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South London polymath Tom Misch is one of the most quintessential artists in the modern UK jazz renaissance of the last five years. His first solo release under his own name since 2021, he returns with “Insecure”, a tender, explorative and musically luscious cut that suggests exciting work to come from the producer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist.

The sonic to visual juxtaposition may have been the first thing to get people talking, but OVO Sound signing 4batz proves that he has more to him that virality on his debut EP, “u made me a st4r”. His groove-laden R&B cuts are cohesive and effortless, his pitched tones piercing though the smooth palettes seamlessly. A worthy inaugural project, undoubtedly.

Triple-threat METTE emerged last year as one of pop’s most fearless new voices. Back with her second single of the year following her Sam Gellaitry collaboration “DARLING DRIVE”, the singer-writer, dancer and actor continues to cement herself as an exciting and vital artist, offering soaring vocals and thoughtful songwriting atop the blissful instrumental.

South London drill lynchpin K-Trap has his debut album, SMILE? set to land later this month, and has blessed us with a fresh teaser in the shape of “Mobsters”. Enlisting regular collaborator Blade Brown for a gritty feature, Trap’s sound is widening in stylistic influence and he sounds all the better for it. It feels like UK rap needs a seminal album – could Trap be the one to deliver it?

One of this year’s breakout stars from the US rap sphere, JT is on an upward trajectory to the top of the game. Her newest, “OKAY”, is braggadocios and hedonistic, with the rapper lyrically flaunting her extravagant lifestyle and cruising along the booming instrumental with a laidback flow.

One of the hottest new voices in R&B, Coco Jones is already a critically acclaimed GRAMMY winner and she’s only just started. She’s back with “Here We Go (Uh Oh)“, a dazzling cut drenched in rich and vibrant instrumentation and a controlled and captivating vocal performance from Jones.

One of the most likeable and talented men in hip hop, Loyle Carner keeps on surprising. He’s announced that later this month he’ll be releasing his Mercury Prize-nominated record hugo in a reimagined live format, recorded at last year’s Royal Albert Hall sold-out show. Carner has shared a first taster, “A Lasting Place”, an endearing cut delivered through an immerse and infectious new direction.

South London songstress Lola Young is a force to be reckoned with. On her latest single, “Fuck”, Young is at her evocative best, stylistically pushing herself into new terrains, a sexy, moody and refined number that is a fine addition to her stellar discography.

Rapper, creative and all round cheeky chap Niko B is, later this month, set to share his debut album, dog eat dog food world. We’ve got a third single from the record, “boarded the plane”, a serendipitous and off-kilter number with lo-fi production and playful lyricism aplenty.

Is there anyone better at euphoric bubblegum beat-making that Barry Can’t Swim? His latest, “Kimbara” is an odyssey of entertaining, disco-tinged and direct, full of slick beat drops and hazy sampling. Get this on the speaker this bank holiday, trust us!

Having built up his name and brand through years of dedicated work to emerge as the leading gatekeeper and lynchpin in UK rap, the BBC Radio 1 Rap Show host, Kenny Allstar, unleashes his first release in six years, enlisting London MCs Bawo and Sam Wise to trade verses atop skippy percussive elements and smooth synth samples. One of the most exciting underground collaborations to come out of London in 2024, it is continuing proof of Kenny’s ability to tap the hottest talent and combine them in unexpected new formats.

Back to serenade the dance-floor with her blissful bangers, TSHA shares “Sweet Devotion”. Hazy synths, snappy percussion and dreamy vocals combine to concoct a track bound to make an impression this summer.

Honduran creative visionary Isabella Lovestory is a boundary pusher. Her new single “Botoxx” is weird and wonderful; is it pop? Is it reggaeton? Who cares, it’s great fucking fun, and a homage to the botoxxians amongst us.

Paris-born, London-based singer-songwriter Crystal Murray has her debut album SAD LOVERS & GIANTS round the corner, with the anticipation multiplying with every passing release. On the latest teaser “Air”, her voice is tender, fleeting yet commanding stunning atop an immersive and rousing sonic backdrop.

Mongolian-British beatsmith Taiki Nulight is set to make his mark on the UK rap scene this year. On this new one “Style”, he brings in iconic grime MC, P Money for a booming and steezy re-imagination of BAKEY and Capo Lee’s original scene classic.

