A decade ago, Baltimore-raised Naeem was known as Spank Rock, an enthusiastic party rapper whose rhymes found a home on dance floors and music blogs. But the artist, going by his given name of Naeem now, sounds more realized than ever on his new album, Startisha, which features collaborations with Justin Vernon, Francis and the Lights, and more. “Stone Harbor,” a wonderfully glowing club track, finds Naeem reflecting, “Every love I’ve had, I think of you” as he asserts his truest self. Sounds like a different kind of party, but a party all the same. —Patrick Hosken
