Music Reviews
South East London producer and artist YK steps forward with Lightwork, a vibrant album crafted entirely in his Forest Hill bedroom studio. Originally from Accra, Ghana, YK has spent over 12 years shaping his sound, building a loyal SoundCloud following through his percussive UK future style.
Live from Lloyd’s Place is a tightly focused yet emotionally rich EP that places Ben Stewart firmly in his element as a composer, keyboardist, and bandleader.
Giggs is coming home, and Peckham is ready. One of the most influential voices in UK rap will headline GALA Festival 2026, marking a powerful return to the neighbourhood where his career first took shape.
King Yanz steps confidently into new school R and B with No Favours, a smooth and thoughtful anthem that balances calm vibes with quiet strength.
Duanna’s ‘open tabs’ arrives like a breath of fresh air, offering a welcome reset from louder, more crowded sounds. The six-track EP slips easily into daily routines, whether it is playing softly during a morning commute or filling the room late at night when everything else has gone quiet. The music does not demand attention, but it gently earns it.
Banny Decks returns with ‘You Got That Something’, a track that feels like a warm nod to the roots of drum and bass while confidently pushing forward into fresh territory. Released via Now Listen, it’s clean, catchy and emotionally dialled in, striking a balance between dancefloor energy and genuine heart.
LuckyGoodluck is an artist to watch, bringing a fresh and vibrant energy to music that feels global, confident, and deeply rooted in culture. Born in St. Vincent and the Grenadines and now based in Belfast, he effortlessly blends Caribbean rhythm with UK edge, creating a sound that moves between hip hop, trap, afroswing, afrobeat, and dancehall.
LuckyGoodluck’s BURNA is a high energy statement that blends confidence, culture, and real life experience into one vibrant record.
Artist Spotlight
Newcastle rapper and producer NE-O returns with ONE, his first EP in five years. Writing and producing all five tracks himself, he links up with Hull legend Chiedu Oraka, sells out merch-fueled shows, and takes Reading and Leeds by storm, proving the North East rap scene is loud, proud, and thriving.
Quiet Man pairs Treading Water and Closer To The Edge as twin emotional worlds shaped by family memories upheaval and that free Gumtree piano. BBC Introducing support festival slots with Pitchfork Live at Leeds and SWN and early days with Fred Gibson and Henry Counsell fuel his raw intimate sound and playful self doubt.
With her new single Time, Ni Maxine turns introspection into liberation. Blending soul, jazz, and storytelling, she unpacks what it means to be called “strong” while feeling vulnerable, exploring the shared exhaustion of Black womanhood and the power in slowing down.
Afterz brings together Très Chill’s visual worldbuilding and Troy.’s multigenre magic, first linking on Azekel’s Chocolati featuring Nao. With support from Jamz Supernova, Notion and NTS, plus collabs with Hugo Cottu and more, their project The Midnight Cafe serves late night flavour with sounds from Lagos, London, Rio and beyond.
With over 280 million people affected by depression worldwide, Matreya's new single I Saw the Light hits deep. Blending ancestral chants shimmering synths and raw truth, the rising artist turns pain into power. From Reiki to rollercoaster beats she’s not just making music he’s sparking healing one track at a time.
Toronto’s Zxne Kxmar went from dishwashing to dreamweaving, taking vocal lessons and recording in his home studio by 2023. Influenced by Kid Cudi, Frank Ocean, and GTA 5, he crafts moody anthems like “Introspection” for cloud-heads and night drivers. His music is a cosmic hug for the daydreaming soul.
Twisted Royalty—sisters Lisa and Tami Wilder, daughters of Heatwave’s Keith Wilder—blend funk, pop, soul, and jazz into one bold, harmony-packed sound. Raised in a musical home and inspired by icons like Madonna, Whitney, and Marley, their genre-bending vibe and sister-sync magic make them a must-listen. Funk runs deep!
Indian singer, composer, and musician Indian singer, composer, and musician Vaibhav Chauhan is causing a stir in the world of music by fusing Hindi lyrics and regional vernacular with hip-hop, trap, and Desi influences. Chauhan, who is now residing in London, is experimenting with a soulful R&B-trap sound that is expected to defy expectations and present listeners with a new, genuine kind of Indian R&B.
Exclusive Premieres
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.
Aretha Fontaine's "Restore My Mind" from the debut EP "Therapy Notes" is a soulful masterpiece that effortlessly captures the essence of personal growth and resilience.
In the heart of the Australian R&B scene, a dynamic force known as Lauren Greco, formerly GRCO, is setting the stage ablaze with her vibrant, unapologetically bold, and ambitiously soulful talent. Her latest offering, "YOU LIED," is a sultry banger that encapsulates the very essence of her extraordinary musical journey.
"Wavey Again" emerges as a fiery UK rap collaboration, uniting Leakzz, Dreadz, and Ashley Tragic in an electrifying masterpiece.
EVENTS
slacs bianci - breeze
Rising R&B star Tamara S is ready to charm listeners with her debut album Where Are The Butterflies? Blending smooth R&B grooves with the edge of hip hop and the depth of neo soul, the project flows organically thanks to producer Oliver, who layers real instruments like guitar with select electronic touches.