This Week in HYPEBEAST SOUNDS: Aminé, Flatbush Zombies & James Blake, Bon Iver, Jamila Woods & More
Our ongoing playlist returns featuring 50 brand new tracks.
Welcome to another weekly installment of HYPEBEAST SOUNDS, our ongoing playlist that rotates through 50 of our editors’ favorite songs throughout the music world. This week is highlighted by artists like Aminé and his sophomore project Limbo, Flatbush Zombies‘ collaboration with James Blake, Bon Iver and Jamila Woods.
It’s been three years since Aminé dropped off his debut album Good for You. On Limbo, the rapper showcases his knack for melodies, unique energy and infectious hooks. He dedicates tracks to both Kobe Bryant and friend/Injury Reserve member Stepa J. Groggs. He and co-executive producer Pasqué hit their stride and the curated collaborations from JID, Charlie Wilson, Young Thug on “Compensating”, slowthai and Vince Staples on “Pressure In My Palms” and Summer Walker on “Easy” advance the album while remaining cohesive. This is an album that will stick with you for months for its vibrance and emotionality and it’s damn near one of the catchiest offerings of 2020.
Flatbush Zombies dropped their now, more than ever EP dedicated all proceeds to charities supporting social justice. On “Afterlife”, the trio continue their obsession with what happens in the next life with Erick the Architect’s production growing even more ambitious. James Blake adds his signature sonic touches and vocals echoing in the background.
Bon Iver returned with “AUATC” featuring a handful of notable collaborators — the main one being Bruce Springsteen who offered the faintest of background vocals on the track. “Ate Up All Their Cake” is the direct follow-up to “PDLIF” or ““Please Don’t Live in Fear” and comes with the message of combatting the evils of capitalism and systemic racism while giving women empowerment. Jamila Woods released her first single of 2020 with “SULA (Paperback)” inspired by Toni Morrison’s 1973 nove. “It’s the first Toni Morisson novel I ever read and it inspired the first chapbook of poems I ever wrote,” Woods shared in a statement. “The novel shows the evolution of a friendship between two Black women and how they choose to navigate society’s strict gender roles and rules of respectability.”
Other notable updates include A$AP Nast and D33J, Popcaan‘s collaborations with both Drake and PARTYNEXTDOOR, Omar Apollo, Father and more. Stream the latest installment below and check out our past installment of Best New Tracks.
