What A Day For New Music
May 17, 2019 has been a magnificent day for new music. This music ranged from local Kalamazoo artists to well-known artists. For someone who loves rap, like myself, today has been a landmark holiday for new music releases from Tyler, the Creator, Slowthai, Injury Reserve, Amine and Chance the Rapper. These are huge names. Is it a coincidence they were all released today or was this planned? Honestly, I could not care. My ears could not be happier than in this exact moment. A little word of warning, if you are not one to hear explicit content. These albums are not for you.
At midnight, I promised a dear friend and the current WIDR GM to listen to his debut album. The album Acatalepsy by ZXA can be found on all streaming platforms. Being someone who is personally going through their life search, I can greatly relate to this album. Acatalepsy is somewhat a coming of age story mentioning the hardships that can be given to students (and those between the age of 17-30) about how life is cruel and exciting all at once. The true and honest meaning I get from this album is how life is constantly being thrown at you. There is no down time but at the same time life is passing you by. You are losing time with those who are leaving you to go do the things they love. Many of us who are growing older can deeply relate to these feelings that ZXA goes through. I would recommend this album to most. If you support local music, this is one to put in your ears. Listen on Spotify by clicking this.
Beth’s Picks: Cognitive Dissonance, I Think Therefore I Am
I have been listening to Tyler, the Creator albums since I was 14. Tyler was the one who introduced me into the current musical taste that I have. Many “original fans” may say that IGOR is not like his previous dark synthy sound with harsh vulgar language. Now, I would not say he lost his musical synth tones and dramatic pianos. Although, he did change his vocal sound quite a bit since Wolf. IGOR’s vocals are produced perfectly and pitch shifted to give them an airy tone. Much of the public and myself have found this album to be a breakup album. Do I know that for sure? Absolutely not. In EARFQUAKE he says, “Don’t leave this is my fault”. This is just my hunch and finishing this album with three “love” songs. No, I did not immediately fall in love with it. This could have been my lack of sleep when I listened to it the first time around. Once I came back into sanity, I did fall in love and deeply. This album can be found on all streaming platforms or by clicking here.
Beth’s Picks: EARFQUAKE, NEW MAGIC WAND, WHAT’S GOOD
Sit around kids and let me tell you about my undying love for Slowthai. Tyron Kay1 Frampton is a 24 year old rapper from Northampton in Britain who released the new album called, “Nothing Great About Britain” and was recently featured on the anticipated new Flume Mixtape. This man truly brings back the need for care in the poor areas of Britain that is being neglected by its royal ruling class. In his music videos, he glorifies the embodiment of the lower class in Britain through dark close up shots. In his album, Nothing Great About Britain, Slowthai shows us the twangy meaning for the working class. This has been my favorite album that was released on May 17. I would give this a five star rating and can be listened to here.
Beth’s Picks: Nothing Great About Britain, Crack, Drug Dealer
There has been plenty of new music that came out and just in time for summer to commence. My heart and ears could not be happier and hopeful for the future of rap. So, I will leave you with this. Go out and enjoy your life and music. Since all of these artists have an overarching theme of fleeting life, there is definitely no time to sit around. Go out and live.
