The Plug'n Play: July (19)

You can listen to the full playlist on Apple Music, Spotify, or Tidal

July’s been a month full of expectations. Some of these expectations were warranted, others not so much. Some expectations were met and exceeded, while others, well, not so much. Let’s take a look. Disney’s The Lion King - the live action remake of the 1994 cartoon - set the stage for a month of expectations, and well, it probably should have just stayed a cartoon. But, on the other hand Beyonce’s The Gift offered the film the creative new life that it needed. Then, there’s Dreamville’s Revenge of the Dreamers III - which flooded social media a few months back during its recording, leaving many wondering what would come of it. After a string of successful projects from Ari Lennox, J.I.D., and others, the label feels like it’s in the eye of the storm, creatively pushing the envelope. Revenge of the Dreamers III is high expectations being set and met. July also featured some first time releases that show a great deal of promise from YBN Cordae, The Lost Boy and GMJR’s Tw3nty Six // The Superfriends, as well as single releases from Brik.Liam and Tragic Hero, both of which we can only hope for leading to LPs. Maybe the highest expectations of them all were set for Chance The Rapper. After releasing a string of “mixtapes”, Chance The Rapper released his debut owbum, The Big Day. (Was naming his debut owbum, “The Big Day” a set up for unnecessary pressure?) Anyway, by most accounts, even for Chance diehards, this album just wasn’t it. There were a few moments, but the owbum largely felt like it lacked cohesion and depth at times.

Below are some of our favorite songs from the month and a bit about why we love them. Side A, songs 1-11, were selected by me, and Side B, songs 12-22 were selected by Kevin. We hope that you enjoy the playlist, find a song you like, and dive into an entire album!

Stanley: PTSD (with Omen Feat. Mereba, Deante’ Hitchcock & St. Beauty)

Dreamville’s Revenge of the Dreamers III — the third installment in their ongoing collaborative series — features a range of artists, producers, and musicians, both from within the label and those associated with the label. Recorded in just 10 days, this album is evidence of the power of collaboration. Considering the number of contributors to this project, it’s surprisingly cohesive. There are a number of songs from this project that resonated with me, but PTSD really struck a chord. The harmonically-driven chord progression, the lead vocals, the verses, and the combination of bass and drums just lock you in to a steady groove. Typically, after I find a song I like, I end up going down rabbit hole looking for credits, and this time there were a few familiar, and pleasant surprises. The bass line, which made me fall in love with the song, features a friend from college Kenneth Harris II, vocals from St. Beauty, who I’ve been a fan since before they were St. Beauty, and Mereba who I’ve been a fan of for some time now, too.

Stanley: Tragic Hero — In My Mind

I’m a sucker for ‘80s drums/drum programming and synthesizers. Luckily, Tragic Hero’s In My Mind has both. And because it has both, I have probably listened to this song a ridiculous number of times since its release. In My Mind , released as part of a double single package earlier this month, displays Tragic Hero’s versatility as a rapper, singer, and composer, seamlessly switching from rapping verses to singing hooks. And as with any of Tragic Hero’s music you can count on quality storytelling that’s both introspective and a personal journey of his faith.

Stanley: YBN Cordae — Family Matters (feat. Arin Ray)

Where’s the entrance for the YBN Cordae bandwagon? I need to reserve my seat ASAPington! YBN Cordae’s debut album, The Lost Boy is incredibly impressive, as he displays a high level of lyrical dexterity, an ear for production and musicality, and nuanced storytelling. At only 21, YBN Cordae’s rubbed shoulders with some musical heavyweights - getting the stamp of approval from artists like Quincy Jones, Terrace Martin, and Robert Glasper. His album was even mixed by mix engineer Derek “Mixed By Ali” Ali . But all the name dropping aside, The Lost Boy is an incredible story of coming of age, dealing with trauma, and overcoming obstacles.

