Back catalogue: Hip Hop/R&B

Review: "Dear Marvin," comments October London on this journey through themes of love, personal discovery and modern struggles, "I'm not trying to be you. That's impossible." That said, the reverence for Gaye is - obviously - evident, this heartfelt tribute to one of soul's greatest icons is given a properly contemporary feel through Snoop Dogg-mentored London's smooth falsetto and rich production. 'Make Me Wanna' and 'Back To Your Place' are rich in vintage melodies of the 60s nand 70s, pulling listeners into their warm, comforting rhythms and the album's narrative unfolds across three sets: The Hope, The Grind and The Ascent, each exploring different facets of love and personal growth. Other highlights include 'Love Me Better' and 'The Same Love' and it's not hard to see why this accomplished effort gets the stamp of approval of the mighty Dogg himself.

Review: A stunning tribute to the golden era of Motown and soul, infused with contemporary flair, this album is the perfect homage to a legend. Drawing inspiration from Marvin Gaye, London channels the timeless essence of classic r&b while weaving his own unique artistry into the mix. The album unfolds across three thematic setsiThe Hope, The Grind and The Ascent. With gems like the sensual 'Rollercoaster', the smooth collaboration 'Mulholland Drive' with Latoya Williams and the soulful charm of 'Make Me Wanna', October London effortlessly blends vintage soul with modern sensibilities. His falsetto vocals and lush arrangements create a soothing, nostalgic atmosphere, while the album's relaxed tempo invites listeners to immerse themselves in its rich melodies. Arriving on clear vinyl, this is an emotionally resonant journey that pays tribute to the greats while embracing the present.

Review: This album offers a smooth, nostalgic journey through classic 70s soul, with a modern twist that captures the essence of that era while infusing it with contemporary flair. The standout track, 'Rollercoaster', exemplifies the soothing, sensual style of the album, with falsetto vocals that echo the best of vintage soul. 'Mulholland Drive', a collaboration with Latoya Williams, further enhances this atmosphere, blending smooth grooves with a timeless feel. While the album leans heavily on familiar Marvin Gaye-inspired moments, tracks like 'Make Me Wanna' and 'Back To Your Place' draw listeners in with their rich, soulful melodies. The music itself is both comforting and captivating, with lush arrangements and a relaxed tempo that makes it easy to get lost in the vibe. Though some may find the album too nostalgic at times, the reverence for classic soul is clear and the execution is top-notch. For those who appreciate the golden era of r&b, this album delivers a satisfying, if sometimes familiar, experience that's sure to please fans of smooth, soulful music.

Review: 30 years on, 'Doggystyle' still has a big place in the hearts of West Coast rap fans as the record that launched Snoop Doggy Dogg's solo career, after his appearance on Dr.Dre's solo debut 'The Chronic' just the year before in 1992. Snoop isn't always given the recognition he deserves from newer hip-hop fans, but the well-versed recognise 'Doggystyle' as one of the most important G-Funk records of all time, and one of the most important hip-hop records of the 20th century. This anniversary reissue is the definitive package of this crucial record, featuring the song 'Gz Up, Hoes Down', which was missing from the tracklist until 2006 due to problems with clearing the sample 'The Look of Love'. The record is a family affair, no truly big names as features and being produced entirely by Dre - that's how you know it's good.