w33kly #23

New w33kly is in - listen, follow, share! 🎧 (bummed it wasn’t #24 but I’ll live…)

Featured Projects of 2024

First up is my list of “crowdpleasers” - from the wealth of music released this year across the spectrum of mainstream to underground, selecting a definitive ten feels ridiculous. Either an indie darling gets snubbed or I missed Bad Bunny again 🙄 But pop stars still deserve their flowers for making top-tier, culturally-impactful albums; and indie artists deserve recognition when their work rises to the level of their A-list counterparts. The first section below is primarily a nod to the industry staples whose work is already recognized, and whose ‘24 album release continues to prove why they’ve earned their success and fandom. Nothing in this top 10 is forced, but I made sure to dive deep in the library to make sure I covered my bases.

Below that is a list of my personal favorite albums and EPs from all over. Some are people I know and others are artists I dream of sharing the studio with one day. Those of you who know me will recognize some of these artists as perennial favorites of mine - as much as I try not to stick to my own corners of the music world (and the internet), I do want to reward consistency by the artists I’m actually just a fan of. Working in music can often make it feel like a chore, so I give credit to those musicians who make it feel like a privilege.

⭐️ Top 10 Crowdpleaser Albums ⭐️

Two Star & The Dream Police - Mk.gee

It’s actually somewhat refreshing to feature this album first, and to say that it honestly could be my favorite project of the year. If you read any music blogs or find yourself in these conversations, then you’ve certainly heard of Mk.gee and this album. He’s a generational talent, and we music fans should be grateful we’re here for his rise. This album is a cinematic indie pop R&B soundscape that lives comfortably outside our traditional scope of genres and demographics - grandparents and gen-z listening together in harmony. I don’t know what moments will cause me to revisit this album in the future, but I know I will be doing so many times for years to come.

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Alligator Bites Never Heal - Doechii

Doechii was only known as a newcomer for a few months, maybe weeks, yet nobody seems worried that she’ll be a flash in the pan like so many breakout stars. Her fame isn’t viral, it’s just widespread, pervasive, and immediate. While I could claim to be a hipster because I knew of Doechii before this album, that would be an insult to the many fans closely following her into this year and celebrating her commanding foray into the mainstream. I wasn’t vibing, appreciating, and supporting like I should have been - but I promise I’m hip now 🤓 

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THE BALLAD OF LOESPERADO - Nyeusi Loe

The main outlier from this list, Nyeusi Loe is not yet a household name. In fact, he’s from my hometown which feels like a cardinal sin in music curation, though I haven’t been shy about singing his praises through the years. He’s always carried himself with the confidence that can sustain a successful career, and the music is both quantity and quality. So when an email from Bandcamp popped up telling me this album made its year-end list, I knew my fandom wasn’t just bias. The project is deeply personal, it’s really rap, and it’s independent art that will live as a statement in 2024 and beyond.

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COWBOY CARTER - Beyoncé

🤠…am I right??

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Maybe in Nirvana - Smino

Smino has always stayed true to his unique southern sound, and for years I’ve loved his creative storytelling and musicality (admittedly my most biased addition to this list). Though his voice has always been distinctive, his world seems to have expanded lately with his success, his persona growing with it. As he recites to open the album, “Dear Grandma, we made Coachella. Still flew coach but the culture feeling the fella” - and everyone I know who’s listened to him tends to agree.

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BRAT - Charli xcx

How many times did I listen to BRAT? Well, that’s not important. I had enough conversations about this project, and about Charli’s huge 2024, to know how influential the album was this year. And I’ve listened to enough rave music to appreciate that it’s absolutely fire even if I’m not bumping “Girl, so confusing” each day on my way to work. I may never be a British-Indian partygirl, nor the hottest in the room, but even I can feel just a little closer to Charli’s reality with this project 🧑🏾‍🎤

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TIMELESS - KAYTRANADA

Lots can be said about Kaytra - I could’ve told you I loved KAYTRANADA before I really knew what house music was. I watched his sets before I knew any DJs or went to any shows myself. I’m not the only person who’s been heartened by his glow-up in recent years, and the music world can thank him for helping to pioneer his groovy electronic style into the mainstream (not to mention his endless features).

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God Said No - Omar Apollo

Another artist who I’ve followed out of sheer appreciation for the quality of his music and storytelling. Omar Apollo isn’t exactly an enigma, but he’s shot his way into the pop world over the past few years without ruffling too many feathers. Touring with SZA and featuring for Kali Uchis is hardly flying under the radar, but many listeners will not come across Omar’s body of work unless they go looking. I’m lucky I took the time to listen to this one, and I’ll be taking some favorites with me into the new year.

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CHROMAKOPIA - Tyler, The Creator

I took a long time to warm up to Tyler, The Creator. He was much different 10 years ago than he was now, and the growth in his music - and his public persona - has been remarkable. Though I don’t always check for his new releases at midnight, I’ve become a big advocate of his, and I find myself enjoying most of his creative choices over the past few years. This project was a definitive ‘24 highlight for many.

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GNX - Kendrick Lamar

This project is a timestamp worth documenting, not only as another showcase of Kendrick’s musicianship and creativity, but as a document of his firm beef with Drake. If that man had also released an album this year, then maybe I’d have to weigh them against each other in terms of artistry, innovativeness, and cultural impact…but alas, he didn’t. And I don’t have to make that decision. Squabble Up.

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HIT ME HARD AND SOFT - Billie Eilish

When Billie Eilish comes on, I don’t say “that’s my shit!” Ok, maybe a few times I have. But even when her music isn’t in heavy rotation, I’ve come to love each of the qualities that make her so revered by this generation, from her timeless ballads to her charming personality. I don’t know if this project will go down as her all-time best album, but it deserves a spot for ‘24.

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How Do You Sleep At Night? With You - Teezo Touchdown

Teezo isn’t random, you’re random! This was actually a drop from February that I almost missed in this wrap-up. To the public, he has had a quiet 2024 since then - but I would not be surprised to see the long list of concerts, studio sessions, and fashion shows he’s been a part of this year. After a breakout 2023 with tons of features from rap to indie rock to R&B, a lot of people were waiting to experience this singular work of art, and it didn’t disappoint.

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Head Rush - Channel Tres

Trying not to reuse the Kaytra blurb here. While the two are absolutely different in many ways, the outward narrative is similar - black producer-DJs hustling in a queer, dance space making music for a diverse audience while trying to stay true to themselves. At the end of the day, they both give us an infectious hip hop-infused style of dance that ultimately feels like home to multiple generations of black music fans (like me).

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My Top Picks 👨🏾‍💻

If you know me, you know I’m a sucker for some additional context. Sadly, if I explained every pick below, this newsletter would literally get cut off in your email. If you’re curious about a particular act or project - or just want some more recommendations - feel free as always to reach out.

GEMS IN THE CORNER STORE II - JEMS!

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Unbearable Heat - Slic

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Still In New York - mal sounds

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Swell - D.Ramos

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More Like Original - Will Savino

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End of Season - Soho Decatur

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Loaded Dice - Album by Hank Heaven

breakfastatnoon - Album by Timi O

Inside Voice(s): Side A - EP by Bathe

Done Takin’ Losses - JVLIAN

Moth - Album by Fana Hues

SIDELINE TAPES, Vol. 1 - EP by Stevedreez

Earth To Dreamer - Album by Whitworth

The Pursuit - Album (rerelease) by The 80s

Of Course I Still Love You - Album by Darwin Deez

Kansas Anymore - Album by ROLE MODEL

somewhere, ny - EP by Justend & Souly Had

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