Shatter the Standards
@thestandards.bsky.social
We are dedicated to celebrating milestones, unearthing lesser-known musical gems, and promoting discussions around albums and new music that might not receive ample attention in mainstream conversations.
https://www.shatterthestandards.com
https://www.shatterthestandards.com
Five songs about leaving, staying, and lying about which one you're doing. Headphones and emotional honesty recommended, starring Mack Keane, Sasha Keable, Joji, Charlotte Day Wilson, and Arlo Parks. Read over at Soulpolitan.
R&B for People Who Stare Out of Windows
Five songs about leaving, staying, and lying about which one you're doing. Headphones and emotional honesty recommended, starring Mack Keane, Sasha Keable, Joji, Charlotte Day Wilson, and Arlo Parks.
www.shatterthestandards.com
February 8, 2026 at 5:05 PM
Five songs about leaving, staying, and lying about which one you're doing. Headphones and emotional honesty recommended, starring Mack Keane, Sasha Keable, Joji, Charlotte Day Wilson, and Arlo Parks. Read over at Soulpolitan.
Rap spent 2024 begging grown men to go to war. Symba watched that from the West Coast and said out loud what half the culture whispered. Cole came back, told him, basically, sit down, I’m your father. Read over at Words Past da Margin.
Deciphering Symba’s Father Figure
Rap spent 2024 begging grown men to go to war. Symba watched that from the West Coast and said out loud what half the culture whispered. Cole came back, told him, basically, sit down, I’m your father.
www.shatterthestandards.com
February 7, 2026 at 1:05 PM
Rap spent 2024 begging grown men to go to war. Symba watched that from the West Coast and said out loud what half the culture whispered. Cole came back, told him, basically, sit down, I’m your father. Read over at Words Past da Margin.
Dilla built this from a hospital bed with a sampler and whatever 45s friends could smuggle in. Thirty-one beats, most under two minutes, none wasted.
Milestones: Donuts by J Dilla
Dilla built this from a hospital bed with a sampler and whatever 45s friends could smuggle in. Thirty-one beats, most under two minutes, none wasted.
www.shatterthestandards.com
February 7, 2026 at 5:05 AM
Dilla built this from a hospital bed with a sampler and whatever 45s friends could smuggle in. Thirty-one beats, most under two minutes, none wasted.
After “So Sick” conquered the charts, a wave of melodic R&B singers found their audience in Tokyo. These Ne-Yo disciples built careers on falsetto and heartbreak.
Singers Painting R&B in the Colors of Heart-Flutters
After “So Sick” conquered the charts, a wave of melodic R&B singers found their audience in Tokyo. These Ne-Yo disciples built careers on falsetto and heartbreak.
www.shatterthestandards.com
February 6, 2026 at 1:05 PM
After “So Sick” conquered the charts, a wave of melodic R&B singers found their audience in Tokyo. These Ne-Yo disciples built careers on falsetto and heartbreak.
The supposed farewell album from rap’s most self-interrogating moderate. Cole bets his legacy on a double-disc album split between hunger and wisdom.
Album Review: The Fall-Off by J. Cole
The supposed farewell album from rap’s most self-interrogating moderate. Cole bets his legacy on a double-disc album split between hunger and wisdom.
www.shatterthestandards.com
February 6, 2026 at 7:00 AM
The supposed farewell album from rap’s most self-interrogating moderate. Cole bets his legacy on a double-disc album split between hunger and wisdom.
As new albums and singles get constantly flooded into our radar, look no further than skimming through the release week of February 6th. We know it can be a task, so let’s help you cut through.
New Music Drops: February 6, 2026
As new albums and singles get constantly flooded into our radar, look no further than skimming through the release week of February 6th. We know it can be a task, so let’s help you cut through.
www.shatterthestandards.com
February 6, 2026 at 12:05 AM
As new albums and singles get constantly flooded into our radar, look no further than skimming through the release week of February 6th. We know it can be a task, so let’s help you cut through.
KOD diagnosed an addiction problem. The Fall-Off took nearly eight years to fill the prescription. Cole titled his album after his own decline, and midnight will reveal whether the dare paid off.
Inside the Long Eight-Year Wait for J. Cole’s The Fall-Off
KOD diagnosed an addiction problem. The Fall-Off took nearly eight years to fill the prescription. Cole titled his album after his own decline, and midnight will reveal whether the dare paid off.
www.shatterthestandards.com
February 5, 2026 at 8:05 PM
KOD diagnosed an addiction problem. The Fall-Off took nearly eight years to fill the prescription. Cole titled his album after his own decline, and midnight will reveal whether the dare paid off.
On her first album release since 2022, Ella Mai turns devotion into a contract and jealousy into a policy manual. The question mark in the title is ornamental.
Album Review: Do You Still Love Me? by Ella Mai
On her first album release since 2022, Ella Mai turns devotion into a contract and jealousy into a policy manual. The question mark in the title is ornamental.
www.shatterthestandards.com
February 5, 2026 at 1:30 PM
On her first album release since 2022, Ella Mai turns devotion into a contract and jealousy into a policy manual. The question mark in the title is ornamental.
