Roy Ayers feat. Ali Shaheed Muhammad + Adrian Younge: Synchronize Vibration

Jazz/soul legend Roy Ayers (whose most recent album came out in 2004) is poised to release a new LP called JID 002, made in collaboration with A Tribe Called Quest’s Ali Shaheed Muhammad and producer Adrian Younge—who make up recording duo Midnight Hour. From the album, the lush tune “Synchronize Vibration” channels Ayers’ own signature sound, coupled with a breezy vibe and whispery vocals that …

Interview: Recording Artist Naeem

Formerly known as Spank Rock, Naeem Juwan sees his newest record as an opportunity to reflect and grow

Baltimore-born Naeem Juwan (who began as part of the duo Spank Rock, then retained the name Spank Rock as a solo artist, and now records as Naeem) never intended to shed his initial moniker. Spank Rock albums released in 2006 and 2011 and EPs in 2007, 2012, and 2014 established a specific style: raucous, club-influenced party rap. But, Naeem grew, and his interests shifted. Public perception, however, …

Listen Up

From psychedelia-tinged, anti-folk to a meditation on racism and a banger about freedom

Shamir: On My Own Following March’s nine-track Cataclysm, Shamir (aka Shamir Bailey) returns with “On My Own,” a song that’s set to appear on an upcoming full-length album. The guitar-heavy banger about freedom after a break-up marks the artist’s return to more accessible pop—he has traversed all kinds of genres since his 2015 breakout, Rachet. Still, Shamir clearly pulls influence from all kinds of genres (from …