This week on In Search Of Media: Martin launches a monthly book club and digests one of the best albums of 2017. Find out more after you scroll down dammit. A good week for sure, and some of the releases already have been incredible!
Book of the Month
Haruki Murakami – Norwegian Wood
This week I introduced a new feature on the website called Book of the Month where I go over some of the best novels I’ve read recently. I’ve rekindled my passion for reading hence why I’m doing this, and Haruki Murakami’s 1987 classic Norwegian Wood is January’s pick. These selections will happen on the second Wednesday of the month. Read More
Features
Revisiting Medslaus’ mesmerizing, poetic and utterly breathtaking 2017 masterpiece Poorboy
It was one of the best albums of 2017. New York based musicians Medhane and Slauson Malone released Poorboy, a soulful and utterly beautiful album about the struggles of being young and growing up in the city, as well as deep, personal themes around depression too. Read More
Releases
Mick Jenkins – The Circus EP
Chicago-based rapper Mick Jenkins has made quite a name for himself the last few years with excellent releases with The Waters and Pieces of a Man. He is back with a brand new EP titled The Circus, a short but concise project featuring some bass-heavy production and a confident demeanor from the talented emcee, who continues to strive for greatness with every release.
JACK WOLFF – At Least A Double Fold
UK-based producer JACK WOLFF comes through with a colourful, groovy and dance-heavy release titled At Least A Double Fold. The 3-track features some infectious grooves, with basslines and guitar leads that add a rich texture to the project. The singing throughout is subdued but effective, as there is somewhat of a sensual vibe brought by the talented musician.
Big Kahuna OG & Monday Night – Thug Tear
Richmond, Virginia rappers Big Kahuna OG and Monday Night come through with an incredible new album titled Thug Tear. Produced by Unlucky Bastards and Graymatter, the album sounds gorgeous, with soulful and lavish instrumentals and introspective and intricate verses from both emcees, who along with Mutant Academy are releasing some of the most exciting hip-hop these days. 2020 is going to be their year, for sure.
Antwon & Stoney Willis – The 45 Plates EP
Based in San Jose and Los Angeles, rapper Antwon and producer Stones Willis have released a stellar 6 track EP titled The 45 Plates. It features atmospheric production, with hard-hitting beats orchestrated by Stoney Willis and confident, menacing lyricism from Antwon. The duo have impeccable chemistry, showcasing their talents effortlessly on tape.
THERAVADA – clarity of escape
New York based producer and rapper THERAVADA has come through with a stellar project titled clarity of escape. He has had an incredible 2019 with the Xennis Rodman album series, as well as his active social media presence that has given him some of the exposure he deserves. On this new release, he shows the extent of his production chops, with textured, unassuming and eerie production that is just so captivating.
Knxwledge. – 終了していません
The legend that is Knxwledge comes through with a brand new tape titled 終了していません. It translates to “not finished,” which suggests that this tape is just a rough draft of beats, samples and ideas. Either way it’s a terrific body of work that sees him sample musicians from Chance The Rapper to Flying Lotus & Solange effortlessly. With a proper album set to be released later this year, Knxwledge is keeping busy and consistent.
ShunGu – A Book of 100 Spiritual Beats
Belgian producer ShunGu has released a monstrous 100-track album titled A Book of 100 Spiritual Beats. He has been building anticipation for this album from last year, and he does not disappoint one bit. It’s a long, vast listen that completely transports and immerses me into his world of lavish, groovy, jazzy and eclectic soundscapes, and I’m so glad he’s excelling with his music. I predict big things for him in 2020 and beyond!
10.4 ROG – for a tension
LA-based producer 10.4 ROG released this tape back in December but it’s still really worth sharing. Recorded between 2018-2019, for a tension is gorgeous, bringing synth-heavy compositions and beats that sound soulful and textured. It’s a cohesive body of work that makes me excited for what’s to come in 2020.
twuan – Restless Nights
Salt Lake City-based producer twuan has released a gorgeous, soulful and jazzy new beat project titled Restless Nights on Dezi-Belle Records. Moody, with intricate synths and keys that add layers and depth to the music, twuan is really able to immerse me in his world with stunning production. Excited for what’s to come in 2020!
Coubo – Homewards
Russian producer Coubo comes through with a stellar new album titled Homewards. It’s one warped with funky basslines and heavy beats that at times sounds interstellar in sound and incredibly arranged. The head nodding throughout the 12-track project was active, as the grooves of the beats were incredible to me. A great project indeed!
Jazzbois – Jazzbois
Hungarian jazz group Jazzbois have come through with a stunning new groovy and mesmeric self-titled EP. Slow-paced, focusing on gorgeous key arrangements, basslines, and drum breaks, this release is the definition of groovy. I can’t wait to hear what else they have in store for the next few years. Fantastic release!
Lex Amor – Mazza (Single)
I cried listening to this, genuinely. From Lex Amor’s smooth, melodic and soulful flow to Melo-Zed’s incredibly lush and textured instrumental, this first single “Mazza” off her new upcoming project is flawless. The subtle guitar melodies complement her introspective, personal and heartfelt verse. It’s a revealing track that darker corners of her mental health. I’m lost for words.
Devin Morrison – Casper (Single)
LA-based musician Devin Morrison, who released a stellar album last year with Bussin’ has come through with a brand new, smooth and sensual track titled “Casper.” His silky smooth voice, backed with slow-paced instrumental makes for a sensual R&B track. He continues to excel with his music, and I expect him to break into the twenties in full swing.
In Search Of Media Weekly Playlist
Tracklist
Lex Amor – Mazza (Single)
ShunGu – Page 5: Where It Starts. (A Book of 100 Spiritual Beats)
Knxwledge – Do You (Single)
Devin Morrison – Casper (Single)
10.4 ROG – Raindrop Soft ft Liv.E (for a tension)
Elaquent – Guidelines ft Oddisee (Single)
twuan – Night Sailing (Restless Nights)
FloFilz – Karru (Single)
Medslaus – 8 24 ft Maxo (Poorboy)
Antwon & Stoney Willis – Tell ‘Em (The 45 Plates EP)
Tha God Fahim – Iron Fist (Single)
Mac Miller – Good News (Single)
Jazzbois – Bois (Jazzbois)
JACK WOLFF – At Least a Double Fold (At Least a Double Fold EP)
Moses Boyd – Shades of You ft Poppy Ajudha (Single)
Yazmin Lacey – Not Today Mate (Single)
Mick Jenkins – Carefree (The Circus)
Future – Life Is Good ft Drake (Single)
In Search of Media 
Would you consider doing a deep dive on some of the best uk talent out now?