5 New Albums You Need to Hear This Week

May 19, 2023

Joeboy — Body & Soul

One of the most anticipated albums of the year, Joeboy’s sophomore album has already racked up 85 million Audiomack streams through the strength of smash single “Sip (Alcohol).” The Nigerian Afropop singer serves up celebrations and ballads on Body & Soul, calling on BNXN fka Buju, CKay, Oxlade, Ludacris, ODUMODUBLVCK, and more to help flesh out his Somewhere Between Beauty & Magic follow-up.

Wande Coal — Legend or No Legend

Legend or no legend, there’s no debating Wande Coal’s impact on African music. The icon returns with his first project since 2020’s Realms EP and his first full-length in eight years. Across Legend or No Legend—which features Wizkid, Olamide, Fireboy DML, and T-Pain—Wande explores a range of sonic influences from around the globe while reaffirming his status.

Brytiago — Trap Vibes

Fresh off an Open Verse Challenge with Audiomack for his “Mi Vicio Remix,” Brytiago delivers a new EP. Trap Vibes is a return to the Puerto Rican rapper’s trap roots, trading in the more expansive sound of prior projects for a rededication to the style with which he was first associated, while still delivering a variety of moods across seven tracks.

KAYTRAMINÉ — KAYTRAMINÉ

No need to wait for the solstice—KAYTRAMINÉ is the summer. The first full-length collab album from superproducer KAYTRANADA and Portland’s own Aminé acts as a conduit for Black music, where boom-bap basslines intertwine with Afro-influenced drum patterns and hooks that will make you run to the nearest day party. Pharrell Williams, Freddie Gibbs, Amaarae, and more lend guest features.

Connie Diiamond — Underdog Szn

Just when you thought the Bronx was done mass-producing the tactical rap stars of tomorrow, Connie Diiamond enters. One of the latest emcees to emerge from hip-hop’s birthplace, Connie’s gravelly vocal and braggadocious lyricism power Underdog Szn’s nine-track run. Accompanied by KenTheMan, Don Q, and Dame D.O.L.L.A, the 10 Rappers You Should Know alum returns to disturb the peace of anyone in her way.