Time keeps marching on and this week brings us a highly-anticipated album from one of the brightest stars in the rap game. Certain artists have the ability to make magic through reflective storytelling and a fierce hunger that it doesn't matter how long it's been in between projects.
There's a few intriguing singles from artists known for their creativity and an album from another rap mainstay who has a story to tell.
Vince Staples said that he's releasing new music, but we will have to wait until next week for that! Good thing these projects gave fans enough to digest until then.
Here is the KTC music report for May 17:
Rapsody — "Please Don't Cry" Album
Rapsody is back with her first album since 2019's "Eve" and "Please Don't Cry" was worth the five-year wait. While "Eve" was a tribute to influential Black women in hip-hop culture, "Please Don't Cry" opens up by asking, "Do you even know who you are?" and leads into "Marlanna," the North Carolina MC's given name. Joining Rapsody on her journey of healing and self-acceptance are Hit-Boy on the rappity-rap "Asteroids," Baby Tate on "A Ballad for Homegirls," Lil Wayne on "Raw" and the legend Erykah Badu on the soulful "3:AM." The mechanical "Black Popstar" with Grammy-nominated singer DIXSON is a standout as is the super vulnerable "That One Time" and the incredibly fierce "Back in My Bag." There's a variety of sounds from boom-bap to island vibes with most of the production provided by BLK ODYSSY. Rapsody can spit hoops knowledge like few others, but it's her emotive storytelling that truly sets her apart. This project assures that hip-hop is alive and well.
Parris Chariz — "samPson" Single
Parris Chariz is carving his own lane in the modern rap space. He utilizes autotune to enhance the emotion of his raps and create an out-of-this-world soundscape. He's true to his brand on his latest single, "samPson," which has a flirty vibe as he ponders his ascent in the industry and details how he woos a love interest.
A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie — "Better Off Alone" Album
New York's rap scene is staying strong with artists like A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie, who released his "Better Off Alone" album. The theme is the heaviness of relationship problems — he's been on and off with the mother of his children, Ella Bands, for years — and the adversity of life in the streets as he makes his way through the music industry. A Boogie's raps are as smooth as ever over fresh production from London on Da Track, S.Dot, ATL Jacob and more. The 21-track project is an emotional roller coaster from the jump with the title track setting the tone, the breezy "Let's Get Away" with Young Thug, the reflective"Headaches," the frustrated "No More Questions"and the apologetic "D.T.N." A Boogie gives several nods to greats before him, including Eminem's "Lose Yourself" and Lil Wayne's "How To Love," which surprisingly doesn't come on the song of the same name. This is the Bronx native's most vulnerable project yet and putting his heart out there paid off with some of his best work to date.
Jekasole ft. Made — "Due Time" Single
Sometimes — oftentimes, really — healing doesn't come overnight. Florida-based artist Jekasole delivered a thoughtful single called "Due Time" about going through the process with no ending in sight. The ethereal track offers the hope that the healing will come.
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