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Yahoo
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
10 New Albums You Should Listen to Now: Amaarae, Gunna, No Joy, and More
All products featured on Pitchfork are independently selected by Pitchfork editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, Condé Nast may earn an affiliate commission. Amaarae, photo by Jenna Marsh With so much good music being released all the time, it can be hard to determine what to listen to first. Every week, Pitchfork offers a run-down of significant new releases available on streaming services. This week's batch includes new albums from Amaarae, Gunna, No Joy, Ada Lea, Osees, Charley Crockett, Big Freedia, Anamanaguchi, Mechatok, and Field Medic. Subscribe to Pitchfork's New Music Friday newsletter to get our recommendations in your inbox every week. (All releases featured here are independently selected by our editors. When you buy something through our affiliate links, however, Pitchfork earns an affiliate commission.) Amaarae: Black Star [Interscope] Two years after Fountain Baby propelled her into the stratosphere, Amaarae burrows deep into the dance underground on follow-up Black Star. The Ghanaian American singer alternates between gruff monologues and featherlight twirls on songs like rap-forward opener 'Stuck Up,' presenting the club as a site of transgression and intimidation. Single and centerpiece 'Girlie-Pop!' interjects with a perpetually bursting bubble of pop that turns a plosive bombardment—'pop! pop! pop! pop! pop! pop! pop!'—into the sound of joy itself. Listen on Apple Music Listen on Spotify Listen on Tidal Listen on Amazon Music Gunna: The Last Wun [Young Stoner Life/300 Entertainment] Gunna's relationship with longtime label home Young Stoner Life Records has grown fraught since the Atlanta rapper agreed to take an Alford plea in the since-closed racketeering case against the Young Thug–led collective. His new album, The Last Wun, nevertheless arrives via the label, but Young Thug—a regular on Gunna projects until the musicians were indicted in 2022—is absent from the tracklist. Instead, Offset, and Afrobeats favorites Burna Boy, Asake, and Wizkid are the marquee guests of the One of Wun follow-up. Gunna shared two singles ahead of his album's release, 'Him All Along' and 'Won't Stop.' Listen on Apple Music Listen on Spotify Listen on Tidal Listen on Amazon Music No Joy: Bugland [Hand Drawn Dracula] Jasamine White-Gluz enlisted maximalist producer and vaporwave mystic Fire-Toolz for Bugland, her first No Joy album since 2020's Motherhood. If their union promises grand scale and anything-goes abandon, the results are at once more sweeping and more focused than you might expect. Fire-Toolz's hyperbaric production fills watertight songs with astral space that helps White-Gluz's guitars and vocals levitate, as disparate fragments of indie-pop melody, My Bloody Valentine spangle, and a few Paul Oakenfold action beats conspire in spectacular fashion. Listen on Apple Music Listen on Spotify Listen on Tidal Listen on Amazon Music Listen/Buy at Bandcamp Buy at Rough Trade Ada Lea: When I Paint My Masterpiece [Saddle Creek] Ada Lea follows 2021's One Hand on the Steering Wheel the Other Sewing a Garden with When I Paint My Masterpiece, an album 'of breezy, folk-indebted songs that marvel at everyday realities and find joy in humility,' as Marissa Lorusso says in her review. Lea worked on the 16-track record with producer Luke Temple. 'Much of the record was recorded in a single room with a small band, live and loose in rural Ontario,' Lorusso writes. 'That intimacy translates into some transcendent moments, as when a gently distorted guitar riff wonderfully steals the spotlight partway through 'Something in the Wind,' or in the masterful control of tension on 'Down Under the Van Horne Overpass.'' Listen on Apple Music Listen on Spotify Listen on Tidal Listen on Amazon Music Listen/Buy at Bandcamp Buy at Rough Trade Osees: Abomination Revealed at Last [Deathgod] On their whopping 29th album, Osees finally rope some of their garage-rock origins back into the ring after veering off toward synth-punk and heady psych-rock on Intercepted Message and Protean Threat. The new Abomination Revealed at Last charges out the gate with its double-drummer fury on 'Abomination' and rarely slows down. When it does, however, like on the standout 'Sneaker' or the post-punk groove of 'Glitter-Shot,' Osees don't lose any of their focus. If anything, Abomination Revealed at Last is a slight return to form without abandoning what the band has become in recent years. Listen on Apple Music Listen on Spotify Listen on Tidal Listen on Amazon Music Listen/Buy at Bandcamp Buy at Rough Trade Charley Crockett: Dollar a Day [Island] An antidote to the overproduced and polished side of Nashville's country output, Charley Crockett has the drive of old-school country stars with the modern charm to scoop up a Grammy nomination, too. For his latest LP and follow-up to Lonesome Drifter, Crockett