Back catalogue:

Review: Two more battle weapons handpicked from the eponymous UK armoury. Label motto ("You want this party started, right?!") and A-cut refrain ("la-di-da-di, we like to party"), converge in perfect sync here on this latest 7": the obverse samples Doug E Fresh & Slick Rick's 1985 mover, peppering slight but bright brasses over a punctuated beat mix. 'Tambou' on the B-side honours a historic canonical Swizz Beatz crunk bit with a re-edit of 'Tambourine', produced and released in 2006 for blase partystarter Eve.

Review: Communique Records has been digging deep into the annals of house history and secured the right to reissue this little gem from Ralph Laurenn. His Proper Etuquette EP landed first back in 1997 on the sub-label Party Rock and sits right on the verge of deep house and tech house. 'Right Direction' has fizzing, pixelated and sugary chords over snappy drums. 'Clover' is more loose and fast then 'Hear Me Out' offers a beautiful downtempo excursion into noodling jazz melodies. 'The Touch Of Skin' carries on the old school hip-hop vibes with a dusty broken beat viber for late-night get-togethers.

Review: The Leonhart Brass Band, the latest project from trumpeter Michael Leonhart, was born out of the 2020 lockdown, an inventive response to the halt of his 18-piece orchestra performances at NYC's Jazz Standard. Stripped down to a brass-heavy ensemble that could perform outdoors without amplification, Leonhart took inspiration from classic brass bands like Dirty Dozen and Rebirth, blending in hip-hop and funk influences to create a unique sound. The opening track, 'Jabbar', is a tribute to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, the basketball icon with a rich jazz background. Centred on an infectious bass riff in C minor, Leonhart's trumpet and Jason Marshall's bass saxophone deliver bold, brassy solos, conjuring the vitality and strength of the track's namesake. Another standout is 'The Iceman', a nod to George Gervin, the basketball great known for his unflappable demeanour on the court. The brass section splits into two distinct groups, creating counterpoint melodies that mirror Gervin's grace and intensity. Stuart Bogie's baritone sax solo, complete with tape echo, adds an unexpected texture, grounding the track in a deep, funky groove. With members from Antibalas, the Dap-Kings, and Red Baraat, the Leonhart Brass Band fuses tight musicianship with an exhilarating energy that carries the weight of New Orleans tradition, while forging its own path in the modern jazz and funk worlds.

Review: Polish producer Latarnik and American vocalist Anthony Mills collide on this new album for Polish label Astigmatic to explore lo-fi hip-hop, soul, dub and experimental electronics. Mills's falsetto vocal brings great Neo-soul warmth to Crack Rock with emotionally charged tones soaring over the production which ranges from sugary and 80s-tinged disco and boogie on 'Crack' to deep, seductive and gooey on 'Passive Lover' which is a more romantic sound. Latarnik's work is often minimal yet immersive which creates space for Mills' voice to shine and is delivered in equal parts spoken word, chant and soulful croon. The hypnotic, slow-burning soundscapes that result are both intimate and confrontational, ready to make you dance but also often just to feel. Unapologetically raw and deeply human, this one lingers long after the final track ends.

Review: Perhaps the most striking moment on Kendrick Lamar's GNX comes early, with 'Squabble Up.' Opening on a sparse beat laced with an almost claustrophobic bassline, the track bursts into intricate lyricism, with Lamar delivering rapid-fire verses that bristle with urgency. It's an audacious statement that sets the tone for the album: introspection wrapped in cinematic production. Then there's 'Heart Pt. 6,' a deeply layered piece where ghostly synths and rolling drums frame Lamar's contemplations on legacy, loss, and identity. The interplay of Lamar's voice, alternately tender and defiant, with the productionicourtesy of Sounwave and Kamasi Washingtoniis nothing short of riveting. GNX doesn't provide easy answers; instead, it invites you to sit with its questions, its moments of chaos and its flashes of hard-won clarity.

Review: Experience the female power of Lil' Kim's unapologetic persona with this dynamic collection. Hits like 'Queen Bitch' and 'Suck My D*ck' showcase her confident style and fearless attitude, while tracks such as 'Drugs' and 'Notorious Kim' delve into her experiences and solidify her reputation in the music industry. 'The Jump Off' and 'Crush on You' highlight her versatility and strength as an artist, balancing gritty, assertive tracks with club-ready anthems. This collection underscores Lil' Kim's status as a trailblazing figure in hip-hop, blending raw authenticity with undeniable charisma.

Review: LL Cool J returns with The Force, his first album in 11 years. This new project, his 14th studio record, marks a significant evolution in his career. The album features production by Q-Tip and boasts collaborations with Eminem, Saweetie, Rick Ross, Snoop Dogg and Fat Joe, among others. LL Cool J describes The Force as a fresh start, saying he relearned how to rap and aimed to strip away excess to focus on meaningful content. With tracks like 'Murdergram Deux' and 'Proclivities,' the album delves into themes of self-motivation and bold expression. Notably, 'Huey in the Chair' and 'Basquiat Energy' celebrate icons of personal conviction. The Force stands as a testament to LL Cool J's enduring relevance and innovative spirit in hip-hop.

Review: Lupe Fiasco's Tetsuo & Youth marks a pivotal transition in his career, reflecting his evolving relevance in hip-hop. In his latest work, Lupe embraces a nuanced exploration of change, using seasonal interludesi"Summer," "Fall," "Winter," and "Spring"ito thematically structure the album. Each season encapsulates different moods, from the playful innocence of "Summer" to the dark realities of "Winter," culminating in a sense of renewal in "Spring." Highlights include the impressive 'Mural', where Lupe displays his talents with a nearly nine-minute verse, and 'Deliver', which poignantly addresses systemic issues through the metaphor of a delivery driver. The production, featuring contributions from DJ Dahi and others, provides a rich, musical backdrop that elevates his storytelling. Tetsuo & Youth is not just a comeback; it's a powerful statement of resilience and artistry in a genre often criticised for its complacency.