The Plug'n Play: June (19)

You can listen to the full playlist Apple Music, Spotify, or Tidal

The conclusion of June marks the end of Black Music Month, and the midway point for the year. At 808s and Jazz Breaks, the goal, in part, is to celebrate the range and variety of Black American music, its origins, evolution, and cultural impacts. Black music is rich with depth, and carries with it unique stories. In particular, June was highlighted by album releases from Prince, Goldlink, Phillip Bailey of Earth, Wind, and Fire, and Jordan Rakei, as well as some exciting singles from Raphael Saadiq and Brittany Howard and their forthcoming albums. We’re halfway through the year, and there’s been plenty to be excited about, musically.

Below are some of our favorite songs from the month and a bit about why we love them. Side A, songs 1-7, were selected by Kevin, and Side B, songs 8-15, were selected by me, Stanley. We hope that you enjoy the playlist, find a song you like, and dive into an entire album!

Stanley: Raphael Saadiq – Something Keeps Calling Me (Featuring Rob Bacon)

In the weeks and days leading up to the release of an album, the lead single is supposed to do much of the heavy lifting, building anticipation for a forthcoming album. Streaming altered (read: messed up) the anticipation we typically feel for an album, as most albums kind of just… come out? But, earlier this month Raphael Saadiq released his lead single Something Keeps Calling Me in support of his forthcoming album, Jimmy Lee, and boy… this song is INCREDIBLE! I love where Saadiq’s heart and head are at. Can’t wait for the album!  

Stanley: Prince – Holly Rock

Earlier this month, Prince’s estate released Originals - a compilation of songs written and composed by Prince for other artists. By all means, Originals is a masterclass is songwriting and composition, and shows the breadth of styles Prince could work within. In particular, Holly Rock, written for Sheila E., is classic Prince - a tight groove, funky bass line, blasting horns and a soaring guitar solo at the song’s apex.

Stanley: Isaiah Sharkey — Honey Bone

Isaiah Sharkey, a Chicago native, known for his distinctive and versatile guitar playing, has become a go-to musician for D’angelo, John Mayer, Chris Dave, and many others. And somehow, between touring and session work for other artists, Sharkey managed to put out his own music. Sharkey’s latest release, Love Is the Key, sees the artist take a step forward as songwriter, vocalist, and composer. Vocally, Love Is The Key shows Sharkey’s continued contribution to the tradition of soul singers, making his influences clear - Curtis Mayfield, George Clinton, Marvin Gaye and many others. In particular, Honey Bone, displays some of the guitar playing that Sharkey’s come to be loved for with strong melodic lines and harmonically interesting chord progressions, as he sings in a falsetto that glides across the instrumentation. 

The Plug'n Play: May (19)

You can listen to the full playlist on Apple Music, Spotify, or Tidal

Follow us on Instagram, @808snjazzbreaks!

Has May been the best month for music this year? Is Tyler, The Creator’s IGOR the best album to this point? Can another month top what’s been released in May? I’m probably being irrational and overreacting (maybe not…). Nonetheless, May’s been a great month for music! Jamila Woods’, LEGACY! LEGACY!, Lucky Daye’s, Painted, and Tyler, IGOR’s have been some of my personal favorites, and are albums I’m looking forward to growing with and seeing how they develop over time. There’s also Steve Lacy’s Apollo XXI, an album that shows some flashes of brilliance, but also struggles to find its footing at times. Flying Lotus’ Flamagra, sees the producer bring his blend of Jazz and Hip-Hop in a more refined manner than his previous work, and has an incredible list of features including, George Clinton, Tierra Whack Anderson .Paak, Solange, Little Dragon, Denzel Curry, and longtime collaborator, Thundercat.

Below are some of our favorite songs from the month and a bit about why we love them. Side A, songs 1-9, were selected by me, Stanley, and Side B, songs 10-18, were selected by Kevin. We hope that you enjoy the playlist, find a song you like, and dive into an entire album!

