Bringing you a pick of the month’s best releases, Maria Hanlon presents 10 tunes that hit her decks – and got a reload – in July. Starring Yazmin Lacey, Kokoroko, Jimpster, Ash Lauryn, Exp., Meron T, Jaydonclover, BINA., GINGE, Monét, Ruby Francis, Josie Man, Nectar Woode, Wilfy D, Kadeem Tyrell, Crate Classics & Mighty Moe…
Yazmin Lacey
Two Steps
AMF Records
For fans of… SAULT, Ego Ella May, Kokoroko
Why listen… Yazmin Lacey returns with the feisty and fierce ‘Two Steps’.
East London’s Yazmin Lacey has shared her unapologetic new track, ‘Two Steps’. Speaking about the inspiration behind the track Yazmin says, “It came from frustration from being treated like an option instead of a priority, from letting too much slide, for too long. Women aren’t often given the space to express anger without being labelled, so I gave mine a home here.” ‘Two Steps’ follows her previous release, ‘Ain’t I Good For You’, and will feature on her upcoming album, Teal Dreams, set for release on October 24th.
Kokoroko
Da Du Dah
Brownswood Recordings
For fans of… Ezra Collective, Nubiyan Twist, Yussef Dayes
Why listen… Kokoroko have been setting the tone for our summer with their sun-soaked album ‘Tuff Times Never Last’.
Kokoroko is an eight-piece London-based Afrobeat collective, celebrated for their vibrant fusion of jazz, highlife, and funk. ‘Da Du Dah’ is a stunning track from their new album ‘Tuff Times Never Last’ which came out on July 11th. Reflecting on the album, Kokoroko say “This album process has been very special – we’ve had so much love and so many great moments with everyone around us. It’s been almost 3 years, we’re very excited to finally have it out – hope it brings you some of the joy it’s already brought us!”
Jimpster, Ash Lauryn
Feel Me
Freerange Records
For fans of… Atjazz, Onsunlade, Cody Currie
Why listen… This one from Jimpster and Ash Lauryn is made for the late night dance floors.
Renowned UK producer and Freerange co-founder, Jimpster returns to the spotlight with a new five-track EP that taps into the raw, emotional heart of underground house. On ‘Feel Me’, he delivers a rolling groove driven by punchy drums, shuffling percussion, and a soulful energy that feels both timeless and forward-thinking. Ash Lauryn’s smooth vocals add a seductive edge, elevating the track’s late-night vibe. With this release, Jimpster once again proves his ability to honour house music’s roots while pushing its boundaries.
Exp., Meron T, Jaydonclover, BINA., GINGE, Monét
Don’t You Forget
Exp. Share Records
For fans of… IYAMAH, Lex Amor, Ruby Francis
Why listen… Meron T, Exp., Jaydonclover, BINA., GINGE, and Monét come together for the sultry gem ‘Don’t You Forget.’
‘Don’t You Forget’ is a seamless track featuring rising talents Meron T, Jaydonclover, BINA., GINGE, and Monét. The song blends five unique voices into one smooth, cohesive sound. Born out of a writing camp in the South of France, the result is a confident, seductive, and effortlessly cool cut that demands attention from the first note. Speaking about the track Meron T says on socials, “This one’s a sexy summer anthem, made with a bunch of beautiful talented ladies.”
Ruby Francis
Pages of Philosophy
Ruby’s Bedroom Records
For fans of… Sipprell, Nyah Grace, Saïna
Why listen… Ruby Francis returns with ‘Pages of Philosophy,’ delving deep into the early stages of love.
North-London’s Ruby Francis continues to make waves with her new album, Pages of Philosophy. Ruby is known for her boundary-pushing blend of 2000s R&B, neo-soul, and jazz, and she continues to evolve artistically with this captivating project. The title track ‘Pages of Philosophy’ is a stunning soulful track that explores the early stages of being in love. Speaking about the project Ruby shares, “I really had to embrace my darker parts of myself and “go to tea with my demons”. It’s only when you bring the darkness to the light that things aren’t so scary anymore.”
Josie Man
Pretty Girls
Josie Man
For fans of… Biig Piig, Lucy Tun, Yiigaa
Why listen… Josie Man continues to challenge beauty standards through her powerful and inspiring music.
Josie Man’s new single ‘Pretty Girls’ is a heartfelt track that challenges traditional beauty standards and celebrates self-acceptance. With her signature blend of dreamy pop and honest lyricism, Josie empowers listeners to embrace their individuality and redefine what it means to feel beautiful. Josie shares on her socials, “I only hope for this song to remind you how beautiful you are (always have and will be). The internet is a breeding ground for comparison so go easy on the doomscroll (I need to too).”
Nectar Woode
Light as a feather
Since 93
For fans of… MRCY, JONES, Yazmin Lacey
Why listen… Nectar Woode continues to bring her signature soulful, genre-blending sound with ‘Light as a feather’.
Nectar Woode’s new track ‘Light as a feather’ is a warm, soulful release taken from her album, it’s like I never left, which came out on July 18th. The track blends smooth vocals with laid-back grooves, the song floats effortlessly between neo-soul and jazz-influenced pop. Speaking about her album Nectar says, “I hope this project makes you feel like you can be accepted anywhere & that your community can carry you through anything because this is how I felt after my writing process, my journey back & coming home again.”
Wilfy D, Kadeem Tyrell
Cool It Down
Second Phase Records
For fans of… Douvelle19, p-rallel, Brighter Days Family
Why listen… This beauty from Wilfy D and Kadeem Tyrell deserves a spot on your playlist.
Wilfy D and Kadeem Tyrell have linked up to create ‘Cool It Down’, a smooth, UKG-infused slow jam that blends slick production with soulful vocals. Wilfy D brings his signature garage bounce, layering warm chords and perfect percussion, while Kadeem Tyrell’s silky voice glides effortlessly over the beat, adding a touch of R&B elegance. It’s the perfect laid-back late night anthem, highlighting the incredible talent of both artists.
Crate Classics, Mighty Moe
Heartful
Crate Classics
For fans of… The Streets, Pinty, Faithless
Why listen… This standout track brilliantly fuses UK garage, soulful melodies, and a wave of nostalgic energy.
Crate Classics are a forward thinking UK production duo made up of Jamie Rodigan and Aaron Horn. Their latest release, ‘Heartful’, sees them team up with Mighty Moe (Heartless Crew) to create an uplifting anthem that nods to classic garage roots while keeping things fresh and current. Speaking about the track, Mighty Moe says, “I’m honoured to share this piece of music as a part of this journey and I look forward to sharing more of the music that Crate Classics and myself have collaborated on…”
Words: Maria Hanlon @mariahanlon. Listen to The Voices Breakfast Show with Maria Hanlon every Friday 9-11am on voicesradio.co.uk.
