Slim’s Pickings 2022 Pt. 1

For those of you unaware, I recently published a list of my top 10 favourite hip hop and RnB albums in The Wire Magazine, as part of their end of year review issue. It was a tough list to compile because 2022 contained a multitude of stellar releases, many of which deserved further praise.
Guilt quickly set in after I’d submitted the list to my editor, not because I felt like I’d made a mistake with any of my choices, but because I wish I had been given the time and space to write about the bevy of other favourites that had been in rotation over the last 12 months. So now I’m going to attempt to summarise those remaining projects and give them the shine they deserve. But first my original list and the accompanying blurb, for those of you who missed it the first time round. I should also mention that I fucked up with the Little Simz pick. I had it in my head that SIMBI came out in early 2022, but in fact it was late 2021. I blame my own sketchy-at-best memory and the fact that her MOBO win came so late in the year. Anyway…

A. Billi Free & The Lasso: Between Us Is Light

Another blissful moment of escape courtesy of A. Billi Free and The Lasso, as they unveil the latest video from their collaborative album. The stunning and extremely apt visuals were made by Gabi Molina. Between Us Is Light is taken from Holy Body Roll, which is out now on Mello Music Group.

ELUCID: Spellling + LP Stream

Having teased us with the promise of another 12 month bounty of stellar projects at the start of the year, Backwoodz continue to keep to their word with the release of the latest album from ELUCID. I Told Bessie landed last week and helped to further carve out ELUCID’s niche as one of the most captivating artists of a generation. Wielding his voice as a weapon, the Armand Hammer MC wades through production picks from the likes of Child Actor, Sebb Bash, August Fanon, The Lasso and The Alchemist. There is also a strong supporting cast of vocalists, including billy woods, Quelle Chris and Pink Siifu. You can watch the video for the lead single, Spellling, above and then head to Bandcamp to grab a copy of the full album.

A. Billi Free & The Lasso: They Wonder

More tasters from the forthcoming A. Billi Free and The Lasso album, as they treat us to another single. They Wonder is more of that genre-blending soulful nourishment that we’ve been introduced to in their previous collaborations, and once again it should make you even more intrigued and excited for the full length. Speaking of which, Holy Body Roll is out on 11 March via Mello Music Group.

A. Billi Free & The Lasso: Thrive, Despite

The Lasso is back with more new music, continuing a run that has seen him at the helm of some of the most intriguing projects of the last few years. For this latest release, he has teamed up with A. Billi Free, the vocalist who has already had a hand in some of those aforementioned gems, including last year’s superb 2121. Thrive, Despite is our first glimpse of the forthcoming album, Holy Body Roll, and sets the scene with some soulful jazz-tinted production, adorned with some ultra smooth vocals from A. Billi Free. Holy Body Roll is due out on 11 March via Mello Music Group.

Fielded: Interview

Credit: Benjy Russell

Back in October I found myself in London at the same time as Fielded, who was in town to perform with installation artist, Naama Tsabar. I took the opportunity to sit down with her for an interview, where we spoke about her new EP, Young Medusa, as well as displaying vulnerability through art, keeping things varied and learning to enjoy the act of collaborating.

Solemn Brigham: South Sinner Street (Stream)

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Fans of Marlowe take note, as I bring you the new solo album from Solemn Brigham. Having deservedly earned himself plenty of props from across the board for his work alongside L’Orange, the North Carolina rapper is now treating us to an album that further highlights his mastery, while also providing some insight into the decay of his hometown, Albemarle. Some fantastic production picks along the way, thanks to contributions from The Lasso, Kuartz, Supa K and L’Orange, among others. You can explore the album below, then head to Bandcamp to grab a download.

The Lasso, Jordan Hamilton & The Saxsquatch: They and I

Fresh sounds from The Lasso, as he introduces the world to his latest project. Continuing to broaden his musical horizons, the Mello Music Group producer has teamed up with regular collaborators, Jordan Hamilton and The Saxsquatch, who play cello and saxophone respectively. If you caught The Lasso’s earlier release, 2121, then you will have heard the three of them at work together on a number of tracks and now they are continuing that inventive magic on Tri Magi. They and I is the lead single from the album and what a welcome it is. Check out the video above and then secure your pre-order in time for the 16 July release.

Mello Music Group: Bushido (Stream)

As reported a few weeks ago, Mello Music Group have put together a compilation featuring a whole bunch of new material from their increasingly dope roster and some equally compelling guests. The album kicks off with a track from Quelle Chris and Alchemist, which should give you some idea of the levels at work here, if you’re not already familiar with Mello’s insanely consistent back catalogue. As we progress we’re treated to new joints from The Lasso and Zackey Force Funk, Cambatta and Apollo Brown, Homeboy Sandman and Eric Lau, as well as three new tracks from Oddisee, including the previously featured No Trouble. You can explore the full array of musical brilliance below and then go check the usual spots for all your streaming/download needs.

Small Bills: Don’t Play It Straight (Rooftop Performance)

While music fans around the world try to fill the void that has been left by the absence of gigs, there are still a number of artists trying to give us a taste of the live experience. Last November, on a Brooklyn rooftop, Small Bill – aka ELUCID and The Lasso – did just that, with a riveting rendition of their debut album, Don’t Play It Straight. They were joined by fellow album players Kayana, Malachi Mabson and Saxsquatch, and the performance was filmed by Richard Ross. Don’t Play It Straight is out now on Mello Music.