"What Kinda Music" marks a collaborative studio endeavor between English guitarist and vocalist Tom Misch and English drummer Yussef Dayes. Released on April 24, 2020, under Misch's label Beyond the Groove, and distributed through Blue Note Records and Caroline, it stands as Misch's highest-charting album and Dayes' inaugural appearance in the charts, peaking at number four in the United Kingdom.
 
Pitchfork's Jemima Skala hailed the album as "an expansive and fruitful collaboration" that showcases the best of both Misch and Dayes. Joseph Blais of The Line of Best Fit offered praise for the album's production and innovative fusion of styles, describing it as "a warm, vibe-y album for hype beasts and chops aficionados alike." Clash contributor Kofi Yeboah-Mensah lauded the album as "an incredible collaboration," highlighting its effective combination of lead bass and drums.