Still Bumpin': Our Fave April Releases
This month, we’ve gathered all of our favorite April releases across all genres together in one place for your listening pleasure. We even went through the trouble of pairing each project with the appropriate setting in which one must listen to said record. It’s time to stop downloading all of those albums on Spotify and actually listen to them.
Here are 8 new records that we’ve been listening to this month.
Happy listening from the Brainwash tribe!
SEVDALIZA. The Calling.
Not to make wild comparisons, but the Dutch-Iranian singer evokes the very vibe of the term “elusive chanteuse.” Evident most in her distinct style of singing, you never really know where the next note will fall and when it does, it floats.
Drawing very calculated inspiration from the likes of trip-hop fundamentals like Frou Frou and Dido, The Calling EP marries classical arrangements with those trademark beats.
GOOD FOR: writing-intensive homework, sexy superspy-action-movie transition scenes, skincare routine.
KALI UCHIS. Isolation.
An established game changer. Enough to sway even the harshest critics. Kali finds the perfect company for her signature, sultry like wrinkled satin voice on this ambitious debut. From the lush, stormy, tropical number “Body Language," nodding knowingly to Astrud Gilberto (with Stanley Turrentine) and Gal Costa to the 2000’s R&B/Pop crossover bangers “Your Teeth in My Neck” or “Coming Home Interlude.”
You know what’s even more impressive? Her repertoire of collaborators like Damon Albarn, Thundercat, Steve Lacy, Reykon and BadBadNotGood. It’s that exciting.
GOOD FOR: trying on new fits in the mirror, a pregame with an “eclectic bunch,” nighttime drives to the beach.
CARDI B. Invasion of Privacy.
America’s sweetheart. She came throuuuuugh—you know she did. Nothing has really changed from the days of Gangsta B**** Music. The obvious refining of songwriting and heavy emotional presence truly elevates this album. Cardi’s very humble delivery and newly established flow make her unclockable.
“I been broke my whole life, I have no clue what to do with these racks!”
The master motivator truly beckons the baddest of bitches.
GOOD FOR: trying on new shorts, starting the dancing when it needs to, impromptu mirror moment and just general feeling of thyself.
UNKNOWN MORTAL ORCHESTRA. Sex & Food.
Remaining very devout to the Way of Psychedelia, these funk lords remain consistent with another mighty release. Rather than tidying and fine-tuning each gear and element as they began with 2015’s Multi-Love, these native New Zealanders take a step back and reminisce on the fuzz of their early low-fi sound. On "Chronos Feasts on His Children" we’re allowed just the briefest exhale of the folk plucking they are adored for. Most impressively, UMO gets knee deep in the groove sound they’ve always flirted with. What’s next? Maybe they’ll unleash a fully realized disco fantasy.
GOOD FOR: driving really fast, soundtracking outdoor fun, a long commute on your feet.
JANELLE MONÁE. Dirty Computer.
The anxiously awaited third release feels as new as a debut. This (brief) departure from the Metropolis narrative of her previous albums, Dirty Computer unabashedly celebrates the spectrum of sexuality, womanhood, and blackness. A fact so undeniable from the formidable visual album we enjoy as a supplement.
Continuing the cathartic theme of April releases, the calming, voice-of-reason persona of Django Jane takes heavy presence on this emotion piece with a flow fluctuating from an alarm to a secret whispered in an ear. Coming in clutch to crusade against everyone’s seasonal depression. Monae gives us the bright, playful anthems we need to forecast a great summer.
GOOD FOR: photoshoots, any PRIDE related get-together, beach kickback with friends
J. COLE. KOD.
With an accolade of a previous release, how could he top 2014 Forest Hills Drive? How could he match vibe and lyricism and still appeal to all stretches of the hip-hop industry? As a very blatant statement piece, KOD tackles the very obvious issues of both the black community and the rap game—issues that are so brightly obvious, it seems almost instinctive to look away from them. Addiction, regret, and mental health are thankfully addressed on this album, but the back-and-forth between humility and hubris are what makes great (or does it?)
GOOD FOR: Finishing those few chapters, nightcap via Sativa dominant hybrid, window-shopping.
NICKI MINAJ. Chun-Li and Barbie Tingz
If I leave, the game will miss Nicki, not a website booking, money, this says 50
If you’re not someone like me who believes that song order on track listing is true and prophecy then the line above ("Win Again," the last track on the Pinkprint) means nothing to you. But guess what? We did miss you Nicki and there ain’t nowhere to go anytime soon. The beats on these singles aren’t her heaviest hitting but the bars are absolutely lethal. Minaj warns us all not to wake a queen out of her slumber without reason.
GOOD FOR: letting everyone know you’re finally lit, showing off your new install, competition of any kind.
TINASHE. Joyride.
Pop maven, Tinashe’s featherweight voice rises higher and higher through all of these carefully formulated bops—some even from her home studio in Los-Angeles. This album appeals heavily to that Euro-inspired sound, that too-cool-for-you vibe over some borrowed dancehall beat, and doesn’t apologize for it. Featuring some interesting collaborations from Offset, Future, and even Little Dragon, Tinashe shows some momentum with this promising EP.
GOOD FOR: Joyrides honestly, when getting dressed also becomes part of the pre-game, retail-therapy/no regrets shopping.