The UK has been producing world-class musicians for decades now, from John Lennon, Elton John, and Amy Winehouse, to the new-school superstars of Ed Sheeran, Central Cee, and Harry Styles, the British Isles have been a melting pot for singers, songwriters, and producers that have the capabilities of sending the world into a musical frenzy when they release new material.
With this in mind, Hypebeast is now beginning its new weekly series of the best UK music releases to keep up-to-date with. Diving into the rugged sonics of grime and drill, the silky-smooth melodies carrying the nation’s blossoming R&B scene, and everything in between, this series will aim to keep your ears razor sharp, while giving a platform to some of the UK’s most exciting talent as it continues to represent Britain to the fullest.
UK music has been treated with a slew of fresh releases this week. Skepta and Jammer have released a brand-new house record under their new Más Tiempo umbrella, while new full-length projects from Nines and Avelino have shown why North London is leading the way with what the rest of the country considers “real rap.”
Check out the full list of Hypebeast UK’s best music releases from the past week below.
Skepta & Jammer – “Mas Murder”
Following the announcement of their brand-new house music record label, Más Tiempo — which is coming with a launch party at London’s KOKO on April 30 — the Boy Better Know rappers Skepta and Jammer have just released their first single to come from the new establishment. Running for just over seven minutes, it sees the duo swap out their clean-cut rhymes for infectious, toe-tapping sequences that are guaranteed to light up clubs and raves alike throughout the UK, Ibiza, and beyond.
Avelino – “Acceptance”
Tottenham’s Avelino has just released his debut album, God Save The Streets, a 12-track project that explores the truths of London’s street politics and the struggles that come with the capital’s working-class backgrounds. The project — executively produced by Wretch 32 — led with “Vex” featuring Ghetts and Backroad Gee, and now, the album-closing “Acceptance” has surfaced with accompanying visuals.
Jim Legxacy – “Block Hug”
Jim Legxacy is one of the UK’s best-kept secrets and now the R&B-rap star has just dropped a brand-new mixtape titled HNPM (homeless n***a pop music). Comprising of 12 songs, it bundles together all of the records he has released over the last year, while also including seven new tracks. One stand-out from the tape is “Block Hug” and it’s underpinned by smooth guitar chords and a much-welcomed sample from 67’s “Let’s Lurk.” Complemented by soothing R&B vocals that touch on a previous love affair, this latest drop from Legxacy gears him up for the stars.
Jessie Ware – ”Hello Love”
British soul singer Jessie Ware just dropped off her brand-new album, That! Feels Good! and the lead single from the project comes in the form of the cinematic “Hello Love.” The single opens the door into Ware’s love life as she tells a love story about being reacquainted with a past flame. Packing a punch with a jazzy saxophone sample, the feel-good and hook-heavy record is one of the catchiest to release this year.
Louis Culture – “CITY”
South West London’s Louis Culture continues to set the levels, and on his new record “CITY,” he lets us know about his time living in the UK’s capital. On this new offering, the Battersea rhymer uses his unique and unapologetically-British delivery to address the world about his progression and self-growth during his time living in London.
Nines – “Calendar”
UK rap legend Nines has just dropped his latest album, Crop Circle 2, and while the new project leads with “Tony Soprano 2,” another highlight from the new album is “Calendar.” Sampling Cherrelle’s 1985-released R&B smash “Saturday Love,” Nines let us know about the multiple love affairs he’s currently juggling. Merging his street-certified lyrics with more radio-friendly energy, listeners can expect “Calendar” to do the rounds on British radio in the coming weeks.
Four Tet – “Three Drums”
Steering away from its usual club-focused materials that have been consistently dropped in recent years, Four Tet has now released a new standalone single called “Three Drums.” The eight-minute single sees the producer — real name Kieran Hebden — experiment with a selection of undisturbed melodies and an acoustic drum loop to take us away from the Saturday night fever, and into a Sunday morning trance.
Amie Blu – “oh no”
Rising R&B star Amie Blu has returned with a new single titled “oh no,” making it the second record to be lifted from her forthcoming EP, Crumbs In My Bed. Produced by Amie herself alongside close collaborators Humble the Great and AKA Block, the silky record sees Blu reflect on her past while continuing to compare it to how life has changed in the present.
