1. Lion Babe — Lion Babe EP

Jillian Hervey, the singer-songwriter of the soulful duo Lion Babe, has a Badu-type sound. The band’s four-song EP ranges from upbeat — with a Childish Gambino feature, to sultry and sexy.

2. J. Cole — Forest Hills Drive

Cole has definitely come more into his own since his debut album, Cole World: The Sideline Story. Free of any features, FHD begins with a question – “Do you wanna be happy?” As Cole works through his own past and present, he encourages you to do the same.

3. D’Angelo — Brown Sugar

Following the outpour of support for his third studio album, Black Messiah, D’Angelo is blessing us with a vinyl re-release of his debut, Brown Sugar. Be sure to pre-order your copy of this limited edition, white-vinyl classic.

4. THEE Satisfaction — EarthEE

This is the fly afrofuturistic duo’s debut album. The lyrics tease the listener in the first song, “May I take a sip? May I dip my toes in it?” You’ll want to drink and drink from the wealth of their brilliance, and the digital download that comes with the vinyl purchase will allow you to do just that in more ways than one.

5. Nick Hakim — Where Do We Go Pt .1 and Pt. 2

Berklee College of Music graduate Nick Hakim is a relatively new (to the larger public) singer-songwriter who draws influence from the likes of Marvin Gaye, Harry Nilsson, and The Impressions. This vinyl is perfect for laying around with your lady or for when you’re missing her touch.

What records would you add to this list? Comment below.

L.G. is a writer and student living in Richmond, VA. Connect with L.G. at @posttragic.

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Cole World: The Sideline Story

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