reunited with producer Shooter Jennings to flesh out his ongoing Sagebrush Trilogy. The new album, Dollar a Day, lets the warmth of the sun's rays reflect off its slide guitar rambling in 'All Around Cowboy' and the earnest vocal harmonies of 'Crucified Son,' positioning Crockett's latest as an easygoing summer listen. Listen on Apple Music Listen on Spotify Listen on Tidal Listen on Amazon Music Buy at Rough Trade Big Freedia: Pressing Onward [Queen Diva Music] Bounce queen Big Freedia is staying true to her New Orleans roots by bringing her rousing spirit straight to the pews. Named after her local Baptist church, Pressing Onward fuses her high-energy bounce beats with gospel music to reignite her religious faith and desire to bring communities together. With refrains like, 'We don't need a preacher just to go to church,' and, 'Drive the enemy out/Shake that submarine, Big Freedia uses her album to spread party-starting messages of love, acceptance, and perseverance rather than exclude fans based on their faith. Listen on Apple Music Listen on Spotify Listen on Tidal Listen on Amazon Music Anamanaguchi: Anyway [Polyvinyl] Everything you know about Anamanaguchi has shifted on Anyway, their third album and follow-up to 2019's [USA]. The feel-good band turned from chiptune pop toward full-on fuzz rock, writing in a living room–turned–practice space and recording live to tape at Tarbox Road Studios, where Dave Fridmann produced the LP. Though Anamanaguchi's music has long summoned visions of late-night video game console parties and back-of-the-bus GameBoy sessions, the New York quartet now sounds closer to Ovlov or Angel Du$t playing a sweaty dive bar. Yet, as much as Anyway is a pivot, it's still got the heart of Anamanaguchi's longtime sound, as heard on singles 'Buckwild' or 'Rage (Kitchen Sink).' Listen on Apple Music Listen on Spotify Listen on Tidal Listen on Amazon Music Listen/Buy at Bandcamp Buy at Rough Trade Mechatok: Wide Awake [Young] Through his work with both Drain Gang and PC Music, Emir Timur Tokdemir has quietly set up camp at the vanguard of pop music. On Wide Awake, his first formal solo LP, the producer, better known as Mechatok, enlists Isabella Lovestory, Tohji, and—on the club-pop bunker buster 'Expression on Your Face'—Bladee and Ecco2k to showcase his moreish spin on bubblegum synth-pop. Listen on Apple Music Listen on Spotify Listen on Tidal Listen on Amazon Music Listen/Buy at Bandcamp Buy at Rough Trade Field Medic: Surrender Instead [self-released] Billed as a rebirth for Field Medic mastermind Kevin Patrick Sullivan, Surrender Instead is a refresh for the genre-hopping artist following years pursuing sobriety and regular therapy to separate himself from his art. On his ninth LP, he flits from bedroom pop with 'Simply Obsessed' to an acoustic confessional like 'Castle Peaks' in the search for a healthy balance of life versus work. As Sullivan puts it over alt-country twang with a sparkle of romance on 'Melancholy,' he's 'holdin' on while tornadoes tear apart the fabric of [his] mind.' At least he finds a way to make the ride sound scenic. Listen on Apple Music Listen on Spotify Listen on Tidal Listen on Amazon Music Listen/Buy at Bandcamp Buy at Rough Trade Originally Appeared on Pitchfork Solve the daily Crossword
Forbes
24-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Beyond The 9-To-5: How Afrobeats & Trap Forever Offers A Joyful Reset For Professionals Seeking Culture And Community
For many professionals, especially during times like these with uncertainty, social and political unrest, and increasing polarization, the traditional workweek is marred by overwhelm and exhaustion—many want to feel seen, heard and understood. Afrobeats & Trap Forever was created to fill this void by providing attendees with a sense of culture and connection. Founded by Ghanaian American entrepreneur Percy Addo-Yobo, Afrobeats & Trap Forever is more than just a day party—it's a sanctuary for those seeking refuge from the stresses of the current reality. The event has gained traction particularly among Black professionals who are looking for places to cultivate community and joy. Started in 2016, Afrobeats & Trap Forever came out of the realization that there were very few events featuring afrobeats—the now massive music genre rooted in West African rhythms with blends of American jazz, soul and funk. 'Around 2016, I noticed that there were barely any events that played afrobeats,' shared Addo-Yobo. 'They would play everything but that. When I would travel back home to Ghana during the holidays, I always loved going to parties and hearing those sweet melodic sounds of afrobeats and high life. It was around the time that Wizkid and Drake dropped 'One Dance.' I felt [it] What sets the Afrobeats & Trap Forever events apart is that unlike most nightlife events, it is intentionally set during the day. 'The day party is a great experience because you can go to sleep at regular hours and not have to mess up your sleep schedule,' shared Maryam Basir. For Basir, who is an actress and model, the draw was immediate. 