PENGSHUi: PENGSHUi (Stream)

Ever since PENGSHUi announced their formation a few years back, it has become clearer with each new release and live performance, that these were three seasoned artists who had found the ideal home for their respective crafts. Illaman, Prav and Fatty decided to carve their own niche at the riotous frenzied point at which punk and grime meet, drawing on the parallels between the two genres to devastating effect. Now with the arrival of their debut album, the trio have cemented their position as one of the most rousing and important acts to emerge from the UK in recent times. The self-titled debut is a perfect encapsulation of everything that PENGSHUi stand for, packed to the rafters with the raw energy of their live shows, the humour and sheer entertainment of Illaman’s lyricism, the fierce antiestablishment spirit that permeates both punk and grime, and the absolute FUCK YOU attitude of three artists who are making exactly the type of music they want, because they can.

Frankie Teardrop: Street Soda (Stream)

Street Soda is the latest release from Frankie Teardop, or as he maybe more familiar to some of you – GhostTown. Having found a place in many of our hearts with his production as part of Dead Players, as well as other projects like the Laminated Cakes album from Baxter and Ed Scissor, fans have been fiendin’ for something new from Frankie for a while. Now our prayers are answered, as he returns from something of a hiatus with Street Soda. The album is the result of Frankie’s arrival at a new label, which has allowed him to pursue his dream of making a producer album/beat tape, a dream that he has long wanted the chance to make a reality. A couple of the tracks on the album are from his stash, but for the most part this is a fresh batch of beats that mark a departure of sorts from the UK hip hop sounds he’s perhaps best known for on the scene. I spoke to Frankie about the project and he told me that the aim was to make an album featuring the sort of music that he’s been producing for years, but has never really had the means to showcase before. He said the influences on the sound came from US producers like Timbaland and Pharrell, alongside the garage and grime scenes from a little bit closer to home. And that’s exactly what he’s managed to achieve with Street Soda, an album that draws on cross-genre inspirations which come together in a triumphant blend that never seem like strange bedfellows in spite of their varying influences. You can hear the album for yourself in full below.

PENGSHUi x Footsie: Wiseman

Another visual riot from punk-grime advocates, PENGSHUi, as they team up with Newham Generals legend, Footsie, on Wiseman. The production comes courtesy of Pete Cannon. It follows the announcement this week, that PENGSHUi’s debut album is set for release on 21 February. I’ve been pushing these guys since their first track and I am fully confident that we are going to see them reach incredible heights when the LP comes. Considering what they have already achieved in a relatively short space of time, it’s basically a given that they are going to blow up eventually and I think this album will be the touchpaper. More news on the self-titled debut when I’ve got it. Wiseman is available to stream now on the usual platforms.

Foreign Beggars: It’s Gonna Be Fine / Forget Dem

As the curtain falls on Foreign Beggars’ illustrious career, they have treated us to two more videos from their final album, Matriarchy. The two videos are a perfect encapsulation of the Beggars’ broad approach to making music, as they move from profound, misty-eyed reflection, to raw unadulterated griminess. The first track, It’s Gonna Be Fine, sees the trio reuniting with one of the original collaborators, Dr Syntax, as as well as acclaimed singer-songwriter, ADMT. It’s definitely one of my favourites from the album, if not the favourite, and it’s particularly nice to hear Synners back on a Beggars track. The second video – which you can see below – is for the epic banger, Forget Dem, and features Roll Deep and BBK OGs, Flowdan and Jammer. Both tracks are produced by Seemore Beats. Matriarchy is available now from all the usual spots.

Foreign Beggars: Matriarchy (Stream)

As the end of the decade looms ever closer, so does the final act from Foreign Beggars as they release their last ever album, Matriarchy. It’s some what of a return to their roots, as the ever-innovative crew depart from the more genre-bending sound they have cultivated over the last decade or so, and circle back to the music that first introduced them to the world. Produced in full by Seemore Beats, it’s an album that feels full of love and hope, which is welcome today more than ever, and it also plays like the perfect goodbye ofrom one of the most influential and respected groups to ever exist. The features are reflective of the respect the Beggars command, with Maverick Sabre, Jammer, Blak Twang, DRS, MysDiggi and Dr Syntax among the guest spots. The full album is ready to stream below and downloads can be found over on Bandcamp.

Lunar C: Very Important (Stream)

Another important release that has surfaced in the end of year flurry, is the latest album from Lunar C. After the success of his Dirtbrain LP last year, the Bradford rapper delivers an album which finds him sharper and more entertaining than ever. It’s the same blend of depraved humour, killer punchlines, self-deprecation and hilarious braggadocio, but with a more focused and cohesive feel. There are guest spots this time too, including VVV’s Juga-Naut, who kills his verse on Last Action Hero, and Roll Deep favourite, Mango, who joins Jehst and Lunar on Zero Fux. I can’t find much information on the production credits, but I know Pitch 92 and Jehst definitely both played a part, and I would hazard a guess that beats from HashFinger and Muckaniks are probably in the mix as well. The whole album can be streamed below and downloads can be found on Bandcamp.

Sylla B: The Walls Have Eyes (Stream)

The new album from Sylla B was released on Friday and marks a honing of skills for the Bristol-based MC. His last few releases have all demonstrated a growth in confidence and penmanship, leaving The Walls Have Eyes feeling like the culmination of all that progress. Straight up grime bangers sit next to more thought-provoking tracks, with the variety of styles strengthened by Sylla’s production choices. There are beats from Oozhe, xeno, DROG Beats, Moody Lew, Just Sayin, Yung Toro and sam.makes.beats, along with features from Toro, Gabriel Waves, Moody Lew and Solo Jane. This is a very strong release from an MC whose talent refuses to let him go unnoticed and one who’s only going to keep getting better. You can stream the album in full below and downloads are available from Bandcamp.

Premiere – DROG Beats ft. Sylla B & Buggsy: Enemies

Bristol in full effect on this brand new track from rising producer, DROG Beats, as he brings in two generations of local MCs. Any regular visitors to my blog will already know about Sylla B and his rise over the last couple of years, thanks to his often devastating flows. He is joined on the track by Bristol double-time OG and all-round lyrical monster, Buggsy. As you can imagine the final product is pretty special and highlights Bristol’s lengthy history of producing great lyricists. Enemies is also available to stream on all the usual platforms.

Frosty: Crush (Stream)

As the temperature starts to drop and the evenings get darker, it’s best to have a good source of heat at hand to stave off the winter woes. Thankfully Frosty just released his new mixtape and it’s packed full of enough flames to melt what little is left of the Arctic.

Jay0117: 9Tree Hill

New Bristol charged banger from Jay0117, as he continues to rep the city to the fullest with 9Tree Hill. The track is produced by fellow Bristol artist, Sir Hiss, and the video was made by PatchUp Productions.