Back catalogue: All genres

Review: Osaka-incubated instrumental jazz and hip-hop group Wa Yo Set take their next big stride with a sure-to-be infamous new cover of a Notorious B.I.G. classic, 'Mo Money Mo Problems'. With Biggie having spat near infinite wisdom on this playful pop diversion - "it's like the more money we come across the more problems we see" - this killer 7" version takes heed, limiting its quantity to fewer than 1000, in case demand outstrips supply and concerns of fan rapaciousness bubble over. With a superb remix from DJ Koco on the B.

Review: A sophisticated blend of electronic, funk and soul, originally released in 1991 and back here in 7" form. Side-1 features 'Try My Love,' an underground jam that highlights Washburn's ability to blend these genres into a classy, enjoyable track. Side-2 presents the 2024 Boogie Back remix of 'Try My Love,' which smoothes things out and transforms the original into a melodic disco groove. This remix adds a fresh, modern twist while retaining the soulful essence of the track.

Review: Westside Gunn's latest project, Hitler Wears Hermes 8, shows his adeptness as a curator rather than a central figure. The confrontationally prolific Buffalo rapper strategically incorporates dynamic guest appearances throughout both halves of the album, allowing them to shine while he takes a more subdued role. Gunn's writing exhibits moments of brilliance throughout. The album's smart sequencing and near-uniform excellence of guest verses highlight Gunn's skill as an A&R, with interludes further enhancing the album's atmosphere. While each half of the project leans heavily on collaborators and mise-en-scene, the overall result is a supremely competent yet somewhat forgettable addition to Gunn's discography. Notable moments include standout tracks like 'TV Boy,' where Gunn's delivery shines amidst grimey production, and collaborations with Mach-Hommy, showing their chemistry.

Review: The Weeknd's latest project continues to push boundaries, but it's the quieter moments that really leave a mark. Take 'Dancing in the Flames'iit starts with muted synths, almost tentative, like something trying to find its footing, before blossoming into a dense, emotionally charged soundscape. Tesfaye's falsetto feels particularly vulnerable here, a perfect match for lyrics that seem to teeter between hope and resignation. On 'Timeless (feat Playboi Carti),' the mood shifts entirely. Carti's jagged verses cut through the lush production, creating a tension that makes the track feel alive and unpredictable. And then there's 'Sao Paulo (feat Anitta),' which bursts out with a vibrancy that feels like a releaseia rare moment of pure celebration. Overall, the album's impact lies in its restraint, in the contrasts and the spaces between moods where it truly resonates.

Review: The Weeknd's upcoming release marks the final chapter in the trilogy that began with After Hours and Dawn FM, bringing his signature fusion of nocturnal R&B and cinematic synthwave to new emotional depths. Highlights include 'Timeless', a brooding collaboration with Playboi Carti, and 'Sao Paulo', a sultry track featuring Anitta, blending Latin rhythms with atmospheric production. Thematically, the album explores redemption and self-reflection, with Abel Tesfaye's haunting falsetto weaving through stories of loss and longing. Fans can experience this new chapter live at a one-night-only show at Pasadena's Rose Bowl, a fittingly grand stage for what promises to be an unforgettable closing act.

Review: It marks five years since the release of Hiding Places, the groundbreaking collaboration between billy woods and Kenny Segal. In 2019, this partnership was unexpected; both artists had extensive solo careers yet had not deeply collaborated outside their respective coastal scenes. Kenny's recent projects included jazzy instrumental albums and production work for artists like Self-Jupiter and Open Mike Eagle, while woods had just released a solo project with Blockhead. This fifth-anniversary reissue returns to the iconic house cover and includes a gatefold with fresh artwork from Musgrove. Musically, the album remains a compelling exploration. Segal's lush soundscapes gain a new intensity, while woods' writing achieves a directness rarely seen in his work. Featuring contributions from artists like ELUCID and Self-Jupiter, Hiding Places offers a surreal yet poignant experience, likened to a child's game that is both humorous and harsh.