New Music Spotlight | 11.10.21

12 October 2021

Shining a light on some of the hottest new music to drop over the course of the past week, UrlfreezeShops select their top five musical moments for your listening pleasure.

DON TOLIVER - "LIFE OF A DON"

Dropping his second full lenth studio album, Don Toliver's "Life of a DON" sees the Cactus Jack Records artist build on his soulful take on modern R&B with help from Travis Scott, Kali Uchis and Baby Keem. Seemlessly blending trap motifs with alternative R&B aesthetics, Toliver continues to forge new ground across the album's bangers and ballads.

JAMES BLAKE - "FRIENDS THAT BREAK YOUR HEART"

"Friends That Break Your Heart", James Blake’s latest album, is an emotionally-charged, 12-track compilation centred around the theme of lost friendships. Blake’s soulful, balladeer-like vocals are set against a backdrop of instrumentals — referencing everything from trap pop to electronica — as well as joined by guest appearances from SZA, JID and SwaVay and Monica Martin.

ATMOSPHERE - "BARCADE (FEAT. AESOP ROCK & MF DOOM)"

MF DOOM posthumously joins Atmosphere and Aesop Rock on "Barcade": the final track on the Minnesota-based rap duo’s latest album, "WORD?". The song is a hazy combination of dark, sci-fi-inspired instrumentals and sharp vocals, with each respective rapper’s lyrical flair brought to the forefront.

THE ALCHEMIST - "THIS THING OF OURS 2"

Following hot on the heels of his collaborative album with Boldy James, "Bo Jackson", The Alchemist returns with the second part of "This Thing of Ours". Brimming with the LA-based beatmaker's signature nostalgic sound, features from MIKE, MAVI, Bruiser Brigade, Zelooperz and Vince Staples offer their own charm and complementary attitude - a true masterclass in collaboration.

CONWAY THE MACHINE - "PIANO LOVE"

Griselda Records affiliate and long time collaborator Conway the Machine drops his latest menacing single, somewhat misleadingly named "Piano Love". Blending an eerie piano led beat by The Alchemist, Conway's trademark gruff vocals and visceral lyrical content confidently builds a grimy atmosphere ahead of his upcoming "God Don't Make Mistakes" project.