North West London’s trailblazing rapper and producer Knucks is sounding more effervescent than ever on his return to the alt rap scene. Following on from slick comeback single “Nkita”, he shares “Studio Fit Riddim”, a short and sweet freestyle boasting a rich, sample-driven beat co-produced by Knucks himself, whilst the rapper flows seamlessly, spraying out typically charismatic bars.

Continuing the endearing and emphatic run of singles that build up to his late September-set debut album, Dunya, the incredible Mustafa shares “Old Life”. Produced Simon Hessman (James Blake, Sampha) and Dahi (Kendrick Lamar), the stripped-back, tender instrumental backdrop gives plenty of space for the heartfelt performance and vivid lyricism from the indelible singer-songwriter.

One of Britain’s most influential and undeniable contemporary jazz pillars, Alfa Mist proceeds in sharpening his legacy with the release of “Checkpoint (Violence)” with outstanding Mancunian string group Amika Quartet. It’s always a pleasure to hear the Newham-based pianist on the mic, and here he envelopes us in a sprawling narrative atop the off-kilter, dreamy and downtrodden instrumental palette.

Triple Grammy threat Victoria Monét gets sensual with her smooth new single “SOS (Sex On Sight)”. Teaming up with the iconic Usher, this joyous R&B number is gorgeous, cinematic and empowering.

Two of UK rap’s boundary pushing bohemian’s Sainté and AntsLive link up to send the scene into overdrive. Both known for their unique and slick delivery, the pair go back to back on a jumpy, cinematic sonic backdrop, bringing charm and charisma aplenty on the throughly entertaining cut.

Hotly-tipped Tampa-born, LA-based star Doechii has finally unveiled her highly anticipated mixtape “Alligator Bites Never Heal”. A project full of bravado, scintillating performance and rip-roaring production, it’s a step up from Doechii, and a statement of intent to the US rap scene.

One of the most exciting names in UK rap, Strandz, kicks off his next artistic epoch with a collaboration with drill royalty, Unknown T. Atop a sparse but head-bop-inducing beat, the pair unleash dextrous verses and ear-worm flows.

With his name already etched into grime lineage, North London MC Capo Lee has progressed his sound impressively over the past few years. He’s back with a new joint one with chameleonic producer bullet tooth, “No Brainer”, bringing together house, bassline and garage tendencies, with Lee offering technical nuance and characterful delivery in abundance.

Hot off the back of his charming debut album, dog eat dog food world, cheeky chappy Niko B returns with “Why’s this dealer”. Further moulding his own lane in the UK alternative space, the track is another likeable entry into Niko’s crowd-pleasing canon.

Announcing a forthcoming eight track mixtape, “Shapes, Shadows DVDs”, set for unveiling in late October, West Yorkshire-bred, East London-based Emmeline shares an atmospheric and idiosyncratic new single “Cant’ Catch Me Now!”. Pop culture reference fuelled lyrically, the cut is an excellent shapeshifting sonic odyssey.

Grammy Award-winning global star Muni Long has shared her highly awaited sophomore record, Revenge. The captivating and warm collection of songs is cohesive and forward-thinking, an impressive showcase of Long’s endearing R&B sensibilities.

British-Jamaican pop riser Äyanna explores her sonic identity deeper than ever on this new one, “Falling 4 A Thug”. Announcing a new project to be release in October, the new teaser track is r’n’drill-tinged, light and airy yet dense and focused, with a superb vocal performance driving it home.

SURF GANG founding member Eera has shared a visceral and ethereal single, “Crash”, as hectic as it is beautiful. With a ferocious percussive backbone, it’s easy to get lost in the cascading, emotive synths and chopped vocal samples.

19 year-old Marti Perramon announces himself to the contemporary pop field with a stellar new single, “Good Life”. With a clear ear for anthemic hooks and a thoughtful approach to the songwriting, Perramon’s new effort is inwardly celebratory and unashamedly groove-laden.

High-flying producer DJ and label head Shanti Celeste shares a trance-to-house bop that is a sonic amalgamation of the bittersweet joy of summer’s twilight. Euphoric synths, glowing vocal chops and funky bass are a winning formula for the Chilean-born, Bristol-based soundsmith.

It’s a cheeky alt rap link up at the hands of Irish-bro, London-based producer Gaptoof. The sonic wizard enlists underground heroes Mushkilla and Danny Sanchez for laidback, introspective verses, whilst his jazz-leaning production its rich and refined.

A sleek offering that recalls a modern MF Doom in its gliding percussion and punchy tones, “Where’s Your Feet?” comes bristled with AP’s inner city London musings on the continuing grind and the spiritual and mental progression that’s necessary to effect it. AP glides over an effervescent El Lif production, proving to be a perfect match for Apex’s buzzing, life-affirming mindset right now. The first offering from AP’s upcoming EP due 27th September also titled “Where’s Your Feet?”, the track now comes paired with an official video featuring snippets of AP’s recent travels and live shows, directed by IceBobo and edited by Igor Kaczmarek – who was recently involved in A$AP Rocky’s standout “Tailor Swif” video. This latest release stands as a marker of the London talent’s unrelenting creative drive following his biggest ever UK+EU headline tour and recent standout performances at Glastonbury, Cross The Tracks (which saw him rap with Madlib across his set) and Boomtown Festival.

