Rotation 09.06.19
And we’re back!
I know I took some time from The Rotation, but I couldn’t leave it too long. Due note things are a little different and are segmented different. That is simply because there is too much for it all to be in the same place. Now let’s get to the tunes, shall we?
The music coming out this fall is some of the best we’ve had in awhile, especially for R&B. So if you are like me, someone who has been waiting for some good grooves to have in your mix look no further. Just like before, there is a playlist but I listen to too much music so now its monthly, and of course, I linked it here for easy access.
Featured albums out this week:
Mirrorland by EARTHGANG
I was introduced to EARTHGANG early this year through their feature on Samm Henshaw’s single Church, but Mirrorland is actually the third album release from the Dreamville signed, Atlanta based rap duo, Johnny Venus and Doctor Dot. It features quite a few features including Young Thug, T-Pain, Kehlani, Arin Ray, and Malik. This album is not just a typical rap album. It is truly one of the most interesting albums I’ve heard this year from the horns on “Blue Moon," the activist lyrics on the “LaLa Challenge,” to the 90s R&B feel of both Trippin (featuring Kehlani) and Stuck (featuring Arin Ray). This album keeps your ear engaged the entire album.
Little Ghost by Moonchild
Little Ghost is the best follow up to Voyager we could’ve asked for from Moonchild. This alternative R&B/Neo-soul trio serves nothing but the best on their fourth studio album. This is an album that takes you on a melodic journey you don’t want to get off of. There is not a track I would skip on the album since they flow from one to the next with such fluidity but my two favorite tracks are “Come Over” and “Onto Me.” “Come Over” is a track with a little more bounce and it blends effortlessly into the smooth R&B groove “Onto Me." The jazzy music compliments the gentle feely lyrics of this album beautifully. I would say this is a must-listen album.
LOVE AND COMPROMISE by Mahalia
The fact that Mahalia’s debut album starts out with the famous clip of late legend Eartha Kitt speaking on love and compromise set the bar very high for the British R&B songstress. She didn’t disappoint. LOVE AND COMPROMISE is a solid contemporary R&B album with features including Burna Boy, Terrance Martin, Hamzaa, Lucky Daye, and Ella Mai. I have to say every feature is a great song, but my two favorite songs on the album have to be “Karma” and “Richie.” I would say this is a solid debut that shows her range in sound.
Featured EPs out this week:
This Summer by Alessia Cara
This Summer is classic Alessia Cara, its a solid pop record with a good message. Alessia has found her formula and to be honest, I don’t know if she needs to change anything because it works for her. The EP was mostly written by Cara, Jon Levine, and Mike Sabath fits in lyrically well with the rest of her discography including The Pains of Growing, that released just 10 months ago. She writes songs that are personal and empowering and is always pushing her listeners to be their best selves even when it’s hard. You can hear these sentiments with the track “OKAY OKAY.” That track and the next on the EP “Rooting for You” are my two favorites.
AitcH2O by Aitch
This is the definite wild card of the week. Let me just introduce you to Aitch. He is a UK rapper from North Manchester. He is still growing in the UK Hip-Hop scene but he was noticed by Stormzy and is on a track with Ed Sheeran already. AitcH2O is his second EP and is a boppy record that really is just a fun listen. He does promote a little bit of body positivity which I am here for. The standout tracks to me are “Already” featuring Tyreezy, “2G’s,” and “Taste (Make it Shake).”
Featured Singles of the week:
“Factor In” by Kevin Garrett
“Wanted” by OneRepublic
“Where We’re From” by Marc E Bassy
“Put Down Your Phone” by Travis Garland
“Sounds of Skeng” by Stormzy
“Loyalty” by Sasha Keable
“Strange” by Celeste
“Brand New” by MiC LOWRY
Featured Visuals of the Week:
I tried to keep this to one but both of these visuals are amazing for different reasons so here we go!
“Sounds of the Skeng” by Stormzy, a visual play on The Sound of Music with a ton of subliminal messages that you would only get after watching it about 7 times. I have to say the cameraman and editor of this video deserve ALL THE THINGS.
“Factor In” by Kevin Garrett has a beautiful lyric video that goes perfectly with the feel of the song. The color scheme and shots of this video are amazing and make this song even more heartfelt.
As you can see…there’s a lot to listen to this week. Check out the playlist, and take it slow but enjoy it all. Until next week, peace!
