DDW’s compilation of the best music to be released this week.
A busy one this week with new music spanning all sorts of genres and scenes. Here’s a round-up of the week’s biggest releases, plus a few of the hottest singles you’re likely to hear over the weekend.
Koffee – Gifted
Jamaican rapper and singer Koffee has established herself as one of the loudest voices in Caribbean music off a surprisingly small back catalogue. Her huge single Toast has over 100 million streams on Spotify and her Rapture EP release in 2019 won a Grammy – not bad for a first proper release. Koffee returns this week with her debut studio album, a brilliant amalgamation of old and new school reggae and dancehall, with influences of Afrobeats in there too.
Koffee brings an unmistakable global urban sound on Gifted and incorporates a vast amount of influence from people like Lauryn Hill, Drake, Popcaan and the Marleys. There is also a real vibrance and positivity to the release but with important messages at its heart. Tracks Shine and Lockdown stand out.
Maren Morris – Humble Quest
Soulful, wistful songwriting is displayed on Humble Quest by Nashville country singer Maren Morris. An emotional record on the whole, punctuated by the occasional rocking out song, Humble Quest digs its heels into Morris’ country roots and depicts intimate moments in her life.
In what is probably her most emotionally and lyrically sprawling record so far, Morris has staked her claim to be the new face of country music with her third major album.
Denzel Curry – Melt My Eyez, See Your Future
More often than not, Miami rapper Denzel Curry has an intense, abrasive style of rapping most similar to the likes of Zac de la Rocha or DMX. It’s high-octane and in your face, and has helped him carve out a unique space for himself in a hip-hop scene saturated with mumble rappers and gimmicks. One thing you can never fault Denzel Curry for is his ability to enunciate.
This original style is displayed elegantly on his fifth studio album, but Curry also takes time to slow things down and deliver cool, collected tracks full of compelling stories and intricate wordplay. With the help of pianist Robert Glasper and fellow rappers Rico Nasty, 6LACK, JID, Slowthai and more, Curry signals an important juncture in his career and eloquently demonstrates his versatility.
Nigo – I Know NIGO!
The influential Japanese designer-turned-DJ and producer, Nigo arrives with his second studio album that capitalises on his musical friendships with appearances from A$AP Rocky, Gunna, A$AP Ferg, Tyler, The Creator, Pharrel, Kid Cudi, Pusha T, Pop Smoke.. the list goes on. I guess if you’re the brains behind BAPE and Billionaire Boys Club, you tend to rub shoulders with some of hip-hop’s flyest characters.
I Know NIGO! is a booming collection of all these eclectic rapping styles, with a heavy emphasis on wealth, jewellery, fashion and eccentric lifestyles within the lyricism.
PVBLIC XCESS – Don’t Wanna (Get Down)
Rising transatlantic duo PVBLIC XCESS are preparing for a heavy summer season in Ibiza as they drop Don’t Wanna (Get Down), the pre-single to their upcoming debut EP Wale Wale. The track is a roof-raising single tailor-made for Pacha, Ushuaïa, Amnesia or any other superclub packed to the rafters with mesmerised revellers.
Made up of French-American dance honcho Chloé Caillet and emerging London artist Josh Ludlow, PVBLIC XCESS’ debut EP features Beninese-Nigerian afrobeat veteran Kaleta and revered French-Cameroonian afro-disco and soul musician Pat Kalla. Catch the full EP dropping on XCESS Records on April 22.