Lewisham’s idiosyncratic innovator Jim Legxacy continues to mature his individualistic approach on “aggressive”. The XL Recordings signee has shared news of a mixtape coming in the new year, “Black British Music”, and shares this teaser cut, featuring his iconic falsetto vocals crooning over an emotional, immersive sonic palette. One of the best around, undoubtedly.

Finally returning following a two year hiatus, one of London’s most distinctive voices shares atmosphere and progressive comeback single “TARDIS (hardest)”. As ever, Greentea brings a unique genre-meld that feels wholly her own, unleashing visceral and unapologetic bars atop a moody, characterful backdrop.

Saya Gray’s new track “SHELL (OF A MAN)” is simply confounding. The avant garde visionary has announced the release of her highly anticipated self-titled debut album, due in February 2025, and shares a nonconformist, ear-catching teasing opus. Ethereal vocals, a gentle country-tinged backdrop and searing songwriting aplenty, it’s one of the most captivating tracks you’ll hear this week.

Swiftly establishing herself as one of the leading lights in contemporary pop, Grammy-winning South African superstar Tyla has shared TYLA+, the deluxe augmentation of her critically-lauded eponymous debut album. A standout new number is “Push 2 Start”, a sensual and serene Afropop number with soaring vocals and brisk rhythmic interplay.

Gambian-born, Coventry-raised rap mogul Pa Salieu continues his hot streak with a fresh double single. “Epiphany” is lyrically jaw-dropping, as Salieu shares his societal thoughts atop minimalist production. “Crash” goes harder with a classic UK rap instrumental backdrop, with the Midlands spitter bringing fiery delivery and razor sharp writing.

King of the feature Obongjayar has an insanely affable sound, and his latest groove-laden gem is no different. Backed by a somewhat hilarious swimming pool located visual, “Just My Luck” is a disco-tinged silk-laden opus that gets the feet moving.

19 year-old riser flowerovlove shows sonic sensibilities beyond her tender years on her anthem-fuelled new EP, “Ache In My Tooth”. Uncompromising in its pop-driven approach, featuring some great vocal performances and ear-worm chorus’, the five-pronged project is a joyous, effortless listen.

Sudanese-American multi-disciplinarian Dua Saleh takes a giant artistic leap with their new record. I SHOULD CALL THEM is a sprawling, sensitive and narrative-driven œuvre, featuring turns from serpentwithfeat and Gallant, and sets Saleh apart as a thrilling songwriter and meticulous musical maverick.

GRAMMY-nominated eclectic hip-hop duo EarthGang have released brand new single “Love You More” featuring Florida rap icon T-Pain. The track is taken from EarthGang’s highly-anticipated new full-length album, Perfect Fantasy, an audacious project that explores complex themes of human creativity and artistic expression in today’s digital age due 29th October. The Atlanta-born, indie rap duo, comprised of Olu AKA Johnny Venus and WowGr8 AKA DocturDot, continue to push the boundaries of hip-hop with their innovative minds, tapping one of America’s most accomplished and recognisable names in T-Pain for this new single. EarthGang’s talent for seamlessly blending styles is apparent as T-Pain’s polished melodies make pockets for EarthGang’s sleek flow and bars to shine. Combining the essences of these two powerhouses of home-town hip-hop has produced a bouncing and seductive track, sure to stand out as a classic collab.  

Hotly-tipped UK rap riser Strandz continues to demonstrate the diversity of his sonic acumen, hopping on one of his liveliest beats yet on “Balance”. Accompanied on the bouncy cut with Alté frontrunner BOJ, the South London spitter never fails to deliver sleek, piercing lyricism and seamless delivery.

Naarm/Melbourne’s dance-punk sextet have share their thrilling, engrossing debut album, Stiletto. It’s the type of work that rips up the rulebook, so genre-merging that it’s genre-less. The title track is an outrageous seven minute extravaganza of post-punk characteristics, spiky spoken-word musings and the occasional passage of serenity.

Singer-songwriter and producer Odeal has returned with a cinematic and searing new single, “Temptress”. Sampling Aaliyah’s “Are You That Somebody”, there’s luscious synths, sharp percussion and gentle bass grooves, which the artist glides atop effortlessly.

Acclaimed singer-songwriter Nao brings warmth and energy to her dreamy new cut “Wildflowers”. With stunning vocals and measured production, the artist once again shows her quality. Just wait for that hook too.

An intimate journey that unites his ethereal affirmations alongside a clear vision for real change, Who We Are becomes a portrait of London through the ever-evolving eyes of Ashley Henry. With his own experiences of hope and frustration, powerful influences past and present, and the cultural knowledge gained from his environment, Henry builds universal sounds representing Black British music – a rare, impactful approach elevating the vibrant sonics that surround him. With a stunning lead video for “Love Is Like A Movie”, Ashley’s vivid expressions of Jazz culture feel as beautiful as they are meaningful.

Turkish-Italian DJ, producer and multi-instrumentalist Carlita has shared news of a debut album, due next month via Ninja Tune. The latest teaser, “Trouble Symphony” features DJ Tennis and is sure to hit hard on the dance floor, and is eccentric, rousing and anthemic.

