4 must-listen new albums from Blue Lab Beats, Bbymutha & more

As we dive into the fourth week of April 2024, HYFIN presents a diverse selection of must-listen new albums from a range of talented artists. This week’s spotlight shines on Blue Lab Beats, an electronic jazz fusion duo; Bbymutha, a defiant Chattanooga-born, Atlanta-based rapper; Cadence Weapon, a Hamilton-based rapper, producer, and author; Seafood Sam, a virtuosic rapper, singer, and producer from Long Beach County; and Ruger and BNXN, two rising stars in the Nigerian music scene. 

Blue Lab Beats – “Blue Eclipse” (Blue Note Records):

London-based duo Blue Lab Beats, consisting of NK-OK and Mr DM, returns with their fourth studio album, “Blue Eclipse.” This project marks an exciting new chapter for the GRAMMY-winning pair, as they continue to explore the depths of their signature fusion of jazz and electronic music. The 12-track album features collaborations with notable artists such as Kojey Radical, Daley, IDK, Jay Prince, and Poppy Daniels, each contributing their unique flavors to Blue Lab Beats’ already captivating sound.

“Blue Eclipse” serves as a nod to the duo’s first EP, “Blue Skies,” embracing themes and sounds that have been present throughout their career. The album’s immersive soundscapes meld organic and digital elements, creating a listening experience that is both refreshing and familiar. Blue Lab Beats’ latest release solidifies their position as innovators in the electronic jazz scene, and it is an essential addition to any music lover’s collection.

Bbymutha – “Sleep Paralysis” (True Panther):

Chattanooga-born, Atlanta-based artist Bbymutha is set to release her new album, “Sleep Paralysis,” a project that promises to showcase her growth and experimentation as an artist. Known for her colorful lyricism and genre-bending production, Bbymutha has been a staple in the Southern underground scene, collaborating with the likes of Zelooperz, Baby Tate, Na-Kel, Pink Siifu, Kelela, and Fly Anakin.

“Sleep Paralysis” finds Bbymutha layering her steely and hilarious musings over windswept synths and echoing industrial 808s, bringing a sense of urgency to her words and a glint of experimentation to her ever-developing sound. The album’s inspiration stems from a post-lockdown tour in the UK, where she was introduced to the sounds of 90s Garage and UK dance music. As her first project with no features, “Sleep Paralysis” demonstrates Bbymutha’s singular persona and her refusal to languish in the confines of her comfort zone.

Cadence Weapon – “Rollercoaster” (MNRK Records):

Hamilton-based rapper, producer, former poet laureate, and author Cadence Weapon (Rollie Pemberton) is set to release his sixth studio album, “Rollercoaster,” on MNRK Music Group. Known for his incisive commentary on systemic inequality and racial disparity, Pemberton expands his focus to the sprawling internet on this new project.

“Rollercoaster” exhibits Pemberton’s growing skills in merging socio-political commentary and insurgent rap with humor and pop sensibility. The album’s production, which includes contributions from Grandtheft, Jacques Greene, Machinedrum, Loraine James, and myst milano, replicates the internet’s “sensory overload” through hyperpop and electro-inspired beats. Pemberton’s vivid tableaus of online experiences serve as a cautionary tale, reminding listeners that they don’t have to simply “go along for the ride” in the increasingly chaotic digital world.

Seafood Sam – “Standing On Giant Shoulders” (drink sum wtr):

Long Beach County hero Seafood Sam unveils his full-length album debut, “Standing on Giant Shoulders,” on drink sum wtr. The album showcases Sam’s forward-thinking sensibility, rooted in the influences of James Brown, Bobby Brown, and Miles Davis – the holy trinity that inspired his creative process.

On “Standing on Giant Shoulders,” Sam handles all rhymes, singing, production, and arrangements, with an assist from Tom Kendall of the Long Beach group Soular System. The album features bassline-forward tracks like “Cowboy Leather,” complete with flute flourishes and dramatic string arrangements that evoke a sense of timelessness. With guest appearances from Goya Gumbani and Rae Khalil, and big band arrangements cooked up by Sam and Kendall, “Standing on Giant Shoulders” takes listeners on a journey through smoky supper club rooms and lavishly tailored velvet suits.

Ruger & BNXN – “RnB” EP (EMPIRE):

Rising Nigerian stars Ruger and BNXN (also known as Buju) have collaborated on an EP titled “RnB.” The project combines Ruger’s energetic Afrobeat style with BNXN’s smooth R&B vocals, resulting in a unique and enjoyable listening experience.

Ruger, known for his hit single “Bounce,” brings his catchy tunes and unique style to the table, while BNXN, recognized for his versatile music that blends Afrobeats, R&B, and pop, contributes his soulful voice to the project. The “RnB” EP showcases the musical chemistry between these two promising young talents and explores various themes throughout its tracks. As Ruger and BNXN continue to push boundaries and gain international recognition, this collaborative effort is expected to further establish their presence in the Nigerian music scene and beyond.