Little Simz shares a barnstorming comeback cut, Jim Legxacy further flaunts his prowess, and Richard Russell’s Everything Is Recorded hits new heights: it’s Wonderlist.
Little Simz ft. Obongjayar & Moonchild Sanelly – “Flood”
No one knows quite how to return like Little Simz. The next zenith of UK rap’s fiercest provocateur has begun with “Flood”, a piece of musical pathetic fallacy that twists and turns, cinematic and compelling, an embodiment of creative freedom. The track, which features contributions from global auteurs Obongjayar and Moonchild Sanelly, is accompanied by the announcement of Simz’ sixth studio album, Lotus, set for release on 9th May. What a time to be alive.
Jim Legxacy – “father”
As we impatiently await a release date for his highly-anticipated forthcoming mixtape “Black British Music”, Jim Legxacy continues to tease the body of work with another dazzling offering. “father”, produced by Legxacy and fellow underground savant YT, is a magnificent mash-up of sorrowful reflections, cheek-laden one-liners and choppy samples. One of a kind, this boy.
Everything Is Recorded – Richard Russell Is Temporary
The collaborative music project of producer and XL Recordings founder Richard Russell, Everything Is Recorded, has shared a stunning new full-length work. Entitled Richard Russell Is Temporary, the opus sprawls across sounds, tones and moods with a chiselled and deeply compelling craftsmanship, and features a mouthwatering array of contributors—from Sampha to Kamasi Washington, Florence Welch to Noah Cyrus.
Confidence Man x Eliza Rose – “I Heart You”
Everyone’s favourite dance pop Aussies Confidence Man have announced a deluxe edition of their critically-lauded ’24 album, 3AM (LA LA LA), and shared a maximalist new single. “I Heart You” is pure chewing gum fun, features a seamless turn from fellow dance heavyweight Eliza Rose, and comes with a hilarious video. What more could you want?
Damiano David – “Next Summer”
Revered Italian singer-songwriter Damiano David is back with a heartbreaking new single. “Next Summer” is accompanied by an emotional video set in a prison, whilst sonically David plays it safe and simple—and it pays off. A spellbinding pop rock masterclass.
Model/Actriz – “Cinderella”
Avant favourites Model/Actriz have shared news of a forthcoming sophomore full-length Pirouette, out via True Panther Record on 2nd May, and unleashed a new single from the work. “Cinderella” find the Brooklyn-based four piece is compulsively compelling form, with the band’s amalgamation of razor sharp electronics and rock traditionalism right on the cutting edge.
NSG – “The Big 6”
UK afro pioneers and Hackney collective NSG have shared a new mixtape “The Big 6”, a stylistically forward-thinking and tonally cohesive work. There’s some brilliant features too—South London general Blanco, singer-songwriter LYVIA, and most notably CASISDEAD, the Brit Award winning auteur.
Demise Of Love – “Strange Little Consequences”
A highly exciting prospect for those who delved into the avant garde and alternative aspects of electronic music, three quintessential names from the left-field movement—Daniel Avery, James Greenwood’s Ghost Culture, and Working Men’s Club—have shared news of an eponymous debut EP, and unveiled a debut single. “Strange Little Consequences” is idiosyncratic and gorgeously gothic, full of production crevices and unexpected tone switches.
Mychelle – “Sweet Nothings”
Hackney-born singer-songwriter Mychelle is back with a fresh dose of glistening soul! “Sweet Nothings” is a cut that celebrates growth and self love, with a wholesome football-led video accompaniment and Mych’s quietly breathtaking vocals making this one a sure fire hit.
LeoStayTrill – “Ya Get Dat”
Continuing to stamp his position in the UK rap space, LeoStayTriil is back with another viral-ready single. “Ya Get Dat” is heavy on the cheeky bars and flexful musings, with Leo’s light yet dominate delivery always shining through.
Jords ft. RV, OXi & Sachellys- “The Real Survive”
Croydon lyricist and rapper Jords has one of the best pen-games in the UK, and further cements the fact on heavy-hitting new single “The Real Survive”. Plucked from his forthcoming body of work “Mixtape J”, the track features OFB general RV, riser OXi and Colombian artist Sachellys.
ADORE – “Stay Free Old Stranger”
Irish three-piece ADORE have shared a full-blooded garage punk gem “Stay Free Old Stranger”. As they continue to pick up steam with support shows for Chalk, the rising band have energy, effervescence, and just the right amount of edginess.
Dré Six & KitschKrieg – “Mad About You”
A thrilling collaboration between disparate artists, east London singer-songwriter Dré Six links up with production wizard KitschKrieg for a slick and emotional amalgamation of R&B and electronic tendencies on “Mad About You”.
