The new releases on this week’s edition of Out Today feature artists all hailing from New York City. Check out the new releases from Yaya Bey (released 6/5), Flatbush Zombies (released 6/5), and Armand Hammer (released 6/5).
Yaya Bey – Madison Tapes (Elevated)
Brooklyn-based musician, visual artist, and poet Yaya Bey recorded her new album Madison Tapes from her own space on Madison Street, in the neighborhood of Bed-Stuy in Brooklyn, New York. According to Yaya herself, Madison Tapes was recorded after a “failed attempt at love.” Across 19 songs, divided into “Side A” and “Side B,” the LP features experimental hip-hop and R&B interwoven with commentary and conversations from her neighbors. Her neighbors on Madison Street make up a beautiful company of fellow artists, including singers, rappers, sketch artists, writers, and others. For the listener, Madison Tapes feels like sitting on a stoop with friends. Yaya Bey beautifully brings you into an intimate experience, making you feel right at home and part of the Madison St kickback. Listen now on all streaming platforms.
Flatbush Zombies – now, more than ever (Flatbush Zombies)
Hip-hop trio Flatbush Zombies are back with a new EP made for the current times entitled now, more than ever. Named after their neighborhood Flatbush in Brooklyn, New York where they first met in grade school, Flatbush Zombies is made up of rappers Meechy Darko, Zombie Juice, and Erick Arc Elliott. The dynamic between Flatbush Zombies and their fans is unlike any other rap group, and with the current state of the world, that bond is being strengthened with each passing day. now, more than ever, made up of six tracks, is a soundtrack to the slow motion apocalypse in which we find ourselves. With the EP release, FBZ dropped limited edition merchandise and donated 100% of proceeds to organizations working on the ground for change. In just one hour, they raised over $100,000. Listen to now, more than ever, out now.
Armand Hammer – Shrines (Backwoodz Studioz)
ARMAND HAMMER (pronounced Arm & Hammer) is a New York based hip-hop duo consisting of MC/producer ELUCID and rapper billy woods. Both successful and established artists of the underground rap scene, ELUCID and billy woods formed their duo with their debut album Race Music in 2013. Back with their fourth LP, Armand Hammer’s new album Shrines is made up of 14 tracks with features and contributes from Quelle Chris, Moor Mother, Earl Sweatshirt, Navy Blu, Andrew Broder, Fielded, Messiah Muzik, August Fanon, KeiyaA, Kenny Segal, Nicholas Craven, Akai Solo, Curly Castro, Pink Siifu, Steel Tipped Dove, Fat Albert Einstein, Nosaj and R.A.P. Ferreira. The music video for their first single “Charms” was shot in a single take, gliding through a cityscape made entirely of miniatures.The visuals explore the song’s concepts of destruction, rebirth, violence, and healing. Check out the much anticipated album Shrines, out now.
