‘Different’ is a showcase of Tebir’s skills. He pairs urgent flows and an impassioned cadence atop some heavy-hitting 808s and string samples. POOKIE hops on for the second verse, matching the energy with her shouty voice and swagger-filled lyricism. It’s a hyped song to bring in your weekend and a foreshadowing of a big 2024 for Tebir.

Shanae’s ‘am i dumb?’ is a truly unique contrast. Her passionate vocals sit atop the warmth of keys, creating a classic R&B feel. But the track is propelled forward by fast-moving Jersey club drum patterns, adding some bounce to the balladry. It’s simultaneously calming and club-ready.

MIDDLE EASTERN ARCHIVES’ finds MAMMOTH doing what he does best: rapping his ass off. For a minute and 40 seconds, he lets off a whirlwind of lyricism, backed by dusty sample loops from Sydney producer Scruffs. This track is straightforward and satisfying.

The energy is high with this new Brazen Barbie track. Menacing pianos are paired with some truly heavy sub-bass, akin to the bangers you hear out of Memphis. Barbie continues to prove that she is one hell of a rapper, approaching the song with flex-heavy bars and ear-catching flows. Toronto prospect TAAYLEE G matches this, bringing her own swagger to fuel the fire.

‘(GREAT) DAY OUTSIDE)’ is the perfect way for MALI JO$E to close out a highlight 2023. It’s a combination of everything he does well, letting off ear-catching flow switches and reflective raps. HWLS appears on production here, supporting Mali’s lyricism with smooth synths to create a laid-back atmosphere.

‘BASIC’ finds evilgiane mixing the eerie synths and acid bass stabs you’d often find in Detroit rap, with the thumping 808s and trunk-knocking tempo of modern trap. Anycia and Robb Banks$ take the oppurtunity to pop off in this atmosphere, taking it in turns to to deliver quickfire triplet-flow flurries. It’s a banger!

This new Amy Jordan track is truly lush. The keys are dense, occupying the mix with smothering reverb. Afrobeat-like drums pulsate in the background, creating a sleek swing. Amy’s vocals are like gentle howls, leading you into a sense of euphoria. We’re truly excited to see what comes next from this Western Sydney up-and-comer.

‘LEMONADE CHILLIN’ is a chilling track. JUJO’s keys are cold and detuned as if you’re walking into some sort of haunted circus. Yet, there’s no clownery to be found in the raps of Jordan Dennis, who dishes out dizzying flows in an effortless manner. It appears on the duo’s new project 777, which you can stream now.

This new Fred Again…has got a bit more ‘oomph’ than his typical output. Out with the spacey, sombre ambience of his many other discography highlights, and in with a dense, in-your-face house barrage. The bass is thick, and each sound he adds to the atmosphere foreshadows the chaos of the massive drops. Baby Keem provides vocals here, which have been cut up and flipped in a way by Fred that is bound to send festival crowds into a frenzy.

‘PULP FICTION’ displays Kenny Mason’s unique approach to hip-hop. He raps with the skills of your favourite lyricist, dishing out witty wordplay through an ear-catching Atlanta cadence. But the production here is gloomy and grungey, with drums crashing and distorted guitars creating the sense of melancholy you often get from emo albums. It’s different, but undeniably fire.