Lewisham rapper Deema has unveiled his latest offering “C4LL MY PHONE”. Plucked from an upcoming project set to be released 14th November, the new track is an off-kilter stylistic-shift for the artist, jersey club-influenced, and full of interesting production and vocal manipulation.

Blanco reunites with close friend and collaborator, MizOrMac, for a scintillating new single “Charlie Sloth”. Taken from Blanco’s highly-anticipated forthcoming mixtape “Gilberto’s Son”, due 15th November, “Charlie Sloth” sees Blanco return to his roots, delivering his trademark lyricism alongside fellow Kennington-native and Harlem Spartans member MizOrMac atop trademark woozy bass kicks and effective synth lines. Fresh from huge performances at Glastonbury Festival and All Points East, Blanco has been busy heading campaigns for the likes of Nike Air Jordan x END Clothing as well as attending key shows throughout the Paris Fashion Week and London Fashion Week schedule. His recent collaboration with garage and bass line DJ Interplanetary Criminal for “Races” (performing the track live at a recent Warehouse Project), Blanco continues to tear up the rulebook, a recent trip to Brazil seeing him meet with some of the hottest rappers and producers in the territory incl. El Lif and LEALL as he taps into the South American ties of his Angolan roots.

After touring globally with Sampha, Harvey Causon returns with a powerful visual for his new cut “Nostalgia”. Opening with beautifully crafted violins and a striking AI sample formed from vintage 70s records, the hazy, nocturnal production quickly blossoms into an electric wall of sound; rolling drum breaks and heavy-weight bass creating a canvas for Causon’s ethereal exploration of reality while challenging hyperrealism and the dystopia that can rework our creative output. With his highly anticipated debut album Square Breath dropping in November, keep taps on the London-based composer, musician and vocalist as his highly ambitious and politicly-charged artistry marks him as one of the city’s most thrilling new voices.

Boundary-less, succinct and swirling, 19 year-old North Carolina-native glaive has shared his sophomore album, May It Never Falter. A mishmash of sounds and styles, combined with a emotional brevity beyond his years, ensures the new project hits in all the right places.

One of the most significant voices in the R&B landscape, Col3trane is back with his first official release of 2024, “Where Have You Been All My Life?”. Over a unique blend of sleek, sultry R&B and new wave production, the 25-year-old artist confronts the complexities of love and lust, with midnight influences and the chaos of intimacy creating a melting pot for internal exploration. A captivating performance through the intoxicating pull of temptation, the sharp video sees him move across the dark, hazy backdrop of Los Angeles in pursuit for something real.

Simultaneously intimate and otherworldly, Leo Bhanji’s electronic pop gem “Lung” is as ear worm as it is emotive. The London-based singer-songwriter and producer delivers spine-tingling vocals atop an ambient and experimental sonic backdrop.

French outfit LA FEMME have shared their latest full-length record, Rock Machine. Merging indie and psychedelia across a sprawling thirteen tracks, it’s a delightfully spritely collection of cuts.

Multi-talented East London singer, rapper, songwriter and hit-maker B Young continues his hot streak with brand new single “PARLAIS-TU FRANCAIS”, the latest track to be taken from his highly-anticipated forthcoming album, ESC, set for release 25th October 2024. Returning to the sound sphere with his unique blend of sonic innovation and thoughtful, original lyricism that has cemented the Hackney native as one of the most recognisable UK names over the past few years, B Young adds another captivating record to his already acclaimed catalogue. “PARLAIS-TU FRANCAIS”, taken from his upcoming full-length project, showcases B Young in a different light, serving up his smooth lyricism atop a shimmering soundtrack layered with catchy acoustic riffs and skippy percussive elements. Not only does the new single highlight the star’s versatility but continues to underline B Young’s creative vision and his reputation as one of the most innovative musicians emanating from these shores.

One of London’s hottest viral stars right now, North West London talent WhyDee drops off visuals for his debut track “Jack In The Box”. Quickly flexing his distinctive style and blazing authority, infectious trap textures create pockets for his intricate wordplay to shine with typical finesse. A vigorous reflex seamlessly distils modern youth culture and the inner-city pressures that drive ambitions towards purpose and development beyond his years. Paired with high-octane visuals, WhyDee manoeuvres across a busy London setting, visually depicting the pace and disorientation of his lifestyle, backed by his city and flourishing into a true success story in the making.

UK rap riser Brandon Nembhard has shared his new EP, “IF NOT NOW, WHEN?”. Merging UK rap sub-styles seamlessly, and offering broad, striking narrative-driven lyrical portraits, it’s an impressive and intriguing project worth giving a spin.

Rising pop name Barny Fletcher shares a noteworthy new single “Call Me By Your Name”. Showing impressive vocal performance and vivid songwriting atop the bouncy, vibrant instrumental.

Irish rapper Travy is on a roll. This week he released his On The Radar freestyle which was followed up by new single “FSSH”. It’s a hard-hitting rap banger that showcases his ability to curate anthems rap music led by his lyrical prowess. “FSSH” represents Irish slang that Travy and his friends frequently use to signal something worthy of stopping to take notice. It’s the first on a run of heat from Travy which we will be keeping a close eye on.