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.
First up in this week’s Hip-Hop Recs is ‘Energy! Energy! Energy!’, a blazing jungle-rap anthem that delivers exactly what the title promises. This is raw, unfiltered power. Fliptrix teams up with the legendary General Levy to ignite a track bursting with rapid-fire bars, breakneck beats, and festival-ready vibes. Forest DLG’s razor-sharp production fuses classic jungle with modern UK hip hop swagger, making this a standout soundtrack for summer raves and sound system culture. Fliptrix’s lyrical precision pairs perfectly with Levy’s iconic flair, resulting in a high-voltage collaboration that bridges generations and genres. Ultimately, it’s a message wrapped in bass and bars.
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‘Americas’ is a searing, genre-defiant protest track that flips tradition on its head. Sampling the Guyanese national anthem, the Winnipeg-based artist OSANI fuses ancestral echoes with industrial drums and distorted synths to create a soundscape that’s both spiritual and incendiary. Self-produced and fiercely intentional, the track pulses with underground energy. It’s raw, confrontational, and rooted in resistance. As the third single from OSANI’s upcoming album Social Currency, ‘Americas’ signals a bold new voice in alternative hip hop. It’s a defiant reclamation, challenging colonialism and capitalism with every beat.
Prolific UK rapper Christopha returns with ‘Stand Out’, a powerful anthem of independence and growth. This Tottenham-born artist delivers a deeply personal yet universally relatable track, born from his journey through self-discovery after leaving the corporate world for music. Over a textured, alternative hip-hop backdrop, Christopha’s gritty flow and conscious rap lyrics resonate with authenticity. ‘Stand Out’ is a statement of reclaiming one’s voice and purpose. It’s a breath of fresh air amidst fleeting trends, showcasing an artist who has found his way back and is ready to be the exception.
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Filipe Capontes delivers a raw, introspective rap cut layered with soulful, jazz-influenced production that mirrors the vulnerability in the lyrics. Self-produced, mixed, and mastered, ‘Closure’ radiates authenticity, with standout lines like “retail therapy can’t replace therapy” hitting with emotional clarity. Filipe navigates themes of numbness, fake love, and personal growth with poetic honesty, crafting a sound that feels both deeply personal and universally relatable. The fusion of conscious hip-hop, trap, and grime elements adds edge to the reflective tone. ‘Closure’ acts as a journal entry in audio form, offering real healing through real words.
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‘U.A.N.’ is a tender, soul-baring slow burn that lays bare the emotional toll of balancing ambition and love. Produced by celest* and featuring haunting vocals from Lyriya and Kiana, the Berlin-based artist Devantier Rain crafts a raw, cinematic dialogue between two lovers growing apart. Inspired by BLK ODYSSY, the track diverges from Devantier’s usual drive, instead leaning into vulnerability, jazzy textures, and quiet pain. As dreams clash with emotional truths, ‘U.A.N.’ captures that aching moment when love feels just out of sync. Intimate and nuanced, it’s a powerful glimpse into a heart split between purpose and connection.
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Stepz’s latest single ‘Titanic’ cements his place as a leading voice of a new, purpose-driven generation. Blending glitchy percussion with gospel-tinged grandeur, the Croydon artist delivers affirmations of faith, resilience, and vision through tightly-woven flows. It’s a potent mix of spirituality and street-savvy wisdom, elevated by a cinematic DONPROD visual. Following the viral success of ‘Rock’, Stepz proves he’s no one-hit wonder. ‘Titanic’ signals maturity, conviction, and creative control. As both a trendsetting content creator and a serious musical force, Stepz continues to evolve, bridging youth culture and meaningful storytelling with unmatched charisma and intent.
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Over a gritty BoomBap beat, the 28-year-old songwriter Jordz delivers honest bars about personal growth, struggle, and breaking cycles. Offering both vulnerability and resolve, ‘CHAINZ’ is a raw, introspective cut that cements his place in UK hip-hop’s conscious lane. His pen is sharp, painting vivid images without ever sounding forced. Like his debut ‘Balance’, ‘CHAINZ’ continues Jordz’s mission to speak truth, not trends. The track’s strength lies in its emotional weight and grounded delivery. Released via P110, this single proves Jordz is more than potential, he’s purpose-driven, and it’s a powerful statement.
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Giggs and his son ML deliver a generational statement on this special remix of ‘Own Motion’, blending legacy, self-discovery, and raw honesty. ML’s original track is a bold exploration of his identity as an autistic artist and it gains new depth as Giggs joins with heartfelt bars and veteran grit. Their verses form an emotional dialogue, bridging experience and vulnerability. ML’s pride is palpable, and Giggs’ rare openness adds weight. This remix is all about owning who you are, together. Independent, introspective, and uncompromising, this new version of ‘Own Motion’ is a defining moment in UK rap. It’s personal, powerful, and unforgettable.
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Faber Whitehouse releases ‘PRE-DRINKS’, a vibrant UKG-infused single that perfectly sets the tone for a British summer. After a three-year hiatus, the South Coast rapper re-emerges with sharp lyricism and infectious production, channeling the chaotic joy of a night out. Faber blends UK garage with subtle grime and hip-hop influences, showcasing his evolution from spoken word poet to multifaceted artist. His storytelling roots remain intact, but they now ride effortlessly over danceable beats. ‘PRE-DRINKS’ is both a celebration and a prelude, offering a taste of what’s to come from his upcoming EP of the same name.
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From unassuming German town Wasserburg am Inn, the student production ‘Left In Between’ offers a poignant hip-hop experience, blending modern indie sounds with themes of vulnerability and loyalty. This sentimental track features US rapper Slim Spitta, known for his compelling storytelling, alongside local student L1LLI, who delivers a captivating vocal performance on the chorus and bridge. Released by the official music label of Luitpold Gymnasium, ‘Left In Between’ showcases the impressive talent emerging from the school. It’s a testament to authentic, conscious and alternative hip-hop, providing a fresh perspective on personal narratives. This collaboration creates a deeply resonant and engaging listen.
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PURPLE MELON 