hypnotic rhythm that has made him a cult favorite in the plugg and underground scenes.

Standout cuts across LD7 demonstrate his growth while keeping the unvarnished, home-studio grit that built his audience. The relentless 808s and fast-paced arrangements demand turned-up car speakers, serving up an energy that doesn’t let up from front to back.

It’s a bold, uncompromising statement from one of the internet’s most intriguing new rap voices.

Blu & Sndtrak – Chasing the Sun

(Nature Sounds)

West Coast underground royalty Blu teams up with Oakland producer Sndtrak for Chasing the Sun, a full-length love letter to golden-hour California hip-hop. The project is built on a foundation of dusty soul samples, warm basslines, and crisp boom-bap drums that recreate the feeling of a late-afternoon drive down the coast. Blu’s vivid storytelling and intricate rhyme schemes shine as bright as ever, capturing the nuance, history, and daily realities of West Coast life.

The standout track “Golden State” sets the tone instantly with razor-sharp scratches and a classic hip-hop feel. Heavyweight guest appearances round out the tracklist, giving the album the community-driven feel of an authentic LA cypher.

It’s an essential listen for heads who appreciate pure lyrics and timeless, sample-based hip-hop.

Dizzee Rascal – We Want Bass

(Big Dirtee Records)

The UK grime pioneer makes a thunderous return with his ninth studio album, delivering a high-energy call to arms built for sound systems and festival tents. Dizzee fuses his signature fast-paced, rapid-fire flows with heavy bassline, speed garage, dubstep, and club-driven house production. It’s playful, mischievous, and entirely unconcerned with trends—focusing purely on high-octane dancefloor energy and sharp lyrical hooks.

The lead single “What U Need” anchors the project with classic grime tension, while nostalgically sampled tracks like “Hit The Spot” and “So Hot” lean into full-throttle 2000s/2010s club energy. Dizzee demonstrates that decades into his career, his energy on the mic remains completely unmatched.

It’s a chaotic, bass-heavy thrill ride that honors the UK underground while keeping the party going.