Let’s face it: pollen sucks, but so does a dull playlist. April has showered listeners with new music, and many artists have released surprise and highly anticipated singles, EPs and albums. From debuts to long-awaited comebacks, flowers are not the only thing blooming this season.
Why Not More? by Coco Jones
Coco Jones’ debut album, “Why Not More?” was released on April 25. The South Carolina native is known best for her breakout role in Disney’s “Let It Shine,“ her EP “Didn’t I Tell You“ and her hit single “ICU.”
Jones brings nothing short of mesmerizing vocals and complexity to her album, featuring artists YG Marley, London on da Track and Future.
“Why Not More?“ culminates the years spent perfecting her craft and embraces the layers of her musicality. While the album’s central theme is love and romance, Jones embraces her sensuality and egocentricity throughout the project.
Heels Have Eyes by Westside Gunn
Westside Gunn’s “Heels Have Eyes“ was released on April 18. This five-track hip-hop EP features no artists and focuses on him as a solo artist. His lyric choices are inspired by wrestling, and the EP release correlates with his wrestling promotion event in Las Vegas entitled “Heels Have Eyes: For the Culture.”
This EP combines jazz-rap, boom-bap and other soulful elements, showcasing the originality of his unique rap style. This project is unique and exemplifies the elements of hip-hop from a musical standpoint. Westside Gunn’s lyrical delivery over the beats is similar to storytelling, as if he is speaking to the audience. He further emphasizes the culture of hip-hop through this project.
Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going by Shaboozey
Shaboozey’s extended version of “Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going“ was released on April 25. This album is a mixture of country, hip-hop and Americana. His artistic ability to combine country and hip-hop stems from a deeper charge than the music itself. This work acknowledges the foundations and origins of country music within the Black community and broadens the understanding of country music.
This album features artists Paul Cauthen, Noah Cyrus, BigXthaPlug, Jelly Roll, Sierra Ferrell and Myles Smith. “Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going“ will grab your attention and reel you into the story Shaboozey tells through his music.
We Need to Talk: Love by Keri Hilson
After 15 years of no full album releases, Keri Hilson is back on the scene with a new album entitled “We Need to Talk: Love.“ The album was released on April 18. This full R&B album tackles love, relationships, transparency and self-reflection and has only one feature: Method Man on track three, “Searchin.”
Hilson purposely builds on the sounds of her earlier career, veering away from the modern sounds of R&B. She showcases her versatility and range in this album, bringing nostalgia to fans and listeners impacted by her past works.
This album acts as a double entendre, and listeners can perceive the songs from multiple perspectives.
Altar Call by Snoop Dogg
Snoop Dogg released a gospel rap album, “Altar Call,“ on April 27, produced by Death Row Records. This album is dedicated to his late mother and is in memoriam of all the knowledge she shared with him throughout his life.
This album features many artists, such as John P. Kee, Charlie Bereal and Jamie Foxx. “Altar Call“ emphasizes the foundation of the gospel because of his upbringing in the church. Snoop also takes on a genre-blending approach, combining the elements of both hip-hop and rap.
This work also speaks to the stages of grief, emotional vulnerability, love and peace, taking listeners into his personal experience while also bringing a sense of hope and joy.
April has showered us with more music than rain, and these artists are full of versatility. Their works showcase the years of hard work and dedication to their craft. Each album and EP showcases complexity and takes on its own identity, even reaching places of vulnerability. So take a moment to wind down, and make sure your AirPods are fully charged; you will want to hear these.