NEW MUSIC MONDAYS: Anderson .Paak & Cordae, Che Noir, Michael Kiwanuka, The Midnight Hour, John Legend, Shabazz Palaces, Amy Winehouse, Hit-Boy, Laila!, Ino Casablanca, Orchestra Baobab & Surprise Chef

Anderson .Paak & Cordae – Heavy Is the Crown 

(APESHIT / Artistry Worldwide)

Oxnard’s virtuoso drummer-vocalist Anderson .Paak teams up with Raleigh lyrical heavyweight Cordae for Heavy Is the Crown, a vibrant collaborative project rooted in effortless charisma and top-tier musicianship. Trading sharp verses over buttery soul loops and funk-driven basslines, the duo delivers a dynamic listening experience elevated by smooth features from Snoop Dogg and Lalah Hathaway. Standout track “Summer Nights” showcases their combined earworm potential over a warm, sun-drenched groove. It is a confident, groove-heavy body of work that delivers pure fun without sacrificing an ounce of substance.

Che Noir – It Takes A Village 

(Poetic Rebel / TC Music Group)

Buffalo’s own Che Noir continues her reign as one of modern hip-hop’s most formidable lyricists and producers on It Takes A Village. Known for her razor-sharp street tales and cinematic boom-bap production, she crafts a deeply reflective narrative backed by high-caliber guest spots from Royce da 5’9″, Benny the Butcher, and Rapsody. Standout track “Mama’s Blessing” brings profound emotional resonance, while the neck-snapping “Grown Folks” showcases her exceptional double-threat ability. It’s an essential, beautifully crafted album that firmly cements her legacy.

Michael Kiwanuka – Fudge 

(Polydor Records / Interscope)

London-born singer-songwriter Michael Kiwanuka makes a magnificent return with Fudge, an expansive collection of psych-tinted soul and timeless gospel-tinged folk. Collaborating once again with producers Danger Mouse and Inflo, Kiwanuka weaves sweeping string arrangements and fuzzy guitars around guest appearances from Bettye LaVette and Brandee Younger. Standout cut “Shadows” delivers a soaring, anthemic hook over driving percussion. It stands as a stunning, meditative record that rewards listeners more with every single playback.

The Midnight Hour – Lost Tapes JID028 

(Jazz Is Dead)

Los Angeles composers Ali Shaheed Muhammad and Adrian Younge bring forth another priceless artifact with The Midnight Hour: Lost Tapes JID028. Recorded strictly on analog equipment, the duo constructs a moody tapestry of orchestral jazz and retro soul featuring CeeLo Green, Bilal, and Ladybug Mecca. Standout track “Neon Lights” blends cool jazz cadences with effortless spoken-word poetry. It is a masterclass in analog warmth tailored for crate-diggers and casual music lovers alike.

John Legend – Muse 

(Republic Records)

Springfield, Ohio native John Legend returns to his core roots on Muse, a soul-drenched album celebrating love and artistic inspiration. Built around grand piano arrangements and smooth live instrumentation, the record features standout collaborations with neo-soul icon D’Angelo and rising star Victoria Monét. Sweeping ballad “Masterpiece” offers a passionate, piano-led love letter that highlights his timeless vocal range. It’s an uplifting, beautifully arranged showcase of pure vocal elegance.

Shabazz Palaces – It’s A Style Sport 

(Sub Pop Records)

Seattle experimental hip-hop icon Ishmael Butler delivers another cosmic voyage with It’s A Style Sport. Packed with dubby synth bass and abstract cadences, the album features space-age contributions from funk legend Bootsy Collins and singer-producer Stas THE Boss. Standout track “Zone 9” locks into an irresistible, hypnotic electronic bounce that pushes boundaries. It is an adventurous, sub-bass heavy record built for late-night headphone sessions.

Amy Winehouse – Back To Black (20th Anniversary Edition) 

(Island Records)

Hailing from London, the late, great Amy Winehouse’s immortal masterpiece Back To Black receives a definitive treatment on its 20th Anniversary Edition. Blending 1960s girl-group pop arrangements with gritty soul, this expanded release highlights classic hits alongside rare acoustic demos and a feature from Ghostface Killah. Standout bonus track “Love Is A Losing Game (Acoustic Demo)” offers a chilling look at her raw vocal prowess. It remains a breathtaking celebration of a generation-defining talent.

Hit-Boy – The Chauncey Hollis Project II

(Surf Club / Empire)

Fontana super-producer and MC Hit-Boy steps out from behind the boards to drop The Chauncey, a hard-hitting solo project displaying his formidable microphone skills. Hit-Boy balances trunk-rattling West Coast bass with soulful sample flips, calling on Nas, Dom Kennedy, and Big Sean for heavy-hitting features. Standout track “Family Business” delivers explosive lyrical fireworks over a relentless beat. It’s a sleek, West Coast-anchored project built for max volume.

Laila! – We’ll Never Be This Young Again

(300 Entertainment)

Rising Brooklyn artist Laila! delivers a stunning, self-produced debut with We’ll Never Be…, crafting an intimate R&B world filled with muted keys and warm drum bounces. Handling nearly all production herself, she also welcomes a special guest appearance from her brother Yasiin Bey on the soulful “Family Tree.” Viral standout “Not My Fault” highlights her infectious hook-writing ability and conversational charm. It marks the bright arrival of a major new self-made talent.

Ino Casablanca – EXSTASIAAAAA 

(RCA Records)

Parisian-born, London-based artist Ino Casablanca unleashes a wild, genre-bending storm on EXSTASIAAAAA, fusing French electro, alt-R&B, and rage rap. The high-octane project features electrifying guest spots from Lancey Foux and French singer Yseult over booming 808s and euro-dance synths. Standout track “RAVE SAFELY” delivers an explosive, house-infused club anthem built for European nights. It’s a bold, boundary-pushing album built for those who love their music loud and experimental.

Orchestra Baobab – Made In Senegal 

(World Circuit / Nonesuch)

Dakar’s legendary musical collective Orchestra Baobab returns with Made In Senegal, a magnificent celebration of Afro-Cuban rhythms and West African griot traditions. Recorded live to capture their unmatched stage energy, the album features guest appearances from Senegalese icon Youssou N’Dour and kora master Toumani Diabaté. Standout cut “Dakar Groove” showcases the band’s signature horn section over an irresistible dance beat. It is a warm, uplifting masterpiece from one of the world’s greatest musical institutions.

Surprise Chef – Frogs In A Pond 

(Big Crown Records)

Melbourne’s cinematic instrumental funk outfit Surprise Chef delivers a laid-back, groove-heavy feast on Frogs In A Pond. Recorded live to tape, the band weaves 1970s film scores and dusty drum breaks alongside guest flourishes from percussionist Harvey Sutherland and jazz flutist Cheryl Durongpisitkul. Standout track “Dappled Light” rides an irresistible, low-slung bassline that anchors the record. It stands as a cool, impeccably produced soundtrack for relaxing or digging for samples.