Tony Bontana, the Birmingham rapper, producer and multi-instrumentalist, releases his 35th album My Name, which is also his first to receive a proper vinyl pressing. The album follows an impressive 2025 in which he performed with Nourished By Time, Mark William Lewis, YHWH Nailgun, TAGABOW and 454.

His earlier 2025 album The Beautiful Malaise made The Wire’s annual top 50, and he appeared as the sole feature on Nourished By Time’s album The Passionate Ones, where Marcus praised his “freewheeling spirit.”

Tony’s production work has appeared on records by Billy Woods, Cities Aviv and Novelist, with upcoming collaborations planned with Blackhaine and DJ Python. The single Battered Chips has received airplay from NTS, Esk on Rinse and Huw Stephens on 6 Music.

STAFF COMMENTS

Matt says: Tasty hip-hop nugget from Brum ripe with that warped and gurgling production, slightly benzo’d in parts but riotous in others and definitely delivered with a passion and authenticity that many in the game try to replicate.

TRACK LISTING

A1. My Name Feat Izzi Richards
A2. Soft Dreams
A3. John Osbourne
A4. Absolution
A5. Recoup Feat Leo Sierra
A6. Charge It
A7. Don’t Cost A Thing
B8. Wherever I Go
B9. Battered Chips
B10. Microplastic
B11. About Face
B12. Hype Williams & Holy Water Feat Leo Sierra
B13. Grief
B14. Step 5
B15. October Fallacy

"First & Last" is the debut outing of MC D alongside his partner in rhyme Audio MC. Fresh-faced schoolboy scions of Hijack, The Demon Boyz and Silver Bullet, and peers of the likes of Gunshot, Hardnoise and The Criminal Minds, the pair were taken under the wing of The Powerlords as part of the Powerpack Crew (alongside Construction and Trouble), and were given the moniker 2XDEF. Brought to the attention of South London’s fledgling dance label Mendoza Records by producer DJ Fusion, this release would mark the the beginning of a longterm creative partnership between him and MC D, with Mendoza label-mate CSP called in for remix duties. Gritty, explosive and raw, the record stalled at the white label stage with only a handful distributed to radio and club DJs, earning it the status of underground classic. "First & Last" became exactly that for the short-lived crew.

STAFF COMMENTS

Matt says: Street-ready and funkier than a mosquito's tweeter; never-before-released slice of first wave UK hip-hop. Somewhat of a holy grail and a massive b-boy breaker.

TRACK LISTING

1. First & Last (C.S.P. Remix)
2. First & Last (C.S.P. Instrumental)
3. First & Last (DJ Fusion Hip Hop Mix)

Sour Soul is the collaborative album from Toronto jazz/hip-hop band BADBADNOTGOOD and Staten Island rap champ Ghostface Killah. Inspired by 1960s and 70s music - taking inspiration from the recording techniques and production of that era, and eschewing sampling in favour of live instrumentation, BBNG with producer Frank Dukes have created a dramatic, cinematic musical staging for Ghostface’s vivid storytelling. Sour Soul also features guest spots from MF DOOM, Elzhi (Slum Village / J Dilla), Danny Brown and prodigal new rapper Tree (Project Mayhem).

TRACK LISTING

1. Mono
2. Sour Soul
3. Six Degrees (feat. Danny Brown)
4. Gunshowers (feat. Elzhi)
5. Stark's Reality
6. Tone's Rap
7. Mind Playing Tricks
8. Street Knowledge (feat. Tree)
9. Ray Gun (feat. DOOM)
10. Nuggets Of Wisdom
11. Food
12. Experience

2 more slices of Hip Hop & R&B mash-up gold on 45 via CC.

TRACK LISTING

A1. Fancy Bitch
B1. Simon's Eyes

The Scythe is a collective of rappers united around commonality in sound and skills as MCs, headed by ringleader Denzel Curry and including familiar collaborators A$AP Ferg, Tia Corine, Bktherula, & Key Nyata. Comprised of its five members and rooted within a budding scene of modern and cross generational hip-hop, The Scythe picks up the banded spirit of Denzel's foundational Raider Klan days while continuing his futuristic takes on old school regional rap (Memphis, Houston, Miami), heard most recently on King of the Mischievous South. Combining Denzel's energetic style with classically gritty, southern sounds, the project centers hip-hop's core across eras, paying homage yet ushering in a rising new guard. 