Always impressive with their charismatic flow and tongue in cheek delivery, NSG have become the UK’s frontrunners when it comes to good vibes. The East London six piece, of Ghanaian and Nigerian descent, continue momentum from last year’s AREA BOYZ album with a new deluxe version boasting six new tracks with features from the likes of Ghanaian superstar Stonebwoy, Nigerian rapper BlaqBonez and London MC Slim. The new offerings elevate an already acclaimed album, which featured a star-studded line-up including the likes of Aitch, Tion Wayne, Meekz, Steel Banglez, Nines and ODUMODUBLVCK amongst others, acting as a standout reminder of the group’s ability to call upon the world’s hottest collaborators and innate skill in crafting some of the most energetic music in the scene right now.

Berlin-based creative UCHE YARA has unveiled her inaugural EP “GOLDEN DAYS”, a terrifically individual collection of songs. For a debut it’s very confident and sonically selective, leaving us excited for where YARA will turn to next stylistically.

Floating around the UK underground for a while now, Emmeline is a fiercely creative and wholly unique voice. She’s shared “LGIK”, a single that sees her embark into new sonic ground. It’s moody, atmospheric, claustrophobic, and well worth a listen.

Enigmatic London trio Ebbb are set to share their debut EP next month, and have given further glimpse into the genre-pushing, striking sound with their latest cut “Himmel”. Beautiful, boundary-less and bohemian, the new single is perhaps their most immersive cut yet.

North West London producer and rapper Rowes has share a new EP, “3 stripes”, a body of work merges rap sub-sounds seamlessly. Atop hazy self-produced beats, the artist’s lyricism is focused and playful, concocting a narrative of a backable protagonist whose career is set to flick closer into motion with each passing drop.

Gothenburg born-and-raised singer-songwriter Matilda Lyn is becoming synonymous with tunes that are vulnerable and gorgeous. This latest is one of her most earworm numbers, subtle, sun-kissed and melancholic. If anyone needs a cry this weekend, give this a listen.

“Gideon’s Charge” is the next single to be taken from Shy FX and Mr. Williamz’s highly-anticipated project “Rudeboy Design Soundtape” due for release June 7th via Shy’s very own label Digital Sound Boy. Accompanying the single is a set of captivating visual snippets directed by acclaimed creative Fenn O’Meally, known for her collaborations with high-profile artists and brands such as Kendrick Lamar, Louis Vuitton, and Jorja Smith. The forthcoming collaborative EP includes the already-released single “Dance Haffi Nice” featuring fellow UK icon Ms. Dynamite. Shy will also be embarking on a slew of tour dates across summer including key dates at the likes of Glastonbury and Project 6, with special shows at Parklife and Boomtown promised, which will see special guests join him on stage.

A relentless, freestyle’d fury of flashy bars asserting his dominance, Ocean’s powerful delivery across “Near Life Experience” defines him once more as a leader of the pack. With Ocean describing the track as a “chorus-free pursuit of the highest levels of flows possible”, his unconventional approach spotlights the levels of his artistry while allowing him free-reign to authentically fire away as he pleases. With his forthcoming album fast approaching, including features from some of London’s very best, Ocean is primed and ready to become one of the UK’s most prominent rap talents once again.

Speaking to the power of cultural impact, “Trust U” further spotlights DK’s rapid growth as an artist and creative, delivering smooth-cut, poignant lyricism on top of a co-produced soundtrack with Jack Laboz — home to a range of skippy percussive elements and echoing riffs. As the song title suggests, this latest release touches on trust within a relationship, acting as a standout reminder of the rising talent’s skill in crafting a sense of nostalgia and vulnerability, whilst planting himself distinctly in today’s sonic landscape. This single also comes alongside the announcement of DK’s next EP titled Thinking With My Ears due July 18th via Other Projects.

Well over 60 years after its original release, Ashley Henry brings his dazzling brand of contemporary jazz to a timeless classic. Displaying his dream-like falsetto, the rising talent effortlessly glides across smooth piano licks and broken beat rhythms to capture the essence of frustration, hope and the ongoing struggle for freedom in society. Elevated by a political focus delving into Black history and the powerful civil rights movement in the 1960s, Ashley conveys echoes of the past in every note of his playing, ultimately driven by the spirit of one of the most important legacies in the culture, Nina Simone.

Equal parts tender and self-assured, KC Clarke’s intoxicating artistry is on full display across “Myriad Dreams”. Merging nostalgic R&B and his own mellow-wave flavour, the 5-track EP perfectly encapsulates the endless chase for true love and intimacy. Moving through hazy sessions of “With You”, we reach the apex of KC’s diverse musical makeup with “SPACESHIPS”, laced with warm, funk-infused sounds that open pockets for his stunning falsetto to shine front and centre. An electric synergy that feels as beautiful as it is meaningful, the rising artist’s debut EP will set him as one of the most exciting R&B talents emerging across London.