Editor’s Note: The Albumism staff has selected what we believe to be 50 Essential Albums by LGBTQ Artists, representing a varied cross-section of genres, styles and time periods. Considering that the qualifier “LGBTQ” can often be open to various interpretations, for the purposes of this particular list, we have defined an artist as LGBTQ if he, she or they have ever publicly identified as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and/or queer. Moreover, albums by groups have been included in the list if any of their members fit the aforementioned criteria, even if some members do not.
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KAYTRANADA | 99.9%
XL/Ultra (2016)
Selected by Jesse Ducker
Louis “Kaytranada” Celestin is a deeply private individual who mostly likes to speak through his music. And the Haitian-born Montreal resident makes a definitive declaration with 99.9%, his debut album. It’s an amplified shout in a crowded disco, commanding anyone and everyone to get down to its eclectic grooves.
99.9% is a deeply inventive and innovative album. Kaytranada creates a unique brand of music that’s equal parts disco, house, soul, and electronic. The album pulses with palpable energy, infectious in its presentation. He collaborates with a veritable laundry list of artists known for their creativity, such as Syd, Goldlink, Anderson .Paak, Craig David, and Little Dragon.
“Weight Off,” featuring BADBADNOTGOOD, is an instrumental heavy funk track that incorporates the band’s gritty roots while still honoring Kaytranada’s dance-oriented sensibilities. “One Too Many,” featuring Phonte, is a slice of soulful heaven and one of the best electronic disco tracks of the decade. Kaytranada might not like to say much in public, but 99.9% speaks volumes about the type of artist he’s destined to become.
LISTEN:
