This new track from UK legend Skepta doesn’t smell like teen spirit, but it powers up the energy like Lithium. Produced by JAE5, ‘Nirvana’ thrives in its Latin influence, pairing flamenco-esque guitars, subtle keys, and trap percussion behind Skepta’s effective mixture of melody and swagger-heavy bars. Colombian juggernaut J.Balvin makes an appearance on the second verse, using his signature style to send this one into a stratosphere of smoothness. This new single serves as a high point on Skepta’s new EP All In, which is out now. 

Sleepy Hallow simply doesn’t stop this year, already following up his recently released album Still Sleep? with this playlist-ready earworm ‘2055’. It finds the Brooklyn rapper expanding his stylistic borders, pairing the signature hard-hitting bass of drill with vibrant guitars, which allows Hallow to delve into his singing bag. A unexpected but undeniably fire feature appears from Coi Leray, swiftly letting off autotuned warbles that compliment the track’s sing-a-long potential.

‘LIKE THAT’ was created in a session post-Melbourne’s lengthy 2020 lockdown, and it encompasses that feeling of glee. Fittingly, this song is made for being back outside, with its shimmering keys and afro-fusion drums capturing an essence of summer-soaked happiness. Over the top, IJALE, ThatKidMaz, and Yung Shogun are over the top, letting off their bars in frantic flurries that almost seem effortless. 

From this garden, is the blossoming of a collaboration that we didn’t expect, but needed. Isaiah Rashad and Lil Uzi Vert form like Starsky & Hutch driving a Ford Gran Torino on this single, steering bellowing bass and rattling hi-hats with scattered deliveries and roof-raising energy. It’s an immediate standout on Rashad’s long-awaited album The House is Burning, which is available now.

Clariyah Bo$$’s new single ‘Massacre’ is a testament to her lyrical ability and transparency, as she narrates the adversity she has witnessed and faced in her community. Over chilling, drill production, The Melbourne rapper pairs her picture-painting bars with fervent melodies, showcasing her passion and emphasising the realities of the struggle she details in her rap scriptures. It’s a high-energy display of ability, backed by an earnest artist eager to rep her area.

‘My City’ is an anthem that exemplifies the fact that home is where the heart is. Perth-based rapper 88YAMI uses the theme as a device to reflect on his journey thus far. Highlighting both the success and struggles throughout his croons and triplet-flows. Joining along is Yourboymars, who chimes in seamlessly over the sentimental guitars and hard-hitting sub-bass. It’s a track bound to take these two prospects forward, and one that deserves to blast throughout Optus Stadium. 

South-East Melbourne’s Jaal brings a sense of euphoria to the hip-hop blueprint with ‘Ecstasy’, a highlight on his newly released EP Trinity. Over a bed of detuned chords and a thumping bassline, he switches between whispery sung vocals and poignant raps, with this versatility becoming a staple so far in his creative output. This talent is propelled by scattered drum patterns that command the tempo as Jaal professes the bliss found in romance. 

Following the high-energy frenzy that was ‘Oliver Twist’, ArrDee is back with more. Backed by a menacing drill beat rich with heavy 808s and cold strings, the Brighton prospect continues to showcase his unique flows and catchy cadence, setting the instrumental aflame as he roars “Come get lit with Dizzy!” At only 18 years old, the rapper is capturing global attention, and growing in his artistry. 

Terry Presume’s ‘Act Up’ is filled with the sounds of soul, funk, and rap, reminiscent of Andre 3000 on The Love Below. Dance-ready basslines and heavenly synths spiral behind the Nashville-based artist, as he toggles through sung and rap vocals harmoniously. This versatile polymerisation of genres is a staple you can expect on Terry’s new EP What Box?, which is out now. 

Young Gerald is flexing again. After a brief trip to Joshua Tree last year in his indie-infused album Everything’s Strange Here, the rapper is back in the leather jacket, with pomade in his pocket to slick back his hair, displaying that bay-area swag that made him a superstar. The instrumental consists of rattling hi-hats and carnival-like synths courtesy of Boi-1da and Elyas, creating an atmosphere for G-Eazy to let off hunger-filled flows that grab your attention, and let you know he’s still at a high level. It features Louisville prospect EST Gee, who keeps up with G using detailed excerpts from the streets, delivered with effortless confidence.