Bringing you a pick of the month’s best releases, Jojo Jones and Maria Hanlon present 10 tunes that have hit their decks – and got a reload – in July. Starring Loyle Carner, Lil Silva, Mr Jukes & Barney Artist, Ojerime, George Riley, Akemi Foxx, Burna Boy & J Hus, Camilla George, Melle Brown & MELONYX…
Loyle Carner
Hate
EMI Records
For fans of… Barney Artist, Kofi Stone, Tom Misch
Why listen… Loyle Carner is back after a two year break with a bold and brave sound in fiery new single ‘Hate’.
Produced by Kwes., Earl Saga and Nick Mills, ‘Hate’ is a reflection of Loyle Carner’s thoughts and feelings that have been bubbling away beneath the surface. It’s Carner’s first release since his 2019 album, ‘Not Waving, But Drowning’ and was definitely worth the wait. His new sound is fresh and unique whilst still maintaining his essence that we all adore. Speaking about the track LC said it’s “One of the few songs made from a hateful place. I was angry at the world, frightened and overwhelmed.” ‘Hate’ is different to anything Carner’s done before, and an exciting taster of what’s to come this year from one of the UK’s most beloved artists. (MH)
Lil Silva
To the Floor ft BADBADNOTGOOD
Nowhere Music LTD
For Fans of… BADBADNOTGOOD, Blood Orange, Daniel Caesar
Why Listen… the lead single from genre ascending London star Lil Silva brings energy.
Lil Silva (who hails from Bedford, UK), has teased us with singles and EPs for years, and finally a full length album has dropped. And believe me, it is worth the wait. This single stands out from the pack as a groovy, funky instrumental led tune, featuring the Toronto jazz-funk band BADBADNOTGOOD. Opening with a bare bass line that would make Nile Rodgers proud. This track builds into a masterpiece that feels new wave with its synthy ethereal vocal loops, whilst maintaining a classic, timeless feel. (JJ)
Mr Jukes & Barney Artist
Air To Your Hidden Lung
Locket Records
For fans of… Yussef Dayes, Loyle Carner, MANIK MC
Why listen… Everyone’s favourite dynamic duo are back with big, bass heavy track, ‘Air To Your Hidden Lung’.
Dream team Mr Jukes & Barney Artist give us their second release this year following ‘93’ which came out in May. ‘Air To Your Hidden Lung’ showcases a darker side that we haven’t seen before through thought provoking lyrics and a heavy bass line. Mr Jukes said: “’Air To Your Hidden Lung’ is our tribute to the darker side of 90s hip-hop – think Wu-Tang Clan and Mobb Deep. It’s a bass-heavy song to play very loud and wear out your neck muscles.” The pair will be touring again in September with hopefully more music on its way too. (MH)
Ojerime
Nothing
NEVER SEVEN
For Fans of… Brandy, Jorja Smith, Kelela
Why Listen… A throwback to 90’s R&B with an addictive bass & kick drum
It may be hot girl summer, but Ojerime is still most definitely in her feels. And this song is so good, I can’t help but join her. A south London export, Ojerime has impressed again and again with her mix of old school style R&B, with a fresh electronic spin on it. This track follows her trade mark sound of reverberating vocals, led by an echoing guitar riff that could soundtrack any love-induced dizzy spell. (JJ)
George Riley
Time
PLZ Make It Ruins
For fans of… Amber Mark, TYSON, Erika de Casier
Why listen… George Riley is becoming one of the most exciting artists in the UK music scene right now, and new single ‘Time’ is proof of why.
