Amongst her generations most important creatives, Little Simz continues to augment her legacy with “Drop 7”. Her most surprising release, sonically, to date, the project is short, sharp and left-field, with Simz leaning into more electronic influences. It’s empathically diverse in its use of rhythm and genre, with Simz flaunting a peerless dexterity across the near perfect runtime.

One of UK Rap’s fiercely creative pioneers, Ghetts continues to surprise and influence 20 years deep into his tenure. With a new LP on the way, the rapper has been dropping eclectic teaser singles, the latest of which comes in the form of “Double Standards”. Recruiting the pure brilliance of Sampha – who himself released one of the best albums of the year – the cut is provoking, subtle and encompassing. A jazz-infused groove-laden beat provides a backdrop for Ghetts’ introspective bars and a gorgeous hook from Sampha.

When it comes to debut singles, it simply doesn’t get much better than this! Introducing MRCY: the producer/artist duo made up of Ivor Award nominee beatsmith Barney Lister and Little Simz-collaborator vocalist Kojo Degraft-Johnson. Set to make a huge impression in the UK soul space this year, the pair have unveiled their opening offering, a cinematic, subversive and instantly iconic number, “Lorelei”. The chemistry is effortless, the textures are smooth-as-silk and the vocals are soaring. Get MRCY on your radar early!

Amongst the most revered and exploratory acts to come out of the UK in recent years, Mount Kimbie’s reputation is truly deserved. On route to the release of their fourth studio album, The Sunset Violent, in early April, they share the distorted and disorientating new cut “Fishbrain”. Flaunting their flirtations with shoegaze and indie-leaning sonic musings, the track is catchy yet elusive, structurally captivating, and features two excellent vocal performances.

Emotional unavailability has never been so fun! Taken from a forthcoming sophomore album, girl in red’s latest single “Too Much” is an indie pop rager, instantaneously a throwback classic and a slick reinvention of a familiar sound. A wonderful sonic-to-lyrical juxtaposition, this is pop songwriting as its finest.

Rising US rap GloRilla is a key member of the new array of female rappers making a significant impact on the country’s scene. Her new single “Yeah Glo” is hard-hitting in delivery and instrumental tone, with the grit-laden trap beat a suitable backdrop for GloRilla’s snappy flow and potent lyricism.

K-Trap is gearing up for a significant year with latest release “Heaven or Hell”. The masterful production from Nathaniel London see’s him skilfully weave clever and contrasting wordplay navigating between love and lust. We witness him tackle his inner conflicts as he grapples with his inner conflicts giving his fanbase a deeper understanding of the man behind the music as he lays bare his thoughts and emotions.

Black Sherif is back with a fresh, immersive and endearing new single. As he cemented himself as one of African music’s leading lights, the Ghanian star comes through with an emotive and endoscopic cut, “Zero”, which features an ethereal turn from UK pop gem Mabel.

R&B crooner KeepVibesNear has been developing his sound impressively over the last few years, with coherency in his style increasingly evident. Plucked from a EP poised to drop later this month, he returns with “Above It All” an atmospheric and soulful new single which features a slick turn from UK rap veteran Benny Banks.

Swiftly building momentum as one of the UK’s most intriguing and naturally talented young artists in the music scene, oogie drops off the first single from his hotly-anticipated new project, phew. Delivering raw, anecdotal tales, that immediately define oogie’s talent through his unique tone and seemingly ambivalent cadence enable the lyricist to lure the listener in, only to impress with refined adlibs and smooth overtones. Sitting atop ethereal instrumentals consisting of slick percussive elements, smooth brass notes and light xylophone-infused tones produced by Wize, and paired with a sleek set of visuals directed by Louis Lincoln, “KANYE ME” proves to be another fitting introduction that looks to launch oogie into significant UK conversations ahead of his new project.

Drake-backed emerging artist Tommy Richman is on a progressive and interesting musical journey. His sound borders several genres, a characteristic illustrated aplenty on his new mini EP, “SOULCRUSHER”. The two-pronged release is trippy, transient and forward-thinking, with Richman’s diverse vision and acute technical ability evident throughout.

Danish London-based R&B singer-songwriter Marie Dahlstrom has revealed her latest powerful track. “Nothing On You” sees production from her partner and Mahalia collaborator Dan Diggas set an engrossing tonal backdrop for Dahlstrom to deliver a serene vocal performance, borrowing the vocal prowess of Odeal for a sublime duet.

