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.
‘On The Low’ is a masterful collaboration between Tiwa Savage and Skepta that fuses sultry R&B with afrobeat finesse. Produced by Rymez, the track shimmers with understated intensity, capturing the secrecy and longing of a love kept in the shadows. Tiwa’s velvet-smooth vocals anchor the song with vulnerability and allure, while Skepta’s restrained verses add depth and grit, elevating the emotional tension. Their chemistry feels effortless yet overdue, a seamless blend of Lagos and London artistry. With its hypnotic production and intimate storytelling, ‘On The Low’ signals a bold new chapter for Tiwa’s artistry ahead of her deeply personal upcoming album.
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‘Blocked’ is a sharp, unapologetic statement wrapped in alternative hip-hop with a touch of drill edge from Nigerian-British artist Adenuga Adedumomi, aka Duomomi the Jig. The track is bold yet playful, delivering a no-nonsense message about guarding your peace and shutting out negativity. Blending confident lyricism with slick production, this artist showcases his versatility as rapper, singer, and producer. The beat is steady and charged, creating space for his words to cut through with clarity and attitude. ‘Blocked’ feels both personal and universal, a reminder that boundaries are empowering. It’s a strong addition to Duomomi’s growing repertoire of authentic self-expression.
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From JayWood’s new album LEO NEGRO, compelling new single ‘PISTACHIOS’ explores identity with captivating honesty. The track is a mesmerizing, soulful journey where the Montreal artist grapples with his past and present self. Referencing his Leo sun sign, JayWood reflects on a childhood need for the spotlight before confidently stepping away from it as an adult. This powerful lyrical shift is met with a soundscape that is both playful and truthful, building on the album’s theme of “black confidence.” It’s an insightful and beautifully crafted song that showcases a new level of maturity and experimentalism from the multi-hyphenate artist.
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Fresh off festival stages at Glastonbury and Latitude, KiLLOWEN has delivered a euphoric, self-produced anthem that captures both nostalgia and ambition. ‘Swings’ cements his place as one of the UK’s most exciting garage-rap voices. With the memorable hook, “I went from Tesco to a Tesla,” KiLLOWEN reflects on his journey from supermarket tills to national stages, blending sharp storytelling with his signature production style. Following the momentum of ALL 2 U and his viral run this year, ‘Swings’ showcases his ability to balance relatability with aspiration, proving why he’s fast becoming a generational voice in British rap.
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Over soulful, reflective production, iEKNOWS radiates wisdom and resilience, capturing the moment where perseverance meets revelation. In ‘Sun Beaming’, his lyricism shines with honesty, threading faith, discipline, and lived experience into verses that uplift without preaching. Lines like “staying away from the click bait, focusing on my intake” reveal the discipline that anchors his journey, while the track’s warmth reflects the clarity of stepping into light after struggle. Drawing from hip-hop, soul, and jazz influences, iEKNOWS crafts a sound that is deeply personal yet universally resonant. ‘Sun Beaming’ is both a testimony and an invitation: stay grounded, stay true.
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Offering a relatable anthem for modern romance, Jade Fields’s new single ‘LOUBOUTINS’ deftly blends R&B, hip-hop, and pop into a fluid, genre-defying soundscape. Lyrically, Jade tackles the all-too-common struggle of prioritizing genuine connection over material possessions. He delivers a powerful and honest message to listeners who feel the pressure to impress with superficial things. This track solidifies Jade Fields’s place as an artist who uses his music to create vulnerable, honest experiences, all while highlighting his versatile skills as a songwriter and producer.
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Delivered through Christopha’s signature blend of UK hip-hop, grime, and alternative rap, ‘Somehow Someway’ is a compelling dive into the mental tug-of-war between intrusive thoughts and resilience. The beat provides a steady, head-nodding groove that draws listeners in, while his sharp, melodic flows keep the track engaging and memorable. What sets Christopha apart is his ability to balance introspection with accessibility. His exploration of mental health feels raw yet relatable, wrapped in a sound that appeals to both underground and mainstream audiences. With a distinct vocal style and lyrical honesty, ‘Somehow Someway’ is a testament to perseverance and authenticity.
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Featuring Indigo Prophet and produced by Daniel Salij, Ashley Gilmore’s newest release ‘Hold Me’ is a truly soulful offering. The track effortlessly fuses chill hop, conscious hip-hop, and pop into a fresh and nostalgic sound. Indigo Prophet’s purposeful flow sets the stage before Ashley’s buttery, soulful vocals take over, exploring themes of divine love and true connection. Inspired by her background in wellness spaces, Ashley Gilmore infuses the song with a rare emotional clarity. ‘Hold Me’ is a unique genre-bending track that invites both movement and stillness, serving as a heartfelt blessing for anyone seeking to be chosen.
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London-based rapper and producer Dyloco’s new release ‘Fenómeno’ is a vibrant showcase of his versatility, blending a Brazilian-inspired beat with the sharpness of UK rap. The brings infectious energy, pairing hard-hitting lyrics with a smooth, confident flow that sits perfectly atop the track’s ethereal backing vocals and rhythmic bounce. Building on his UK Garage roots, ‘Fenómeno’ carves its own lane in the way its playful yet haunting, global yet distinctly London. With a forthcoming remix and a feature alongside Brazilian rapper OhLeow, Dyloco is proving himself as a boundary-pushing artist. Backed by Point Blank Recordings, ‘Fenómeno’ signals his arrival as a fresh, international voice.
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In his single ‘PHASES’, rapper KYRO delivers a raw and powerful anthem of resilience. The track dives into the vulnerable moments of a broken heart, chronicling the journey back to wholeness. As an artist who describes his work as “human music,” KYRO channels genuine emotion, connecting with listeners on a deeply personal level. The blend of Trap and UK hip-hop provides a gritty backdrop for his honest lyrics, creating a soundscape that is both introspective and sonically compelling. ‘PHASES’ stands out as a testament to the artist’s ability to turn pain into a powerful, therapeutic piece of music.
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PURPLE MELON 