Eminative + Four Tet: Makondi

Kieran Hebden (aka Four Tet) continues to push the boundaries of his discography. The difficult-to-categorize English musician spans electronic, house, and drum and bass. Now partnering with drummer Nick Woodmansey, who records under the name Eminative, Hebden expands into interpretive jazz with “Makondi.” Originally performed and arranged by trumpeter Don Cherry and drummer Ed Blackwell in 1982, this contemporary rendition is a minimalist version that …

Rihanna feat. Paul McCartney and Kanye West: FourFiveSeconds

It’s not every day Kanye West teams up with Sir Paul McCartney, though lately it’s been a fortnightly affair and recent developments suggest the Beatles frontman is producing West’s next album. The latest release in the admittedly odd yet harmonious partnership features Rihanna and a folksy, Western-tinged guitar riff. “FourFiveSeconds” is about as stripped-down as a pop song can get, with bare vocals and a …

Jeremih feat. J Cole: Planes

Though more recently best known for the super-popular “Don’t Tell ‘Em,” Jeremih’s knack for slower sex-laden tracks can’t be doubted. With his recent release, “Planes” (possibly from his long-awaited album Late Nights), he sings to his listener about raunchy mile-high adventures—plenty of airplane-related metaphors included. J Cole’s verse adds extra color with uber-NSFW imagery and a welcomed playful tinge. It’s the perfectly pared-down kind of …