Indie pop favourites have released a soothing and sun-kissed new EP, “Home Soon…”. Accompanying the project is a vibrant visual for anthemic lead single “Gamma Rays”. A memorable chorus and a video full of cute dogs – what more could you want?

New York drill powerhouse Fivio Foreign has dropped off his highly-anticipated mixtape titled “Pain & Love 2”. The tape comes hot on the heels of recent singles “Get Deady” alongside rapid-rising NY drill collective 41, and “Same 24” featuring US legend Meek Mill, showcasing ten sonically unique soundtracks alongside some of world’s hottest talent including Lil Tjay, Swae Lee, Vory, Popcaan, Meek Mill, Sheff G and Rowdy Rebel. From heavier drill sounds to more nuanced and deeper tracks, the tape is a masterclass in contemporary drill and rap, continuing to cement Fivio’s legacy as one of the hottest US artists right now.

Nardo Wick, aka the ‘Wickman’, has blazed one of the brightest paths and cultivated one of the most exciting discographies in the current US rap scene since he first started making records in 2020. Continuing his chokehold on the landscape, the Jacksonville rapper enlists one of the hottest rappers in the world right now, Sexyy Red, for a scintillating, menacing banger. Atop powerful percussive elements and shrill piano instrumentals, the two heavyweights swap trademark bars. Matched with a set of high-octane visuals, the pair demonstrate why they’re revered as the most exciting and innovative rappers in the world right now.

Taken from a soon-to-be-released album, Motherless Father, which will be shared through Gilles Peterson’s Brownswood Recordings, Lefto Early Bird shares a new teaser single. Minimalistic and all-consuming, the number from the Belgian talent is full of standout production moments and twists and turning towards an atmosphere-filled finale.

New York-born, LA-based Bien et Toi, the solo venture of Grammy and Ivor Novello-nominated producer and songwriter Gianluca Buccellati, unveils an infectious new single, “Signs”, featuring the deep, sublime vocals of Halima. Layered with infectious, genre-bending beats, the track invites listeners into an introspective sonic experience, setting the tone for Bien et Toi’s distinctive sounds. “I was feeling inspired by seventies funk and the likes of Parliament Funkadelic and Led Zeppelin,” he shares, reflecting on the track. “Musically, those influences came out in this song. I made the music as Halima was on the way to my house, and as soon as she heard it, she jumped on the track. It was instantaneous. We have this mutual admiration and respect for each other which comes out in the ease of what we make.”

East London born and raised J Appiah is making a strong comeback to the scene as he announces his newest musical venture, the single “One Thirty AM.”, an edgy, electronic-infused, club-centric tune. The new offering gives us a taste of what’s to come on the first part of his upcoming new EP, currently in the making, and set to be released later this year. “ONE THIRTY AM. is a bit of a toxic love song,” he says. “It’s about dancing through the madness. The rhythms embody the tick of time’s clock, narrating the complexities of all sorts of relationships against a backdrop of tired nights. It reminds me that we’re all just doing the dance.”

LA-based singer and songwriter Angélica Garcia further cements her ethnic and spiritual prowess with the cumbia-inspired, avant-pop single “Juanita”, out today. Experimenting with pop grounds, she brings references from the Colombian genre to talk about a limitless woman, reflecting on the chaos inherent in cycles of generational trauma, and the possibilities of breaking them. “Many cumbias have lyrics about pain and longing, “ she says. “My intention was for the tension and confusion in the song to feel like remembering a past life. I wanted to capture what the shadow side of grief does to us. ”

Amen Dunes announces “Death Jokes”, an electrifying album that delves into critique on societal issues. The lead single “Purple Land” captivates with its sonic evolution and magnetic music video, while offering poignant reflections on life’s fragility and with introspective lyricism.

Marie Naffah’s “Rust & Blue” is a delightful return, blending nostalgic charm with fresh, modern vibes. Her glossy soaked vocals and heartfelt storytelling create an irresistible, feel good experience.

Mia Rodriguez’s “Ride” is an empowering anthem celebrating female strength and sexuality, showcasing her infectious dark-pop sound and trendsetting style. A must-listen for the weekend!