Not many artists hold a more commercial and wide ranging appeal than The Weeknd. He continues to expand, revolutionise and evolve, now bringing his multi-faceted talent further into the public eye with his leading role in the highly anticipated upcoming TV show The Idol. The singer-songwriter has shared a first glimpse into the original soundtrack for the series with new single “Double Fantasy”. With production from heavy hitters Metro Boomin and Mike Dean as well as himself, the atmospheric and striking palette gives The Weeknd the chance to roam free vocally, spraying a sprawling narrative that seems to mirror that of the show, also enlisting Future for a verse of typical class, charisma and chaos.

One of the leading rappers in the US right now, Five Foreign is leading the reinvention of the States’ drill scene, borrowing from tendencies from both sides of the Atlantic to concoct a sound that is cinematic, hard hitting and at times profound. “Hot Sauce” is Foreign’s second solo release of the year, following the monstrous cut “Sicc & Tired”, and sees the rapper continue to build his legacy as one of the brightest drillers in America. Fivio’s slick, unconventional flows marry well with the energetic instrumental, with the song lyrically continuing to construct the artist’s no-nonsense persona and provoking approach.

After teasing the release this week, iann dior arrives with new album ‘leave me where you found me’. Re-uniting with Internet Money, the project brings the producer collective into iann’s genre-bending sonically universe that combines hip-hop, alt-pop, rock and beyond. Taken from the 12-track project, “start again” offers introspective lyrics on wanting to move on and leave the past behind offering full transparency on the page. Full of endless musical twists, the track is a perfect starting point for the full album.

UK rap simply doesn’t get more authentic than Nines. The legendary rapper finally got his industry flowers with his last album, Crabs In The Bucket back in 2021, with the triumphant album illustrating the mass appeal and creative nuance of the North West London rapper. After much anticipation and mystery, Nines has now finally made his highly anticipated return with “Tony Soprano 2”, as well as announcing a forthcoming LP, Crop Circle 2, set for release 28th April, and set to feature the likes of Potter Payper, Clavish and M Huncho. The new cut sees Nines in notorious form, delivering back to back quotable bars over the grimy, throwback beat. Nines has never sounded more like Nines, and we are here for it every step of the way. Bring on the album!

Bad Boy Chiller Crew have made a huge impact on the wider industry perception of dance music. The Bradford trio have swiftly risen through the ranks, boasting a soaring critical and public reception for their debut LP Disrespectful, receiving a nomination for Group Of The Year at The Brits, and playing the biggest festivals in the UK and Europe. They’ve now returned for their first single of the year, “George Best”, enlisting influencer and rapper Tom Zanetti for a club-ready banger brimming typically boisterous, tongue-in-cheek lyricism and booming instrumentation.

Despite situating herself at the epicentre of the ever brightening R&B scene, Jaz Karis continues to shine through. Collaborating with an eclectic array of artists and producers and unveiling one of the most vibrant and thoughtful EP’s of last year, DEAR JAZ, Karis is a phenomenal talent who sharpens her sound with every passing release, showcased in abundance on this latest cut. “Therapy” is a revealing and divine song that does a fine job at expressing the pain that one can go through in heartbreak, suggesting that therapy is often the answer that should be more widely accepted.

We can’t get enough of Songer’s eclectic new album, SKALA. Undeniably one of the most talented and hotly tipped rappers in the UK right now, the hype has been rising for the Reading artist over the last couple of years, but specially in the build up to this new album. The LP certainly doesn’t disappoint – from the D Double E featuring, high octane and slick single “04:59” to the heartfelt and contagious “Golden (Soul Food)” and the captivating, cinematic “Dancing In The Rain”, the album is a reflection of Songer’s talent, persona and mindset. Dropping with the album is slick visuals for lively single “That’s Money”.