TRACK LISTING

1. THE SCYTHE Feat. TiaCorine, FERG (II)
2. LIT EFFECT Feat. Bktherula, LAZER DIM 700
3. PHONY Feat. Juicy J, Key Nyata, FERG (II)
4. MUTT THAT BIH Feat. 1900Rugrat, Key Nyata
5. HOOPTY Feat. TiaCorine, Smino
6. YOU AINT GOTTA LIE Feat. 454, Luh Tyler
7. TAN Feat. Bktherula, TiaCorine
8. UP Feat. Rich The Kid, FERG (II), SadBoi 

Two of the UK's finest party-starters, Dub Pistols and the Freestylers, team up on 'Enter The Sound' to bring you an album of high-grade & high-pressure, bass-heavy cuts.

Enter the party, Enter The Sound! The album is a sonic journey through their diverse influences, blending genres like Reggae, Ska, Breakbeat, Jungle, Hip Hop & Trip Hop. It's a celebration of their shared musical roots and evolution.

The album features an all- star lineup of guest artists, including Johnny Osbourne, Tippa Irie, General Levy, Too Many T's, Horseman, Belle Humble, Scarlett Quinn, Tenor Fly, MC Spyda, Persona, Harry Shotta and of course, Seanie T.

TRACK LISTING

1. Enter The Sound
2. Power & Sound Feat. Tippa Irie
3. Believe Me Now Feat. MC Spyda, Persona And Tenor Fly
4. Like We Feat. General Levy
5. Whiskey & Water Feat. Scarlett Quinn
6. Back On The Circuit Feat. Harry Shotta
7. Ska Train Feat. JA-13
8. Pull Up Feat. Horseman And Seanie T
9. Give You Love Feat. Belle Humble
10. All In Feat. Too Many T's
11. Put It On Feat. Seanie T
12. Hold Up Your Hands Feat. Jonny Osbourne

In a homecoming for the LA native, 2026 heralds Steven Ellison aka Flying Lotus’ debut release on his own label Brainfeeder – an explosive and utterly unique 7-track EP titled 'BIG MAMA' encompassing the boundary-exploding approach to music and storytelling that has cemented his status as one of the most influential and creative voices in modern experimental music.

A creative of many mediums, the GRAMMY-nominated FlyLo is just as likely to appear at Sundance with a film as he is to headline a music festival. Thanks to his passion for animation, experimental films, and the future, his visual output has been equally as expansive, provocative, and avant-garde as that of his genre-defying music.

TRACK LISTING

1. BIG MAMA
2. CAPTAIN KERNEL
3. ANTELOPE ONIGIRI
4. IN THE FOREST - DAY
5. BROBOBASHER
6. HORSE NUKE
7. PINK DREAM

In-demand Amsterdam-based duo Makèz step into new ground with the release of their album ‘Arriving Home Elsewhere’, via ANOTR’s No Art label. A kaleidoscopic project that moves between deep house, cosmic jazz, R&B, broken beat, and club-ready energy, the record is both a declaration of identity and a dissolution of boundaries - proof of the duo’s rare ability to merge worlds without diluting or compromising their true essence.

Where most albums that span electronic realms lean on functionality, ‘Arriving Home Elsewhere’ reaches for something much more expansive. The project is a true hybrid: half shaped for the intimacy of a headphone listen, half designed for the electricity of the dancefloor. together forming a seamless continuum between reflection and release. Tracks like ‘REARRANGE YOURSELF’, ‘BE REAL’, and ‘LOOKS LIKE IT (SPACE TALK)’ are stripped to the core of house music’s driving pulse, made for bigger systems and peak-time release. In contrast, ‘Dreams’, ‘Fruits of the Universe’ (with douniah), and ‘Without The Sun’ (with Oliver Night) explore lush, textured arrangements where live instrumentation and improvisation carry equal weight to rhythm and groove.

Collaboration is at the heart of the LP, with Makèz inviting a constellation of voices who each expand the project’s palette. Ben Westbeech, Liv East, and SANITY bring soulful intensity; 30/70 and dreamcastmoe connect Amsterdam to Melbourne and DC; Cor.Ece and Oliver Night weave delicate threads of emotion; Goya Gumbani and Javonntte guide the production with their vibey, groove-led performances; while Life on Planets reprises his role as a core creative partner, appearing across the album on tracks including the standout ‘BE REAL’ and the previously released ‘ILLUSIONS’ alongside rising Amsterdam talent AVA LAVÁ. Together, these contributions shape an album that feels less like a singular statement and more like a living, breathing ecosystem.

