Georgetown University’s Newspaper of Record since 1920

The Hoya

Georgetown University’s Newspaper of Record since 1920

The Hoya

Georgetown University’s Newspaper of Record since 1920

The Hoya

This Summer’s Hottest Albums

May 25

PUSHA T

Pusha T, ‘King Push’

Amid a string of announcements on Twitter, Kanye West revealed that Virginia Beach, Va. rapper Pusha T is releasing his third solo album “King Push” on May 25. Pusha T is best known for his cold-hearted cocaine kingpin raps as one-half of the rap duo Clipse, and as president of the record label G.O.O.D. Music.
If “King Push” is anything like Pusha T’s recent projects, listeners should anticipate clever drug lyricism delivered with the rapper’s trademark sneer. Production-wise, Pusha T favors sparse, minimalistic beats. Kanye West is producing the entire album, so all Yeezy fans should make sure to give “King Push” a listen.

June 8

JORJA SMITH

Jorja Smith, ‘Lost & Found’

At just 20 years old, English rhythm and blues singer Jorja Smith is a burgeoning superstar set to release her debut studio album “Lost & Found” on June 8. After being featured on two tracks from Drake’s 2017 album “More Life,” Smith has continued to release singles showcasing her U.K.-flavored brand of R&B. A variety of high-profile musicians have noticed Smith’s talent, including Kendrick Lamar, who featured her on “Black Panther: The Album,” and U.K. grime artist Stormzy, who collaborated with her for the track “Let Me Down.” Listeners looking for an early taste of her new album should listen to its first two singles: “Teenage Fantasy,” a cautionary tale and soulful single, and “Where Did I Go?” which features a thick head-nodding beat and Smith’s characteristic croon.

June 8

LYKKE LI

Lykke Li, ‘So Sad So Sexy’

Swedish alternative pop singer Lykke Li appears to be taking her sound in a new direction with her new album “so sad so sexy,” planned for a release date of June 8. The album’s first two singles draw inspiration from hip-hop and electronic music, repurposing Li’s penetrating vocals over new types of instrumentation. On the surface, “deep end” sounds like a Britney Spears-esque track infused with trap 808 bass drums and hi-hats, but its ebbs and flows add layers of complexity. The other track, “hard rain,” has less pop sheen and more distorted vocal samples and electronic murmuring, marking a departure from the acoustic guitar strumming on the singer’s 2014 project “I Never Learn.” Fans of versatile and creative singers like Bjork and FKA Twigs should make sure to give “so sad so sexy” a listen.

June 15

CULTURE ABUSE

Culture Abuse, ‘Bay Dream’

Melodic punk rock band Culture Abuse is set to release its sophomore album “Bay Dream” on June 15. The album’s theme follows lead singer David Kelling’s move from San Francisco to Los Angeles. “Calm E” is the lead single from “Bay Dream” and hints at the album’s sound with wistful strumming and down-to-earth lyrics such as “Driving in my beat-up car / Too broke to go very far / Some days I just wanna feel ya / Other days I wanna kill ya.” The new project follows Culture Abuse’s 2017 collaboration tracks with fellow California punk rock band Wavves, “Big Cloud” and “Up and Down,” which combined Culture Abuse’s softer tone with the rough edges of Wavves’ sound. Perhaps that same rawness will rub off on Culture Abuse’s new album.

More Summer Releases:

June 8
Kanye West & Kid Cudi, ‘Kids See Ghost’

June 15
Yuno, ‘Moodie’

Leon Vynehall, ‘Nothing is Still’

June 22
Kamasi Washington, ‘Heaven and Earth’

June 29
Florence and the Machine, ‘High as Hope’

July 13
Deafheaven, ‘Ordinary Corrupt Human Love’

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