This week’s New Music Monday on HYFIN celebrates a massive wave of releases from the January 30 drop. Labrinth leads with the cinematic chaos of COSMIC OPERA ACT I, while Nija officially claims her throne in modern R&B with What I Didn’t Say. Don Toliver’s OCTANE provides the high-speed soundtrack to your morning, fueling the hype for his upcoming Summerfest 2026 headline set. We’re also diving deep into the soul-fusion of Terrace Martin’s PASSION LP and the gritty, dusty lyricism of Lord Jah-Monte Ogbon. From orchestral pop to underground grit, HYFIN is your bridge to the sounds defining the Urban Alternative scene.
Nija – What I Didn’t Say
(Amnija LLC/Capitol Records)
Nija’s What I Didn’t Say is a vulnerable, 10-track masterclass in modern R&B that officially cements her transition from the industry’s secret weapon to its main event. Released as the highly anticipated follow-up to her 2022 debut, the project finds the New Jersey native trading ghostwriting for heavy-hitters like Beyoncé and Ariana Grande for her own spotlight, delivering “immaculately-crafted gems” about the grey areas of young love. Whether she’s riding the smooth, radio-ready wave of the Blxst-assisted “I Just Called” or navigating the addictive “in-between” of a relationship on her Jordan Adetunji collaboration, Nija’s precision as a songwriter is unmatched. It’s a polished, hook-heavy journey through soul and grit that proves she’s no longer the blueprint for others—she’s the star.
Don Toliver – OCTANE
(Cactus Jack/Atlantic Records)
Don Toliver’s OCTANE is a high-speed, 18-track rush that cements his status as the king of psychedelic trap-R&B. Released on January 30, the album is a cinematic “blockbuster” fueled by car culture and his relationship with Kali Uchis, blending gritty guitars on “E85” with a slick Justin Timberlake flip on “Body.” It’s an immersive experience that moves from the kinetic energy of “ATM” to the atmospheric “Tiramisu,” proving Don is operating at full throttle. You can catch this high-energy world-building live when he headlines Summerfest in Milwaukee on Friday, June 19, 2026, at the American Family Insurance Amphitheater—a perfect stage for his stadium-sized sound
Labrinth – COSMIC OPERA ACT 1
(Columbia Records)
Labrinth’s COSMIC OPERA ACT I is a thunderous, 28-minute descent into the beautiful chaos of the human psyche, arriving like a cinematic tidal wave. This “futuristic blockbuster” for the ears trades traditional pop for sprawling orchestral arrangements and glitchy electronic pulses, all while dissecting the paranoia of fame. With the towering energy of tracks like “IMPLOSION,” Labrinth creates an immersive, genre-shattering universe that feels less like an album and more like an out-of-body experience.
LORD JAH-MONTE OGBON – As Of Now
(Lex Records)
Lord Jah-Monte Ogbon’s latest drop is a gritty, soul-drenched victory lap that proves the Charlotte king hasn’t lost his touch for “beautifully dusty” storytelling. Arriving with his signature hyper-specific titles and effortless charisma, the project finds him gliding over luxurious, sample-heavy production that feels like a hazy afternoon in North Carolina. Whether he’s flex-talking about his international travels or weaving intricate tales of the street over loops that sound like velvet, Jah-Monte remains one of the most consistent voices in the underground. It’s a short, potent burst of high-level lyricism and “best-dressed” energy that rewards repeat listens and solidifies his place as a DIY icon.
Terrace Martin – PASSION
(Sounds of Crenshaw/EMPIRE)
Terrace Martin’s PASSION LP is a high-speed, 21-minute masterclass that proves you don’t need an hour to build a world. Released as the opening act of his Love Is Louder Than Algorithms suite, the album blends organic warmth with sharp TR-808s and signature soulful saxophone. From the silky Blxst collaboration “Once I Say” to the intentional grooves of “Low Cholesterol,” it captures the “gumbo” of Crenshaw’s R&B and jazz roots. It’s a vibey, essential project that prioritizes human connection over playlist filler.
The post NEW MUSIC MONDAYS: Sensational NEW releases from NIija, Don Toliver, Labrinth, Lord Jah-Monte Ogbon and Terrace Martin appeared first on HYFIN.