Nigerian singer-songwriter Fireboy DML is back with his most personal project to date. The self-titled “Adedamola” marks a significant chapter showcasing his evolution as an artist and individual. Covering themes of loss and love, the album also highlights the importance of family, personal health and peace of mind. Our personal favourite is “change your life”. 

A clear marker of the electrifying legacy he’s firmly building to achieve, Ocean Wisdom returns with one of the most prolific UK rap albums to release this year. On Fight Club, the North Londoner showcases cut-throat lyricism and menacing soundwaves laying groundwork to instil the same collaboration, style and disruption that helped shape inner-city sound and culture bursting throughout London and beyond. With heavyweight verses from some of the most respected emcees including Method Man, Giggs, Ghetts, D Double E, Suspect, Backroad Gee, P Money, Novelist, Frisco, and more, Ocean becomes a torchbearer for UK rap once again.

Irish brotherly production duo Le Boom are back with another anthemic house cut. “All I Need” is vivacious and groove-tinged, fuelled by a crisp and soulful vocal sample and driving percussion.

Paris-based, Estonian-born soul singer-songwriter Katrin Merili has announced herself with the release of her debut EP, “Beautiful Things”. It’s an intimate, personal and carefully written project, with the gorgeous instrumental palettes giving the listener plenty of sentiment and solidarity.

With her long-awaited new record, Songs From A Thousand Frames Of Mind, set for release in late September, impressive LA-based multi-faceted artist Kate Bollinger has teased a new double single. “Lonely” is sparse and picturesque, and “Sweet Devil” is gentle and swooning; both are stunning, understated cuts plucked from an album that looks set to be one of autumn’s strongest.

One of the most exciting and powerful voices emerging in the alt-pop landscape, Eugénie continues her dominant return with “Back Skin”. Setting pace with huge, distorted guitars and heavy-weight drum breaks, the Paris-born artist instantly commands the beat with infectious harmonies while balancing vulnerability and the addictive complexities between love and lust. “Why do I still fall, you don’t even love me // This is my last call”, she pleads as sultry flashbacks and toxic ultimatums become a driving force for her to reconnect with someone in the endless chase for real love.

Excellent producer/DJ ATRIP has a mixtape on the way in October, and has shared a new one plucked from the body of work. Enlisting the provoking KAM-BU for a emotive and piercing feature, the track builds and drops at all the right places, an enlightening and endoscopic listening experience.

Continuing his unique blend of sonic innovation and thoughtful, original lyricism that has cemented the Hackney native as one of the most recognisable UK names over the past few years, B Young adds to his impressive legacy with a brand new full-length project, ESC, due for release this October. Coming as the first single, “Attention” effortlessly showcases the Londoner’s distinctive style outlining a narrative of nostalgia, personal experiences and love interests alike. A combination of catchy percussive elements, groove-ridden acoustic riffs and shimmering synth lines provide the perfect bed for B Young’s trademark lyrical deftness to glide across, continuing to underline his creative fluency and his stature as one of the most innovative musicians in the UK right now.  

London songwriter Lazy Day is showing their worth with this run of singles in the build up to their debut album, Open the Door, due 8th November. The fourth single from the forthcoming record, “Concrete”, is heady and off-kilter, boasting effortless vocal nuance, ear-worm inflections and dreamy textures.

Following their hit collaboration “Lucky” last year, MadStarBase and Killa P return with a new scintillating soundtrack, demonstrating two artists at the very top of their game. Robust percussive elements and melodic synth notes lay the perfect foundation for Killa P’s powerful lyricism to glide across, making for a timely late-summer banger primed and ready for dancefloor motives across the globe. The duo, consisting of Anant Ahuja and Neal Sekhri, have made a significant mark on the Indian music scene over the past few years, making waves primarily with their Mollywood brand (remixes of iconic and popular silver-era retro Bollywood and desi tracks) of which they have three series so far. From their most popular track “First Kiss”, alongside Sik Vik and RiSK, to more recent singles such as “Zelda” and “Fsho”, the Indian pair continue to bring their unique blend to an international audience and celebrate India’s rich cultural heritage and modern musical landscape.    

French-Canadian, Montreal based bilingual post-punk act distraction4ever are bringing a gloriously odd energy to their sound. They share “you’re an actor”, an off-kilter Joy Division ode with plenty of weird and wonderful production choices.

US-born, East London-based DJ and producer Luc unleashes “Do As You’re Told” EP. Backed by FJAAK’s new techno label CROWD, his grippingly unique production has already soundtracked some of the biggest stages across the globe. Opening track “I Don’t Get Down Like That” instantly sets pace before fusing into the frantic title track “Do As You’re Told” – a certified club weapon with seismic low-end and choppy percussion perfect for any darkened rave setting. Already earning spins from Patrick Mason, VTSS, Nastia, Elli Acula, DJ LOVE, Estella Boersma and more, these heavy-weight co-signs become a pillar of the electrifying legacy Luc is building to achieve.