It’s time to spin the records of our hip-hop and rap recommendations. These songs are at the cutting-edge of the genre from some of the globe’s best underground acts, so pay attention kids, you’re about to learn something.
Coming in hot to kick off this week’s Hip-Hop Recs is KSI with ‘Catch Me If You Can’, a turbo-charged anthem of ambition, delivered with swagger and cinematic flair. Backed by heavyweight producers, the track blends slick beats with razor-sharp lyrics that celebrate hustle, resilience, and being untouchably ahead of the curve. The infectious hook and “million dollar smile” motif underline his evolution from YouTube phenom to global music force. Directed by Troy Roscoe, the VFX-heavy video elevates the song with high-octane visuals, from rooftop flexes to sci-fi speedways, mirroring KSI’s relentless drive. With ‘Catch Me If You Can’, KSI is showing no signs of slowing down.
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Lanz Pierce’s new single ‘GET IT’ is a fiery, no-holds-barred anthem that slices through gender norms and societal expectations with razor-sharp lyricism. Channeling the rebellious wit of early Eminem, Lanz flips the script with unapologetic swagger and purpose. It’s a track that bumps hard but also hits deep – part battle cry, part cultural critique. Her flow is surgical, the punchlines unfiltered, and the message crystal clear: she’s not here to conform. Lanz Pierce continues to prove that she’s in a lane of her own, rewriting the rules as she goes.
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Blending smooth production with reflective lyricism, Brandon Mitchell’s ‘Brooklyn’s Song’ captures the pure love and pride of fatherhood. It’s a heartfelt tribute wrapped in soulful hip-hop, dedicated to his daughter with tender honesty and emotional depth. Brandon’s delivery is both grounded and poetic, channeling his artistry as a dancer, DJ and storyteller into a deeply personal moment. ‘Brooklyn’s Song’ celebrates the bond of life. It’s a touching reminder that some of the most powerful music comes from the heart. With this release, Brandon Mitchell reveals not just talent, but true intention.
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‘Millionaire’ is a soulful, thought-provoking gem that redefines what it means to be rich. Set against a jazzy, laid-back groove, Christopha trades flashy flexes for affirmations of purpose, community, and inner peace. Each bar is delivered with heart and precision, reflecting a journey shaped by resilience and self-discovery. The minimal production lets his message breathe. This is hip-hop with intention, not pretense. Christopha’s inspirational ‘Millionaire’ is a mindset, a manifestation and a reminder that wealth isn’t just what you have, but who you are becoming. It’s conscious UK rap at its most authentic.
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From Kimmortal’s sunniest of days EP, ‘I Just Wanna Know’ is a soulful, jazz-inflected reflection on grief, resilience, and queer joy. Blending hip hop beats with rich harmonies and live instrumentation, this track stands out as a vulnerable yet empowering anthem. Produced with longtime collaborator Miles Wong and shaped by the talents of their bandmates, Kimmortal channels the spirit of Common and Jill Scott, delivering introspective lyrics with warmth and clarity. With support from Shad and Junia-T, this Polaris-nominated artist continues to push sonic boundaries while holding space for healing and resistance. It’s a beautifully honest, genre-bending gem.
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‘E-GO’ is a compelling, introspective journey into the self, a testament to the Malaki’s growth and vulnerability. The track sees the artist confronting the pervasive influence of ego, delving into how it shapes our decisions and personas. With production collaboration from Nick Mills (Loyle Carner’s ‘Hugo’), ‘E-GO’ delivers a raw, honest soundscape that beautifully complements that piercing lyricism. It’s a powerful and timely release, serving as a necessary release of self, allowing Malaki’s authentic artistry to shine through.
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Cape Town artist LUUKHANYO’s smooth sonics and rich storytelling make new single ‘Open Casket’ a powerful opening to a larger narrative, introducing him not just as a rising star, but as a voice of purpose and reflection in modern music. This is a soulful and genre-defying debut that fuses rap, funk, and introspective lyricism into a track that’s both infectious and profound. Produced by Lordkeyyz and Fleur, the groove pulls you in, but it’s LUUKHANYO’s lyrical honesty, which meditates on ego, isolation, and disillusionment, that lingers. “It’s not what I thought it’d be,” he confesses, capturing the emptiness behind success.
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SV and Alyssa Jane’s latest collaboration ‘Discourse’ is a captivating blend of soulful production and evocative vocals. SV’s signature hypnotic beats lay a rich foundation, allowing Alyssa Jane’s versatile voice to truly shine. Her “genre-less artistry” effortlessly navigates the intricate soundscape, weaving between neo-soul inflections and indie-hip-hop sensibilities. The track feels deeply interconnected, mirroring the collaborative philosophy SV champions. ‘Discourse’ is a testament to both artists’ dedication to quality and passion, offering a track that is both emotionally charged and sonically compelling. It’s a prime example of their combined talents creating something truly special.
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Miles Nxbxdy’s ‘I’ll Be Okay’ is a raw, aching meditation on mental health and quiet resilience. Over Jason Freeze’s minimalist, concrete-scraping production, Miles lays bare the weight of anxiety and bipolar disorder with brutal honesty. His delivery is hushed but potent, like a voice echoing in an empty room, offering not answers but survival. The track doesn’t aim to uplift, it aims to understand, turning vulnerability into strength. In a genre often dominated by bravado, Miles Nxbxdy strips it all back, revealing something far more enduring. ‘I’ll Be Okay’ is a quiet reckoning, and a necessary one.
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‘FEAST’ is an explosive hip-hop anthem that lives up to its name, brimming with raw, unyielding energy. Joznez, a seasoned producer with a remarkable track record of chart-topping hits and trailer placements, crafts a meticulously built, high-intensity soundscape. Over this powerful foundation, Kataem, with his fresh Toronto hip-hop sound, delivers a performance that embodies self-belief and unstoppable drive. The track is a relentless push towards greatness, building to a climactic payoff that hits hard and inspires an all-or-nothing mindset. ‘FEAST’ is a triumphant celebration of ambition and power.
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PURPLE MELON 