*As summer crawls to an end, the new music releases have begun to ramp up, as artists vie to be the soundtrack for your autumn nights. A few seasoned veterans have released new projects and a newcomer or two also joins the fray for a spot on your playlist.
The CrossRhodes (Raheem DeVaughn & Wes Felton) – “Footprints on the Moon” (Explicit Version)
Before he became the R&B Hippie, Neo-Soul Rock Star, Raheem DeVaughn trekked through DC’s scene with collaborator Wes Felton, combining his soulful vocals with Felton’s street corner commentary. In a time of such social upheaval, the time is perfect for the two to reconnect and the first result is “Footsteps on the Moon”, a critical look at the current global climate. The track finds the two addressing many of the issues that have become hot-button topics during this election season, but a constant conversation in their communities and ours. “Footprints on the Moon” is the title track for the album due this fall.
De La Soul – And the Anonymous Nobody
It’s been eleven years since De La Soul’s last release, but the three guys from L.I. haven’t missed a beat and judging from …And the Anonymous Nobody, they’ve kept a keen eye on the rap game. One listen and it’s hard to imagine that it’s been 27 years since 3 Feet High and Rising, but De La Soul has emerged to blend past and present, to show us what hip-hop’s future can truly sound like. The album features guest appearances from Snoop Dogg, Usher, Estelle, Pete Rock and in a bit of a surprise, 2 Chainz.
Jack Red – “Homegrown”
Chicago has been fertile ground for a musical resurgence and this year is proven to be their year; Chance the Rapper, BJ the Chicago Year, Kanye West, Vic Mensa and Jamila Woods have all released projects steeped in the Chicago soul sound and Jack Red’s “Homegrown” falls in with the lineage of Chi-Town’s finest. The first single from the eponymous details how he’s travailed the city’s streets and began making a mark in the industry away from home, but pays homage to the city that raised him.
Anthony David – The Powerful Now
It’s been four years since Anthony David’s last album, but he’s returned with an album that touches the entire musical spectrum, ranging from Afrobeat to country, rock to his signature down-home soulful sound. Eschewing theme and form, this album speaks to the urgency of now, the power of love and David allows his influences and interests to come together for a story steeped in musicology and storytelling.
Joe – “So I Can Have You Back”
The unsung R&B legend Joe is back with “So I Can Have You Back”, the lead single for his upcoming 12th album, #MynameisJoeThomas. The song is hauntingly beautiful and finds Joe crooning for a second chance at a failed relationship in the most honest way possible. It’s classic Joe, which means the song is preparing for a run up the charts and should be in heavy rotation very soon.
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