It’s time for your monthly dose of musical nutrients and strain pairings, complete with a playlist of some of the dopest new records out today. This is *grabs a megaphone* SMOKE THIS, PLAY THAT VOL. 6. So let’s get to it.
Brent Faiyaz – Sonder Son
Sonder Son is the debut album of Brent Faiyaz, one-third of the group Sonder, and boy let me tell ya, it’s what I like to call that Lemonade Music. What’s Lemonade Music? It’s that music that makes you want to post up on the front porch on a sunny day with a speaker and a big ol’ glass of Country Time. It just feels good, even though its content is reflective of a young man working through his life’s struggles and finding out who he is. Because of that, it’s one of those albums you can put on when your day is in a weird rut, and suddenly you feel like everything’s going to be okay.
The deep/personal nature of the album is coupled with bouncy beats and funny little interludes, which will not only sneak a little joy into your soul, but also have your shoulders a-shakin. If you hear his voice and think to yourself, “Man, this guy sounds familiar,” it’s because it’s the voice that sings the hook on Goldlink’s “Crew,” which is arguably the best rap song to come out this year.
Strain:Stardawg
Stardawg is a strain that’ll give you a little energy boost but still keep you mellow and in that “Man, I’m so high and it feels so good” mood that won’t necessarily provoke action. But it will provoke thought, which is good for an album that has real content that could be overshadowed by upper-type beats.
Ty Dolla $ign – Beach House 3
Are you looking for an incredible R&B album that’s full of fun beats and dope features? Are you looking for an album that makes you want to hop on the highway, drop the top/open the sunroof, and let all your cares flow out and up towards the ozone layer? Well look no further, you found it.
The third installation of the Beach House series, Beach House 3 is one of the best projects to come out this year. It’s banger after banger after banger, so much so that you don’t even mind it’s 20 songs long (12-13 is the sweet spot for albums, in my opinion). The production is amazing, the overall quality of the music is amazing, and if there’s any confusion about whether Ty Dolla $ign is a singer or rapper, one play of “Droptop in the Rain” will put that debate to bed; that boy be sangin’.
Strain:Hawaiian Snow
Hawaiian Snow is a heavy sativa that’ll up and at ‘em like Atom Ant. At the risk of sounding redundant, this really is a beachy vibe-type album, so this beachy vibe strain’ll put you right where you need to be during a BH3 listening session.
Majid Jordan – The Space Between
This is that nighttime, let’s get into my feelings-type of music right here. The type of music that you put on when you’re heartbroken and suddenly you’re dialing the number of your ex, and you don’t know if you’re going to cuss them out or confess your undying love when they answer. Majid Jordan, signees of Drake’s OVO Sound record label, really know how to make that good-ass love/sex music that’ll have you making rash decisions at 2 a.m.
If you’ve never heard them before (you have because they’re on Drake’s “Hold On, We’re Going Home“), this is the perfect opportunity to get acquainted because they are fully in their bag on this album. “Gave Your Love Away“? Banger. “OG Heartthrob“? Banger. “Not Ashamed“? Banger. Are you seeing the trend here? Twist up something smelly and let this flow through your headphones/speakers, but don’t say I didn’t warn you about how it’ll make you feel.
Strain: Alien Rock Candy
Alien Rock Candy is a heavy indica that’ll hit your brain and body with that Wham Bam, Thank You Ma’am and have you down for the count. It’s the type of strain you need when listening to some Majid Jordan late at night—everything about this album is perfect for the magic hour (post-2 a.m.).
OverDoz. – 2008
I stumbled upon this album by accident, and it’s so adequately titled because it really take you back to the days where your only concern was partying with friends and chasing the opposite sex. Super wish this would’ve dropped during the summer because all of the songs make ya boy want to do is two-step under a 87-degree sunset. Let “House Party” ride one time and you’ll totally understand what I mean.
With its super West Coast sound, 2008 is the perfect album to throw on while you’re cleaning up around the house—you’ll find yourself dancing around doing Mrs. Doubtfire shit.
Strain:GriZ Kush
I smoked some GriZ Kush while in Denver, then walked around with a homie and couldn’t stop laughing or enjoying being alive. After listening to this album, I damn near felt the same way.
dvsn – Morning After
Another signee of OVO Sound, dvsn makes that fire love/sexytime music that’ll have you feeling a certain type of way. And much like Majid Jordan, this R&B music will have you in your feelings so approach with caution. Take a couple tokes off the blunt, then play “Think About Me” and you might break down into tears of Yo, I Just Need Her in My Life. And don’t even get me started on “P.O.V.” “Ooooohweeee” is the only way to describe it. Get high and let Morning After ride out; it’s of the highest quality.
Strain:King Louis XIII
King Louis XIII is a heavy indica with the same power as a dose of Nyquil. It’s one of those late-night strains, and Morning After is one of those late-night albums, so they’re a perfect match.
Lastly, here’s your Smoke This, Play That Vol. 6 playlist. Enjoy.