Stanley: Lucky Daye — Try Your Fire

Lucky Daye’s single, Real Games first appeared on February’s Plug’n Play from Kevin, but now we have the full album! Since last Friday, I’m pretty sure I’ve listened to Painted, and watched his Tiny Desk performance more times than I can remember. Lucky Daye’s music recalls a history and lineage of Funk and R&B, while presenting it in a contemporary fashion. Try Your Fire, in particular, shows Lucky Daye’s skilled use of his voice, seamlessly transitioning from his falsetto to his lower register.

Stanley: Jamila Woods — MILES

Jamila Woods’ sophomore album, LEGACY! LEGACY!, is an ode to Black artists, like Zora Neale Hurston, Miles Davis, and many others, exploring their art and legacy. LEGACY! LEGACY! pays homage to, and identifies, Woods’ artistic genealogy. This song in particular, MILES, is somewhat written from the perspective of Miles Davis, where the lyrics read, “I gave you the cool/I could do it in my sleep/Seven days out of the week/It's a cake, oh, it's a breeze,” referencing Davis’ Birth of the Cool.

Stanley: Tyler, The Creator — I THINK (Featuring Solange)

Tyler, The Creator’s IGOR feels like the album he’s been trying to make for years. Without a doubt, IGOR is Tyler’s more complete and cohesive album. Musically, IGOR sees Tyler at the peak of his powers. Lyrically, IGOR presents an emotional story of heartbreak, and takes him to more vulnerable areas than he’s previously gone. In particular, I THINK recalls one of Tyler’s influences, Pharrell (it’s in the drums), features guest vocals from Solange, and a nice synth bass on the breakdown.

The Plug'n Play: April (19)

You can listen to the full playlist Apple Music, Spotify, or Tidal

With April being the fourth month of the year, it situates itself as the the conclusion of the first quarter. While January, and parts of February, may be a little slow with releases, April rounds out the first quarter, and we can see artists releasing more music in preparation for the summer months (tours, festivals, etc.). And April did not disappoint! Anderson .Paak released his second project in 5-months, jam packed with much of the compositions, vocals, and instrumentation that we’ve come to love him for. Beyoncé released her live album from her incredible performance at Coachella, recalling a tradition that seems to have faded away — the live album! Beyoncé’s live album is a reminder of the hard work, meticulous planning, and skill that’s needed for a live show. Computers and technology can do a lot, but they can’t “make” you a better performer. Beyoncé’s album is a reminder of that. April also featured some exciting releases from artists like, Devin Morrison, GMJR, and Mel Smith. It’s been a good month all around!

Below are some of our favorite songs from the month and a bit about why we love them. Side A, songs 1-11, were selected by Kevin, and Side B, songs 12-21, were selected by me, Stanley. We hope that you enjoy the playlist, find a song you like, and dive into an entire album!

Stanley: Devin Morrison — With You (Featuring Joyce Wrice)

Devin Morrison’s Bussin’ has been one of the more pleasant surprises for me, given I didn’t know who he was before a couple of weeks ago. An avid fan of Commissioned, the gospel group that featured both Fred Hammond and Marvin Sapp, Morrison’s music is a throwback to ‘90s R&B and Gospel. In particular, With You, features a duet between Joyce Wrice and Morrison, whose voices contrast each other’s in the best way imaginable, creating euphoric-like harmonies.

Stanley: Anderson .Paak — Reachin’ 2 Much (Featuring Lalah Hathaway)

Reachin’ 2 Much is probably my favorite song from the album (at least for this week). The opening drum fill immediately places you in the groove. The bass line, played by Kelsey González, is reminiscent of James Jamerson’s legendary Motown sound. And, Lalah Hathaway’s scat solo recalls the great, Ella Fitzgerald. It’s just an all around incredible song.

Stanley: GMJR — Congratulations (Featuring Mel Smith)

GMJR’s Congratulations is a fabulous slow burning R&B composition, with hard bass slaps on the 2 and 4. As the drums lock into a tight groove, you can feel the song build momentum, but never too much. While set up by great instrumentation, the power of the song comes from the story that’s told. Mel Smith’s vocal performance places the listener at the heart of R&B, and lyrically Congratulations reminds us that the “B” in R&B stands for Blues, as the song reflects on heartbreak and flat out getting played.

