Here are some of my recent faves to accompany your weekend ahead.
Dig in!
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Kendrick Lamar – “Humble”
First up for your weekend listening, we have to talk about the elephant in the room. Thursday night, just before I hopped on air, Kendrick Lamar dropped what many assume is the first single from his highly anticipated forthcoming album. “HUMBLE.” seems to be a subtle warning to his peers that someone from the left coast is making a strong push for the title of the G.O.A.T. (Greatest Of All Time). Lamar simultaneously released an incredible video that reinforces that same narrative. This is a must watch. Warning, it’s NSFW.
Oumou Sangaré – “Yere Faga” feat. Tony Allen (Natureboy Flako Remix)
I am obsessed with this track! The first thing that strikes you is Tony Allen’s signature polyrhythmic drumming. It’s a style of percussion he introduced to the world during his time as bandleader of Fela Kuti’s Afrika ’70. Next, you’re seduced by Oumou Sangaré’s powerful and classic Wassoulou vocals. Combine those two aspects with the warmth of Natureboy Flako’s soulful and funky production and you get pretty damn close to perfection. Take a listen and I dare you not to move.
Lojii & Swarvy – “Blok” from Due Rent
Lojii & Swarvy are Philly transplants, now based in Los Angeles. The story goes that on Christmas Day of last year, the two began crafting several tracks for their album Due Rent (out 3/31). Swarvy is quoted saying, “We decided to do an album, when Lojii was short on rent one month”, hence the title. Irrespective of the inspiration behind the project, hip-hop fans will love this album. Swarvy’s soulful, jazzy samples and Lojii’s smooth vocal delivery create an infectious listening experience. If you miss early 90s hip-hop, this is the album for you.
Wayne Snow – “Red Runner” from Freedom TV
After living in France for several years, the Nigerian born & raised singer Wayne Snow decided to move to Berlin. He says that, “no matter what I did, they always put me in a box of being an ‘African musician.” Being an artist whose creations cannot be defined by man-made barriers, he of course found this title stifling. Snow found that in Berlin, he is allowed to be an artist first and a Nigerian second; thus enabling him to express the entire spectrum of his creativity and influences. All of which are on display with his debut. Freedom TV is an impressive and complex album that has elements of soul, jazz, broken beat, house and techno. If you’re a fan of Peven Everett or Steve Spacek, then you’ll love this record.