6 must-hear upcoming late summer releases

This year has been heating up — and no, it’s not just the intolerable Phoenix weather that we are compelled to reference.

Music releases, specifically albums by big-name and critically acclaimed artists, including Tame Impala and Daniel Caesar, are on the rise.

A recent report from Rareform Audio shows that the music industry released more tracks in a single day in 2024 than an entire year in the late ’80s, adding a specific note that the daily volume of new music is higher than the total released throughout all of 1989. Of course, there are more avenues these days that help boost that number, with the numerous digital tools that aid in self-release and promotion. In any case, we never lack new music that provides us with sonic stimulation.

If you’re looking for new tunes across a few genres, with hip-hop and R&B in high quantities, check out these upcoming projects debuting in August, September and beyond.

But first, make sure to get up to date on these recent standout albums from Tyler, The Creator, Quadeca and Freddie Gibbs.

Recent releases:

‘DON’T TAP THE GLASS’ by Tyler, The Creator

The now hip-hop legend’s latest is a step away from the detailed and intricate craft usually behind his multi-year-long release process, but “DON’T TAP THE GLASS” is the Tyler take on new jack swing, among other things. At a quick 28 minutes, this project is exciting and vigorous and undoubtedly fun. Filled with signature melodies that will stay in your head for days, fans of new Tyler to old R&B can find something to enjoy here.

‘Vanisher, Horizon Scraper’ by Quadeca

The singer-rapper-producer’s full return is an experience like no other. Blending elements of folktronica and hip-hop with cerebral moments that feel most similar to a movie score, Quadeca has paved his own way in music and created something truly memorable. It’s an album better experienced than described, so check it out if you’re curious about how creative modern music can be.

‘Alfredo 2’ by Freddie Gibbs and The Alchemist

This follow-up to the acclaimed 2020 release from this dynamic rapping-producing duo is finally out, and this time Gibbs and The Alchemist are accompanied by Anderson .Paak, Larry June and JID. For any fans of classic rap with boom-bap instrumentals and gritty performances, “Alfredo 2” is a quality LP filled with some very entertaining tracks.

Upcoming releases:

‘Lonely At The Top’ by Joey Bada$$

Though currently amidst potential label delays, this new album from New York rapper Joey Bada$$ will find its way to fans one way or another. Its planned release on August 1 may be in jeopardy, but the project is still worth keeping up with, no matter its eventual date. Bada$$ is known for an extremely consistent album run since the early 2010s, so any fans of hip-hop should be on the lookout for this release.

‘God Does Like Ugly’ by JID

The acclaimed rapper has announced his latest album, titled “God Does Like Ugly,” for a release on Aug. 8. JID released a four-song “Preluxe” to the project on July 4, featuring Eminem, Lil Yachty and 6LACK. JID’s 2022 album, “The Forever Story,” was met with serious acclaim, so any hip-hop fan should be on the lookout for this latest project in just over a week.

Laufey

The jazz-pop singer’s third studio album, “A Matter of Time,” is slated for release on August 22. Singles “Silver Lining,” “Tough Luck” and “Lover Girl” have all previewed the project so far, and project Laufey’s sound is trending more pop than jazz in this upcoming LP. For fans of strong vocals and jazzy arrangements, Laufey announced a tour in late May with a Valley stop on Sept. 23 at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale.

‘Icon’ by Brent Faiyaz

After a pair of singles titled “tony soprano” and “peter pan” on July 4, Brent Faiyaz is preparing for a full album rollout for “Icon,” slated to release on Sept. 19. His signature angelic vocals that float over his often hip-hop inspired production are a mainstay of modern R&B and offer feel-good tunes for any interested listeners.

‘Son of Spergy’ by Daniel Caesar

Two years removed from his last album, “NEVER ENOUGH,” Daniel Caesar is back. This juggernaut of contemporary R&B seems to be at an all-time high of popularity, so there was no better time to announce this latest LP, “Son of Spergy,” with a mysterious grainy video clip. One single is already out, and the full album is projected to be released in the next couple of months, though no release date has been announced as of now.

Tame Impala

“A new era begins.” Single “End Of Summer” was released on July 24, featuring Tame Impala’s signature muddied drums and ethereal vocals. It looks as though Kevin Parker will soon return again with his first album since 2020’s “The Slow Rush,” with the upcoming release’s title still yet to be announced.