Ninja Music: Spring 2026

Over the past few months, there have been many major releases from Joji, Thundercat and other artists that you might have missed. But ninjas, as true fans of good music, couldn’t just pass them by.

We’ve put together a new playlist for you that works both for walks and for relaxing at home after work.

Joji — Piss in the Wind

This is his first full-length album since 2022, and it noticeably expands his usual sound. It includes both minimal, almost lo-fi tracks and more layered songs with stronger rhythm and elements of alternative R&B and pop.

The album feels more diverse than it might seem at first: calm, airy tracks shift into more dynamic ones. Among the guests are Don Toliver and Yeat, adding contrast and a more varied sound to certain tracks.

Recommended: Love You Less, PIXELATED KISSES

Thundercat — Distracted

For Thundercat, this is his first studio album in six years, continuing to develop his signature style at the intersection of jazz, funk, and experimental pop. Compared to his previous, more cohesive release, this one feels intentionally fragmented — tracks vary in tempo, structure, and mood.

The album is built around live bass and complex harmonies, yet remains easy to listen to. Guests include Tame Impala, A$AP Rocky, and WILLOW, adding depth and variety.

Recommended: No More Lies, She Knows Too Much

A$AP Rocky — Don’t Be Dumb

This album sees A$AP Rocky balancing his signature style with a more genre-driven, at times heavier sound. There are both more straightforward tracks and ones focused on atmosphere and melody, making the album feel varied.

Features include Gorillaz, Tyler, the Creator and others.

Recommended: PUNK ROCKY, HELICOPTER

J. Cole — The Fall-Off

The album feels like a natural continuation of J. Cole’s approach, with a strong focus on lyrics and structure. Compared to earlier releases, there’s less experimentation with form and more attention to content.

The sound remains restrained, but there is variation in tempo and mood — from calmer, almost conversational tracks to more dynamic ones. With fewer features, the album feels more cohesive and personal.

Recommended: Two Six, SAFETY

Yeat — ADL

Here, Yeat moves away from pure rage into a broader and more varied sound.

The album is built on contrast: some tracks are dense and energetic, while others lean into melody and atmosphere. This makes it feel like a cohesive release with different tempos and moods.

Among the guests are both familiar names from his scene and more unexpected ones, including Joji and Elton John.

Recommended: Griddlë, Back Home

Don Toliver — Octane

The album combines melodic vocals with hip-hop sound, which remains one of his strengths. Here, he focuses on a more cohesive atmosphere without sharp transitions between tracks.

There are both calm, slower songs and more rhythmic tracks, making it easy to listen to from start to finish.

Among the guests are mainstream names, including Travis Scott and Yeat.

Recommended: Tiramisu, Body, E85

Madison Beer — Locket

If you’re looking for something calm to play in the background and just relax, this is a good option.

The album sounds smooth and consistent, with a focus on vocals and overall atmosphere. Tracks vary slightly in mood but keep a cohesive vibe, making it easy to listen through.

Recommended: Make You Mine, bittersweet