Back catalogue: Hip Hop/R&B

Review: When Keyon Harrold lists the influences that he turned to during the creation of his rich and evocative new album Foreverland, he cites the likes of Radiohead, Fleet Foxes, Fela Kuti, John Coltrane, and, for a second, he becomes vulnerable; the list is too basic, too serious-music-listener-starter-pack. But, out of that moment of insecurity, he spins an indelible flex: "You are what you eat, and I have a pretty strict diet in dope shit. Taking in Keyon Harrold's career to-date, it's clear that the 'world-class trumpeter' (Essence) and composer is very serious about that diet. He's a jazz musician but in the most expansive sense, working with a list of dream collaborators: generational legends Keith Richards and Diana Ross; rap stars like Mac Miller and Nas; neo-soul icons Erykah Badu and D'Angelo; and modern soul stars Black Pumas and Leon Bridges. His circle of regular collaborators is formidable and includes his music industry mentor Common (who hired him for his first touring gig), his New School classmate Robert Glasper, and GRAMMY winners Maxwell, PJ Morton, Gregory Porter, and YEBBA. Even apart from its compositional intricacies and stylistic innovations, Foreverland is a triumph of resilience and empowerment. "What will be said when you're gone?", says Keyon. "If you're not living life - getting beat up, getting your heart broken, winning, losing - what are you doing? What about your life can people learn from? If you don't put yourself in the ring sometimes, there won't be anything." On Foreverland, Keyon takes life's challenges head-on - and emerges, in both music and in life, with a renewed sense of purpose.

Review: D.I.R.T. stands for 'Da Incredible Rap Team' and it is a gritty masterpiece from Heltah Skeltah that epitomises hardcore East Coast rap. Released in 2008, this sophomore album from the Brooklyn duo should sit right up there with earlier peers like Jeru The Damaga such is its lyrical prowess and razor-sharp delivery over haunting production. Sean Price and Rock deliver relentless bars filled with streetwise wisdom and unapologetic bravado that paint vivid pictures of urban life. With guest appearances from fellow Boot Camp Clik members and production from renowned beatmakers like Marco Polo and 9th Wonder, D.I.R.T. is a relentless onslaught of raw lyricism and head-nodding beats.