Artists around the world are putting in the work, from singles to epic collaborations as well as heavily laboured for albums.
Over the past month, artists like American singer Chris Brown, Brit singer Ed Sheeran, world-acclaimed singer Beyonce and Nigerian act Burna Boy have released their anticipated albums.
Here are the seven new albums to listen to this weekend.
1. The Lion King: The Gift by Beyonce
As reported by The Sauce, Grammy award-winning singer Beyoncé has released an album for Disney’s much-anticipated remake of The Lion King on the 19th of July 2019.
The 14-track project, titled The Lion King: The Gift, was announced earlier this month along with the release of its first single “Spirit.” About a week after, the singer-songwriter unveiled the album’s full tracklist, which boasts contributions from mega-stars like JAY-Z, Childish Gambino, and Pharrell, as well as a number of African artists like Wizkid and Mr. Eazi.
Check out The Lion King: The Gift tracklist: 01 Beyoncé: “Bigger”, 02 Beyoncé: “Find Your Way Back (Circle of Life)”, 03 Tekno / Yemi Alade /Mr Eazi: “Don’t Jealous Me”, 04 Burna Boy: “Ja Ara E”, 05 Beyoncé / Kendrick Lamar: “The Nile”, 06 Beyoncé / JAY-Z / Childish Gambino: “Mood 4 Eva”, 07 Salatiel / Pharrell / Beyoncé: “Water”, 08 Blue Ivy Carter / SAINt JHN / WizKid / Beyoncé: “Brown Skin Girl”, 09 Tiwa Savage /Mr Eazi: “Keys to the Kingdom”, 10 Beyoncé: “Otherside”, 11 Beyoncé / Shatta Wale: “Already”, 12 Tierra Whack / Beyoncé / Busiswa / Yemi Alade / Moonchild Sanelly: “My Power”, 13 070 Shake / Jessie Reyez: “Scar” and 14 Beyoncé: “Spirit”.
2. African Giant by Burna Boy
Following the release of standout singles throughout the year, an international tour, repping for Nigeria at Coachella as reported by The Sauce, and a host of memorable collaborations Burna Boy’s studio album African Giant dropped on the 26th of July 2019.
The 19-track album boasts features from Angelique Kidjo, Damian Marley, Future, M.anifest, Jorja Smith, Jeremih and more. It includes the previously released singles “Anybody,” “On the Low,” “Killin’ Dem,” “Gbona,” “Dangote,” and “Pull Up” which the artist dropped earlier this week.
African Giant sees the artist taking his signature ‘afro-fusion’ to the next level, offering a bevvy of infectious sounds rooted in afrobeat, highlife, dancehall, R&B, hip hop and more.
3. Made In The Street by H_art The Band
Kenya’s very own H_art the Band hosted an exclusive listening party for their album a week ago. The album titled ‘Made In the Street’ inspired by the memory of how they met, late 2012 when the three were trying to forge a path in the arts industry.
The 13 tracks album is rich in creativity and entertainment with some diverse collaborations, “We have created a unique language best understood not by the mind but by the heart. Acoustics, smooth vocals, with a touch of spoken word, freestyle rap, a little bit of drama, dance and fashion all blended into one thick pastry of art,” said Mordecai, the crooner of the group.
4. Carte Blanche by Dj Snake
Frenchman DJ Snake released a new album on the 25th of July 2019 titled ‘Carte Blanche’ which is a french phrase meaning complete freedom to act as one wishes.
Rapper Cardi B, Colombian J. Balvin, Rapper Offset, Jamaican Sean Paul, Nigerian Burna Boy and singer Selena Gomez are among those Snake has enlisted for his sophomore album. The album also features previously released hit ‘Taki Taki’ by Izuna, Cardi B and Selena Gomez.
In a statement announcing its release Thursday, the Paris artist pointed to his international travels and continued dedication to open-minded, genre-less creativity as key inspirations behind the 17-track project.
5. Black Love by Sarkodie
Award-winning Ghanaian rapper Sarkodie dropped a new album on Friday, July 26 dubbed, ‘Black Love’ and as reported by The Sauce he went ahead to release one song off the album titled ‘Lucky’ which features Rude Boy of P Square fame shortly before the release.
During a recent interview, the rapper who recently dropped his first Mixtape called ‘Alpha’ said the album is basically to preach love.
“This Album follows a sequence and it’s all to do with creating awareness. The Black Love album is for us the Black People and more or less like we should love ourselves, appreciate ourselves, love our melanin body and love each other generally.”
Black Love album features Stonebwoy, Efya, King Promise, Sista Afia, Mr Eazi and a host of others.
6. No.6 Collaborations project by Ed Sheeran
British singer Ed Sheeran released the ‘No.6 Collaborations Project’ on the 12th of July 2019 as reported by The Sauce.
This is a follow-up to his project ‘No. 5 Collaborations Project’, which was released in 2011 and featured a host of British grime artists. This time around, the project features some of the most well-known names in modern music. From Brit singer Khalid, Justin Beiber, Cardi B, Chance The Rapper, Camila Cabello, rappers Eminem and 50 Cent.
Sheeran announced the project via Instagram in May 2019, and also shared that he started recording while he was touring in 2018.
Bonus: The Big Day by Chance The Rapper
At the time of publishing, Chance The Rapper was yet to release his anticipated debut album which was scheduled to be released on the 25th of July 2019 but it is definitely an album to listen out for.
