Review: Japanese talent DJ Koco aka Shimokita is a hardcore 45rpm devotee. They are his chosen tools as a beat-juggling DJ who can do logic-defying things with his grooves. He is a regal on Bloom and already dropped serious heat in January with 'World Famous'. This time he is back with a fresh take on 'Made In New York' which is a 1985 classic by renowned Brazilian funk and jazz pianist Tania Maria. He brings his signature hip-hop flair and creativity with his trusted crew, 45trio, and enlists the dynamic saxophonist King TJ (DA-Dee-MiX) to elevate things further.
Review: A Delusional Guide for the Disillusioned is an all new collaboration between Kemastry and Jazz T that takes in five seriously heavyweight cuts that skirt around the edges of hip-hop. The beats have a futuristic and otherworldy quality with sinewy synths and twinkling celestial pads as the well-articulated and menacing bars are delivered with precision and an absorbing narrative. Some fine guest features from Ramson Badbonez and Roughneck Jihad add extra character to the beats and the artwork to this vinyl pressing, and the flipside full of instrumentals, is the icing on the cake.
Review: You might well have caught wind of Kenny Dope's exhaustive Wild Style Breakbeats box set which came out in 2014. It found the New York legend offering up six 7"s carrying iconic breaks used in seminal hip hop movie Wild Style. Well now you can cop something from that highly sought after box and enjoy it for yourself as the first disc gets its own individual release. On the A side we've got the low slung bass and dusty groove of 'Down By Law', and on the flip it's 'Subway Beat' with a sweet low funk groove. Both should evoke strong memories for anyone versed in the roots of hip hop culture, but regardless they're just kick ass beats you could have a lot fun juggling and blending into other people's music.
Review: The fledgling hip-hop label Pibe marks its fifth release with a rather lovely 7" that packs a genuine punch. Kero Uno is the artist behind the two singles with some great bars from contemporary lyricists. Opener 'Do You Remember?' is a summery sound with a feel-good vibe and guests Blu & King Most do a fine job of adding extra colour and charm. On the reverse is a much more soulful and sentimental sound with more gentle beats and a crystal clear and clean vocal from Ace Hashimoto swirling up next to jazzy chords. Tidy stuff.
Review: We've got a lovely bit of golden-era hip-hop here from the DATUM Recordings label. It comes on 45rpm and features one jam each from King Most and Casquiat. The former goes first with 'A Tribe Called Westwood' with signature Tribe bars and a deep cut groove with raw bass. On the flip is 'Colossal Rhymes' which is a great big slice of boom-bap complete with smooth flow, organic percussion and some eerie melodies hanging in the air above the beats.
Review: Boom Bap Classics does exactly what it says on the tin once more here. For the eighth time, it has chosen some real heat to offer up on 7" as King Tee and The Alkaholiks feature with two of their golden era boom-bap gems. 'Bus Dat Ass' has a mix of raw and dusty drum breaks and big, bouncy bars that bring a party feel. On the flip things get more slow and dirty, the bars are less playful and more serious and the production features squelchy bass and hypnotic Middle Eastern melodies. Two gems, to be sure.
Review: The seventh in this series of 7" singles is by Bristol and Avon's Kinlaw and Franco Franco and it is a rare mix of sounds with R&B, Italian rap and twisted basslines all defining the tracks. 'Crocs On The Plough' is industrial and experimental in its production - earth-shattering bass, police sirens, and soot-black synths, but background chords bring light as the vocals are delivered with guttural rawness. On the flip, the OSVMVSM version slows things right down to a crawl and the distorted synths and crunchy textures take on even more otherworld character.
Review: Heavyweight heroes Kode9 and Burial are no stranger to working together having done so to great success on FABRICLIVE 100 back in 2018. They don't actually collaborate on this one, though, instead serving up one side each of a new 12" for Fabric. As experimental artists with a penchant for drawn from the UK hardcore continuum you roughly know what to expect - fresh rhythms, emotive sounds designs, compelling rhythms. The 140g 12" comes in both limited edition and standard black vinyl versions, and both have bespoke 3D design with the fabric logo printed on reverse board heavyweight card.
