Collaborating with the iconic ARRDEE, A!MS blends the sharpness of two flows with a catchy melody and an equally addictive groove. It’s simple but uplifting, a likable anthem of a hook resounding, and nostalgic production letting the layers and flavours of the track rain down with a refreshing twist of optimism and positivity.
Hip Hop
An absolute bop, a soulful jazz-kissed hip-hop anthem with a catchy hook and that sublime old-school crackle for the vinyl-like escapism. Boukmanflow lives up to his name, offering a beautifully smart, sharp set of bars, alongside a light and uplifting groove.
The retro electronic riff at the forefront is key, then there’s the vocal personality, the playful confidence, and the mystique from the language barrier. Aukat is an admittedly raw recording, but this adds to the indie authenticity, and ultimately the track and video speak volumes on behalf of the influences and boldness of RiG.
Softly impassioned bars light up a smooth lo-fi production, as Saint Rivera brings character and good vibes back to smart, purposeful hip hop.
Versatility of style, elevating thoughtful poetry and softly spoken performances. The UK’s own Late Nate captures a series of creative moments, with the likes of his uniquely ambient single Gentle Flows.
Featuring a sharp verse from the mighty and iconic Twista, Florida Boy unites country and hip-hop with seamless charm, offering an organic groove and melody, a catchy hook, and an upbeat twist of performative vibrancy that’s instantly memorable.
Artist and rapper DarcyOwla is someone with a clear sense of original identity and purpose in modern music. The EP Destruction is uniquely distinct, both in its atmospheric, industrial production, and the varied flow and vulnerability of the voice. It’s a hazy mix, with cinematic nuance subtly adding dynamic throughout, and the lo-fi set-up and trap-variant rhythms all meet well with these often piercingly dark lyrical reflections.
Brilliantly smooth production lights up an organic soul set-up and song. Rok Major introduces his 2025 album Never Too Late, with the old-school fluidity, charm, and smart bars of Love.
Long-time favourite Snapdibz continues his steady climb as a respectable and creative independent artist. This summer sees the songwriter and producer release an inspiring new EP, designed to engage and motivate listeners, whilst showcasing a fine ear for enchanting production and catchy, snappy hooks.
Raise the tempo, ignite the colourful production and energy, weave in a depth of voice nearly whispered yet bold – not to mention a modest character dynamic that holds attention throughout. Enter VH x CS, for the intoxicating world-music and rap anthem SPINDEL.
Smart, sharp, comical and clearly authentic bars take things back to the bare essentials – a heavy bass and beat combo depicting an equally retro influence. Lil Jaundice keeps things genuine and raw, with the relentless wordplay and fuzzy late-night recording capture of Chase Of The Year.
Something conceptually fresh and creatively engaging is hard to come by. Thoughtful reflections, relatable but new, framed in a way that’s distinct but also musically satisfying. Enter Atryp, with a colourful and catchy approach to hip hop, and a storyline built around the globally renowned pain chart found in doctors offices.