'The name alone says it all—Afrobeats & Trap Forever. My two favorite genres together at one event,' she said. 'It's great for networking, but without being in a stuffy environment. Everyone can let loose and get to know each other, vibe, dance, and hang out.' Others echoed how accessible and restorative the events feel. 'I appreciate the punctuality of these events, giving me time to enjoy music, socialize, and still follow my skincare routine later,' said Samm Oduro, a Ghanaian American creative professional. 'They foster diasporic connections. You meet people doing incredible things—creators, entrepreneurs, thought leaders—and it all feels organic.' Ghanaian American entrepreneur Percy Addo-Yobo Jamel Martin A wealth of research indicates that employees from underrepresented backgrounds face several challenges in the workplace. Black employees in particular experience weathering due to heightened levels of societal stressors as well as lower levels of belonging in the workplace. Afrobeats & Trap Forever provides a space to recharge and reconnect. Intentionally centering joy and community in a world that feels more disconnected than ever feels like a radical act. 'It is honestly one of my favorite events to go to and support,' shared Chris Jean. 'Great crowd, great vibes, and never any drama. I have always had a great time and always be sure to spread the word to others to experience for themselves. It never disappoints.' Addo-Yobo sees this impact clearly. 'Overall, I've been told that it's a great place to meet like-minded progressive professionals, network, and let loose a bit,' he said. 'The fact that we're approaching our eight-year anniversary and growing audience speaks for itself.' In addition, he shared 'Music, dance, and community allows people to thrive in their creative spaces. They give people a voice—and for some, it's therapeutic.' When asked whether workplaces could learn from the environment he has cultivated at Afrobeats & Trap Forever, Addo-Yobo shared, 'Workplaces promote safe places for workers, but employees often feel like they can't fully express themselves because of fear of being ostracized.' At Afrobeats & Trap Forever, attendees are free to be themselves without the added pressure. Since its early days, Afrobeats & Trap Forever has been a community-minded experience featuring good music, great food and unmatched vibes. 'Throughout the years, we've taken this event from regular day parties, brunch parties, and game nights at local restaurants to beautiful rooftops and event spaces with influencers, various DJs, actors, and artists to block parties benefiting the community and nonprofit organizations,' said Addo-Yobo. 'The next likely destination would be concerts, festivals, and merch.' Past attendees like Basir are hoping to see it grow into other cities. 'When I have friends coming to town, I always recommend these events,' she said. Others see even more potential for cultural influence. 'I'd love to see more integration of African vendors,' said Jean. 'Creating opportunities to showcase other parts of the culture.' As conversations about DEI become increasingly more complex and contentious, Afrobeats & Trap Forever is a reminder that inclusion isn't just an initiative—it's a lived reality cultivated through joy, connection and cultural celebration. 'I would love for attendees to take away from these events that they have a community of like-minded individuals with different journeys and whenever [and] wherever we have events, they have somewhere they can feel at home. Now is a time where we need each other,' said Addo-Yobo. Professionals aren't just seeking to survive the workweek—they are looking for spaces where they can thrive. Afrobeats & Trap Forever may provide that refuge—offering a soft place to land and a community where one can simply be.
Washington Post
11-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Washington Post
Eric Adjepong's lamb burgers with onion jam channel West African flavors
Eric Adjepong sees his personal story in sankofa, a Ghanaian word and concept symbolized by a backward-facing bird flying forward. In practice, it speaks to the need to understand history to move into the future. It's a hallmark of the Ghanaian American chef's food and cooking, and it's what his debut cookbook, 'Ghana to the World,' is all about. That translates to a combination of both traditional and modern, updated West African recipes, such as waakye stew, jollof rice and Seared Grouper With Peanut Salsa.
Washington Post
05-03-2025
- General
- Washington Post
A spicy, herby peanut salsa adds punch and crunch to seared grouper
One of the most nourishing things about food is often overlooked in the conversation about health: The human connections it fosters. In his debut cookbook, 'Ghana to the World,' written with Korsha Wilson, Ghanaian American chef Eric Adjepong taps into the power of food to connect us with past generations, who we are today and to others.
