10 must-listen new albums: Normani, Fan hues, Chicken P & more

As summer begins to heat up, HYFIN is excited to present nine must-listen albums for Friday, June 14, 2024. The Milwaukee rising rap scene leader, Chicken P dropped his new EP “4evalit.” Normani’s debut album “Dopamine” offers electrifying R&B and pop anthems, while Fana Hues’ “Moth” delves into soulful introspection. Raveena enchants with “Where the Butterflies Go in the Rain,” blending R&B, pop, and jazz. PJ Morton’s “Cape Town To Cairo” celebrates African music’s influence on American genres, and Don Toliver’s “Hardstone Psycho” explores genre-blending sounds of rock, hip-hop, R&B, and pop. Lalah Hathaway’s “VANTABLACK” merges soulful vocals with contemporary R&B. Fr1th’s “Mind Blossom” captivates with ambient and experimental electronic sounds. The Art Ensemble of Chicago reissues their avant-garde jazz classic “Message to Our Folks,” and Paul Ngozi’s “The Ghett”o reintroduces the seminal Zamrock album, blending rock, funk, and African rhythms.

Chicken P – 4evalit EP

Milwaukee rapper Chicken P has dropped his latest EP, “4evalit,” recently releasing the lead single “Low Life Rich N” to build anticipation. Chicken P, one of Milwaukee’s most popular rappers, consistently amasses hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of views on YouTube. On “Low Life Rich N,” he maintains his signature flow, attitude, and vibe, making him a standout in the city’s hip-hop scene. Previously collaborating with Yung Bleu on “VVS,” his first major feature, Chicken P continues to elevate his profile. Describing Milwaukee’s music scene as “a battlefield,” he highlights the competitive nature and drive among local artists. Recently honored at the 2024 One World Music Festival for his contributions to the city’s music community, Chicken P aims to cement his position as a leading voice in Milwaukee’s hip-hop scene with 4evalit, showcasing his distinct style and lyrical prowess.

Normani – Dopamine

Normani has officially released her highly anticipated debut album, “Dopamine,” via RCA Records. This album signifies a bold and transformative chapter for the 28-year-old artist as she fully embraces her sexuality and celebrates her journey into divine femininity. “Dopamine” represents a season of liberation and freedom, capturing Normani’s evolution to this pivotal moment. Inspired by the happiness-inducing brain chemical, the album title reflects the joy and euphoria infused in her music. Special guest features include James Blake and Gunna, with background vocals from Brandy. The album opens with the electrifying lead single “Big Boy,” where Normani exudes unshakeable confidence, boasting about her platinum hits and Billboard successes. “Still,” which samples Houston rapper Mike Jones’ “Still Tippin’,” further cements her connection to her hometown, with Normani’s voice dripping with swagger as she sings and pledges, “I hold it down for my city.”

Fana Hues – Moth

Fana Hues, an American R&B singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from Pasadena, California, is set to release her third studio album, “Moth,” via Bright Antenna Records. The 13-track project features a sole guest appearance from Bam Marley. Hues describes the album’s concept as “moths flying through darkness constantly searching for light even at the risk of harm,” mirroring her journey to find the reason for a feeling in its purest form, even if it hurts. Ahead of the album’s release, Hues unveiled the groovy single “Rental,” a sassy and confident ode to distractions and joy rides in life. Following the album’s release, Hues will join Lucky Daye as an opening act for his “The Algorithm Tour” across North America this summer.

Raveena – Where the Butterflies Go In The Rain

Raveena, an Indian American singer-songwriter from Massachusetts, releases her third full-length studio album, “Where the Butterflies Go in the Rain, via Empire.” The 12-track project meshes lush R&B with pop and jazz influences, showcasing Raveena’s sonic alchemy and serving as a melting pot for various genres. One of the singles, “Lucky,” has already been released along with a music video. Lyrically, the album explores themes of tragedy and loss of focus, metaphorically representing Raveena’s artistic quest for emotional truth and self-discovery. With this release, Raveena continues to establish herself as a rising voice in the alternative R&B scene.

