Juga-Naut: Time & Place (Stream)

New music from arguably one of the most consistent and hard-working artists of his generation, as Juga-Naut returns with what is purported to be his magnum opus. Time & Place is a weighty collection of 20 songs, each one forged in the fiercely independent fire that Jugz has been stoking for years.
DIY artistry at its finest and deeply rooted in his hometown of Nottingham, as demonstrated by the album’s featurs, which include appearances from Cappo, Vandal Savage, Scorzayzee and Liam Bailey. Even the artwork is an original painting by local talent, Emily Catherine, resulting in a true celebration of the East Midlands cultural scene and its interlinked communities, as well as another flawless display of Juga-Naut’s all encompassing abilities in the studio.
Time & Place is available to stream below, as well as plenty of other streaming and physical options offered over on the usual platforms.

Juga-Naut ft. Liam Bailey: Been Away

Following on from last year’s release of his album, BEM, Juga-Naut returns to the fore with the latest video from the project. Been Away was already boosted by the ample talents of vocalist Liam Bailey and now it’s being pushed higher up the artistic ladder with a video which serves as a timely ode to Jugz’s much-beloved hometown of Nottingham. The video was directed by Michael Holyk. BEM is out now.

Juga-Naut: Bem (Stream)

Never one to rest on his laurels, Juga-Naut returned to the fore yesterday with the release of his latest album, Bem. It follows on from his acclaimed collaboration last year with Giallo Point, and on this latest outing we find Jugz’s pen game reaching exactly the same dizzying heights as we heard on its predecessor. The Nottingham resident has long been favoured as an MC’s MC and with Bem it is easy to hear why, as the ease with which he delivers the most intricate bars is almost criminal. And his talents don’t stop there, as the majority of Bem is self-produced, with a couple of exceptions courtesy of the Beat Punisher himself, Stu Bangas. The more soulful side to the album is backed up with some nicely placed features, including Liam Bailey and Tyler Daley, as well as guest spots from Tommy Nova, Taja, Oliver Rees, and fellow VVV rapper, Vandal Savage. You can hear the album for yourself below and there are plenty of physical bundles available via Bandcamp. Plus it was Jugz’s birthday yesterday, so go and celebrate by buying some of his art.

Louis Cypher: Cypher Sore Eyes (Stream)

Nottingham son, Louis Cypher, returns with a great little release on the Boom Bap Professionals label. Cypher Sore Eyes features six new tracks, which include production from DJ Severe, Kastanza and Pete 1st Blood, as well as additional vocal input from Benny Diction, Sister Mary, Tony Skank, Ro Jista, Ty Healy and Liam Bailey. There is also a fair bit of live instrumentation, which sits well amongst the head-nod inducing production. Cypher Sore Eyes can be heard below and you can find downloads now over on Bandcamp.