Words: Pete Wilson, Nirav Doshi, Milly Lupton, Dinesh Mattu, Arenma Ahonsi
This week's roundup of our favourite releases of this week.
Extra tracks added to our Spotify playlist HERE!
'N.S.T' - Brockhampton
Your favourite hip hop boyband have returned with two new mysterious drops which have surfaced on YouTube over the past few days. 'things can't stay the same' and 'N.S.T.' are the latest releases following their wonderful 2019 album Ginger. It's not certain whether these are part of upcoming projects or stand alone loosies, but either way they are a very welcome return for Brockhampton and we hope there is more in store later this year.
'Woman Like Me' - Miira May
Rising star and in-demand writer Miira May has release a beautifully innocent love song. Miira has also been hitting us with fresh content in the form of her studio vlogs 'Miira May & Friends'. The weekly series shares a look into what goes down at the studio with Mizzy & Friends; Including some of the most incredible artists and producers, including Col3trane, Big Zuu, Cos1ma & more. Check that here.
'Run It Up' - Nav feat. Pop Smoke
One thing you just cannot hate Nav for is his beat selection. On ‘Run It Up’, the moody production is a perfect addition to your late-night drive playlists. Over a dark and sombre melody, Nav utilises a flow that’s very similar to his flow on ‘Leaders’ with Lil Uzi Vert, and it works to an incredible effect. It is the late, great Pop Smoke who has the most memorable verse on this song though. Using a more melodic flow than fans are used to hearing, Pop demonstrates just how versatile he was as an artist. On this track, it is clear that the Brooklyn artist had so much left to offer, and one can only wonder of the heights he could’ve reached had he not been taken from us so soon.
'House Arrest' - RassTokyo
RassTokyo is clearly speaking his mind on this one. This tight track is filled with the pent up energy we all have right now. Tokyo has a gassed catchy flow, lamenting everything he can’t do - such as making money illegally and splashing the profits on Regents street. The beat sounds exactly what you’d make if you’re bored at home alone and I haven’t got shit to do. Filmed in lockdown, he's doing what everyone else is doing – getting take out and making it rain on the telly. The sentiment is held by everyone, props to Tokyo for saying what we’re all feeling, and making it so bloody catchy.
'Sporadic' - Oscar #Worldpeace
Oscar #Worldpeace does not disappoint with his new project that seems to have everything from a strong UK feature list, to deeper songs, as well as songs that will make you want to get up and groove. The whole project is then tied up with the nicest bow that is the artwork. The yellow graphic that surrounds the title sits nicely on the blue background that outlines the image of him and his son who I think makes the cover what it is to me.
'Hold On' - Joey XL
Another masterpiece forged out of the bizarre situation of lockdown comes in the form of 'Hold On'. "This song came out of that deep place that we only seem to explore when faced with life’s biggest challenges". Joey XL is relatively new to the scene, but you'll be familiar with his name from this moment forward (if not already). Featuring vocals from R&B king, Jvck James, you'll deffo have this on repeat all week.
'might bang, might not' - Little Simz
Little Simz does not ever disappoint and this whole EP is no exception.
'No Lie' - Jesse James Solomon
Jesse James’ wordplay mixed in with use modern use of UK references (“She like the camera come like Maya Jama) to describe his woman is what I like most about this song. What makes it better for me is the fact that Skepta produced it because I feel like that is a talent people forget he has.
'Taco Tuesday' - Migos
The anthem teased last week is now a reality. Just enjoy it peoples.
'Zoo York' - Lil Tjay feat. Fivio Foreign
Although I have known about Liltjay for a while and heard him on features, State of Emergency is the first project of his that I have sat with. I like how he sits on drill beats and has managed to find his pocket with the use of autotune and ‘mumble rap’ flows while saying something meaningful. My favourite song off this project is Zoo York with Fivio Foreign and Pop Smoke (RIP).
'It's Alright' - Dolapo
UK R&B is so exciting right now. Dolapo is savagely forging her path, and she's here to stay.
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