Soul

Delaca: Delaca

Fusion is the game, and Delaca plays it smoothly [even literally]. Skirting along the neo-soul genre, the quartet — composed of Austin Antoine (vocals), Devon Taylor (bass), Justin Jackson (vocals and keys), and Amir Oosman (production) — is bringing a more laid-back brand of R&B to the table, kind of like the loungey type that dominated the 90′s.

Monster Rally: Return to Paradise

Monster Rally is not just a sound, it’s a movement. Return to Paradise aims to grow past the comforts of traditional hiphop, creating an organic musical whole from little bits and pieces of various genres.

Jordan Rakei: Franklin’s Room

There is beauty in understated simplicity, ease, and moderation which is shown in Jordan Rakei‘s music. In Franlikn’s Room released last September, the Brisbane native offers a pleasurable mix of hip hop, soul, and reggae.

Phony Ppl: nothinG special

There’s nothing special on this release from the Phony Ppl, except that it’s super duper special. nothinG special is the second EP from the 8-piece Brooklyn group, composed of Elbee Thrie and Sheriff PJ for vocals, Elijah Rawk for lead guitar, Matt Byas for drums, Aja Grant for keyboards, Bari Bass for bass, Ian Bakerman for guitar, and Temi Okotieuro for saxophone — whew, that’s an awful lot!

Nuela Charles: Aware [Sampler]

We know that’s already a given, but a sampler might add to your assurance of having an incredible album from Nuela Charles. The Canadian crooner released her full-length feature, Aware, last October 2012, to digital retailers, but still left a little gift for those who aren’t keen on buying yet: a 4-track taste test of the album featuring good chosen cuts.

Azure: Mint Condition

Take the chill pill and listen to Azure‘s May 2013 release titled Mint Condition. The Oakland-based rapper crafts a pleasant combination of hip hop, rap, and soul, which are sonically-related to each other.