On Homegrown, VanJess address situationships, dysfunction, and desire without melodrama. The EP sounds like the work of artists who no longer need to prove anything to anyone watching.
EP Spotlight: Homegrown by VanJess
On Homegrown, VanJess address situationships, dysfunction, and desire without melodrama. The EP sounds like the work of artists who no longer need to prove anything to anyone watching.
www.shatterthestandards.com
February 5, 2026 at 6:00 AM
On Homegrown, VanJess address situationships, dysfunction, and desire without melodrama. The EP sounds like the work of artists who no longer need to prove anything to anyone watching.
Three women spent five years making a debut in a bedroom studio. We Are KING refused outside pressure, and the finished record carries the grain of slow assembly.
Milestones: We Are KING by We Are KING
Three women spent five years making a debut in a bedroom studio. We Are KING refused outside pressure, and the finished record carries the grain of slow assembly.
www.shatterthestandards.com
February 5, 2026 at 5:05 AM
Three women spent five years making a debut in a bedroom studio. We Are KING refused outside pressure, and the finished record carries the grain of slow assembly.
From Fayetteville dorm rooms to platinum plaques. The mixtapes that built his name. The albums that tested his audience. A complete guide to J. Cole’s catalog before The Fall-Off closes the book.
The Handguide to J. Cole
From Fayetteville dorm rooms to platinum plaques. The mixtapes that built his name. The albums that tested his audience. A complete guide to J. Cole’s catalog before The Fall-Off closes the book.
www.shatterthestandards.com
February 4, 2026 at 5:06 PM
From Fayetteville dorm rooms to platinum plaques. The mixtapes that built his name. The albums that tested his audience. A complete guide to J. Cole’s catalog before The Fall-Off closes the book.
Janet fired her father, annulled her marriage, and flew to Minneapolis. Six weeks later she had built the machine that would define her. Nine songs about work, boundaries, desire, and self-worth.
Milestones: Control by Janet Jackson
Janet fired her father, annulled her marriage, and flew to Minneapolis. Six weeks later she had built the machine that would define her. Nine songs about work, boundaries, desire, and self-worth.
www.shatterthestandards.com
February 4, 2026 at 1:05 PM
Janet fired her father, annulled her marriage, and flew to Minneapolis. Six weeks later she had built the machine that would define her. Nine songs about work, boundaries, desire, and self-worth.
Listen to new releases from By Storm, Joel Ross, Lord Jah-Monte Ogbon, PJ, Soulive, Le$, Rebel Rae, New Saint, Stu Bangas & Wordsmith, Guè & Cookin Soul, Sepalot, Zani, Deric, mynameisntjmack, and Emile Londonien.
Wednesday Roundups #135: 15 New Projects You Should Listen to Now
Listen to new releases from By Storm, Joel Ross, Lord Jah-Monte Ogbon, PJ, Soulive, Le$, Rebel Rae, New Saint, Stu Bangas & Wordsmith, Guè, Sepalot, Zani, Derick, mynameisntjmack, and others.
www.shatterthestandards.com
February 4, 2026 at 5:05 AM
Listen to new releases from By Storm, Joel Ross, Lord Jah-Monte Ogbon, PJ, Soulive, Le$, Rebel Rae, New Saint, Stu Bangas & Wordsmith, Guè & Cookin Soul, Sepalot, Zani, Deric, mynameisntjmack, and Emile Londonien.
As his sixth studio album continues the themes of The Come Up, Friday Night Lights, and Cole World: The Sideline Story, it offers nostalgia for and longing for simplicity.
What Drove J. Cole on The Off-Season?
As his sixth studio album continues the themes of The Come Up, Friday Night Lights, and Cole World: The Sideline Story, it offers nostalgia for and longing for simplicity.
www.shatterthestandards.com
February 3, 2026 at 1:05 PM
As his sixth studio album continues the themes of The Come Up, Friday Night Lights, and Cole World: The Sideline Story, it offers nostalgia for and longing for simplicity.
At the Grammy Awards, the rapper, record producer, and singer Bad Bunny became the voice of resistance against Donald Trump. He is not the only one who vents his anger that evening.
“We Are Not Savages, We Are Not Animals”
At the Grammy Awards, the rapper, record producer, and singer Bad Bunny became the voice of resistance against Donald Trump. He is not the only one who vents his anger that evening.
www.shatterthestandards.com
February 3, 2026 at 5:05 AM
At the Grammy Awards, the rapper, record producer, and singer Bad Bunny became the voice of resistance against Donald Trump. He is not the only one who vents his anger that evening.
The seventh track of 4 Your Eyez Only, released in 2016 and inspired by a true story, “Neighbors” portrays the landscape and challenges of being a Black man in America.
Black Skin, White Neighborhood
The seventh track of 4 Your Eyez Only, released in 2016 and inspired by a true story, “Neighbors” portrays the landscape and challenges of being a Black man in America.
www.shatterthestandards.com
February 2, 2026 at 5:06 PM
The seventh track of 4 Your Eyez Only, released in 2016 and inspired by a true story, “Neighbors” portrays the landscape and challenges of being a Black man in America.
