Tune In Tuesdays: Hip-Hop Singles Galore with Album Drops from Disclosure and Angel Olsen

Thundercat — Dragonball Durag Remix ft. Smino & Guapdad 4000

It was only right this song got a remix — it’s the top-charting single of the album and deserves a re-imagination. But the theoretical hype for it turns out to fall flat — Smino and Guapdad just couldn’t match Thundercat’s wavelength on this one. The track is worth a listen, but the three artists just feel a little disconnected.

Dragonball Durag (feat. Smino & Guapdad 4000) [Remix] | Thundercat

Nao — Woman ft. Lianne La Havas

What a power duo. In her statement on this single, Nao said, “this is the start of a new dawn where being a woman—esp a woman of colour—can and should be celebrated. This is our time!” We should all be constantly celebrating these two talented women. Their power in the track comes through the unique combination of their vocals, an upbeat melody, and uplifting vocals. 

Slug — Origins

Slug is a recently formed group, providing some fresh “funkadelic jazz music from another dimension,” per their Instagram. The group’s debut project won’t slap you in the face and demand your attention because that’s not their style. Head to your favorite coffee shop or park bench, don those comfortable headphones of yours, and toss on this EP because it’ll warm you right up.

Black Thought — Good Morning ft. Swizz Beats, Pusha T, Killer Mike

“Good Morning” is an exciting reminder of Black Thought’s immense talent and ability to bring together some of the biggest names in hip-hop. In advance of the next iteration of Streams of Thought, which was delayed after the passing of Roots founder Malik B on July 31, “Good Morning” stirs the pot with provocative verses from Black Thought, Pusha T, and Killer Mike. Spruce in a heavy dose of the Swizz Beats Hype Factor, and this is a track that should stay in your playlist for the months to come.

Mac DeMarco — Here Comes the Cowboy Demos

Here Comes the Cowboy received negative reviews from internet critics. But Mac’s fans have continued to enjoy the album that sees him go further in the direction he started on 2017’s This Old Dog — a comforting, gentle array of tunes that’ll take the pressure off your ears. And the demo version of the album furthers that effect. 

Unfortunately, there aren’t any bonuses on the demo tape like he’s done with other projects, but it’s a nice reminder of what we love about Mac DeMarco

Robert Glasper — Better Than I Imagined (feat. H.E.R. & Meshell Ndegeocello)

In continuation of his pursuit as the greatest active behind-the-boards pianist, Robert Glasper has strung together an elite trio for this intimate release. Not only does Glasper call on the young, inspiring, and ultra-talented H.E.R. for this track, but he brings in 52-year-old elite bassist and singer, Meshell Ndgeocello. This five-minute track is chock full of emotion from all three artists, and it’s reassuring to see such legendary talent work alongside the game’s newest faces.

Public Enemy — Fight the Power: Remix 2020 (feat. Nas, Rapsody, Black Thought, Jahi, YG, and Questlove)

Right when the culture needs them, Public Enemy is making a comeback. This is their second single of the year, just as explosive as the explicit and direct “STFU.” They selected an All-Star roster of rappers for this one, each with their own history of fighting the power. Listen to the song and read the lyrics while you’re doing it for the full effect. 

Flamingosis – Wild Summer

Flamingosis is finally releasing music on your favorite streaming services, and this time, it’s in honor of the shitshow of a summer we’re hopefully seeing the end of. While summer had its share of major sadness, this song focuses on happiness. Whether it be the vibrant trumpet melody, electrifying Portuguese sample, or the messy yet sexy guitar, this track can pick you right up.

Angel Olsen— Whole New Mess

This new album from Angel Olsen presents tracks from her 2019 album All Mirrors as well as a number of fresh pieces in a freshly vulnerable form. The tracks are recorded in a cathedral-turned-studio which gives the feeling of being in the room with Olsen and her guitar, exposing the emotion and intensity of every lyric. 

Disclosure — Energy

Waiting five years is worth it, when you are given an album of straight Energy. Disclosure returns after their 2015 album Caracal with this project. With features from Slowthai, Amine, Kehlani, Syd, Chanel tres, Mick Jenkins and many more, this album lives up to the title bringing an energy like no other. Howard and Guy Lawrence mix their beats with verses brought by this array of artists to create an album where it’s pretty much blasphemous to skip a song. Get up and dance, and listen to this album full of Energy!

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