The Plug'n Play: March (19)

You can listen to the full playlist on Apple Music, Spotify, or Tidal

March felt like a month that just kept on giving, musically. From the beginning - like March 1st, beginning - March came with some special releases, starting with Solange’s When I Get Home. Over the course of the month we saw releases from Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah - Ancestral Roll Call, Kari Faux - Cry 4 Help, a star studded lineup from Shafiq Husayn - The Loop, and countless others. March also featured a couple of promising singles from some upcoming albums by Anderson .Paak and Tame Impala, respectively.

Below are some of our favorite songs from the month and a bit about why we love them. Side A, songs 1-10, were selected by me, Stanley, and Side B, songs 11-19, were selected by Kevin. We hope that you enjoy the playlist, find a song you like, and dive into an entire album!

Kevin: Kiefer - Cute

Basically as soon as I found out about Kiefer and was trying to play my “I know underground music” card, he starts produces for big names like .Paak- so that was that. But who needs words! The beats that he produces/creates are some of the most well-fused jazz, hip-hop, R&B sounds out there. The EP drops this year with some new eyes and ears, let’s see how it propels him. 

Stanley: Justus West — Control

I first found out about Justus West through Instagram while randomly scrolling through the music section of my explore page. It was obvious that Justus was a talented guitarist and musician, but what wasn’t as obvious was his songwriting and singing capabilities. Earlier this month Justus released his single, Control - a slow burning, introspective song that features a Justus’ compositional capabilities and melodic ear.

Kevin: Shafiq Husayn (Featuring Hiatus Kaiyote) — Cycles

Is your third eye open today? If it’s not, listen to Shafiq Husayn! Honestly this album has it all. Great features, incorporation of funk, soul, hip-hop and much more. This song is one of many that are well worth the listen. It does sound like a Hiatus Kaiyote leftover from their album “Choose Your Weapon” but that’s not a bad thing. 

Stanley: Phonte (Featuring Devin Morrison)— Beverly Hills

If you’ve listened to Little Brother or The Foreign Exchange the you know Phonte is one of the most talented artists around. His latest offering, Pacific Time, a 4-song EP featuring BOSCO, Kaytranada, Lalah Hathaway, and Devin Morrison, is filled plenty of the things that make Phonte unique: quality bars, harmonically driven chord progressions, and soulful vocals. This song, in particular, Beverly Hills, is reminiscent of 80s R&B, with a LINN drum backed beat, and Devin Morrison’s stacked vocal harmonies.

Kevin: Gavin Turek — Elevator

I’ve never done much research on Ms. Gavin Turek but I think that’s about to change. The other day I found myself having a good amount of her songs saved. Her sound has a retro feel to it and almost makes me want to dance, it’s infectious lowkey. This is as far pop as I would go and not feel like the musical integrity is being comprised. Definitely waiting for the LP.

Stanley: Solange — Sound of Rain

When I did my first run through of Solange’s When I Get Home, Sound of Rain was the song that really stuck out to me. I honestly love everything about this song, the chord progression, Solange’s ad libs and harmonies, and of course Pharrell’s production.

The Plug'n Play: February (19)

You can listen to the full playlist on Apple Music, Spotify, or Tidal

Below are some of our favorite songs from the month and a bit about why we love them. Side A, songs 1-10, were selected by Kevin, and Side B, songs 11-19, were selected by me, Stanley. Hope you enjoy!

Stanley: Jennah Bell — John Forbid

I’ve been waiting on Jennah Bell’s album since her Anatomy EP in 2015. Finally, after four years, Bell released Anchors & Elephants. This song in particular, John Forbid, is one of my favorites from the album. Bell’s songwriting is incredible, as she tells the story of idealistic, yet dumb, young love. And, the slow, yet steady, pacing of the brushes on the snare, coupled with Bell’s singing and guitar playing, make the song feel as if its rocking you.

