Continuing to fly the flag for the Midlands, Jorja Smith is moseying further into a league of her own with each passing checkpoint. She’s back with her first new music since last year’s critically acclaimed sophomore album, falling or flying, and flaunts a sonic shift as she unlashes a house-driven, sparse and progressive jam, “High”, produced by friend and her regular sonic maestro DAMEDAME*.

UK singer-songwriter and rising actor Ray BLK is back with her first solo single in two years. “Courage” is a deeply personal and graciously affecting cut, that details an abusive and toxic relationship. Honest and raw in her approach, it’s a sign of the artist’s continuous personal and musical development.

The name on the lips of every rap fan across the world right now, the untouchable ODUMODUBLVCK continues his hot streak with another drill-tinged anthem. “NOT ALL THAT” sees OD in top form, and comes with artwork from cherished rising visual artist Soldier Boyfriend.

UK rap’s avant garde frontrunner Jeshi is amongst the most striking artists coming out of London, and with this new one once again proves why he is so hotly tipped. Joining forces with fellow trailblazers FREDWAVE and Louis Culture, the creative force shares “DISCONNECT!”, a shattering, seminal single that’s bolster by a typically visceral video. If he’’s not on your radar, where have you been?

Melbourne’s rising guitar outfit Radio Free Alice have been picking up fans aplenty during a summer spent hitting up European venues. They’ve got their new EP, Polyester, dropping next month, and have shared a moody teaser, “Johnny”, a murky, post-punk-meets-goth-pop cut that feels unrestricted by style or era.

Peckahm rapper Twyce is making a name for himself in the UK space, dropping by to share a wise and slick new cut. “100 Thou” sees Twyce sharing some industry insight atop a jazz-tinged backdrop, impressing with his flow and immediacy.

Offering left-field pop in its most captivating form, polymathic presence BABii shares news of her forthcoming third album, Daredevil2000, due 11th October. She shares a glimpse into the record in the form of dark, atmospheric single “Scarface”, it’s a striking and genre-defiant slice of brilliance.

Synth-pop savant Alison Goldfrapp has launched a new record label, A.G Records, and shares a stunning new single. “I Wanna Be Loved (Just A Little Better)”, co-written by the legendary Rchard X and Goldfrapp herself, emits shards of poignancy beyond a sonic buoyancy, a shapeshifting cut that shows the flawless craft of the creatives involved.

London singer-songwriter Matilda Mann unveils a double-sided single that shows the breadth of her sound and sonic vision. “Meet Cute” has a groove, atmosphere and an attitude, Matilda at her sultry best, whilst “Tell Me That I’m Wrong” flaunts a stripped-back, delicate gaiety. Both excellent, it’s increasing clear that Mann is a fabulous constructor of songs.

Aitch ft. D Block Europe – “Gold Mine”

Brit award-winning rapper continues his run of singles this year with “Gold Mine”, his latest collaboration with infamous duo D Block Europe. The trio of stars have unmatchable chemistry, with the cut showcasing a more introspective side of the usual party starters.

“Embellishments” continues to showcase the rare, subtle talent that underpins SamRecks, aka REKKI, as a significant new artist. The Londoner flexes his unique cadence and lyricism atop a melodic soundtrack layered with deep bass kicks and smooth synth notes. With an intoxicating, self-directed and edited music video, featuring a leading lady who got in touch with Sam after seeing his “Strings” video last year and loved the way he represented women within his visuals, “Embellishments” is guaranteed to garner a huge amount of attention. Sam’s potent, thoughtful, unmistakably London sound points to a gifted musicality and mindset beyond his years. Involved in every aspect of his music from production to artwork to producing videos himself and with a considered eye on both music and fashion, and the kind of deeper introspection across his bars that underlines a keen intelligence, SamRecks looks set to continue the growing attention around him as one of the UK’s most exciting new homegrown talents.

South London artist Mysie has announced her debut mixtape, “CONTROLLA”, and shared a terrific teaser, “LITTLE TOO LATE”. Glistening, gorgeous and glossy, the single nestles neatly into an array of styles, but is ultimately a glistening, gorgeous and glossy garage cut with a futuristic and psychedelic twist. Very good fun.

Spanish-Iraqi talent Yaz León has returned with her sophomore EP, “Bleach”. It’s a cascading concoction of indie, soul, hip hop and folk tendencies, a gently pursuing tape with standout performances full of grit and delicacy. A hidden gem, this one.

Iconic DJ, industry innovator and BBC Radio 1 Rap Show host Kenny Allstar — self-proclaimed ‘Voice of the Streets’ — has enlisted one of London’s hottest rappers right now, Len, for brand new single “We’re Online”. Coming as the third single from Kenny’’s highly-anticipated new mixtape The Future’s Yesterday, due for release 16th August, Kenny continues to build his reputation as the leading gatekeeper and lynch pin in UK rap. Len delivers his innate lyricism atop choppy percussive elements and synth sampling, Len demonstrates his ability to craft straight bangers. This latest offering is further proof of Kenny’s ability to tap the hottest talent and combine them in unexpected new formats.

Hotly-tipped London four piece have augmented their impressive cut “levels” with a remix with two fellow big smoke risers. IZCO brings some zippy alternative production, giving the track a new found depth and vitality, whilst MC Reek0 brings the cheek and charisma we’ve come to know and love from the young general.

One of 2024’s breakout pop star’s Artemas has shared “So Stunning”, another single from the NME and Bose mixtape “C24”, which also features Lola Young and Royel Otis. The new track shows the artist’s impressive vocal range, and feels suitably moody and overdramatic for the modern pop epoch.

Nottingham duo Young T & Bugsey are back to their best with “Soca”, a carni-infused anthem with a vibrant video accompaniment. Both bring effervescent energy and technical excellence to a sparse, jumpy beat.

Nottingham duo Young T & Bugsey are back to their best with “Soca”, a carni-infused anthem with a vibrant video accompaniment. Both bring effervescent energy and technical excellence to a sparse, jumpy beat.

South London rapper Kasien returns with all-new banger ‘YAWA’. This time around he is joined by Nigerian singer-rapper Cruel Santino for an Alté-leaning bop that is super infectious. It’s perfect music for the weekend and even better in the sun. 

Her latest in a busy year of releases, South London R&B phenomenon Jaz Karis reveals “”Sunset Blvd”, a serene and sultry single. Following link ups with the likes of Mahalia and Reekado Banks, Karis’ incredible vocals take centre stage on this rich and spellbinding offering.

Boundary breaking alt creative LIA LIA delvers a captivating new effort, “shut up”. The Chinese-German singer-songwriter brings her unique vision to life with forward-thinking sonics, and a broad yet intimate approach.

Breakout outfit FLAT PARTY continue their impressive run with the release of latest single, “Shotgun”. Having only shared their self-titled debut EP back in January, the band strike while the irons hot with their new ones, backed by a supremely charismatic vocal performance from frontman Jack Lawther and 80s-tinged melodic inflections.

Swedish singer, songwriter, producer and all-round polymath Tex has shared a coherent and sprawling artistic manifesto with his new EP, “Identity Crisis”. Stylistically diverse and emotionally dense, the project is the perfect introduction into the Malmo-born, Copenhagen-based creative.

UK rising producer Oppidan brings a summer energy to their latest UKG anthem. Teaming up with grime legend Frisco, “FRESH AND NEW” is bouncy and bohemian, a warm and spritely cut that combines the styles of the production virtuoso and the slick MC perfectly.