PJ Morton – Cape Town To Cairo

PJ Morton, the Grammy-winning artist and keyboardist for Maroon 5, has released his new album, “Cape Town To Cairo.” This groundbreaking project was written and recorded within a span of 30 days while Morton traveled across the African continent. The 9-track album collaborates with prominent African artists such as Fireboy DML, Mádé Kuti, Aṣa, Ndabo Zulu, and the Soweto Spiritual Singers. The album seamlessly blends Morton’s New Orleans roots with the rich musical traditions of Africa, creating a sonic bridge between the African diaspora and the Western world. Cape Town To Cairo is a testament to the universal language of music and its ability to transcend borders and unite people.

Don Toliver – Hardstone Psycho

Don Toliver’s highly anticipated fourth studio album, Hardstone Psycho, marks a significant evolution in his artistry, showcasing his versatility and boldness in exploring new sonic territories. Hardstone Psycho is divided into four parts, each representing a different facet of Toliver’s musical universe, blending rock, hip-hop, R&B, and pop elements. The album features guest appearances from Travis Scott, Kodak Black, Future, Metro Boomin, Cash Cobain, Charlie Wilson, and Teezo Touchdown. Toliver’s promotional campaign for the album has been innovative and immersive, building anticipation among fans. With this release, Don Toliver solidifies his position as a genre-bending artist unafraid to push boundaries.

Lalah Hathaway – VANTABLACK

Lalah Hathaway, the five-time Grammy award-winning singer/songwriter and producer, releases her highly anticipated new album, “VANTABLACK.” This 16-track project blends Hathaway’s signature soulful sound with contemporary R&B, hip-hop, and jazz elements. The album features guest appearances from renowned artists such as Rapsody, Common, Michael McDonald, MC Lyte, and more. Throughout “VANTABLACK,” Hathaway explores themes of love, relationships, personal growth, and social commentary. The album’s title reflects the depth and intensity of the lyrical content and musical arrangements, showcasing Hathaway’s growth as an artist and her ability to push boundaries while staying true to her roots.

Fr1th – Mind Blossom

Fr1th, the innovative electronic music producer and composer, releases his highly anticipated new album, “Mind Blossom,” via Mello Music Group. This 13-track project showcases Fr1th’s signature blend of ambient, downtempo, and experimental electronic sounds. The album features a standout collaboration with vocalist Jerome Thomas on the track “Orange Ombre,” creating a harmonious fusion of organic and electronic elements. The title track, “Mind Blossom,” encapsulates the project’s overarching theme of personal growth and self-discovery. Fr1th’s ability to convey complex emotions through his intricate sound design makes this album a must-listen for fans of innovative, boundary-pushing electronic music.

Art Ensemble of Chicago – Message to Our Folks

The Art Ensemble of Chicago, the pioneering avant-garde jazz group, has reissued their seminal 1969 album “Message to Our Folks” on its 55th anniversary. This remastered reissue celebrates the original release, widely regarded as a landmark in the evolution of free jazz and creative improvisation. The album features the core members seamlessly blending elements of traditional jazz with African rhythms, avant-garde experimentation, and theatrical performance. Standout tracks like “Old Souls” and “Spiritual Eternal” showcase the Art Ensemble’s ability to create intricate and captivating sonic landscapes. This reissue not only celebrates the group’s groundbreaking contributions to jazz but also serves as a reminder of their enduring influence on contemporary music.

Paul Ngozi – The Ghetto

Paul Ngozi’s 1976 album “The Ghetto” has been reissued, bringing back to light one of the seminal works of the “Zamrock” genre. Zamrock, a vibrant fusion of rock, funk, psychedelic rock, and traditional Zambian folk music, emerged in Zambia during the 1970s. On “The Ghetto,” Ngozi seamlessly fuses fuzzed-out guitar riffs with African rhythms, creating a captivating sonic tapestry. Tracks like “In the Ghetto” address the harsh realities of poverty and social injustice, while “Suicide” blends rock anthems with danceable grooves. This reissue allows a new generation to experience the raw energy and cultural significance of Zamrock, highlighting Ngozi’s searing guitar work and socially conscious lyrics.