92 MARCH 26-APRIL 1, 2026 westword.com WESTWORD | FOOD & DRINK | MUSIC & VENUES | ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT | SHOPPING & SERVICES | SPORTS & RECREATION | CONTENTS | things take time.” The Denver-based hip- hop artist spent six years perfecting his debut album, and his patience paid off in spades. Across seven strong tracks, boom bap drums join up with syncopated piano rhythms, tense strings, fi ngerstyle guitar, and even an accordion riff, uniting infl uences from different genres and cultures. JD is a conscious rapper with an unequivocal mes- sage of solidarity for disenfranchised people worldwide. Inspired by thought-provoking lyricists like J.Cole, Saba and Kendrick La- mar, he spits unfl inching, politically charged bars that take aim at capitalism, colonialism, police brutality and related societal evils. But it’s his defi antly cheerful energy that gives Product of the World its staying power. Best Hip-Hop Album Good Problems Trev Rich & Sharke From the funky keyboard riff on the opening track “At Least I Know” to the world-weary fi nal bars on “Seen it All,” Good Problems de- livers exactly what hip-hop fans expect from Grammy-nominated rapper Trev Rich. This thirteen-song joint project with Orlando- based producer Sharke is a reminder why Rich is one of the most successful hip-hop artists in Colorado. Released last Decem- ber, Good Problems features Houston rapper Sauce Walka, Denver trap artist SG Comma, and Colorado’s own R&B songstress Kayla Rae. Standouts from the album include the R&B-leaning hustler’s love song, “G.I.T. (Get it Together)” and “Colfax Dreams,” a trappy ode to nights spent on one of Denver’s most recognizable streets. Best Album for Your Pregame Playlist The Many Faces Telly If you need something to help set the vibe before you hit the town, Telly’s The Many Faces has you covered. Telly is a versatile Latin hip-hop artist who dips her toes into all different genres, while consistently deliv- ering catchy, high-energy tracks. The Many Faces has a little something for everyone at the pregame, from rap bars and pop vocals to an appearance from singer-songwriter Grayson Ratliff and a “country trap” song called “Down South Shawty” (think Lil Nas X’s “Old Town Road”). There’s even a few bilingual verses for anyone who needs to brush up on their Spanish. As a matter of fact, if you’re looking to get heads nodding and hips moving, go ahead and put Telly’s whole catalog on shuffl e. Best Dark-Pop Album The Fourth Wall Riah After she released The Fourth Wall, Denver dark-pop artist Riah shared that it “isn’t just an album to me — it’s me confronting my own truths and inviting people to see the raw, un- fi ltered parts of my story. I didn’t make this as background music. I made it as art that demands to be seen, heard and felt.” And the sophomore album, which follows up 2024’s Trauma Bond, continues Riah’s heartfelt ethos of pure authenticity. The competi- tive pole artist even provided visuals for the tracks “Talk to Someone,” “Misandrist In- terlude” and “Sacrilege” in the visual album Reclamation, as well. Riah is defi nitely an artist to watch this year and beyond. Best Synth-Pop and Electronic Duo Pleasure Prince Pleasure Prince is an eclectic synth-pop and electronic duo you will likely have playing on repeat. Fronted by Lilly Scott and Will Dun- can, the pair is known for moody yet fl uid synth textures paired with hard-hitting drums that draw listeners in. On their most recent al- bum release, General Pallor, Scott and Duncan deliver an intimate take on ’80s-inspired synth pop that feels both nostalgic and fresh. Scott and Duncan’s voices blend seamlessly, creat- ing a sound that is both soothing and sensual, particularly on tracks like “At The End” and “Sherry With a Cherry.” With a sound this distinct, Pleasure Prince is carving out a space of its own, and is not to be missed. Best Folk Album The Color of the Dark Covenhoven Native Coloradan and folk singer-song- Music & Venues continued from page 91 ILLUSTRATIONS BY GETT Y IMAGES BOULDERTHEATER.COM FOXTHEATRE.COM MAR 26 MAR 28 APR3 MAR 27 APR2 APR8 APR1 BATTLE OF THE BANDS RED REVIVAL, WORDS OF MOUTH, ON THE DOT, THE CATTLEDOGS, ABERNATHY SHAGNASTER, THE SPEEKS, DIVA CUP, SUNKISSD LOS AMIGOS INVISIBLES LUKO WEST 22ND HUCK N HOUSE, DIPSEA FLOWER BANSHEE TREE RILEY J BAND DESERT DWELLERS MINDEX, NYRUS OTHER BROTHERS (ALLMAN BROTHERS TRIBUTE) BILL MCKAY BAND FEAT. JAMES HAMBLETON MOSE MATIA KALLI JUST ANNOUNCED MAY 9 .............................................GIMME GIMME DISCO JUST ANNOUNCED MAY 16 ......................................................MATT MAESON OCT 3 ........................................................BUILT TO SPILL OCT 18 ...................................SAMMY RAE & THE FRIENDS OCT 23 ......................................................KATHY GRIFFIN NOV 8 ....................JOHN SCOFIELD’S “ELECTROSPECTIVE” MAR 26 MAR 28 APR9 APR 20 MAR 27 APR3 APR 17 THE MENZINGERS I AM THE AVALANCHE THE HAPPY FITS BEL BRANFORD MARSALIS QUARTET BUCKETHEAD BAD SUNS THE UNDERCOVER DREAM LOVERS SHAKEDOWN STREET PERFORMS 4/3/89 JAKE WOLF (SAGES & SPIRITS) CELEBRATING TED GALLOWAY EARLYBIRDS CLUB