Spencer Elmer is flying high. Previously blowing up the internet with his featured performance in Artan’s “She’s a 10 But…”, Elmer has now found himself as one of the most hotly tipped new wave rappers in the country. He’s now released a quintessential UK rap vibe with “Far From Rude”, enlisting Coventry rapper for the laidback, cheeky and well crafted cut.

Lyrically potent and vocally resonant, Cero Ismael is a provoking and eye catching singer-songwriter raised in suburban Amsterdam. After rising the ranks of alternative music over the past few years, Ismael has now announced his latest EP, Eureka, and shares new teaser single from the forthcoming project, “Runaway Love”. Dainty, dazzling and full of depth, the track sees Ismeal at his delicate yet charisma best, emitting atmosphere through dreamy harmonies and soft keys, borrowing the talent of Lutwen for a slick collaboration.

Rising singer Kwaku Asante gifts us with his new single, “Until the Morning” a feel good track and video celebrating love and relationships.The song captures the intimate moments between lovers, with Kwaku’s smooth vocals gliding over the funk filled velvet production courtesy of Sam Posener. It feels like Kwaku has become an integral member of the UK landscape, supporting both Pip Millet and Samm Henshaw on tour and dropping his debut album, Wanderlust at the end of last year. We are excited to see what comes next from Kwaku and if this single is anything to go by we are in for a treat!

Wolverhampton-born artist and creative NEONE The Wonderer is feeling like one of the most important new voices emerging across the jazz landscape right now. Releasing his latest eclectic offering “RagJazz”, the multi-instrumentalist fully immerses himself in earthy, retro undertones that quickly evolve into hazy hip-hop breaks. He flaunts his lyrical prowess in effortless fashion while challenging perceptions of normality and the cultural boundaries set in his way. Delivering captivating stories between his environment and lyrical journey through myth, wonder and life experiences, NEONE is a true alchemist of the creative arts and shows no sign of slowing down.

Metis songstress Indigo V is making a bold entrance into the music game with her debut EP Attitude. Produced by the Award-winning producer JUNO, Lantz (Jazz Cartier) and David Ariza (Charmaine) the sweet and spicy EP exudes a playful sauciness that is hard to resist. Indigo V welcomes listeners into her distinctive world offset in a sea of addictive hooks embellished with her sleek and unique vocals. A fusion of her musical foundational in pop combined with her love for hip-hop and r&b, the star’s hypnotic songs bounce with lyrical clarity and hip-swaying beats that narrate the stories of passionate encounters, lovers, heartbreaks and inner resilience. Taking listeners from graceful soprano vocals to sultry, punchy tones that float above the visually confident and captivating choreographed video, the mesmeric artist bites back at those who define her by her innocent demeanour in her EP’s Title track. The very relatable pop star Indigo V is on the rise and her debut EP Attitude is sure to keep her on the upward trajectory.

20-year-old British artist Fred Roberts released his debut single, “Runaway”, after singing to Universal Music. Centred around growing up and figuring out your identity, the song is a product of Fred contemplating his past and reflecting on his upbringing as a young queer artist. He brings a sense of youth and freedom back into the generation, a necessary escape from the pressures and anxieties of everyday life. Uplifting and empowering, it is a beautiful offering of reclaiming your life through forgiveness. He explores the complexities of queer love and strives to use his music as a way to help others. “I want to be part of something bigger than me,” he says. And there is no doubt that he will be.

Following her lead single “Dark Horse”, the new track “Fool For You” offers a second look into Lusaint’s upcoming debut EP Self Sabotage. The Manchester born artist has grown her sound and audience through captivating acoustic covers of Beyonce’s “Crazy in Love” and Chris Isaak’s “Wicked Game”, putting her own spin on the classic songs. Now, with her original music, Lusaint is taking her sound to the next level, enchanting the world with her alluring vocals, heart-wrenching and empowering lyrics, and an atmosphere truly all her own. Sultry, controlled, and expansive, Lusaint’s voice is spellbinding in “Fool For You”, a soulful mix of jazz and blues that builds from start to finish with a contagious chorus and steady beat. Self Sabotage is out in October and we cannot wait for more from the artist.

