The inherent connection to the Neverland concept is kept strong throughout, and GAD’s own relationship to it, his fine balancing of personal and broadly relevant details, shines brightly every step of the way.
Hip Hop
Driving with unquestionable openness, a refreshing musicality, and a clear desire to explore the inner workings of the human mind – Jay Tee’s Hell Inside seems like a perfectly poignant release for this particular time in our lives.
Leading with a beautifully delicate, emotive soundscape, and an immediately rhythmic vocal hook and tone that effectively tip their hats to the strength of classic, nostalgic hip hop, Stay Patience is categorically an anthem for contemporary minds.
Fresh from the upcoming mixtape inkytunes III, back then is a chaotic yet emotive soundscape and song, featuring soulful vocals and an overall rising sense of anticipation and energy that increasingly envelops you.
Stylishly blending conceptual depth, a brilliant use of melodic soundscape development, and vocals that lean towards classic hip hop, the band offer blissful escapism, engaging rhythms, and fast-paced, endless bars – the likes of which captivate in a genuinely new and exciting way.
Another drop of fire from New York’s Blvff kicks into gear this week. Offering smooth vibes, lyrical optimism and engaging vocal rhythms, let me let go lifts the mood in an instant, and proceeds to dig deeper and deeper emotionally right the way through.
Creating from a uniquely unpredictable musical catalogue, writing from a place of calm and contemplation alike, Kid Lava’s Eternal Darkness Vol 1. is an EP that fits well amidst the current hip hop landscape.
Five original tracks, dedicated to offering the depth of musical escapism & thoughtful, soulful performance. LENAR leads with a clearly contemplative nature, and the gentle ambiance & soulful, expressive delivery speaks volumes on behalf of this.
Hard Liquor is quick to satisfy (pun intended). A dreamlike soundscape, free from a beat for the most part, backs up a stylishly doubled vocal that hits with addictive rhythm and emotion.
Far from a simple arrangement of tracks, Saint’s Black Sheep is a project that encapsulates its underlying intentions in a hard-hitting, theatrical manner, from start to finish.
Yung Myth has written a classic here, seamlessly uniting elements of dance-hall, hip hop and pop in a refreshingly optimistic, addictive and slightly nineties-RnB or garage-like manner.
Beautifully done. A personal favourite from the year so far and an unmissable hit for the UK hip hop and indie scenes alike.