Blockhead: Space Werewolves Will Be The End Of Us All (Stream)

• 

The magnificently titled, Space Werewolves Will Be The End Of Us All, is the latest release from Blockhead, as he continues his series of regular reminders that he is one of the most entertaining producers of the last two decades plus. No surprises for guessing that sci-fi is the sampling theme. You can indulge yourselves with a preview below, while downloads, streams and physicals are available via blockheadnyc.com.

youngdumblovers: slow60

Check the latest from youngdumblovers, a newly emerged outfit who have steadily been releasing new bits of music over the last few weeks. Taking a leaf out of SAULT’s book, the group have opted for anonymity, letting the focus remain on the music. Some familiarity might be apparent, but for now just enjoy the music. Check their website for more info / clues.

Sumgii ft. Nah Eeto: Wanawake

Sumgii continues his recent run of wins, with a new single on Swamp81. For Wanawake, the Cult Mountain producer has brought in the inimitable flows of Blah resident, Nah Eeto, as he breathes new life into what was originally the first verse she ever recorded. Digital and vinyl editions are also available, with a Loefah remix featured on the latter.

First Word Records: Two Syllables Volume Sixteen (Stream)

A great selection of music here, as First Word Records wheel out their latest end of year compilation. For Two Syllables, DJ Gilla compiled a number of tracks that have been released by First Word artists over the last 12 months, including gems from Don Leisure, Darkhouse Family and 14KT, as well as a brand new song from Manchester soul-rap duo, Children of Zeus. You can stream the selection in full below and free downloads are available via Bandcamp.

Sumgii: Who Is Genre Anyway

Sumgii has long been a man who eschews the restrictions that come with placing your music within a specific genre. His label, Potent Funk, have been pushing what they call that ‘hybrid rap shit’ for years, and his production career has seen him crossing from genre to genre, for a whole range of different artists. Now he’s back with, Who Is Genre Anyway, a new solo EP that perfectly encapsulates all the positives that come from simply making the music you want to make. Successfully blending together elements from a whole wealth of different styles and genres, the EP is the product of a producer not only at the top of his game, but also one totally at ease within his surroundings. Who Is Genre Anyway is out now on Swamp 81.

Chikaya: Castles

A dreamy new synth driven track from Bristol-based vocalist, Chikaya, as she delivers an ideal accompaniment for these balmy summer nights, in the form of Castles.

Flying Lotus ft. David Lynch: Fire Is Coming

Big things on the horizon for Flying Lotus as details of his sixth studio album finally emerge. The producer and sometime horror director last released a solo effort back in 2014 with his You’re Dead album and it was such a success that fans have been thirsting for more ever since. Now that thirst is set to be quenched with a new full-length project, boasting a suitably diverse range of guest features, spread across a vast array of 27 tracks.

Harleighblu: Interview

Harleighblu is a singer from Nottingham, whose work draws on influences from hip hop, soul, electronica and beyond. Thanks to a string of superb releases, including her Futurespective series, she is already forging her own path in an increasingly saturated scene. I caught up with her recently to discuss a number of things including her new project with Bluestaeb, her musical roots and surviving the industry as a female artist.

Aesop Rock & TOBACCO: Malibu Ken (Stream)

Speaking of Aesop Rock, he also blessed with a new project today, alongside producer and psych rock front man, TOBACCO. The duo, known collectively as Malibu Ken, seem to have found just the right creative balance when their respective talents are combined, with TOBACCO’s electronic 8-bit heavy beats verging just onto the right side of dark and angsty, providing the perfect backdrop for Aesop’s usual brand of studious lyricism. The whole album is a welcome addition to the ever-expanding Rhymesayers catalogue and you can hear the whole thing for yourself below. Physicals and merch are available over at Fifth Element.

Button Eyes: Nobody’s Baby (Stream)

Great compilation from genre defying London outfit, Button Eyes, as we finally get all their beautiful songs in one place. Button Eyes first came to my attention with the release of Simple Days and A Fever, back in 2013, which featured vocalists Gemma Williams and Rag’N’Bone Man – still some of my favourite work of his to date – as well Please Don’t Take My Blues, featuring contemporary blues man, CW Jones. Now thanks to Lewis Lindgren (184, Taunton Manor etc.), the man behind the music, we have those tracks alongside later releases like Chemicals and Erase Me. Nobody’s Baby is available to stream below and downloads are available via Western Decadence.