Forest DLG: Moonlight Dante’s Unconscious String Quintet

Beautifully crafted instrumental work from Forest DLG here, as the nomadic producer releases a new project on the High Focus label. It’s the first instalment of HF’s Producer Spotlight series, with the album featuring a selection of new material and familiar classics from the catalogue of one of the UK’s most consistently captivating producers. This latest gem is co-created alongside fellow label affiliate, Runone, and features on Echo of the Hidden Spruce, which is out now.

King Kashmere & Alecs DeLarge: Damien Darhk

King Kashmere and Alecs DeLarge again prove that they are somehow greater than the sum of their parts with another strong single. No word on a full-length release from them yet, but I wouldn’t be surprised if something emerges in the future. In the meantime, Damien Darhk is available to stream via all the usual platforms.

King Kashmere & Alecs DeLarge: Most Blunted

New drop from King Kashmere, which sees him teaming up with yet another producer from the crop of UK talent. Most Blunted is the first of some forthcoming collaborations with the reliably dope, Alecs DeLarge, along with some more visual bliss from Honey JD. If you like what you hear, stay tuned for more news on the duo’s releases coming soon.

Jman & The Argonautz: Dying Breed

I was very pleased to see the news that Jman had recently joined the High Focus roster. He’s been on my radar for a long time and regular visitors to the blog will know that I’ve been pushing his various musical guises for years, whether it’s his ragga-rap crossover releases with Illinformed, or his work with the likes of DJ Vadim and The Mouse Outfit. Now he’s bringing another dimension to his music, thanks to the formation of The Argonautz.
I don’t have much information on them at the moment, but they appear to be a live band if this first video is anything to go by. Lonely jazz keys allow Jman’s introspective vocals to be the main focus, before the drums drop and the full track comes to life. It ends with a burst of instrumentation from the band. Apparently the group also features Maddy on vocals, who is another superb addition to the lineup (and another artist I’ve been championing for years).
No release date for the album yet, but in the meantime you can make the most of the video for Dying Breed, which was made by Parallel Media.

Sparkz: Overload

Very happy to see Sparkz back with a bang, as he makes his first moves with High Focus. One of many killer MCs from the LEVELZ bloodline, he adds another string to his bow thanks to the self-production on Overload. No word on an album yet, but I know he’s got a lot planned for this year, so be on the lookout for more bangers emerging soon.

Onoe Caponoe ft. Jehst: Pinocchio

New takes on old classics are nothing new in rap, however, contemporary rap versions of 19th century Italian stories are pretty niche. But that is Onoe Caponoe all over, so it’s no real surprise that his latest single deals with his own rehash of the tale of Pinocchio, ably assisted by fellow UK favourite, Jehst. The track is accompanied by an animated video, which Onoe also devised, putting him on a creative par with Quelle Chris. Pinocchio is produced by Kehlarj and it’s out now on High Focus.

Renelle 893 & King Kashmere: Let Go

Next up is another one from High Focus’s newest signing, Renelle 893. The release of Let Go was accompanied with the news that Renelle’s HF debut is going to be produced in full by King Kashmere, which is very good news judging by their first couple of efforts. Once again it’s Honey JD on video duties. More news on the album soon.

Renelle 893: HF TV Exclusive Bars

There used to be a time when I’d know every artist that was announced as a new addition to a UKHH label, back when I had my finger well and truly on the pulse. Not so these days, as was proved yesterday when High Focus broke the news that Renelle 893 was joining their ranks. Happy to have caught the announcement though, as this rendition of his single, My Demons, served as a fine introduction to his skills and has definitely got me intrigued for what his label debut will bring to the scene. The production on the track comes courtesy of King Kashmere and the video was shot by Honey JD.

King Kashmere x Letherette : Snake Pie + EP Stream

New music from King Kashmere arrived last week, as he teamed up with production duo, Letherette, to create the diversely crafted sounds of TR3B. Snake Pie is their second single and provides us with a good insight into the direction that their collaborative partnership has taken. The video – also made by Letherette – is available to watch above and you can find the remainder of the EP below. Limited edition vinyl versions are also available via the High Focus Store.

Verb T: Undivided

What better way to celebrate the 10 year anniversary of Verb T’s acclaimed Morning Process LP, with a brand new track from the veteran artist. High Focus recently released an extended anniversary edition of the album, which features – among other gems – a freshly self-produced song called Undivided. There is also a sunflower laden video to accompany the song, courtesy of regular collaborator, Parallel Media. The new version of Morning Process is available now.