Music Reviews
Isemylee puts romance in the hot seat with “Did You Love Me (Kèm Fè Silans)”, a title that comes ready with questions. Born in Site Soleil, Haiti, she draws on Kompa, Afrobeats, Caribbean music, R&B and hip hop, building an identity rooted in culture and a willingness to experiment.
King Yanz brings a passport full of influences to “Dangerous”, drawing from UK rap, conscious hip hop and jazz. The Congolese Finnish artist was raised between Finland and the UK, shaping an approach that makes room for sharp lyricism, rich musical textures and a raw emotional edge.
Saxon is turning up the grown and sexy vibes with “Can’t Get Enough”, a smooth commercial banger released through Margs’ PenGame Records in collaboration with Vocal Venue. Bringing romance, swagger and plenty of sauce, Saxon delivers a track made for late nights, intimate settings and those moments when the chemistry is doing all the talking.
SAXON teams up with Nina Hudson for “Say Your Piece”, a smooth, sultry number that practically begs for a late night cruise through London. Blending laid back rap with soulful R&B flavours, SAXON brings an effortlessly cool energy that earned him comparisons to UK rap heavyweight Giggs during a feature on BBC Introducing. Not bad company to be keeping!
Tiwizzy turns up the romance with “RED,” a smooth Afro hip hop cut that trades high energy club chaos for seductive melodies, vivid storytelling and feelings that could have you acting a little crazy. Featuring Lagos based Neo Afropop artist Musta4a, the track explores the magnetic pull of meeting someone special and the fear of falling so hard that you lose your head.
SPNI is ready for takeoff with “FLYIN’”, a high energy grime banger that hits harder than your alarm on a Monday morning! The Teesside born, Newcastle based MC brings raw bars, rapid fire flows and bass heavy production, blending grime, UK garage and underground rap into a sound built to shake up any room.
Ghanaian artist and songwriter Terry Ennison blends hip hop, spirituality, identity and culture into an evolving musical world. His latest project, Thy Will Be Done, introduces SainT, one of three personas alongside Teezy and Ennison T. Across four songs, Terry explores faith, transformation and self discovery through cinematic storytelling.
Toronto singer songwriter Shyla Gray brings plenty of feeling to “First Time”, a soulful R&B track about the rush of falling for someone and the bittersweet realisation that you can never quite recreate that first spark.
Artist Spotlight
Ghanaian artist and songwriter Terry Ennison blends hip hop, spirituality, identity and culture into an evolving musical world. His latest project, Thy Will Be Done, introduces SainT, one of three personas alongside Teezy and Ennison T. Across four songs, Terry explores faith, transformation and self discovery through cinematic storytelling.
After years championing artists through Outpost Media and 3 Bar Fire Records, Silver Man is stepping back into the spotlight with Paint Me In Gold. Having worked with names including Diplo, Mr Scruff, Nightmares On Wax, Skream and Example, he joins us to discuss creativity, confidence, storytelling and his exciting new musical chapter.
Paris collective 10LEC6 are back with Ako Akas, an adventurous new album inspired by a Cameroonian legend. Fusing Afro techno, footwork, UK bass, gospel and electronic sounds, the five piece continue to blur musical boundaries. We caught up with the band to chat about the album, Nicole's vocals, collaborations and their fearless creative journey.
Handsworth reggae pioneer Admiral Jerry has spent decades giving a voice to Birmingham's reggae scene. After working with UB40 in the 1980s, he returns with Chant Down Babylon, a powerful anthem inspired by the Windrush generation and Benjamin Zephaniah. We caught up with the storyteller behind the music to talk legacy, sound system culture and what comes next.
South London star Layyah is stepping into a bold new chapter with Layers to Layyah Pt 1, blending RnB, rap and Afrofusion with raw honesty and soulful energy.
Fofo arrives from Switzerland with Outta My Section, a cinematic debut shaped by sharp instincts and late night ideas. Influenced by Kanye West, Drake, Jay Z, J Cole and Skepta, with film cues from Scorsese and Nolan, he blends music, style and confidence, proving he can hold his own on any record
NORDI, raised between Mafra, Ericeira and London, blends metal roots, hip hop culture and self produced experimentation into a cinematic sound. A drummer turned architect of his own universe, he builds music like worlds. From Cryonic to the Atlas series and Tales, he invites listeners to become the glitch today.
In this playful Artist Spotlight, BSEARL links up with the producer behind No More Pain, an 18 track journey through emotion and club energy. With viral singles Believe Me and Ride or Die, BBC Radio 1 support, and sold out shows worldwide, he reflects on influences, experimentation, and finding balance between light and dark.
Exclusive Premieres
Tiwizzy turns up the romance with “RED,” a smooth Afro hip hop cut that trades high energy club chaos for seductive melodies, vivid storytelling and feelings that could have you acting a little crazy. Featuring Lagos based Neo Afropop artist Musta4a, the track explores the magnetic pull of meeting someone special and the fear of falling so hard that you lose your head.
Admiral Jerry’s Chant Down Babylon is a powerful return from one of Birmingham’s pioneering reggae voices. Best known for collaborating with UB40 in 1985, Jerry combines classic sound system energy with a message that feels as relevant today as ever.
UK based Nigerian hip hop artist Fecko returns with fresh energy on his uplifting single Make Sense, a track that feels both deeply personal and universally relatable. Known for conscious lyricism and cross cultural storytelling, the Coventry based rapper once again proves that motivation and vulnerability can live comfortably in the same space.
Money Mykez is back with Lose My Number, a banger that blends Afrobeats, Dancehall, and UK Rap into one irresistible track.
Watching IYAMAH’s In Two Worlds at the iconic House of KOKO was an experience to remember—made even better with a free pair of Ray-Bans from the film’s sponsor!
Leeds-based nu-gaze trio Lozenge makes a striking entrance with their debut single, "Interloper," offering a captivating glimpse into their sonic universe.
Lowkey-E's "No Help" is like a shot of musical adrenaline, a self-produced anthem that's all about doing things your way.
Lincoln Roy's latest jam, "2 Shots," is like a musical melting pot that's as chill as it gets. Hailing from the streets of South Los Angeles with some Caribbean spice, Lincoln's vibe is all about that laid-back fusion of Hip-hop and Afrofusion.
EVENTS
JJ Finesser is turning the page on a new chapter with Vintage ’Finesser, his fifth studio album and a celebration of love, family and how far he has come. Arriving after his engagement and fourth album Ms. Finesser, the project finds the independent artist preparing for marriage with a little inspiration from the generations before him.