‘Time’ is the latest release in a fast stream of work from George Riley. Earlier this year her tracks ‘Jealousy’ and ‘Sacrifice’ landed to critical acclaim, building on the momentum of last year’s ‘interest rates, a tape’ and her appearance on Anz’s Ninja Tune anthem, ‘You Could Be’. Riley’s new project ‘Running In Waves’ is due to be released on 9th September via PLZ Make It Ruins, with Riley working with Frank Ocean and Kali Uchis collaborator Vegyn again. It goes without saying, we can’t wait for what’s next from George Riley. (MH)
Akemi Foxx
I Want It ft July 7
NQ Records
For fans of… Joy Crookes, Mahalia, Pip Millet
Why listen… Manchester’s best R&B export delivers another stellar single.
A surprisingly effervescent track from the Lemon Tea singer has arrived just in time for summer. A regular of R&B and neo-soul, this afrobeats inspired production will have you two-stepping and head-bopping. Fox’s vocals stand out as they have always done, with runs and melodies that can only make you feel warm inside. With a message as clear and simple as wanting to stay all night with your lover, as the chorus tells us, this happy tune is sure to soundtrack many first loves. (JJ)
Burna Boy, J Hus
Cloak & Dagger
Spaceship/Bad Habit/Atlantic Records
For fans of… Juls, WizKid, MoStack
Why listen… We all know when these two get together, magic is created and their latest collaboration ‘Cloak & Dagger’ is no different.
The perfect pair reconnect for ‘Cloak & Dagger’ a single from Burna Boy’s sixth album ‘Love, Damini’. ‘Cloak & Dagger’ is a celebratory track for Burna Boy and J Hus as they reflect on their rise to the top without compromising their character(s). The album is Burna Boy’s most personal project to date and invites the listeners in across a hefty 19 tracks. Playing to the strength of all his features on the album, Burna Boy holds down the hooks in ‘Cloak & Dagger’ whilst J Hus does the rest, creating a stunning stand-out track. (MH)
Camilla George
Abasi Isang
Ever Records/ !K7 Music
For fans of… Kokoroko, Nubya Garcia, Jordan Rakei
Why listen… A strong jazzy joint that is sure to put a smile on your face.
London jazz saxophonist Camilla George teases her up-coming album with a shoulder swivelling instrumental tune Abasi Isang (God of Earth). Joined by a whole cohort of London’s up & coming jazz scene on this one, this song swings and grooves, held down by a saxophone melody that I know will be happily stuck in my head for a long time, With harmonies, melodies and guitar riffs worthy of the Royal Albert Hall, George has to be one to watch. (JJ)
Melle Brown
One More Chance
&Friends
For fans of… ANZ, TSHA, Eliza Rose
Why listen… Rising star Producer Melle Brown continues to make waves with summer banger ‘One More Chance’.
Producer, DJ and radio host, Melle Brown, releases ‘One More Chance’ via Monki’s &Friends label. Her new tune is a glimmering track following the brilliant ‘Feel About You’ with Annie Mac. ‘One More Chance’ provides a house-tinged groove, with a hearty dose of soul added into the mix. Brown shared: “One More Chance is my favourite blend of deep & soulful house music… The twinkly piano notes remind me of raindrops or sunlight beams and the bass brings you right back to the dance floor.” We know this one will be your new summer dance anthem! (MH)
MELONYX
Ujjayii
Tru Thoughts
For Fans Of… Poppy Ajudah, NAO, Mabel
Why listen… Groovy, soothing and layered vocals straight outta Nottingham.
MELONYX met in Nottingham as teenagers, and have been releasing tantalising tunes since 2021 with their outstanding EP, Black Elixir. With a mix of hip hop and neo-soul influences throughout their work, this track leans into a more chilled, R&B tempo with Ibiza vibes for good measure. With lyrics evoking meditation and self care, this track is named after a style of yoga breath. It truly is a self-care summer and MELONYX can definitely get you there. (JJ)
Words by Maria Hanlon (MH) Listen to @mariahanlon Maria Meets on the 2nd and 4th Friday of the month 3-5pm on voicesradio.co.uk
Words by Jojo Jones (JJ) Listen to Jojo Jones on the first Wednesday of the month 1-2pm voicesradio.co.uk @jojo_j0nes
