New Music Monday 03/28: I Know the Future

Welcome back to Music Monday. We’ve got a stacked lineup this week with some amazing performances, a few blasts from the past, and a whole lotta fun. Enough talking let’s, check out last week’s highlights!

Nigo – I Know Nigo

Goddang, it is 2006 again! The legendary fashion icon, Nigo, had just dropped one of the best albums of the year, with a most stellar lineup of features, such as Tyler, The Creator, A$AP Rocky, Gunna, and etc. But, most importantly, when I said it was 2006 again, he went way back and brought some of the old Star Trek Records crew with Pharrell Williams, Clipse, and Teriyaki Boyz. This album was such a blast. and Nigo’s production was so versatile that it amazed me how in his first official release, he was able to pull off such a feat. This album is a blast from the past that has mixed in an enjoyable, yet modern, flavor. What can’t Nigo do, man? Now, if you excuse me, I’m gonna go listen to the Tokyo Drift soundtrack. 

Viet – 9/10

Favorite Tracks – “Paper Plates,” featuring Pharrell Williams, A$AP Ferg, “Come On Let’s Go,” featuring Tyler, The Creator, “Arya”, featuring A$AP Rocky, “Lost and Found Freestyle 2019,” featuring, A$AP Rocky, Tyler The Creator, “More Tonight,” featuring Teriyaki Boyz

Jacques – 9/10

Favorite Tracks: “Come On Let’s Go” featuring Tyler, The Creator, “Lost and Found Freestyle 2019,” featuring A$AP ROCKY, Tyler, The Creator, “Paper Plates” featuring Pharrell Williams

Denzel Curry – Melt My Eyez See Your Future

Following the release of his song “Walkin,” Denzel Curry releases a 14 track album titled Melt My Eyez See Your Future. This album is phenomenal, Curry really shows his unique lyricism as he flows over every beat beautifully. Denzel Curry is definitely an underrated artist and I believe that he really showed us what he’s truly capable of with this album. This whole project is just beautiful. From the production, to the vocals, to bars, to the storytelling. This could very well be Denzel’s best project yet. This album is amazing, I am beyond content with this release. 

Jacques -10/10

Favorite Tracks: “Worst come to worst,” “John Wayne” featuring Buzzy Lee, “X-Wing”

Viet – 9/10

Favorite Tracks: “Mental,” featuring Saul Williams & Bridget Perez, “John Wayne,” featuring Buzzy Lee, “Zatoichi,” featuring slowthai, “Ain’t No Way,” featuring 6LACK, Rico Nasty, JID, Powers Pleasant, “Sanjuro” featuring 454

Latto – 777

Latto comes with an absolute non stop thrill ride of an album with 777. This album is very energetic from the get-go as it starts off with an electric opening track with Latto popping off with hard bars and a cocky demeanor in “777.”  She really knows how to hold her own and really captured my attention while listening. Latto was doing better than her features, even with a stacked lineup of Lil Wayne, Childish Gambino, 21 Savage, Kodak Black, Lil Durk, and Nardo Wick. She really made a statement with the album and proved that she’s not the only one to not be messed with, as well as a shining, key figure in the future of rap. 

Viet – 8/10

Favorite Tracks: “Sunshine,” featuring Lil Wayne & Childish Gambino, “777 Pt. 2,” “777 Pt.1”, “

“Real One,” “Sleep Sleep”

Jacques -7/10

Favorite Tracks: “Real One,” “Sleep Sleep”

Charli XCX – Crash (Deluxe)

Following the release of her album, Crash, Charli XCX released a deluxe edition. With this, we were given four new tracks and a different cover art; not important but still pretty cool. The songs were quite enjoyable. The production was exceptional and her voice sounded good, too. I can’t necessarily compare it to her past projects since I haven’t listened to them. However, from what I’ve heard so far, Crash is an exceptional album and that is including the deluxe tracks.

Jacques – 7/10

Favorite Tracks: “What You Think About Me,”Selfish Girl,” “ Sorry if I hurt You”

Viet – 7/10

Favorite Tracks: “Selfish Girl,” “Sorry if I Hurt You,” “What You Think About Me”

Channel Tres – “Acid / Ganzfield 12”

One of house music’s most talented up-and-coming rappers, Channel Tres, has returned with another EP, this time with “Acid/Ganzfield 12.” A few weeks ago, he dropped his beat tape “refresh.” He seems to not be stopping with his consistency. as he continues to improve on his beats. “Acid” is a more electric dance track with much variety; the beat grows and changes throughout. Tres’ cocky demeanor just masqueraded across the track, and helped create this track into such a fun listen. 

“Ganzfeld 12” is more of a relaxed track that can be played in the most relaxed and laid back setting. It has this very nostalgic feel, like something you’d hear off an old PS2 game soundtrack, and the lyrics discuss how music can really transform you. Channel Tres continues to expand his sound and create something way more different than his previous work. I truly cannot wait for whatever he does next because his music is just beautiful; especially during the springtime! 

Viet – 8.5/10

Jacques – 8/10

Summer Walker, SZA, Cardi B – “No Love“

Looks like we’ve just been given the toxic anthem of the year. Summer Walker teamed up with Cardi B and SZA to release a song titled “No Love.” The track is fairly good. The three artists all sounded well together, no one seemed out of place. The vocals were pretty good. No to mention how well each of them spilled their emotions onto the track. The production was alright as well, I definitely think it was the perfect beat for these three. 

Jacques – 8/10

Viet – 7.5/10

Kid Cudi – “Stars In The Sky”

With the upcoming release of Sonic The Hedgehog 2, Kid Cudi released a song off of the film’s soundtrack. In all honesty, I don’t like the song. The song is so “pop” and “kiddie like.” In my opinion, Cudi’s voice didn’t sound right on this track in particular. The production also wasn’t that impressive, it didn’t stick with me at all. I don’t see the song growing on me, I don’t see it being popular or anything. It does however fit the whole aesthetic and vibe of the actual film it was intended for. However, aside from that, the song really isn’t enjoyable in the slightest. 

Jacques – 5/10

Viet – 6.5/10

Chance The Rapper – “Child of God”

Out of nowhere, Chance The Rapper returns with a new single called, “Child of God.” This song is very peaceful, and Chance seems very vulnerable. The song seems to be depicting Chance losing hope in himself accompanied with his old, zany bars. Right when I heard the”AH” adlib, I knew we were getting something magical. This seemed like Chance’s comeback after all the criticism and backlash from his last album. He seems to really be piecing together what was once lost, and now Chance has regained our attention. Whatever his next move is, we’re here patiently hoping for the best. 

Viet – 8/10

Jacques – 6/10

Doechii – “Persuasive” 

After Doechii became the newest signee to the iconic Top Dawg Entertainment, she dropped a song to add to the celebration, called “Persuasive.” The track is actually really good, extremely catchy. The production was pretty good, as well. Something really interesting with the song is singing in the background with the track. It is clear that Doechii put a lot of effort into this track, not saying all artist don’t do that. It is just very apparent that she wanted this song to be enjoyable and I can gladly say it was.  

Jacques – 7.5/10

Viet – 8/10

This concludes this week’s rendition of New Music Monday. We hope you enjoyed it and hope to see you again soon. Remember to enjoy the weather, go have some fun, and enjoy the music. Alright, y’all stay safe, peace!