Ralph Heidel – anyways.onto better things
The first release on his own new label Friends With Oranges, Berlin-based composer Ralph Heidel delivers a majestical album of deep seated feeling and wonderful musicianship. The work finishes contributions from legendary Japanese composer Jun Miyake, Ghanian rapper Selassie, avant garde singer Douglas Dare, and more.
SOLOMON – “steal my soul”
North London R&B crooner SOLOMON is back with his first music of 2025 after a COLORS debut last year. “steal my soul” is all gentle grooves, potently tender vocals and snappy production.
Michi – Dirty Talk
Impressively adept in reimagining strands of R&B and Motown from decades previous, the debut album from Michi, Dirty Talk is often a stunning listen. Shared via revered label Stones Throw Records, the body of work offers a strong narrative pathway, intimate songwriting and varied but vivid instrumentation. A sublime effort.
Johnny Venus ft. 6lack – “So Beautiful”
One half of GRAMMY-nominated award-winning eclectic hip-hop duo EarthGang, Olu, releases his debut solo record under his Johnny Venus alias for captivating new single “So Beautiful” featuring one of Atlanta’s biggest and most coveted R&B stars, 6lack. “So Beautiful” serves up an intoxicating soundtrack, layering warm percussive elements and acoustic riffs that provide a gorgeous bed for Olu’s sultry lyricism and 6lack’s pitched up vocals to glide over.
Chxrry22 – “Just Like Me“
Hotly-tipped R&B riser Chxrry22 has unleashed the vivacious visuals for her latest vibrant single “Just Like Me”. A throwback cut, the 2000s-leaning sonics offer the perfect backdrop for the singer-songwriter’s sultry vocals, whilst the video accompaniment is playful and cinematic.
Tough Cookie – “Emory”
Having made their name on the live circuit, fresh faced four-piece Tough Cookie have shared a nostalgia-fuelled debut single. Released via Gravity Records, “Emory” is a slacker rock meets indie masterclass, with a memorable vocal showing and some gorgeous guitar work.
Bavé – Hood Psychedelia
Part one of his upcoming debut studio album, Hood Psychedelia journeys through Bavé’s artistic evolution immersed in the underground spaces between Sweden, London and New York. Bursting with retro-futuristic sounds spanning indie, rock and alt-R&B, this two-year voyage helped crystallise the celestial, dystopian sound Bavé has always envisioned – a raw and hypnotic gateway offering tales of love, hope, obsession, death and the social divide that elevates his storytelling into something inspired and universal.
Choses Sauvages – “Cours toujours”
French-Canadian outfit Choses Sauvages are putting their own spin of dance-adjacent punk. New single “Cours toujours” builds their sound out further, with some rocking bass riffage, playful harmonies and glistening synth work. Really good fun.
Kids Return – “Teenage Dreams”
Parisian indie-pop duo Kids Return have released their brand new single “Teenage Dreams”, giving Britpop and French touch a new lease of life. The band delivers a striking blend of nostalgia and intensity, telling the story of a shattered friendship.
Jus Jermaine – “Best For Me”
One of the most exciting rising lyricists coming out of East London right now, Jus Jermaine release the long-awaited official video for his breakthrough single “Best For Me”. A homegrown fusion of R&B and lo-fi, “Best For Me” blends the soulful melodies of Modxste with the Jermain’s introspective lyricism via a polished instrumental laden with catchy kickdrums. Delving deep into themes of personal growth and the honest pursuit of one’s best self, the single showcases the rising R&B talent’s ability in crafting some of the most engaging and thought-provoking music emanating from the capital.
Lumia – “Paris (Ami)”
NYC-based DJ and artist Lumia offers her latest club heater “Paris (Ami)”. Reflecting the underground club scene in New York, “Paris (Ami)’’ fuses bassline-driven melodic house with deep grooves, setting the tone for fellow creative Amalie Gassman’s effortless French vocals depicting the hushed energy of a perfect night in Paris.
Naya Yeira – “Hopefully”
Jakarta-born, London-based emerging singer-songwriter Naya Yeira is making an early impression with her slick and sensual sophomore single. “Hopefully” is a smooth R&B jam that features some soaring vocals and smooth production.
Haviah Mighty ft. ft Poiison – “Pursuit”
Toronto-based rap talent Haviah Mighty joins forces with New York artist and songwriter Poiison across the official remix of “Pursuit”. Over gritty yet stylised production, Haviah’s dynamic flow weaves between Poiison’s distinctive vocals as the pair execute their powerful, self-assured verses. Between emotive keys and moody synths, the remix comes as an atmospheric duet, oozing with personality and intent.