Aisling McCarthy, known as SISTIR, has a new single titled “in the eyes”, following the success of previous track “bridge” and further positioning the Irish musician as a force of harmonic synth. Aisling has previously toured with White Chalk as well as solo, supporting artists such as James Bay and Kodaline. Thematically, Aisling covers femininity, trauma, and sexuality, as seen through the “in the eyes”. The melodic alt-pop song is expansive and strong, with vocals that pierce and lyrics that tell an emotional story of trying to help someone you love and not being able to help them in the way you want. A powerful song about hurting and healing, “in the eyes” was written with James Lock and produced by Andrew Glover. McCarthy explains, “the line ‘who are you at your best’ sums up how much I wanted to see [her ex] happy and thriving. They say the eyes are the window to the soul, so this reference was my attempt to see who he was beneath all the pain.”

amy michelle’s new EP, felicity stories, is an intimate project named after a collection of made-up stories her granny used to tell her as a child. Centred around this remembrance of safety and innocence, amy strives to hold onto the curiosity and comfort of her childhood as she grows into a young adult. It is both incredibly personal and universal, touching on themes that so many people experiencing this shift and stage of their lives feel deeply. This relatability connects listeners to amy and the singer-songwriter welcomes them into her world. felicity stories is a comprehensive storybook of six tracks, with further references to the power of storytelling in the focus track “runaway bride”, which was inspired by a book she was given on her 21st birthday. Now 23 years old, amy michelle captures adolescence and early adulthood in dreamy alt-pop, with nostalgic references, smoky purple hues, and fairytale visuals. Delicate yet strong, amy michelle captivates listeners with felicity stories.

Bleach Lab’s new track and music video “Counting Empties” is a beautifully heartbreaking depiction of isolation and loneliness. The single dropped with the announcement of the South London-based four-piece’s debut album, Lost In A Rush of Emptiness, which will be out on September 22 and also include the prior successful single “Indigo”. Soul-baring honesty and grand, vulnerable emotions are packed into an atmospheric, eerie sound that entrances and takes a hold of the listener. Describing how difficulties with substances can impact relationships, the lyrics feel deeply personal. It is “a battle with your own mind to do better and a vulnerability of asking someone patience and forgiveness,” says Bleach Lab, “although you may not feel you deserve it”. The video brings the story to another dimension, giving a visual life to the song with intimate shots and melancholic colours. We’re counting the days until September 22.

The debut EP from electro-pop singer-songwriter Olivia Judd, known as Lunar June, is out now. Titled faded/jaded, it chronicles and forever memorialises Olivia’s life from Summer 2020 to Spring 2021, through relationships, lockdowns, jobs, university, and all of the emotions that coincide. Pop, indie, and electronic sounds combine as Olivia narrates stories that captivate her audience. With a powerful voice to accompany her words and sound, she boldly and unapologetically shares what it is truly like to be in your early 20s. Lead track “you/feeling” is a vulnerable story of falling out of love with someone while falling for someone else. Elsewhere on the EP, Olivia sings a love letter to herself in “lean on”, acknowledges and discusses toxic patterns in “lose my mind”, and contemplates feelings of existentialism in “holding onto u”. As a whole, the project is meaningful, introspective, and as catchy as one can be.

Singer-songwriter and self-proclaimed dreamer, Lola Lennox builds a world with her sound. Her new EP, titled Dreamer and featuring a single of the same name, is a compilation of five tracks that are each standouts. Catchy while introspective and upbeat while emotional, the project brings you into Lola’s world. The single, which reflects on how the dreams of her childhood have impacted her today, embodies nostalgia in all its glory. With a music video that feels like a scrapbook of memories, we can really see where Lola has come from — and even more so, where she’s going.