Review: The Nextmen team up once more with Kiko Bun here and he is proving himself to really be one of the UK's standout vocal talents right now. Together they to deliver a big anthem bursting with feel-good vibes. Perfect for sunny days, this track begs for windows down and volume up. The vocals are packed with soul and flow freely over instrumental beats with a cool sense of funk. The tune has another robust groove doused in club culture and a love of hip-hop, as is often the case with Dom Search and Brad Baloo aka The Nextmen who are renowned UK DJs and producers celebrated for their eclectic mixes, albums and podcasts.
Review: A contemporary jazz collaboration featuring the unique vocals of Deborah Jordan against the drum breakbeats and electronic nu-jazz fusion of fellow London native Kieron Ifill (aka K15). The collision of genres spans from the layered traditional R&B production on the smooth 'Heartbroken' to the 808 laden nu-jazz cut of 'Human' and the broken beats of 'Running'. Fans of Solange's 'When I Get Home', H.E.R's EPs and Liv.e's 'Couldn't Wait to Tell You' will have a long list of reasons to check this smooth mix of crystal clean production, jazzy soundscapes and hushed vocals. Jazz, Soul, Funk, and Blues fans cannot pass up the opportunity to give this LP a listen - R&B is far from dead.
Te Pongo Mal (Prendelo) (feat Jowell & Randy) (2:50)
La Luz (Fin) (feat Jhay Cortez) (2:50)
Angel Sin Cielo (2:00)
Solita (bonus track) (2:57)
Review: The fourth album from Colombian-Spanish singer Kali Uchis translates as Without Fear (of Love and Other Demons)). It is her first record sung primarily in Spanish which does nothing at all to detract from the beauty of her delivery. Guests such as PartyNextDoor, Nasty and Cortez add their own flavours but the overriding vibe of this one is bright, melodic bedroom pop, r&b and reggaeton with funky breaks and trippy jazz stylings. Love is often in the air throughout the record which often soars to blue skies and brings the rays direct to your face.
Review: Following the more contemporary r&b, neo-soul and psychedelic funk flavours of 2023's Red Moon in Venus, a set in which she sung almost entirely in English, Colombian American artist Kali Uchis has decided to return to her roots on fourth full-length Orquideas. That not only means vocals in Spanish, but also a varied sound palette that draws on a wide variety of Colombian and wider Latin musical styles - think reggaeton, demblow, bolero, salsa, Brazilian MPB and bossa-nova. It's a superb, expansive and evocative set all told, with a fine supporting cast of high-profile guest performers including Karol G, Peso Pluma, El Alfa and JT.
Review: Kali Uchis is a globally renowned Columbian r&b and pop songstress who first rose to fame due to her frequent collaborations with alternative hip-hop wunderkind Tyler, the Creator. She has dropped a few great records ever since that bring her unique cultural heritage to r&b and result in hooky tunes, feel good grooves and plenty of great songwriting moments. Her critically acclaimed Red Moon In Venus LP from last year now gets followed up by the lush crooner here. Her Latino-heritage imbued compositions make for a second Spanish-language album, following 2020's Sin Miedo (del Amor y Otros Demonios), which is well worth hearing.
Review: Let The Light will be KAMM's final album - and its most poignant - as it is a tribute to late member Alland Byallo, a beloved name in the underground who suddenly passed in 2023. Surviving members Marc Barrite aka Dave Aju, Kenneth Scott and Marc Smith dip into new sounds here, including jazz, psych funk, soul, golden-era hip-hop and textured electronics, and work them all into a heartfelt final statement that does a fine job of honouring Byallo's creative spirit with real emotional depth and warmth. From the serpentine tones of opener through the bossa-infused boom-bap of 'No Deal', the politically charged jazz burner 'Your Honour' and the sleek electro rhythms of 'How Long?', the album traverses plenty of ground. It also features Byallo's artwork and closes with a chorus of loved ones that makes it all the more poignant.
