As everyone stays inside to fight the coronavirus, there is at least some new music to help us hold ourselves together. The Weeknd has released his highly-anticipated After Hours, while J. Balvin has dropped Colores and Sada Baby has dropped a new collection of unreleased songs. Read below for more.
The Weeknd – After Hours
It’s been four years since The Weeknd’s last album Starboy, but today, he’s released his fourth studio album, After Hours. Preceded by the singles “Heartless,” “Blinding Lights” and “In Your Eyes,” Billboard describes the album as “a dark, cerebral hit and a gut punch all at the same time.” With his vampire-inspired cover, it’s exactly what we were excited for. Apple Music | TIDAL
J. Balvin – Colores
J Balvin’s iridescent concept album Colores is anything but dull. The global phenomenon keeps a blend of vibrant dance tracks and steady love tunes with just a handful of players like the Diplo-produced “Rosa,” Mr. Eazi on “Arcoiris” and Sky on “Verde.” While Colores was Balvin’s attempt at showcasing growth in his storied career, the project will also serve as a special gift to his fans looking for sonic gems during the current pandemic. “This album was finally released because despite the circumstances (coronavirus pandemic) we stopped thinking about competing and selling,” he tells Billboard Latin. “The idea is to bring light and happiness to people right now.” Apple Music | TIDAL
Sada Baby – Skuba Sada 2
After starting 2020 with his Brolik mixtape and continuing the year with more singles, Detroit’s own Sada Baby has dropped Skuba Sada 2, the sequel to his 2017 project of the same name. The mixtape is a collection of recent unreleased songs; a deluxe version of the album has two extra songs, including Pressin with King Von. Apple Music | TIDAL
Guapdad 4000 – Platinum Falcon
Guapdad 4000’s Dior Deposits was one of the best, most colorful albums of 2019. Now, the du-rag connoisseur has dropped “Platinum Falcon,” a catchy, bass-knocking number that showcases Guapdad’s elastic voice. Apple Music | TIDAL
Statik Selektah and Termanology – 1982: The Quarantine
With NYC on pins and needles with restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues closed because of the coronavirus, Statik Selektah and Termanology practiced some social distancing in the studio this weekend, staying in the studio to create The Quarantine. The album features Kota The Fiend, Grafh, Marlon Craft, and more. Apple Music | TIDAL
ADÉ – “Don’t Cry” (feat. Trevor Jackson)
ADÉ’s conceptual ALWAYS SOMETHING EP from 2020 was a solid project last year, his first offering since changing his name from Phil Ade. Now, the DMV rapper/singer/songwriter has teamed up with a smooth new single featuring actor/artist Trevor Jackson. Apple Music | TIDAL
Melvoni – WHO TF IS MELVONI
Brooklyn 16-year-old Melvoni’s single “No Man’s Land” has amassed nearly 4 million views on YouTube, and this week sees the release of his debut EP, WHO TF IS MELVONI. With potent melodies, clever bars, and solid production, he has a bright future. Apple Music | TIDAL
Hood Celebrityy – “Run Di Road”
https://youtube.com/watch?v=V2ROyUSyy7I
In the video for “Run Di Road,” Bronx musician Hood Celebrityy puts her own spin on Chaka Demus’ & The Pliers classic “Murder She Wrote.”