Curating playlists and discovering new music are my favorite pastimes. With so much good music being released daily and archives of great tracks hiding out there, there’s always something new to listen to and to share with others.
Whether you’re looking for a palate cleanser or want something that’s right up your alley, I’ll be sharing an assortment of old favorites, new releases, and everything in between that has been on my radar each month.
“Tangled Up in You” – The Altons
If you’re into old school soul, this track is for you. With new single “Tangled Up in You,” The Altons capture that signature sound of the oldies while adding their own soulful flair to this love song. Under the Penrose Records label, they’re in great company with more “souldies” artists that are definitely worth the listen.
“L.A. Nights” – Yasuko Agawa
Originally released in 1986, “L.A. Nights” is a song I recently discovered while listening to a Japanese soul/funk mix on YouTube. It was the first track in the mix and that bass line immediately reeled me in. This track is a funk/jazz dream to me, and everyone should give it a listen if you’re looking for a new groove.
DRONES – Terrace Martin
Terrace Martin dropped his LP DRONES in November 2021, and it’s been in rotation since. He has quickly become one of my favorite artists over the last few years and DRONES is just another great example of his talents as a producer. My top picks from this album: Drones (feat. Kendrick Lamar, Snoop Dogg, Ty Dolla $ign, and James Fauntleroy), This Morning (feat. Arin Ray & Smino), and Sick of Cryin’ (feat. Leon Bridges & D Smoke).
SICK! – Earl Sweatshirt
One of the more recent drops on this list, SICK! is Earl Sweatshirt’s latest studio album and the first 2022 project I’ve fully listened to. His lyricism consistently stands out on each project he drops, and SICK! is no different. My top picks: Tabula Rasa (feat. Armand Hammer), Lye, and Fire in the Hole.
Elephant in the Room – Mick Jenkins
Released back in November, Elephant in the Room is one of my favorite albums of 2021. Mick Jenkins’ music is always the perfect chill vibe for me, enough for half of this album to be in my daily playlist. My top picks: Scottie Pippin (feat. serpentwithfeet), Gucci Tried to Tell Me, and Truffles.
“Under the Sun” – Lady Wray
Lady Wray always brings soul with every track she releases. “Under the Sun” is a perfect feel-good song off her album Piece of Me (which has now been officially released at the time of publication). Lady Wray is one of the many talented Big Crown Records artists that have had me hooked for the past two years. If you haven’t given her other singles a listen, I cannot recommend them enough!
