Assembly Sounds (not to be confused with the legends-in-the-making Detroit record label/management/marketing collective Assemble Sound) is a music collective who hit my line last week with songs for review. I took a listen to the three specific songs I got, then I went ahead and checked out the album. Without spoiling too much, a song like “Frozen Dreams” is why I got into rap in the first place, as it’s honest, blunt and deep–but also healing, optimistic and honest.

The group’s Volume 2: REDACTED features rappers rapping like their lives depended on it and musicians doing the same. It’s like Assembly Sounds both enjoys music and understands the cultural/business/professional side of it all, too. And through that union of intrapersonal and interpersonal, we get a collection that keeps it conscious, but doesn’t just keep it conscious. Instead, they blend several subgenres together to make this album a true melting pop of music. That melting pot creates a mix of sounds that feels right at home while simultaneously futuristic. However, it’s that energy that can grab potential listeners and make them want more. It’s as if it’s both infectious and unified on one goal: to create intellectually-stimulating, dope music in various forms.

As a purveyor of “dope music in all its forms,” I had to at least give this project and its creators a shoutout on this beautiful Maryland Saturday afternoon. While I don’t know too much about the group, I know that they and I align thematically. Check out the project above and remember to support dope music in all its forms. You never know when you’re going to find your next favorite artist (or group).