Review: Japanese DJ and beatmaker Kapsoul is based in LA and returns with his highly anticipated second album, Divercity. Following the success of his first album, Ascent, he head out on a triumphant return tour and now teams up with an impressive lineup of artists from around the world. Countrymen include Senninsho, S-kaine, JNKMN, OYG, DOGMA and SAW, who all contribute their talents, while international artists AA Rashid, FLY ANAKIN and KING MILO bring their unique sounds to the project. Across the tunes, however, the main man's signature blend of styles shines through with a blend of dark soul vibes, intricately crafted arrangements, soul-drenched beats and hints of boom-bap.
Review: A decade after making her debut, and some six years on from the release of her widely acclaimed 'Tale Me Apart' album, Kelela is back on Warp with what some critics are saying is her strongest work to date. While her early musical missives twisted R&B in dark new directions, with her sweet and emotion-rich voice front and centre, 'Raven' takes her in a variety of thrilling new directions. The album was recorded in two weeks in Berlin, with the lyrics chronicling a love affair in reverse order (so the pain of breakup is explored on the drowsy ambient pop opener 'Washed Away'). Musically, it's far more diverse than many were expecting, with forays into dreamy breakbeat, jungle, IDM and two-step garage complimenting her usual otherworldly R&B grooves.
Review: London might be seen as one of the hottest places for new, urban jazz sounds, but this album Second Light from Kepler Is Free shows that Greece also has its own vibrant scene. Their debut album was a quickly sold out success and now the jazz rock ensemble is back with more expansive work that traverses the 60s, 70s, soul jazz, hip hop and experimental in all new ways. The band was founded in 2018 and though all members are relatively young, they show their maturity here with more widescreen and entrancing sounds that come in collaboration with LEX, one of Greece's best-known rappers.
Lofi Jam I'm Not Studying To (feat Lionel Briones) (3:37)
Waiting (feat Whatever Mike) (3:00)
Schedule (feat Kin Ryan & Brother Su) (2:56)
I Got You (feat Jeanie) (2:56)
Do You Remember (feat Blu & King Most) (3:07)
Just One Night (feat Eunbi Lee) (3:20)
Final Moments (2:57)
No Chaser (feat Mon'arie) (2:49)
City House (1:59)
Last Time (feat Kloii) (3:54)
Review: US jazzy-hip-hop beatmaker Kero One returns with his first album in nine years. Known for popularising jazzy hip-hop in the early 2000s, the California-based rapper, DJ and producer blends his signature jazzy lo-fi beats with vintage soul, R&B, pop, progressive hip-hop and electronic music while drawing inspiration from recent travels in Asia. Fuzz Logic features artists and vocalists from diverse regions including English, Chinese and Korean with guest appearances from the likes of Ace Hashimoto on 'Airplane Mode,' plus Blu and Michael Blume all contributing to the catchy, dynamic sound Kero One is renowned for.
Review: Kid Acne's 'Hauntology Codes' has been highly anticipated by fans of hip-hop and experimental sounds. Renowned for his unique sound, Kid Acne weaves intricate lyrical narratives with his superb British twang over inventive beats to create a rich sonic landscape. The title suggests a dive into the mysterious and the unexplored and so it proves as he pushes creative boundaries with some guest spots from the likes of King Kashmere, Sonnyjim and Cappo. This one comes on nice sherbert lemon vinyl and is a superb UK-centric hip-hop workout.
Review: Only a year after concluding his ambitious 'Man On The Moon' trilogy, Kid Cudi is already reissuing the third and final instalment in the saga, 'The Chosen', in 2xLP format. Demonstrating the artist's bold sidestep into cloud rap (as opposed to stark classics like 'Day N Nite'), this album contains slow-chugging dreamers like 'Mr. Solo Dolo III' and playful gut-bouncers a-la 'Tequila Shots', spanning collabs with Trippie Redd, Skepta, Pop Smoke and folk pop sensation Phoebe Bridgers. For those invested in Kudi's artistic progression, this is a concept album finding the rapper in an internal struggle against his evil alter-ego, Mr. Rager - whether Cudi prevails is up to the listener's interpretation.
