1300 continue to put up high scores with ‘Oldboy’. This subwoofer-ready cut finds the group weaving English and Korean into their ember-filled, high-octane raps. Their hip-hop excellence takes place over the booming sounds of 808s and glitchy synths, that propel the nitro-boosted energy of 1300’s songwriting. 

Koffee’s first single of 2022 is a vibrant one. Producer JAE5 lays down his signature afrobeat-infused drum patterns with synths swirling in the top end, creating an atmosphere for the Jamaican singer to let off some sweet, ear-catching melodies. ‘Pull Up’ is club-ready, and essential warm-weather music. 

BEAM takes a galactic trip into the world of pulsating 808s on ‘Planet Beam’. The sub-bass bellows underneath a brass sample, and the rapper’s autotuned flexes, before a hyper shift beat switch up that finds him rapping with unhindered confidence. It appears on his project ALIEN, which you can stream now. 

Saba’s ‘Still’ swirls with lo-fi synths and a percussion-heavy bounce, setting the tone for this trio to go off. 6LACK handles the ear-catching hook, while Saba and Smino both weave lyricism and melodies into their standout verses. It’s a great taste of Saba’s news album Few Good Things, which you can stream now. 

Rosalia’s ‘Saoko’ is a step away from her luscious vocals, in exchange for a heavy-hitting banger. An eerie bass line lurks throughout, propelled by crashing drums. She’s essentially rapping over the top of this pandemonium, pairing her unique swagger with an undeniable sense of bravado, foreshadowing her upcoming album Motomami set for release next month.

Mwanje’s ‘Wild Ones’ is an atmospheric, smooth R&B cut, elevated by the elegance in this songstress’ voice. She floats over the airy synths with luscious melodies, before Sampa The Great chimes in seamlessly with sleek bars. ‘Wild Ones’ feels like sun-soaked weather, and is a testament to the talents of this Sister duo. 

The rapping is in full effect on ‘Blackout’. NSW rapper Siala explores internalised feelings, venting them out through a rapid, animated cadence and fiery flows filled with intricate lyricism. This excellence is backed by a bouncy beat, courtesy of Brisbane rap renaissance man Nerve. 

Knucks’ ‘Alpha House’ is a revealing track that finds the rapper delving into his upbringing, painting a picture of his surroundings over somber keys and the soothing roar of saxophones, conducted by Venna. It furthers the testament that this North London lyricist is one of the best storytellers in rap right now.

‘Crazy Life’ finds Sophiegrophy continuing on her artistic journey, blending her melodic chops with her signature stern raps. Her lyrics toggle throughout braggadocious flexes and reflective moments, taking place over synth-heavy production that’s garnished with grandeur. 

Reynanna Maria’s ‘Loser’ is dedicated to a former love interest that’s severely lacking. She leaves them in the dirt, forming earworm melodies as her device of moving on. This process is soundtracked by a bubbly trap beat, equating in a formula that keeps the Melbourne artist thriving as a winner.