WILTRN 07

What I’m Listening to Right Now

enjoy the selection! click the covers to take u to the album.

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1 OF 7

Obsessed! This is the expanded version of her 2024 mixtape BAD BOY LOVESTORY. You really get a full scope view of Theodora’s amazing range in musicality, expressiveness, and intentional crossover appeal. She has a consistent Pop and French Rap style but her production bounces anywhere between Indie Rock, Bedroom Pop, Brazilian Baile, Afrobeats, and even Caribbean Dance genres like Bouyon.

That and her songs you could easily picture in many different formats. Whether its on the radio while traveling abroad, in an ad, a store, a club or just shuffled on any general Pop playlist around the world. Still, her style has a forward thinking, Afro-European bravado to it. Regardless of where you are from, there’s a lot to appreciate on this project. Real star power. Def check out here music video for “FASHION DESIGNA,” SO dang cool!

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2 OF 7

A Chicago House Legend. This came out the same year as Beyonce’s Renaissance and was held in a very similar regard for it’s honor to black and queer foundations in house. Discovering this project while learning about the genres history was so important and made me appreciate the house and ballroom culture so much more. I live for the collabs (especially the Hadiya George features), the clarity in the lyrics, and the genuine expressions just joy. Let the tracks play and let yourself feel it. “love is the language we need”

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3 OF 7

I’ve long believed that listening to Thug is a spiritual experience. This recent Volksgeist doc got me to start digging into his discography for real, especially now that Trap music isn’t as major or oversaturated as it used to be. The beats and the vocals he had in this era, circa 2015 to 2019, are so insanely infectious. Thug, in my mind, represents Trap at it’s highest and most incendiary of levels. Something that if Beethoven or Bach were alive to hear they would rave over because of how rich and ‘like-no-other’ his sound is.

In an insta story post that I should have screenshot (smh), Crystallmess referenced how someone like Playboi Carti –who I think would not exist without a Thugger– continues to have a constant pull on underground hip-hop sounds. She mentions that his statement album I AM MUSIC could likened to how monumental force artists like James Brown in the 50s shifted popular music in a way that subsequent acts had to follow suit. Because they had became the standard for genre(s). For as young as modern recorded music is, Young Thug I think has done the same for hip-hop, and the passage of time has only proved him right. And we should pay our respects.

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4 OF 7

Integral and heartfelt experience from the Materia mainstay and pillar in the STL underground. Tap the f*ck in!

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5 OF 7

Absolutely essential RnB/Pop album. Peak Darkchild production matched with Brandy’s undeniable and dynamic vocal runs, riffs, arrangements and harmonies. In my opinion, it’s her best project and showcases exactly why she is the “Vocal Bible.” It still sounds so ahead of its time and like a portal to another world, even 20 something years later. I don’t know if we’ll ever catch up.

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6 OF 7

So soft and nostalgic and yet so concisely sharp. Natanya’s style has clear intention. She is a young artist with vision combined with respect for the craft of musical arrangement in ways that can really pull at your emotions. The talent is evident. You’ll have to listen with headphones to really pick up on all the beautiful layers she manages to pack into each song. Also love how “Sasha Fierce”-coded the “Dangerous” music video is. The kids are alright.

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7 OF 7

Bambii is the truth. Her sound and feel are just as massive as her vision for electronic/global club music while also representing the foundations of electronic. Always actively choosing to take up spaces for women, black, queer and people of color in a rigid and often resistant industry while, she carves a whole new unique lane for herself and others. The goal being creating an endless soundscape for all to engage with. An alternative.

This sequel project expands on her distinct styles and is full of so many honors, genres, emotive chords, and great dynamic sounds that I want to hear more of in real life. Feeling pretty lucky to be a fan and to experience her evolutions in real time. Peep now or forever hold your demise. You will be better for it.

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