Lord Prepare Me (feat Belly Gang Kushington, Jane Handcock, Adonica Nunn & Jarae) (5:30)
Slummer 4 Junkies (feat Lena Byrd Miles, Alicia Peters-Jordan, Jori Nunn, Adonica Nunn, Jordan Alyssa & Troy Durden) (10:06)
Had To Go Get It (feat Troy Durden) (1:51)
'97 3-6 Freestyle (3:18)
Still Talk'n That Shiit (feat Key Glock & Project Pat) (3:01)
High & Holy (Warrior's Groove) (feat Ty Dolla $ign) (5:16)
Review: Michael & The Mighty Midnight Revival return with a ten-track collection that serves as a powerful conclusion to the three-time Grammy-winning MICHAEL era by addressing lingering questions following the events of February 4. Killer Mike explains, "This is the epilogue to MICHAEL. It reflects what comes after February 4th. Living with MICHAEL for a year, I realised I wasn't finished exploring this sound before moving forward." The album delivers a soulful blend of reflection and closure and encapsulates the essence of a transformative period in Killer Mike's career while also setting the stage for what's to come.
Lord Prepare Me (feat Belly Gang Kushington, Jane Handcock, Adonica Nunn & Jarae) (5:30)
Slummer 4 Junkies (feat Lena Byrd Miles, Alicia Peters-Jordan, Jori Nunn, Adonica Nunn, Jordan Alyssa & Troy Durden) (10:06)
Had To Go Get It (feat Troy Durden) (1:51)
'97 3-6 Freestyle (3:18)
Still Talk'n That Shiit (feat Key Glock & Project Pat) (3:01)
High & Holy (Warrior's Groove) (feat Ty Dolla $ign) (5:16)
Review: Michael & The Mighty Midnight Revival return with a ten-track collection that serves as a powerful conclusion to the three-time Grammy-winning MICHAEL era by addressing lingering questions following the events of February 4. Killer Mike explains, "This is the epilogue to MICHAEL. It reflects what comes after February 4th. Living with MICHAEL for a year, I realised I wasn't finished exploring this sound before moving forward." The album delivers a soulful blend of reflection and closure and encapsulates the essence of a transformative period in Killer Mike's career while also setting the stage for what's to come.
Review: West Coast hip-hop artist King T's Thy Kingdom Come album was his fifth studio recording and it was made around the same time as some of the genre's most iconic ever albums - namely Dr. Dre's 2001 and Eminem's The Slim Shady LP, both of which were multi-platinum record breakers. As such it has plenty of the sonic hallmarks of the era with guest spots from the likes of Dr. Dre, NWA's MC Ren, DJ Quik, Too $hort, Ice-T and even NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal. King Tee is one of the rappers Dr Dre was to work with when he left Death Row Records to form Aftermath Entertainment in 1996. This album never got flawed at the time but finally sees the light of day now.
Let's Make A V (feat DJ Quik & Frost & El Debarge) (5:00)
Tha Game (It's Ruff) (feat Playa Hamm) (5:20)
That's Drama (4:45)
Real Raw (feat Sharief) (3:57)
It's Where Ya From (feat Mc Ren) (4:14)
Shake Da Spot (feat Shaquille O'neal) (3:47)
I Don't Wanna Die (4:59)
N'na Moe'nin (feat Dawn Robinson) (3:12)
Step On By (feat Dr Dre & RC & Crystal) (5:15)
Big Ballin' (feat RC) (5:03)
Where's T? (feat Dr Dre) (3:15)
Nuthin Has Changed (feat Kool G Rap & Tray Dee) (3:38)
The Original (feat Whoz Who) (4:32)
Review: Originally released in 2002, following the years during which the West Coast hip hop legend was allied with iconic producer, Dr Dre, Thy Kingdom Come is often noted as a creative turning point in the rapper's discography. Marking a departure from the cool, carefree persona he became known for following his previous releases, the standout figure of Compton rap emerges as a more matured version of his once roguish iteration. Tracing the themes of success and making it against all odds, this album marks a key point of Tee's career, where the Likwit Crew mastermind was on the precipice of Dre-induced stardom.
