New Amerykah Part Two (Return of the Ankh)(2010)
Erykah Badu’s stature in contemporary R&B has been overwhelmingly powerful for over twenty years. In that time, her creativity has evolved in numerous ways, with her second opus arriving through the futuristic magnificence of New Amerykah Part Two (Return of the Ankh) (2010). Her fifth record is a glorious homage to her soulful hip-hop roots, and effortlessly ties together all of the most rewarding elements of her iconic legacy.
Sleep Cycle (2016)
The seven year process between announcing and releasing Deakin’s only solo record, Sleep Cycle, created an uncertainty as to whether or not it would ever be completed. Although Deakin’s physical presence appears on about half of Animal Collective recordings, his six track self-released solo endeavor sheds light on the overwhelming impact of his sound and perspective.
Aromanticism (2017)
On his first record, Moses Sumney invited listeners to join him on an introspective journey towards self-care and confidence. The minimalist musical build of his debut is the perfect companion to his emotional lyrical themes that explore the beauty in being alone. Aromanticism is a stunning record layered with poetry and unique song structure, providing a thought-provoking foundation for an artist who has since redefined many age-old norms across pop music.
Freaking Out (2011)
Toro Y Moi currently has a working catalog that encompasses as many genres as it does albums. In 2011, he released Underneath the Pine, a record that has since become a highlight to the short-lived sub genre, Chillwave. Even with the success of Underneath the Pine, he delivered Freaking Out before the end of that same year, an ambitious five track follow-up that completely rebranded his sound with unexpectedly positive results.
Return of the Mac (2007)
2007 was an opportune time for Mobb Deep’s Prodigy & The Alchemist to collaborate. While The Alchemist was just beginning to create the base for an exceptional legacy, Mobb Deep had already cemented their stature as a pillar in hip-hop culture. The Alchemist & Prodigy’s first full-length album together, Return of the Mac, remains an overlooked center point that bridges the gap between two decades of groundbreaking rap music.
100% Galcher (2013)
Galcher Lustwerk has always created easy-listening soundscapes that give listeners countless reasons to pay attention. Over the course of his eight year career, he has only slightly tweaked the formula that he created on his debut, 100% Galcher, in 2013. The 60 minute mix of all original music contains a healthy blend of layered ambient synth tones and monotone raps, all of which connect through the upbeat deep-house compositions now synonymous with his name. Lustwerk's success lies in his consistent sound, with a fanbase that expands at the same rate as his refined catalog.
The ArchAndroid (2010)
When The ArchAndroid came out in 2010, it was marketed as a sci-fi concept album about self-awareness and love. Janelle Monáe's fantastical debut is much bigger than a pop record, it incorporates countless artistic personalities and sounds across 18 tracks. Her use of provocative counterculture blueprints isn't just a reflection of her appreciation for past generations of music, it's the beginning of Monáe forging her own legacy among the alternative.
Earth Suck (2014)
Thrash metal trio Oozing Wound have spent years building an image rooted in social frustration and satire. Across their four album catalog, they have shown significant progression as musicians and songwriters, warping genre norms further upon each release. In 2014, the band released their second formal studio album, Earth Suck, a staple LP from a group that unpredictably reconstructs their sound every two years.
Here, My Dear (1978)
Marvin Gaye cemented his legacy as a giant in modern music with his politically charged masterpiece, What's Going On, along with his classic love ballads, like "Let’s Get it On". In contrast, Gaye's 1978 soul/disco crossover, Here, My Dear, has remained relatively unnoticed for decades, hidden under the shadow of his more popular records. A complex and public divorce serves as the focus of this psychedelic soul deep-cut, resulting in one of the most humanizing artistic statements in Gaye’s epic career.
A Thousand Leaves (1998)
Over the course of nearly thirty years, Sonic Youth evolved from a DIY noise experiment into a band with an unmatched legacy. Throughout those three decades, the monumental band changed their sound several times, slowly edging their way further into commercial appeal. Both chronologically and stylistically, A Thousand Leaves is the perfect midpoint between the beginning and end of their reign.