Kevin: Tierra Whack - CLONES

A Tierra Whack song that’s longer than 1 minute? You know I had to put this jawn on here! I’ve come to the realization that I’m a huge Whack fan and the being from Philly part isn’t even the driving force (okay maybe a small part). I love her flow, vocal tones/inflections and content. She got it.

Stanley: Eric Gales — It Just Beez That Way

Eric Gales is a guitar player’s guitar player and a throwback Bluesman. A Memphis native, Gales is steeped in the tradition of the Blues. Thematically, It Just Beez That Way is classic Blues material: a woman has put a spell on Gales and he can’t figure out what it is that’s happened to him. Gales asks his father, how could this woman smell so good, and be that bad? And in reply his father says, it just beez that way.

Kevin: Omar Apollo — Ashamed

I know next to nothing about this guy to be honest, but ever since my girlfriend sent me a track of his, I’ve been in the tank. This track really gave me some Prince vibes and that’s always a good thing. Maybe one day I’ll google him and learn some backstory.

Stanley: Gary Clark Jr. — The Guitar Man

Gary Clark Jr.’s most recent album, This Land takes the artist down more experimental paths, musically and topically. There’s some trap elements, classic Texas Blues reminiscent of Lightnin’ Hopkins, some Rock, and a lot of Soul. The Guitar Man places Gary Clark Jr. in a pleasant middle ground between Soul, Funk, and the Blues.

Kevin: Lucky Daye - Real Games

This is another guy that just randomly came across my radar and I’ve become a huge fan of. He fills my R&B appetite quite nicely. The production is top notch and the bass lines are always flames. This track is off the second EP in his ongoing EP series apparently-here’s hoping a part III drops soon. 

The Plug'n Play: January (19)

You can listen to the full playlist on Apple Music, Spotify, or Tidal

Below are some of our favorite songs from the month and bit about of why we love them. Side A, songs 1-9, were selected by me, Stanley, and Side B, songs 10-19 were selected by Kevin. Hope you enjoy!

Stanley: JustFrenchie — Philly

I’m immediately in on any song that has “Philly” in the title or is about Philly in anyway. This song in particular — Philly — by JustFrenchie is a love letter to the city, highlighting her upbringing in West Philly, remaining true to the foundation the city has laid for her, and the simple, yet beautiful, things about the Philadelphia. Musically, it sounds like Philly, too. Not the Atlanta sounding “Philly” (i.e. super-trappy music made by an artist that has moved to Atlanta). Rather, it sounds like the music you’ll hear at jam sessions. I appreciate that. AND THE HOOK IS SUPER CATCHY.

Stanley: Gold Shades — Angeline

I met these guys — Gold Shades: Julian Booker, Gary Clark II aka Stello, and Marlon Booker — during college in 2011. They each play at least three instruments (conservative estimate), respectively, produce, and arrange their own music. It’s been really cool to watch their growth as artists, and I’m super happy to see the release of their self-titled, debut LP. Gold Shades’ Angeline is probably my favorite song from the album. Even more than the song I played on lol. Angeline captures the nostalgic feel of 80s Rock, but in a fresh way. The way the kick drum and bass guitar are in synch with each other, the [vocal] harmonies, and the towering hook all make for an incredibly well composed song.

Stanley: Summer Walker — Grave

I love live music. There’s a magic in hearing instruments in an uncompromised state. A [very] close second for me are live recordings. Last week, Summer Walker continued her hot streak, releasing a 4-song EP, CLEAR recorded live in a tree house. One of my favorite songs from the EP, Grave, was co-produced by my good friend Larry Lambert (Keys), and features another homie Remey Williams (Drums), and Stox (Bass). If you know Larry, which in some way you will soon, you know that this song has his hands (literally) all over it. It’s the Philly sound exported. From the synth intro to the halftime outro, it’s undeniable that he had a role in making the music for the #1 album on the Apple Music charts.