Review: Kilo Kish has always carved her own path, ever since starting out on her musical journey over a decade ago. She soon began to get recognition for her distinctive, ethereal guest appearances alongside artists like Childish Gambino and Vince Staples and by now has very much cultivated her own unique artistic universe. With the conceptually bold 2014 EP "Across," Kish pushed boundaries further, embarking on a cross-country drive set to dreamy, experimental landscapes crafted by producer Caleb Stone. Feeling constrained by her New York City surroundings upon her return, Kish sought new inspiration in Los Angeles and that resulted in this debut album, Reflections in Real Time, which serves as a sonic mood board, delving into introspective themes exploring social media fascinations and pondering life's deeper meanings.
Review: There's a gorgeous airiness to these KLIM Beats tracks that transports you to a lazy Saturday afternoon in the park, laying supine as a warm summer breeze drifts over you and the birds and the bees busily go about their work. The hits are crisp, the drum work laidback, the keys jazzy, and the whole thing is utterly timeless and escapist, with just the odd vocal sample appearing in the distance to drag you from your reverie and adding another layer of heartfelt loveliness. Soft rhythms and peaceful pads like this will always have a place in our affections.
Review: The classic 1991 debut album from Zev Love X Subroc and Onyx a seamless blend of funny skits and uniformly slick breaks laced with biting wit. Now available as a limited DJ friendly special 2xLP edition with full colour pic sleeve shrink wrapped and with original centre label artwork.
(Intro) Dreamdave - Korea Town Acid Shout Out (feat Imani) (1:45)
Curtain Call (2:39)
Bloom (feat Desiire) (3:16)
Dazed (feat LJ The Alien) (3:01)
Eclipse (feat PNSB) (2:57)
Bounce (feat Pianwooo) (2:57)
Thiis World Is Sick (3:18)
Law Of Attraction (2:32)
Into The Future (3:00)
There's No Turning Back (2:58)
Review: South Korean-born and Toronto-based musician Jessica Chao aka Korea Town Acid spans the divide between disparate musical cultures with her new record Metamorphosis. It is a collaborative work with DESIIRE from Toronto, Korean pianist and rapper Pianwooo, as well as Seoul rapper PNSB, LA producer Dreamdave and New Jersey MC, L.J The Alien. Glitch, home, jungle, boom bap and trap are all distilled into the 10 tracks, with sultry grooves next to more dark and stark instrumentals, often with carefully deployed raps and whispers elevating each tune above mere ear chewing gum status.
Review: Gold standard hip-hop label Stones Throw serve up this fine ISTHISFORREAL? record which is a concept album as well as being in part a sketch show and mockumentary. The long player unfolds like a spiritual baptism. It asks questions about what we take in through news channels and social media and how we process it all and work out what is real, what is fake, what is hype and what is phoney. All this over 11 well-designed tunes that bring classic era boom bap into the modern age.
Review: KU?KA's second album for LUCKYME, Can You Hear Me Dreaming?, showcases over a decade of studio expertise across 12 majestic tracks. Known for her laser-cut electronic production and irresistible pop songwriting, she transcends autobiographical themes to explore a 'Cartoon Brain'. Inspired by surreal creatures, rainy cityscapes, tattoos, and 'cute-ugly' pottery, KU?KA's sonic journey is a personal moodboard. Originating from Western Australia and now based in Los Angeles with roots in Northwest England, Laura Jane Lowther drives KU?KA as a self-sufficient producer, songwriter, and vocalist. Her electrifying debut EP in 2012 paved the way for collaborations with Flume, SOPHIE, Kendrick Lamar, A$AP Rocky, Mount Kimbie, and Vince Staples and this long awaited follow up comes on nice clear wax.
