6 new must-listen albums from Mac Miller, Yola, Kele, Busta Rhymes & more

This week’s new albums span the spectrum from introspective psychedelia to boundary-pushing soul, featuring Mac Miller’s ethereal posthumous release “Balloonerism,” Yola’s genre-defying “My Way” EP, Busta Rhymes’ fierce “Dragon Season… The Awakening,” The Pro-Teens’ innovative MF DOOM tribute “MF TEEN,” and Kele’s trilogy-completing “The Singing Winds Pt. 3,” alongside Blacksea Não Maya’s electronic evolution “Despertar.”

Mac Miller – Balloonerism

The emergence of “Balloonerism” feels less like a posthumous release and more like uncovering a hidden masterpiece from Miller’s most adventurous period. Recorded alongside “Faces” in 2013-2014, these 14 tracks capture Miller at his most experimentally fearless. The collaboration with SZA and appearances by his alter ego Delusional Thomas create a kaleidoscopic journey through neo-soul and jazz territories, while Thundercat’s distinctive bass work adds gravitas to the psychedelic atmosphere. Standout tracks “5 Dollar Pony Rides” and “Funny Papers” demonstrate Miller’s profound artistic duality – capable of exploring love’s complexities and mortality’s weight with equal grace.

Yola – My Way EP

Yola’s latest EP represents a bold reimagining of soul music’s possibilities, drawing from a rich tapestry of influences spanning decades and continents. Working alongside Grammy winner Sean Douglas and Zach Skelton, she crafts a sound that honors the legacy of disco queens like Donna Summer and Minnie Riperton while carving out new sonic territory. “Temporary” pulsates with hypnotic disco energy, while “Symphony” delivers classic funk vibes filtered through a contemporary lens. The project stands as both a celebration of Black musical excellence and a defiant statement of artistic autonomy.

Busta Rhymes – Dragon Season… The Awakening

The dragon’s breath remains scorching on this six-track prelude to Busta’s upcoming full-length. Opening with the powerful “Letter to My Children,” the EP maintains its intensity across 18 minutes of masterful wordplay and dynamic production. The collaboration with YG Marley on “Treasure & Gold” creates a perfect reggae-influenced finale, bridging generational gaps while honoring hip-hop’s Caribbean roots.

The Pro-Teens – MF TEEN: Your Concurrence In The Above Is Assumed

This ambitious instrumental tribute transforms 14 MF DOOM classics through The Pro-Teens’ distinctive wonky boom-bap funk lens. Rather than mere covers, these interpretations honor DOOM’s legacy while establishing their own creative identity. Available on opaque orange vinyl, the project stands as both a celebration of the masked villain’s genius and a showcase of The Pro-Teens’ innovative approach to instrumental hip-hop.

Kele – The Singing Winds, Pt. 3

The Bloc Party frontman concludes his ambitious trilogy with characteristic sophistication. Including the emotionally charged “It Wasn’t Meant To Be” and the contemplative “Kintsugi,” this release through his KOLA Records imprint demonstrates Kele’s continued evolution as a solo artist while maintaining his distinctive songwriting voice.

Blacksea Não Maya – Despertar

Formed in 2009 by brothers DJ Noronha and DJ Kolt alongside DJ Perigoso, this Lisbon-based electronic collective continues to push boundaries on their latest offering. Released through the influential Príncipe Records, “Despertar” showcases nine tracks of forward-thinking club music that both honors and evolves Lisbon’s electronic heritage. Led by DJ Kolt, tracks like “Reborda,” “Tolobasco,” and the hypnotic “Katraps” demonstrate the group’s mastery of contemporary electronic innovation while maintaining strong connections to their cultural roots.