TRACK LISTING

A1. Intro + Dreams Feat. Liv East
A2. Fruits Of The Universe Feat. Douniah
A3. Define Us Feat. 30/70 & Dreamcastmoe
A4. High Feat. Cor.Ece
B1. Vibin Feat. Ben Westbeech & SANITY
B2. Without The Sun Feat. Oliver Night
B3. Bells
C1. REARRANGE YOURSELF Feat. Ben Westbeech & Obi Franky
C2. DOWNSTREAM With Life On Planets
C3. BE REAL Feat. Life On Planets
D1. LOOKS LIKE IT (SPACE TALK)
D2. ILLUSIONS (Midnight Dub) Feat. AVA LAVÁ & Life On Planets
D3. SIMULATE Feat. Goya Gumbani & Javonntte

"M.C.’s / How Many Miles?" is the follow-up solo single and arrival proper of MC D. With DJ Fusion once again handling production and scratch duties, this extended player is no less uncompromising than its predecessor. Benefitting a full release with the now iconic Mendoza green labels, it cemented the young MC in the annals of UK rap history. MC D (aka Darren James) cut one more record for Mendoza as part of his Silent Eclipse project before moving on to future collaborations with the likes of The Principle (Caveman), Deckwrecka, Rodney P and Skinnyman. M.C.’s/How Many Miles? is ranked amongst Mark McDonald’s Top 100 UK rap records in the essential Megablast book published in 2024.

STAFF COMMENTS

Matt says: Another slice of crucial, deep buried UK rap unearthed by the intrepid ears at Fundamental Frequencies. Raw as a bear's arse and full of attitude. They certainly don't make em like this anymore.

TRACK LISTING

1. M.C.'s
2. How Many Miles? Cut 2
3. How Many Miles ? Cut 1
4. How Many Miles? Cut 1 (Instrumental)

MF DOOM is the man in the iron mask. The most mysterious figure in hip-hop has also become one of the most popular, supplying beats and rhymes for Gorillaz, De La Soul, Madlib, Danger Mouse, and Wu-Tang Clan, and drawing praise from heavyweights like Just Blaze, Nas, and Mos Def. Since 2002, DOOM has released numerous volumes of 'Special Herbs', one of the longest-running instrumental series in hip-hop history. Now, the first two volumes in the acclaimed series are available on vinyl for the first time in years. With obscure loops and dusty samples galore, 'Special Herbs Vol. 1 & 2' is a must-have for any DOOM fan or hip-hop head. Also includes a limited-edition bonus 7”, featuring two beats from DOOM’s days as a member of 90s hip-hop trio KMD.

TRACK LISTING

1. Saffron
2. Arrow Root
3. Zatar
4. Fenugreek
5. Sumac Berries
6. Coriander
7. Shallots
8. Charnuska
9. Monosodium Glutamate
10. Red #40
11. Nettle Leaves
12. Mullein
13. Mugwort
14. All Spice
15. Lovage
16. Eucalyptus
17. Myrrh

“My auntie asked me what’s my path?” spits Lord Jah-Monte Ogbon on his debut from the celebrated Lex Records. The lyric relatably references the crossroads he’s at in his current life, especially as someone right on the cusp of rap stardom. “Recently I’ve been thinking more and more about what comes next in my life,” the artist reveals.

It’s fair to say Ogbon’s Lex LP features less of the shit-talking court jester of old. Instead, there’s more of an imperfect man re-examining past mistakes so he can avoid any future forks in the road. There’s a particular focus on over coming heartbreak, inspiring Ogbon to admit he’s haunted by an ex so badly he now needs to call up the Ghostbusters for assistance.

Since emerging in the late 2010s, Lord Jah-Monte Ogbon has consistently lit up America’s underground rap scene and this is thanks to a refreshingly honest writing style. Amid the exquisitely wavy strings of 2021’s 'The Missing Link / The Sneaky Link', for example, he rapped: “Everyone thinks they’re play er, until their bitch doesn’t come home.” Biting and snappy, the nasally vocals carry the playful verve of comedian Richard Pryor bravely excavating personal Demons to solicit giggles.

All this brash, wry Redman-inspired storytelling continues on the new project. Its first single is titled 'I’m Signed to Lex, Now I’m Up' – a name that mirrors what a big moment releasing a project on the label that once housed MF DOOM represents for Lord Jah-Monte Ogbon’s legacy. “I’m really driven by being able to level up and give my family more financial freedom,” he hopes.
And, if auntie asked what his path was right now, what exactly would the rap per say? Lord Jah-Monte Ogbon concludes: “Auntie: this rapping thing feels like it’s finally about to pay off!”

TRACK LISTING

1. I’m Signed To Lex Now I’m Up
2. You Know My Love Language Right?
3. Flewed Out, All Expenses Is Paid For
4. Tia Mowry (The Rich TT)
5. Butter Leather Weather
6. Drunk Nights In Edgewood (IMYSM)
7. 360 Photo Booth
8. I’m Getting Too Famous (This Time Last Year)
9. Okay, I Know Who My Twin Flame Is
10. Bedford Avenue (Skit)
11. So You Really Don’t Miss Me?
12. Let Me Reflect / Uber From O’Hare
13. Texting This Fine Shit For A Month
14. Instagram Highlights
15. Nah, You’re Mad Extra
16. King Of Charlotte (I Feel Like Trolling)
17. Lord Jah-Monte’s #1 Supporter (Skit)

Two Piers release the second in their ‘Presents’ compilation series with Steve Mason (Beta Band, King Biscuit Time) stepping up to the curation table to deliver a stunning compilation of tracks entitled ‘The Romance of Unknowing’.

