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…

Continue reading “Slim’s Pickings 2022 Pt. 1”

They Hate Change: X-Ray Spex

Another album that you should all be exploring, is the latest from They Hate Change. The Tampa duo were raised on a diet of distinctly British beats, the sounds of which echo throughout their Finally, New LP. X-Ray Spex is a fine example of this cultural exchange, as their southern flows manoeuvre perfectly along the frantic drum lines of the DnB tinted production. Good shit indeed. Finally, New is out now on Jagjaguwar.

They Hate Change: Faux Leather

A fresh cut from They Hate Change, which also stands as their debut release on noted label, Jagjaguwar. The Tampa duo announced the news yesterday and it seems like a positive move for all concerned. Faux Leather is a prime example of why the label were keen to get them on board, as they continue to deliver their brand of infectious and eclectically influenced rap. You can check out the accompanying video above, with streams and downloads also available.

They Hate Change: 666 Central Ave. (Stream)

New raps from L.A. duo, They Hate Change, continuing their run of solid releases. 666 Central Ave. is a perfect blend of on-point flows, engaging lyricism and bursts of hardcore/jungle/DnB, which cry out to be blasted loud. I find it impossible not to enjoy They Hate Change projects and this latest is a prime demonstration of why. You can hear it for yourself below, with downloads available via Godmode. Continue reading “They Hate Change: 666 Central Ave. (Stream)”