The Archive: 7 Essential New Music Projects You Need to Hear This Week
Your ultimate weekly music guide. Discover essential new albums, mixtapes, and singles setting the tone for the culture right now.
Step back into The Archive. We’ve gathered the absolute best of what the culture is spinning this week. From the ethereal heights of alt-R&B to the undeniable swagger of Atlanta royalty, it’s a beautifully layered lineup. Whether you’re vibing with our curated selections or wandering through the magazine’s ecosystem, you’re in the right place. Get comfortable and let the music speak.
7 Projects You Need to Hear This Week
Sekou – ‘In A World We Don’t Belong’
With a voice that feels entirely too large for his age, Sekou’s towering vocals anchor this project with a blend of gospel-tinged intensity and raw pop sensibility. He commands the space with an emotive depth that feels both timeless and urgently modern, proving he is one of the most vital new voices in contemporary soul.
kwn – ‘And All Pride Aside’
Rising UK star kwn balances swagger with striking emotional clarity. Blurring the lines between R&B, drill, and moody alt-pop, the project is a masterclass in atmospheric vulnerability. She delivers a tape that feels deeply nocturnal—a midnight drive through complicated feelings, anchored by razor-sharp penmanship.
Pino – ‘’02 (Deluxe)’
A cinematic expansion of an already stellar release, Pino’s deluxe edition leans fully into a lush, nostalgic aesthetic while keeping one foot planted firmly in the future. The project’s smooth, hypnotic production serves as the perfect canvas for introspective lyricism and effortless melodies that demand repeat listens.
Devon Gilfillian – ‘Time Will Tell’
Steeped in ‘70s soul but crackling with forward-thinking R&B energy, Devon Gilfillian delivers an album that is equally political and personal. His raspy, impassioned delivery cuts through the rich, live-band instrumentation, creating a warm, groove-laden record that feels like an instant classic.
T.I. – ‘Kill The King’
The King of the South returns with vintage trap precision and venomous lyricism. Asserting his legendary status, T.I. navigates heavy-hitting production with the effortless, charismatic flow that built an empire. It’s a stark reminder of his foundational impact on Atlanta hip-hop, delivered with the hunger of a rookie.
Naomi Sharon – ‘No Sleep In Paradise’
The first lady of OVO Sound weaves a spellbinding web of ethereal, hypnotic alt-R&B. Sharon’s vocal tone is pure velvet, gliding over atmospheric production that feels like a lucid dream. It is a gorgeously textured, intensely relaxing body of work that completely submerses you in its emotional undertow.
Omarion – ‘O2 (Part I)’
A masterclass in R&B longevity. Omarion leans back into the sultry, rhythmic pocket that made him a global superstar, updating his signature sound for the current era. It’s packed with infectious hooks, flawless vocal runs, and the kind of undeniable bounce that proves true R&B showmanship never expires.
On Our MP3 Player
Press play and leave it there. Here is the essential soundtrack we have on heavy rotation:
“Does She Know” by Sekou
“NEW BITCH (Jubilee Remix)” by Cakes da Killa
“My Guy” by Sam Smith
“PISTOL ON THE DANCE FLOOR” by T.I.
“Saturday Night” by Ravyn Lenae
“’til u cry” by kwn
“Sayonara - A COLORS SHOW” by Infinity Song and COLORS
“My Body Isn’t Ready” by sombr
“Wear & Tear” by Cruz Beckham
“Birds Eye View” by Alina Baraz
“SHARK baiT” by TeaMarrr feat. Tommy Parker
“On Wires” by Carly Rae Jepsen
“Messed Up Messenger” by LIN D
“Hard To Sleep Alone” by Tony Evans Jr.
“Catching Bodies” by Sekou
“Not Today” by &nd
“Hummer” by Tame Impala
“Pay The Price” by Pino
“hopeless romantic” by kwn
“Some Days” by Devon Gilfillian
“Work of Art” by Omarion
“Nowhere Fast” by Lucky Daye
“No Jodeci” by Kenyon Dixon
“Live Life” by Africaine
“Miss Mango” by Laila!
“Foreign” by Sinéad Harnett
“its like u possessed me” by SAHXL
“Starting Fires” by Naomi Sharon
“Needy” by Sekou
“To Want Someone Badly” by Khamari
“Miss Your Touch” by Genia
“Richest” by Muni Long
“Another Heartbreak” by Savannah Ré
“Daisy (from The Chi: Showtime Original Series)” by b.kae
“DOPE BOYS ACADEMY” by T.I., T-Pain, Jeezy & 2 Chainz
“’til the room stinks” by kwn feat. Ty Dolla $ign
“Glitter” by Neila
“HAAVIN” by Quavo
“Lit Summer” by Maino
“If You Say So” by Ashoka
“Put Em On” by Remy Ma
“Nobody (feat. Monaleo) (Remix)” by Trim & Monaleo
“Pick It Up” by Ball Greezy
“Day Ones” by Brooke Valentine, Miles Minnick
“Pretty Girl Dangerous” by Eli Derby & Bri3
“Work Dat” by Papa Jay
“Closer” by Bobby V & King Kanja
“whats the price” by NateTaylorr
“MANE” by GloRilla & Pooh Shiesty
Listening Room
“Another Heartbreak” by Savannah Ré
Closing out this week’s selections, Savannah Ré turns vulnerability into an absolute weapon. “Another Heartbreak” is an aching, meticulously produced ballad that refuses to look away from the ugly realities of romantic fatigue. Ré’s pen is as sharp as her vocal delivery, weaving through lush, somber piano chords and heavy, knocking percussion. It’s the kind of track that stops you in your tracks—a masterfully executed emotional purge that perfectly captures the paralyzing fear of letting your guard down one more time. Dive into this one when you’re ready to feel everything.
Float through the smooth cuts on Liquid Vibes, turn up the heat with The A-List, or catch a breather with The Check In. Looking for what’s next? We’ve got a brand-new roster of trailblazers locked and loaded on PRISM. No matter the mood, your soundtrack is set. Lock in and hit play over on Audiomack.