Steve Mason presents: The Romance of Unknowing takes in influences from Northern Soul, Punk, Folk, Hip-Hop, Soul and Post-Punk, spanning tracks from 1965 to 2005.

“There was a club in Dunfermline (Fife) called The Kronk and the DJ there, called Lel Palfrey would play incredible sets going from House into Hip Hop into Reggae and back into House. Occasionally ending with Booker T’s Green Onions. As someone with wildly eclectic music taste who had been a Mod, Lel helped sure up my opinion that there should be no boundaries in music. It’s just a line of Human expression that stretches back into our past and will continue. Forever. Open your arms and come with me.” - Steve Mason 2025

Scottish singer, songwriter, and producer Steve Mason rose to widespread critical acclaim in the late ‘90s as a member of the Beta Band, with their creative approach and maverick attitude, the Beta Band earned a glowing reputation among fans and the UK press during the post-Brit-Pop era, thanks to releases like 1998’s ’The Three EP’s’ and 2001’s ‘Hot Shot’s II’. During the Beta Band’s heyday and following their 2004 breakup, Mason also recorded as King Biscuit Time and has since had a very successful solo career, releasing numerous critically acclaimed albums, including his most recent 2023 album ‘Brothers & Sisters’. In 2025 the Beta Band reformed to play a bunch of Sold Out Live shows across the world.

Steve Mason presents: The Romance of Unknowing follows the release of Richard Norris Presents: Weird Scenes from the Hangout in 2024 on Two Piers, the label that have released such critically acclaimed Compilations as Pop Psychédélique (The Best of French Psychedelic Pop 1964-2019), Strobes in Space (Indie Sleaze, Nu Rave & Future Disco 2000-2009), Night Train (Transcontinental Landscapes 1968-2019) and Soul Psychédélique (The Sounds of Psychedelic Soul & Funk 1967-2024).

TRACK LISTING

2LP tracklisting:
Side 1
A1. Fête - Roland Bocquet
A2. I Think It’s Time (You Were Mine) - Alice Swoboda
A3. Lay This Burden Down - Mary Love
A4. What You See Is What You Get - Stoney And Meatloaf
A5. Left Over People - Alan Price
A6. Never Get Ahead - Bobby Conn
A7. Terminal Stupid – The Snivelling Shits
A8. A Glass Of Champagne – Sailor
Side 2
B1. I See Stars – Supersempfft
B2. I Dig You- Demis Roussos
B3. YaYa (Nelue Rework Mutant Disco Edit) - Ron Rogers
B4. Slippery People (Club Version) – The Staple Singers
B5. Love Is A Serious Business - Alfie Davison
Side 3
C1. Happy (Is My Life) - Andre Willliams / Velvet Hammer
C2. My Little Girl - Bobby Garrett
C3. Waiting For A Train - Flash And The Pan
C4. Flame (Chicken Lips Version) - Bell X1
C5. Release Yo’Delf (Prodigy Remix) - Method Man
Side 4
D1. Hateful - Aaron Carl
D2. Rose Rouge - St. Germain
D3. Imperfect List Pt.1 - Big Hard Excellent Fish
D4. Nothing - Rene Halkett / David Jay

2CD Tracklisting:
CD1
1. Fête - Roland Bocquet
2. I Think It’s Time (You Were Mine) - Alice Swoboda
3. Lay This Burden Down - Mary Love
4. What You See Is What You Get - Stoney And Meatloaf
5. Left Over People - Alan Price
6. Never Get Ahead - Bobby Conn
7. Terminal Stupid – The Snivelling Shits
8. A Glass Of Champagne – Sailor
9. I See Stars – Supersempfft
10. I Dig You- Demis Roussos
11. YaYa (Nelue Rework Mutant Disco Edit) - Ron Rogers
12. Slippery People (Club Version) – The Staple Singers
13. Love Is A Serious Business - Alfie Davison
CD2
1. Happy (Is My Life) - Andre Willliams / Velvet Hammer
2. My Little Girl - Bobby Garrett
3. Waiting For A Train - Flash And The Pan
4. Flame (Chicken Lips Version) - Bell X1
5. Release Yo’Delf (Prodigy Remix) - Method Man
6. Hateful - Aaron Carl
7. Rose Rouge - St. Germain
8. Imperfect List Pt.1 - Big Hard Excellent Fish
9. Nothing - Rene Halkett / David Jay