Tkay Maidza – Sweet Justice

Australian-born, LA-based rapper/singer Tkay Maidza, known for her EP series from 2018 to 2021, has now dropped her second full-length album, “Sweet Justice.” The album showcases a diverse range, blending hard-hitting rap, airy R&B, kinetic synth-funk, tropical polyrhythms, and industrial rap. Maidza’s well-executed ambition is evident throughout, making the album stand out. Despite still performing in 600-person venues, the mainstream-friendly and intriguing nature of “Sweet Justice” suggests she might attract larger crowds in the future, comparable to A-list stars. Maidza has previously toured with Billie Eilish, Dua Lipa, and Lizzo.

Niontay – Demon Muppy

Brooklyn-via-Florida rapper Niontay is one of the more recent recruits into MIKE’s orbit, and it’s easy to see why he’s catching on within that world. On his new EP Demon Muppy–released on MIKE’s 10k label–Niontay shows off a slurred, muttered flow that goes perfectly with the hazy production of 454, TAKA, Tony Seltzer, and Surf Gang’s Harrison. 454 guests on the EP, as do Earl Sweatshirt, MIKE, and El Cousteau, who all appear on the Tony Seltzer-produced closing track “Real hiphop.” That song already feels like a moment-capturing posse cut of modern abstract rap, and it shows how tall Niontay stands next to those established greats.

Shabazz Palaces – Robed In Rareness

30 years on from the first Digable Planets album, Ishmael Butler is still making cutting-edge rap music in a lane of his own. His new mini album Robed In Rareness is a zoned-out head-trip that’s up there with any of the year’s best experimental rap releases. Its all-in-the-family cast of guests ranges from very longtime collaborator Geechi Suede of Camp Lo to Ishamel’s twin Lavarr the Starr to his son, emo-rapper Lil Tracy, and everyone sounds as delightfully weird as you’d hope.