North London based MC and COLORS alumni Little Simz unveils new EP ‘Drop 6’ which was written and recorded whilst in lockdown. The project follows up last year’s Mercury Prize-nominated album ‘GREY Area’ and features production from the likes of Kal Banx, OTG, Kadz, St Francis Hotel and more as well as an appearance from singer Alewya on closing cut ‘where’s my lighter’. As is expected with everything Simz puts out, ‘Drop 6’ is another fiery collection of songs that showcase the rapper’s exceptional songwriting and ruthless flow.

If you’re looking for a song that will get your heart pumping, look no further than Spanish rapper C. Tangana’s exhilarating new single ‘Guille Asesino’. Accompanied by an equally high octane music video directed by Diana Kunst, the single features a blistering electronic and percussive beat that sees the Madrid based artist lay down his words with a venomous flow. Check out the single and its striking music video here.

Norwegian rapper Ivan Ave was one of the first artists to grace the COLORS stage, if you haven’t checked out his performance of ‘Hello’ yet, head over here.  This past week, the artist unveiled his stellar new album ‘Double Goodbyes’ which enlists the likes of fellow COLORS alumni Joyce Wrice and Sasac, and features stand out cuts like ‘Triple Double Love’ and ‘Nu Path’. On ‘Double Goodbyes’, Ivan Ave is a breath of fresh air as he channels a vibrant and refreshing new sound that takes elements of soul, jazz and hip-hop encased in electronic beats. Check out the brilliant record here.

West London based rapper Life teams up with Lord Apex on his explosive and emotive new single about friendship called ‘Cheque On It’. Dedicated to that one friend we all have “that’s always smiling, the one that’s always happy”, ‘Cheque On It’ sees the two MCs work their magic over a super slick beat. The track closes off with a softer and deeper touch which was inspired by the passing of Life’s close friends due to COVID-19. Check out the empowering and raw single here, and keep an eye out for Life’s forthcoming (as yet untitled) project which is out later this year.

London based rapper Ultra)_eko shares ‘Kitchen Sink Dramas’, a powerful six-track project that packs a punch from start to finish. Throughout the course of the EP, Ultra_eko showcases his versatility as both a performer and songwriter, navigating hard-hitting and powerful beats tinged with gentle piano chords and sophisticated orchestration with ease. There’s a certain rawness to ‘Kitchen Sink Dramas’, one that resonates with you from opening track ‘The Seventh Day” to closer ‘Twisted’.

British-Pakistani rapper/actor Riz Ahmed unleashes ‘The Long Goodbye’, his break-up letter to a post-Brexit Britain. Riddled with break-up advice from the likes of Mindy Kaling, Yara Shahidi, Mahershala Ali and more, ‘The Long Goodbye’ sees the West Londoner set the scene wonderfully with the poetic opener ‘The Breakup (Shikwa)’. Throughout the record, Riz works his lyrical magic over fiery beats penned by fellow Swet Shop Boys band mate and producer Redinho; coupling sharp verses and raw narratives on standout cuts like ‘Toba Tek Singh’, ‘Where You From’ and ‘Mogambo’.

Consider yourself introduced to London based artist On Man, whose warped and twisted new single ‘Squares And Triangles’ is an absolute stunner. Encompassing a moody, atmospheric beat that mutates and shifts over its duration, the striking single is taken to another level as On Man’s clever wordplay permeates through. With an EP on the way, ‘Squares And Triangles’ is the perfect taste of what’s to come from this intriguing artist.

South African-born, German-based artist WizTheMC makes quite the impression on his brilliant new mixtape ‘Growing Teeth’. Boosted by the slick opener ‘The One’, the ten-track project wonderfully showcases WizTheMC’s playful songwriting and energetic flow as he works his magic over equally spirited beats. Featuring previously released cuts ‘Patience’, ‘Fear of Heights’ and ‘Take Me’, ‘Growing Teeth’ is a vibe from start to finish.

Parisian rapper Sika Deva shares stellar new single in the form of ‘Gling’, an emphatic and powerful cut produced by Tices. Released via Kitsuné Musique, the striking track opens in a sombre fashion before a killer beat bursts onto the scene alongside Deva’s superb delivery and confident flow. Balancing smoothness with hard-hitting lines, Sika Deva shows why he’s one of the most exciting rappers to come out of the French capital.

New York-born, Berlin-based rapper Zebra Katz marks his return with the explosive and rapid-fire inflections of ‘IN IN IN’,. The single is the first slice of new music from the artist since collaborating with Gorillaz on their 2017 record ‘Humanz’ and will feature on his forthcoming debut album titled ‘LESS IS MOOR’. Co-produced by Tony Quattro who lays down a dark and gloomy atmosphere, the track sees Katz go all in with his slick delivery and sharp lines and serves as the perfect taste of what’s to come from the new LP.

London based producer p-rallel teams up with Same Wise on ‘Charmer’, the latest single from his forthcoming EP titled ‘In Due Time’ which is out next month. A tribute to the jungle music that his dad played around the house whilst he was growing up, the song boasts an intense and rapid beat as House of Pharaohs member Same Wise delivers some slick verses. If ‘Charmer’ is anything to go by, ‘In Due Time’ is set up to be a must listen.

London based rapper, producer and BBC Sound of 2019 winner proves why he’s one of the most exciting voices around with the release of ‘Endorphins’. The twelve-track project, which follows up last year’s ‘Spaceman’ tape, is another brilliant showcase of Octavian’s unique flow and intriguing sound. With contributions from the likes of Jessie Ware, Skepta, Theophilus London, ABRA and more, ‘Endorphins’ is a trippy, melodious affair boasting the Londoner’s superb songwriting and raspy, calculated delivery.

London outfit 404 are made up of Bathwater, Silvertongue, Eliot, Devenny and Sonny, and their debut single ‘Fearful’ is a blistering affair. A sharp commentary on modern society, the track boasts a fierce and energetic vibe whilst encompassing a raw edge through its songwriting and production. Serving as a perfect introduction to the quintet’s unique sound, ‘Fearful’ marks the first single from their forthcoming debut EP which is out next month.

South London trio 2U4U comprise of rappers Cal and My Rugema along with producer Ranbir, who together, create jazz-inflected Hip-Hop tracks that boast clever storytelling with sophisticated instrumentation. Last summer saw the release of their incredible debut full length project ‘Butter’, an eight track exploration of past romances, experiences, family, religion, identity and everything else in between. From the bombastic production on debut single ‘Kings of Africa (Tell Me)’ to the sparkling atmospherics of openers ‘Gurl’ and ‘Home’, ‘Butter’ marries an amalgam of influences that intertwine classic Hip Hop beats with jazz and neo-soul inflections to soundtrack their insightful narratives.

Lillebittebock is a unique Danish artist breaking the conventions of hip-hop. With a breakthrough song about the suicide of his father when he was just 12 years old, the dark themes in the lyrics are accompanied by hyper-melodic, endorphin-filled beats. “Fortabt” (meaning “lost” in Danish), the rapper’s newest track, is a melancholy, emotive effort with a prominent guitar riff, describing the feeling of being caught in-between phases.

1. The Norwegian creative comet Lil Halima makes alternative pop evoking melancholic feelings. The 19 year old popstar writes, produces and makes her own cover-art. Lil Halima ́s short videos of herself playing and singing on Instagram have attracted a significant following and led to her signing with Def Jam Norway last year. Her new single Train blends crunchy, electronic elements with a smooth soulful groove, adding an airy, easygoing pop-song to her catalogue before her debut EP drops in October this year.