A few days ago Novel dropped his new album "Grant Me Serenity" out of nowhere, and even though he's both one of my favorite artists working I just didn't have time to check it out...until last night. Goddamn this album is good. I know I'm swearing a lot today, but goddamn. And since I'm sure there are some folks out there who may have also let "Serenity" pass them now let's all catch the fuck up.
Novel's always done soul/r&b/etc. better than almost anyone, but on "Serenity" he's combining those R&B roots with samples and elements I can't even begin to place. It's like the Beach Boys, Radiohead, Otis Redding and Arcade Fire all had an orgy and "Serenity" is their collective love child. (I apologize for the mental image.) Even better, as opposed to everyone who combines a bunch of random music to sound cool, it all works together. This isn't for the rappity rap folks, but if you've ever found yourself anticipating our Top 5 (Non) Hip-Hop Songs you'll dig this like a shovel.
Download link, preview and tracklist are underneath the video:
01. Serenity f. Muzi
02. Body Down
03. Get You High
04. Celebrate f. Muzi
05. Muzi & Shoden!1 – DearHeartBeat f. Novel
06. Vanilla Sky
07. Eraser 2012
08. Momma Said
09. I’m Not Drunk
10. Blue Girl