Songs to Obsess Over & Over
April 2026
Casual – Making of The Mad Rapper
(Hiero Imperium)
Rap God and Town legend, Casual, of the mighty Hieroglyphics Crew is over 30 years deep in the game now. Upon releasing his latest studio album, Black Magic, Casual shows that not only has he not lost a step, but has gotten even iller on the mic. Not to start a fight but I bet 2026 Casual could take out 1994 Casual in a battle, which can’t be said for some rappers that are his deep in the music game. That aside, the new album is dope and Making of The Mad Rapper isn’t just a song, it’s Ted Talk on wax. He’s putting you on business to help you successfully navigate an independent approach to making records, not selling your soul and how to make money of it, vs the problems of signing to a major label. Aspiring artists, take note.
Thundercat – Anakin Learns His Fate
(Brainfeeder)
Thundercat never disappoints. He just released his 5th album and it’s another top to bottom classic. I could highlight several tracks on Distracted, but the one I chose is special as I am a long time die hard Star Wars fan. Anakin Learns His Fate is Thundercat’s musical interpretation of Revenge of The Sith and it’s a total gem, complete with Thundercat’s clever and occasionally humorous lyrics and a beat change ¾ in. Now I wonder if RoTS is Thundercat’s favorite in the series, which based on his age, might be? Either way this song is on repeat.
Pigeon – Miami
(Memphis Industries)
Pigeon, a psychedelic five-piece rooted from the English seaside town of Margate, are preparing to make an impact as they are set to release their debut album, OUTTANATIONAL. They bring something really different to the table with a blend of electronic, indie and aftro synth funk. Miami is a great uptempo song that lyrically is just a simple lover letter to the city and really makes you wanna either dance or thrash. Keep Pigeon on your radar as this will be a band to look out for in 2026 and beyond. I’lll put this out in the universe now, but I hope they collab with Ibibio Sound Machine. It’s a no brainer.
Shy FX feat. KINGH – 100
(Cult.ure)
There’s nothing like a really good DnB record. There’s also nothing like a really good R&B record. Now what if you blend em together into one song? That’s what DnB veteran Shy FX and vocalist Kingh have done on 100. They’ve crafted the perfect hybrid that can work in either space and please a crowd. They’ve ever released the Street Soul mix which erases the DnB parts and makes it a full on R&B banger. I prefer the album version. This song deserves your attention.
Brian Jackson & Masters At Work feat. Lisa Fisher – Home Is Where The Hatred Is
(BBE)
Legendary producer, composer and long time Gil Scott Heron collaborator, Brian Jackson, has teamed up with the indie label BBE (Barely Breaking Even) to release a forthcoming joint album. How do you even update and potentially improve timeless gems? One way is by adding the brilliant House Music icons Masters At Work to help update it. So far everything I’ve heard off of this record has been incredible and their latest offering, a reworking of the powerful, Home Is Where The Hatred is, adds powerhouse voclaist Lisa Fisher who perfectly lays down the vocals over this four to the floor masterpiece. This isn’t even the only version of this song out now but it’s the one I really gravitated towards. Don’t sleep when this album drops in late May.