Motomami
Rosalía
More than three years after the aesthetic shock provoked by the release of El Mal Querer , the fearless Spanish artist continues her experimentation of all kinds on Motomami. Along these 16 new unpredictable tracks, Rosalía leaves her neo-flamenco interpretation to venture purely hybrid paths, where electronic music infiltrates reggaeton, bachata and even a delicate ballad. The Dominican rapper Tokischa is the only guest of what is to date, the most accomplished expression of the boundless creativity of the Catalan artist.
Listen here.
The Buffalo Soldier Tape
Juju Rogers
After the mystical and sublime 40 Acres N Sum Mula, Berlin’s JuJu Rogers helps us out of this endless crisis with The Buffalo Soldier Tape, a luminous piece of music that weaves together Europe, the United States, Africa and the Caribbean. This Buffalo Soldier Tape is undeniably more organic than his previous work. It’s a heartfelt record, where vocals often replace rap, and roots and dancehall elements resonate between the hip-hop beats.
Listen here.
Mmaso
Ecko Bazz
The debut album from Ugandan rapper released on Hakuna Kulala is described as “an explosive call to action that balances his manic presence with production from MC Yallah collaborator Debmaster, Kenyan club futurist Slikback, Berlin-based Japanese beatmaker DJ Die Soon and the inimitable DJ Scotch Rolex.” Blending elements of dancehall, Ugandan music, grime and US hip-hop, Mmaso see Ecko Bazz address themes such as violence, religion, drug abuse and poverty in the Ugandan slums, all written and rapped in Luganda.
Listen here.
Green
Shane Eagle
Shane Eagle, former battle rap reality TV participant, has gone on to make a name for himself in South African rap and abroad. Coming off of a tour with Dreamville’s Bas, Shane Eagle put together his 3rd studio album, rapping about the price of success over his signature taste for boom-bap beats. The album takes a personal look into his relationship with his absent father like on “Mirror” when he reflects on his absence, or on “To Be Frank” when he expresses his father’s appreciation for Mr. Sinatra. There’s also some heavy hitter productions from Navy Blue and features from redveil and Monte Booker as well as Omari Hardwick.
Listen here.
Invisible Currency
Khaligraph Jones
The Kenyan rap top-dog is back to preach his status at the top of his craft on Invisible Currency. This 17 track, hyper packed album is a statement that Khaligraph is never going to stop sharpening his sword on the rap game, and brining in a gamut of up-and-comers and rap figures on the ride with him. Xenia Manasseh delivers her smooth vocals on “How We Do”, Mejja brings the gengetone vibe on “Kamnyweso” and Rude Boy brings the autotune trap on “Ride for You”. For a flow masterclass, check out “Hiroshima” where Khaligraph and Dax go Godzilla for some machine-gun bars.
Listen here.
This week we also listened to:
- Tasweerah by Jawhar
- Reggaeland by Yaadcore
- Pacífica Pedra Branca by Jennifer Souza
- Susuma by Jemba Groove
