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“Think of Home” from Black to the Future

Sons of Kemet

A calypsonian romp? Afrobeat? To whatever genre or classification this song belongs, I want to hear more. I’ve shared this song with numerous friends, and each time we end up blasting it in the car.       

“Mando Calrissian” from Super What

CZARFACE & MF DOOM

The apostles of alternative hip hop have returned! Super What is supergroup CZARFACE and British-American rapper MF DOOM’s second collaborative album, released posthumously after DOOM’s untimely passing in October 2020. Drawing from their love of cartoons, the artists pay homage to Marvel Studios and Lucasfilm, and trade verses over galactic 8-bit soundscapes.   

“Sun for Someone – Edit” (Single)

Oscar Jerome

What drew me to this song was its paradoxical amalgam of groove and pessimism. On the topic of the climate crisis, Jerome postulates that the annihilation of the human race would actually benefit the world. Jerome’s supposition is disconcerting as much as it is thought-provoking. When will global society recognize the gravity of global warming and realize climate equity? How effective is performative activism? To what extent will we exploit our planet?   

“Precious” from Esperanza 

Esperanza Spalding 

I love how Spalding builds her song on the bass line. It gives the tune both melodic solidity and an emotional core. Furthermore, Spalding plays and sings with conviction, propelling her message to the foreground. She challenges patriarchal values, and emphasizes that accepting the idiosyncrasies and imperfections of partners is crucial to cultivating relationships.    

“Anchi 安琪兒” from Wabi Sabi 侘寂

Angel Baby 

My cousin introduced me to Angel Baby, an indie band based in Taipei, about a year ago when we were sitting outside on a brisk fall evening. The music matched the vibe perfectly; it was mellow, calming, hypnotic in a way. “Anchi,” which translates from Chinese to “Angel,” and the rest of the tracks on Wabi Sabi all nod to the album’s eponym: a traditional Japanese aesthetic centered on the beauty of impermanence and imperfection. Even though I don’t understand the song’s lyrics, I can still take part in its celebration of transience.