Review: After the massive impact of Vex'd in the breakthrough years of dubstep, it was big news when Jamie Teasdale chose to swerve in his own direction and emerge as Kuedo. Released in 2011, Severant was a bold statement of intent which didn't wholly shirk what had come before, but placed emphasis on the kind of romantic synthesis you'd readily associate with Vangelis and saw trap and other influences sneaking into the mix. In hindsight, Severant is typical of the times we live in, drawing on a glut of influences and presenting its own idiosyncratic vision, but above all that the emotion and intent of Teasdale's ideas make it an enduring, captivating listen.
Review: Talib Kweli and Madlib are two of the biggest names in hip-hop, one a mic man with exceptional skills the other a beat maker like no other. They first worked tother in 2006 on a joint project and thankfully they now reunite for the highly-anticipated follow-up, Liberation 2. This is an album that is as expansive lyrically and with its themes as it is musically. As you would expect form this pari of heavyweights, the album is defined by thought-provoking lyricism and raw soundscapes that explore revolution, love, pan-Africanism, music, spirituality, and more with plenty of jazz-tinged instrumentals and guest spots from Q-Tip, Westside Gunn, Roc Marciano, Roy Ayers, Goapele, Wildchild, Pink Siifu and more.
Dom Maker - "DVD" (feat Choker - LP1: Dom Maker - Die cuts) (2:21)
Dom Maker - "In Your Eyes" (feat Slowthai & Danny Brown) (3:26)
Dom Maker - "F1 Racer" (feat Kucka) (2:28)
Dom Maker - "Heat On, Lips On" (1:44)
Dom Maker - "End Of The Road" (feat Reggie) (2:04)
Dom Maker - "Somehow She's Still Here" (feat James Blake) (2:58)
Dom Maker - "Kissing" (feat Slowthai) (2:58)
Dom Maker - "Say That" (feat Nomi) (3:51)
Dom Maker - "Need U Tonight" (0:48)
Dom Maker - "If & When" (feat Wiki) (3:53)
Dom Maker - "Tender Hearts Meet The Sky" (feat Keiyaa) (3:11)
Dom Maker - "A Deities Encore" (feat Liv E) (2:49)
Kai Campos - "Q" (LP2: Kai Campos - City Planning) (2:05)
Kai Campos - "Quartz" (3:29)
Kai Campos - "Transit Map (Flattened)" (2:58)
Kai Campos - "Satellite 7" (1:58)
Kai Campos - "Satellite 9" (3:04)
Kai Campos - "Satellite 6 (Corrupted)" (2:05)
Kai Campos - "Zone 3 (City Limits)" (1:39)
Kai Campos - "Zone 2 (Last Connection)" (1:15)
Kai Campos - "Zone 1 (24 Hours)" (5:15)
Kai Campos - "Industry" (1:31)
Kai Campos - "Human Voices" (1:18)
Review: Mount Kimbie's journey of self discovery continues with the next instalment in the MK3.5 series. Whether this really is a new era for the pair, or not is of course besides the point - Kai Campos and Dom Maker have displayed real evolution on the road to get their two-man project to this point, and at this point it really shows.
Dom's side is an altogether more colourful and varied affair in the sense it opens with sultry piano-driven late night drinks electronica via 'dvd', featuring the perfectly suited vocal cuts of Choker, before edging into rainier territory with 'in your eyes', welcoming everyone's favourite UK MC with loads to say, slowthai, and Danny Brown . Sparse but technically astute, Campos opens his lot with clubbier tones, namely the muffled crunch-house of 'Q', quickly moving through broken filter bass ('Quartz'), and warm, laidback beats ('Satellite'), among other vague descriptions.
We use cookies to personalise content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyse our traffic. We also share information about your use of our site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners who may combine it with other information that you've provided to them or that they've collected from your use of their services.