Today is a great day for new music, and there are plenty of big releases in the mix to choose from (as you’ll see below):

Rapsody – Laila’s Wisdom

Image credit: JAMLA/Roc Nation

North Carolinian lyricist Rapsody is blessing the world with her new album Laila’s Wisdom, her first as a Roc Nation artist. The 14-track release — which is dedicated to her grandmother — sees her keeping things JAMLA on the production end (9th Wonder, Khrysis, etc.) while connecting with some serious heavyweights for additional assistance — Kendrick Lamar, Busta Rhymes, Black Thought, Terrace Martin, Musiq Soulchild, Anderson .Paak, BJ The Chicago Kid and more make appearances on the project.

Macklemore – Gemini

Image credit: Bendo LLC

Seattle emcee Macklemore delivers Gemini, his first sans-Ryan Lewis album since 2005’s The Language Of My World. While Lewis isn’t present, many of Macklemore’s peers are: Skylar Grey, Kesha, Offset and Lil Yachty contribute — there’s a lot of lesser known (to us) features as well. Adding to the 16-track release is a new visual for the Kesha-assisted “Good Old Days” (included).

Lecrae – All Things Work Together

Image credit: Reach/Columbia

Lecrae‘s eighth studio album — titled All Things Work Together — sees the Houston emcee’s continued ascent into the mainstream as an artist who’s unashamed about his Christian message. This hasn’t limited him in regards to his collaborations, either: Ty Dolla $ign, Tori Kelly and Verse Simmonds provide assistance alongside the likes of 1K Phew and Kierra Sheard. Very inspirational.

Jhené Aiko – Trip

Image credit: Def Jam

Following a few loose singles and an incredible short film, Jhené Aiko delivers her second official LP Trip (originally thought to be titled TRIP 17). The project comes with 22 (!) tracks with appearances from Brandy, Dr. Chill, Swae Lee, Kurupt and more…of course, Namiko Love (her daughter) and beau/the other half of TWENTY88 Big Sean show up as well.

Kevin Gates – By Any Means 2

Image credit: BWA

Despite his current incarceration, Kevin Gates‘ movement continues. Curated by wife Dreka Gates and Bread Winners’ Association comes By Any Means 2, the sequel to his 2014 mixtape. Unlike the first installment, this one steers clear of heavy features — only PnB Rock makes an appearance this go ’round. Fans should definitely be happy with this one as far as a hold over until Gates is back on the streets.

ALSO CHECK OUT: G Herbo – Humble Beast

Suggested Articles:

RESPECT. Interview: New Jersey Artist Cruch Calhoun

Watch TRIPSIXX ‘Wake The Dead Up’ In New Video

#Lecrae #Macklemore #Rapsody

Posted By

Jon Powell

Currently working as Senior Editor of RESPECT. Magazine, I (Jon Powell) have 10 years experience in digital and print media -- this includes writing, photography and video editing production. I have worked extensively in Washington, D.C. and London, England and specialise in urban music and culture.