Hello! 😊👋
Welcome to a new edition of the Daily Music Picks newsletter!
Today’s music pick is a fizzy collaborative project from two of hip-hop and pop’s most idiosyncratic personalities.
Some records don’t need a deeper message or intricate lyricism to merit a recommendation in this newsletter. Like the best rom-coms or sci-fi horror mashups, the vibes alone are occasionally enough to help it transcend the genre’s formulaic tropes. This is the case with Kaytraminé, the first full-length collaboration between Montreal native Kaytranada and Portland’s Aminé. As its album cover suggests, this project is full of fun, fizzy energy that serves as a perfect complement to afternoons by the pool or steamy summer evenings where the drinks are as cold as the music is loud. And, for what it may lack in outside-the-box, this hip-hop/funk more than makes up for it in sheer charisma and undeniable chemistry between its two leads.
Overall, the record feels more or less effortless, largely due to how well the duo and their all-star cast of featured artists execute what are (deceptively) simple tracks. The lush largesse of “Who He Iz” and “letstalkaboutit” are catchy, self-confident winks at the listener that set the tone incredibly well. It’s the kind of pop-rap fun that doesn’t take itself too seriously—a disposition that’s sorely lacking on some other mainstream projects this year. There are also some cool downtempo moments like “Rebuke” that play off Brazilian and Latin styles and give you just enough time to order another pina colada while you catch your breath. The lead single “4EVA,” with support from Pharrell, is the standout here, giving Kay and Aminé a surefire crossover hit to call their own.
Keep this one close by as the warm weather continues—you likely won’t find a more enjoyable summer soundtrack in 2023.
👉 Don’t forget to click the album image to stream the album on your favorite platform 👈
Got thoughts on this album? Did you love it? Sound off in the comments.