Sasha Keable – act right
Sasha Keables returned to music with act right, which set the bar high for RnB. In a bold, assertive EP, her luxurious vocals and sharp pen explore the heart-wrenching and profound highs of getting over heartbreak and exploring new relationships. The velvety sounds, harmonic vocals fuse seduction, despair, gratitude and empowerment. It’s an irresistible record.
Jim Legxacy – black british music
black british music was the project of the year for me – it’s a sensational, forward-thinking record that pays homage to grime veterans and blends multiple genres.
It’s an amalgamation of everything that has inspired the young pioneer, wrapped up in a beautifully crafted record. With every listen, there is something new to discover; it has endless hidden gems and offers some of his best production and vocals. Black British music is a rich, evocative, and inspiring mixtape that pushes the boundaries and expectations of what the UK can sound like.
Proph – Hurts the New Sexy
When it comes to artists I recommend, Proph is at the top of my list. His mixtape Hurts the New Sexy is filled with some of his best genre-hopping production work, alongside his sharp lyrics. It’s an immersive tape, both in its emotional exposure and in its ambitious production, that proves the sky is the limit for the multifaceted artist.
RUBBI – FELLUH
FEELUH is addictive to say the least and radiates an effortless confidence and warmth from the RnB & Neo-Soul singer, RUBBI. The record dances between being assertive and calm, being “vexed but also relaxed” as RUBBI defines it. Her light, nonchalant, yet textured vocals and sharp lyrics, paired with the genre-blending production, create an endearing project that explores fame, betrayal and love.
Dave – The Boy Who Played the Harp
At this point, the south London wordsmith and musician needs no introduction. The Boy Who Played the Harp reaffirmed Dave’s position as someone who evolves not just with his fans but alongside them. The 27-year-old delivered an immense sense of reflection as he looked inwards at his own mistakes, his own hypocrisies, and societal wrongdoings. The record was extremely self-critical and potent, with profound depth and sincerity as Dave moved closer to religion as a means of guidance. His lyricism, emotional expression, and production are always handled with the utmost care and precision – a true master of his craft and a generational talent.
