Back catalogue: Hip Hop/R&B

Review: The king of west coast hip-hop is back better than ever, with a massive sounding album blending cinematic production with nostalgic nods to funk, slow jams and new jack swing, creating a rich tapestry of different styles. At its core is a narrative of resilience and responsibility, exploring themes of artistry, sacrifice, and the pressures of being a role model. Opening with sharp reflections on personal and public controversies, the record sets a tone of wisdom tempered by humor. Tracks like 'Heart Pt. 6' showcase vulnerability and growth, while others revel in pure bravado, bolstered by thunderous beats and infectious hooks. Collaborations with seasoned producers and emerging talent add depth, creating a sense of community and mentorship that underscores the artist's commitment to nurturing the next generation. Lyrically, the album examines fame, familial bonds and self-acceptance with a sense of duty and truth. It's a powerful statement of intention, offering both anthems for celebration and moments of introspection.

Review: Kendrick Lamarr has always been one of hip-hop's most thoughtful and thought-provoking MCs, with a passion for utilising beats and backing tracks that often sidestep hackneyed rap tropes and lazy samples. Even so, Mr Morale & The Big Steppers, Lamarr's first solo album for five years, is an arresting listen from start to finish. Impeccably produced, with countless musical twists and turns, spellbinding instrumentation (including jazz pianos, orchestration, intriguing electronics, sparkling synths and punchy rhythms aplenty), it sees Lamarr lyrically signposting his own failings (something not enough rappers of his profile are comfortable doing) within a wider framework of accountability. It's brave but brilliant, with some of the topics covered including his relationship with money, white women and his father, gender and generational trauma. A genuinely landmark album all told.

Review: Kendrick Lamar's To Pimp a Butterfly, the Compton-based rapper's first album since 2012's major label debut, Good Kid, M.A.A.D City, has been receiving rave reviews. In truth, it's not hard to see why. Imaginative, soulful, and blessed with the looseness of live performance (a result of the use of jazz-minded live players as much as anything else), it sounds like the kind of album that may one day be hailed as a hip-hop classic. Sure, there are big name guests - Dre, Snoop, George Clinton and Thundercat included - but the focus remains on Lamar's distinctive flow and almost cinematic tales of life on L.A's streets. Given the quality of his lyrics, that's no bad thing.

Review: In truth, not all DJs are genuine "tastemakers", but Lefto most certainly is. Like the similarly minded - if far older and more experienced - Gilles Peterson, Lefto gets as much pleasure from introducing people to new and obscure music, as he does from rocking clubs. It's for that reason The Beauty Is Inside, a terrific, lightly blended mix of eclectic, far-sighted sounds hand-picked by the Belgian, is such essential listening. It naturally contains some slept-on tackle from the past - see the cuts by Ethiopian singer Alemayeu Eshete and South African artist Patience Africa - but even more killer contemporary fare, with highlights including the contributions of Qur'an Shaheed, Elisa Bee, fellow Belgians abrahamblue and contemporary jazz hero Makaya McCraven.

Review: Thai rapper and singer Lisa drops her debut studio solo album Lisa, marking her first RCA Records release after her split from South Korean entertainment group YG Entertainment. With breakout rockstar energies and edgy hyperpop production, Atler Ego is a culminant musing on what it means to be a popstar or rockstar in 2025: like Taylor Swift, Lisa explores many different eras, with the album moving in five phases, each one representing a unique personality: in turn, Lisa appears in front of: a monolithic black rock structure, an outer-space catwalk, an enchanted garden, a green laser-beam motorcycle track and a volcanic red runway.

Review: Ultra 85 marks a bold and creative chapter in Logic's discography, the album shining with smooth, live-instrumentation and vibrant production that underscores Logic's most dynamic performances to date. The album's narrative elements, including skits and a tie-in novel, add an intriguing sci-fi layer to the project, creating a unique listening experience. The skits are theatrical and they contribute to the album's imaginative scope. Tracks like 'Paul Rodriguez' and 'Mission Control' highlight Logic's impressive flow and dedication to the genre. His singing on tracks like 'Innerstellar' offers a refreshing break and underscores his versatility. Although some hooks might come off as playful or experimental, they reflect Logic's creative spirit and willingness to push boundaries. Ultra 85 is a great example of Logic's dedication and artistry, offering a mix of energetic raps, inventive ideas, and heartfelt moments. A great listen that stands as an ambitious addition to his body of work.

Review: Brooklyn don Joell Ortiz is back with one of his most potent partnerships to date. L'Orange is the kind of hip-hop producer who knows how to bridge the gap between sample-rooted nostalgia and head-twisting innovation, and so we're gifted with a full suite of beats that shock on first listen before burrowing their way into your subconscious before the second bar is finished. It's the perfect backdrop for Ortiz to lay down his crystal clear street tales, delivered with the perfect blend of venom, humour, sensitivity and stubbornness - gifts hard won on his rise to the top of the rap pile and deployed to devastating effect on this album.