You demand proof only when it helps your hero. If alleged assault makes you smile, log off. Your beef is not bigger than abuse, and survivors are not props for stan wars. Read over at Blackpolitan.
JAY-Z, Pusha T, and Stan Wars Turn Epstein Files Into Fan Fiction
You demand proof only when it helps your hero. If alleged assault makes you smile, log off. Your beef is not bigger than abuse, and survivors are not props for stan wars.
www.shatterthestandards.com
February 2, 2026 at 1:05 PM
You demand proof only when it helps your hero. If alleged assault makes you smile, log off. Your beef is not bigger than abuse, and survivors are not props for stan wars. Read over at Blackpolitan.
People attack artists like Beyoncé for speaking up yet demand that she “read the room.” They want cultural commentary without accountability for the chaos they chase. Read over at Blackpolitan.
Needing the Opinion of Celebrities of the State and the World
People attack artists like Beyoncé for speaking up yet demand that she “read the room.” They want cultural commentary without accountability for the chaos they chase.
www.shatterthestandards.com
February 2, 2026 at 5:05 AM
People attack artists like Beyoncé for speaking up yet demand that she “read the room.” They want cultural commentary without accountability for the chaos they chase. Read over at Blackpolitan.
Watts gave Paul Wall, Slim Thug, Mike Jones, and Chamillionaire a home base. Then he gave Houston the world. He pioneered the chopped-and-screwed aesthetic that defined Houston's rap identity.
Remembering the Life and Legacy of Michael “5000” Watts
Watts gave Paul Wall, Slim Thug, Mike Jones, and Chamillionaire a home base. Then he gave Houston the world. He pioneered the chopped-and-screwed aesthetic that defined Houston's rap identity.
www.shatterthestandards.com
February 1, 2026 at 5:05 PM
Watts gave Paul Wall, Slim Thug, Mike Jones, and Chamillionaire a home base. Then he gave Houston the world. He pioneered the chopped-and-screwed aesthetic that defined Houston's rap identity.
This week features the worst date Thundercat’s ever been on, Jordan Ward’s financial advice, Mýa’s relationship ultimatum, late-night vibes from Terrace Martin, and Tom Misch writes for his sisters. Read over at Soulpolitan.
Five R&B Songs for the Emotionally Unavailable
This week features the worst date Thundercat’s ever been on, Jordan Ward’s financial advice, Mýa’s relationship ultimatum, late-night vibes from Terrace Martin, and Tom Misch writes for his sisters.
www.shatterthestandards.com
February 1, 2026 at 5:05 AM
This week features the worst date Thundercat’s ever been on, Jordan Ward’s financial advice, Mýa’s relationship ultimatum, late-night vibes from Terrace Martin, and Tom Misch writes for his sisters. Read over at Soulpolitan.
From Roc Marciano to Ari Lennox to DJ Harrison, January’s best records asked the same question in different ways. How long can you chase something before it starts chasing you?
January 2026: The Best Albums of the Month
From Roc Marciano to Ari Lennox to DJ Harrison, January’s best records asked the same question in different ways. How long can you chase something before it starts chasing you?
www.shatterthestandards.com
January 31, 2026 at 5:05 AM
From Roc Marciano to Ari Lennox to DJ Harrison, January’s best records asked the same question in different ways. How long can you chase something before it starts chasing you?
This is the Cole you want more of.
Mixtape Review: Birthday Blizzard ‘26 by J. Cole
This is the Cole you want more of.
www.shatterthestandards.com
January 30, 2026 at 5:07 PM
This is the Cole you want more of.
Each guide is based on this run of albums, believed to be part of Michael Jackson’s roots. It then branches out into post-1995, drawn from that tree. Here’s the mellow and sensitive section.
The Musical Lineage of Michael Jackson (Mellow / Sensitive)
Each guide is based on this run of albums, believed to be part of Michael Jackson’s roots. It then branches out into post-1995, drawn from that tree. Here’s the mellow and sensitive section.
www.shatterthestandards.com
January 30, 2026 at 1:05 PM
Each guide is based on this run of albums, believed to be part of Michael Jackson’s roots. It then branches out into post-1995, drawn from that tree. Here’s the mellow and sensitive section.
On OCTANE, tenderness arrives with terms and conditions, every declaration of love shadowed by a hand reaching for something else.
Album Review: OCTANE by Don Toliver
On OCTANE, tenderness arrives with terms and conditions, every declaration of love shadowed by a hand reaching for something else.
www.shatterthestandards.com
January 30, 2026 at 5:45 AM
On OCTANE, tenderness arrives with terms and conditions, every declaration of love shadowed by a hand reaching for something else.
As new albums and singles get constantly flooded into our radar, look no further than skimming through the release week of January 30th. We know it can be a task, so let’s help you cut through.
New Music Drops: January 30, 2026
As new albums and singles get constantly flooded into our radar, look no further than skimming through the release week of January 30th. We know it can be a task, so let’s help you cut through.
www.shatterthestandards.com
January 30, 2026 at 12:05 AM
As new albums and singles get constantly flooded into our radar, look no further than skimming through the release week of January 30th. We know it can be a task, so let’s help you cut through.