Spectacular Diagnostics: Raw Lessons (Stream)

Following some much deserved hype and anticipation, the new album from Spectacular Diagnostics arrives in all its splendour today. Raw Lessons is another feature heavy affair, with some truly unique pairings, including a track with Immi Larusso and Bruiser Wolf, while elsewhere regular Spec collaborator, Kid Acne, joins forces with Sonnyjim. There are also features from the likes of Fatboi Sharif, Lee Scott, CLBRKS and TheDeadCanRap. The album is available to preview below, then head to Bandcamp to check the full lineup and secure ownership of the vinyl or a download.

Jehst: Cornerstone

New visuals from Jehst this week, as he unveiled the latest video from his recent album, Mork Calling Orson. On Cornerstone, we hear the UK veteran getting to work over some suitably tight production from Sonnyjim, while the video was made by Kill Money. Mork Calling Orson is out now on YNR Productions.

Jehst: Mork Calling Orson (Stream)

A pleasing return to centre stage from Jehst, with the release of his first solo album since 2017’s, Billy Green is Dead. Mork Calling Orson finds the UK rap linchpin on typically fine form, with his pen remaining as sharp as ever and his production choices setting the album’s mood without fault. Contributions from Sam Zircon, Beat Butcha, Sonnyjim, Mr Brown, Keor Meteor, Taharka and Jehst himself, provide a varied but unified sound, while Lee Scott, CW Jones, Sindysman, Eva Lazarus and Confucius MC, all prove to be the perfect co-stars. Previews of Mork Calling Orson can be heard below, with Bandcamp being the best spot to grab your downloads and physical copies.

Robert ft. Rag ‘N’ Bone Man: Porridge

A new video for one of last year’s best from the UK, as Robert brings his collaboration with Rag ‘N’ Bone Man to life. Porridge is an emotionally charged and honest account of life behind the bars and its aftermath, detailing the effect it has both on the life of the person incarcerated, as well as the lives of those around them. It’s a powerful track, with added soul from both Rags’ vocals and the production, which comes from Sonnyjim and The Purist. It’s lifted from Robert’s debut album, Orange Is The New Black, which is out now.

Sonnyjim & The Purist ft. MF DOOM & Jay Electronica: Barz Simpson

A fitting video for one of the more understandably anticipated tracks from Sonnyjim’s recent album with The Purist. Barz Simpson not only features a guest appearance from Jay Electronica, but also a verse from the much mourned legend, MF DOOM. You hear a lot of rappers labelling their upcoming videos as movies, but that’s exactly the energy that we’re dealing with here. ABOVEGROUND is a master of this approach and as usual he manages to pack a lot of visual punches into just under 4 minutes of film. No spoilers, see for yourself above. White Girl Wasted is out now via Daupe.

Robert: Porridge (Stream)

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A strong introduction here from Robert, with the arrival of his debut release, Porridge. The title track offers up an honest insight into prison life and the emotions that come with it, while Rag’N’Bone Man’s vocal support lends the track an even more impassioned edge. The remix is fortified even further thanks to features from Dirty Dike and Skinnyman. Then on the B-side we have Kelly Had a Seizure, which brings in the otherworldly presence of Kool Keith. Both tracks are produced by Sonnyjim and The Purist. Not bad for a debut. The blurb mentions an album too, Orange is the New Black, so I’m intrigued to hear what that has in store. You can hear the full set of tracks below, with physicals and downloads available via Bandcamp.

Confucius MC: Somewhere (Stream)

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Continuing that run of beautiful releases with the latest album from Confucius MC. Somewhere is a reunion of sorts, as it is produced in full by Keor Meteor, who was the man behind the boards on The Highest Order, back in 2014. This new album captures the same creative spark they discovered back then and builds it up into an inferno of lyrical insights, compelling narratives and jazz-soaked beats. Plenty of notable features too, thanks to appearances from Jehst, Sonnyjim, Verbz, Strange U and Lee Scott. You can get lost in the full brilliance of the album below, while Bandcamp is the spot to find your downloads and physicals.

Sonnyjim & Buckwild ft. Lord Apex: The Process

Cross generational goodness here, as Sonnyjim and Buckwild release another gem from the stash of their recent LP. The Process sees the transatlantic duo teaming up with one of the most prominent voices of the next wave of UK talent, thanks to a typically tight feature from Lord Apex. The track is lifted from Coke Le Roc, which is out now via all the usual spots.

SONNYJIM & Kev Brown: Bubblegoose x Raf Simmons

A new video for just one of the highlights from the recent full-length collaboration between SONNYJIM and Kev Brown. The duo worked together closely to record the album, something that is definitely reflected in the final product. Kev is another master of his craft and I’m always a fan of hearing Sonny riding soulful beats, so this is a perfect pairing for me. The video was made by Aboveground. A Joint Venture is out now.

Confucius MC ft. Sonnyjim, Verbz & Jehst: Lanterns (Official Video)

There is now an official video for the latest single from Confucius MC. The track was released a few weeks ago, alongside a lyric video, but now the YNR MC has returned with a suitably slick video, shot in the lantern laden streets of London’s Chinatown. The track is produced by Keor Meteor and Jehst, and also features verses from Sonnyjim, Verbz and Jehst. The video was made by Bee Graphics.