Bringing you a pick of the month’s best releases, Maria Hanlon presents 10 tunes that hit her decks – and got a reload – in November. Starring Reek0, Capo Lee, IZCO, Jordan Rakei, Jalen Ngonda, Yiigaa, DEJA, Nubiyan Twist, Eniola, Ezra Collective, Baobei, Mom Tudie, Tia Gordon, Nia Smith & Danny Sanchez…
Reek0
Bulldog
Reek0
For fans of… IZCO, Brighter Days Family, FELIXCW
Why listen… ‘Bulldog’ blends Reek0’s effortless versatility with rich, atmospheric production that creates a vibe you can sink into.
North London’s Reek0 continues to shine with his latest release, ‘Bulldog’. The captivating single highlights his versatility, making his craft appear effortless – even though it’s anything but. Produced by DONSURF, the track blends crisp percussion with delicate piano and understated bass. Accompanied by striking visuals, ‘Bulldog’ also forms part of his new album, Dance Tapes. Speaking about the album Reek0 says on socials: “I wanted to show my trials and tribulations and personal growth lyrically as well as being able to dance, footwork, shoulders and feel happy with the beats I made.”
Capo Lee, IZCO
Friends + Culture
Rinse
For fans of… p-rallel, Big Zuu, Sir Spyro
Why listen… Two of London’s most exciting talents link up for the infectious ‘Friends + Culture’.
Hackney Garage prodigy IZCO and North London’s finest Capo Lee join forces for ‘Friends + Culture’ on Rinse. Rooted firmly in the London sound, the track fuses IZCO’s smooth, melodic production with Capo Lee’s calm, skippy flow. The result is a soulful evolution of grime and garage. Speaking on socials, Capo Lee says “You know everytime me and IZCO link up we don’t miss…” – I strongly agree.
Jordan Rakei, Jalen Ngonda
What It Gave Me
A Fontana Records Recording
For fans of… Tom Misch, SAULT, Durand Jones & The Indications
Why listen… This timeless track blends two stand out voices that you need to hear.
‘What It Gave Me’ emerges from Jordan Rakei’s 18-month stint as artist-in-residence at Abbey Road Studios. Making full use of the iconic space, he spent his time developing a wave of new ideas and collaborations. One of those sessions became ‘What It Gave Me’, crafted alongside Jalen Ngonda – the American-born soul talent at the forefront of modern soul today. Together, they deliver a track that blends their distinct musical worlds into something warm, rich, and timeless.
Yiigaa, DEJA
Now I Feel It
Yiigaa & Supernature
For fans of… Kali Claire, Safiyyah, Nia Smith
Why listen… This vibrant late night tune comes from the incredibly talented collaboration of Yiigaa and DEJA.
Yiigaa and DEJA come together on ‘Now I Feel It’ a vibrant, emotionally charged anthem that radiates warmth and self-assurance. Blending both of their vocals beautifully, the track embodies a sense of release and realisation. Backed by shimmering production and a subtly dance-leaning groove, ‘Now I Feel It’ was produced by longtime collaborators J.Ar.J and Karen Nyame KG. The track forms part of Yiigaa’s ‘Kindred’ EP which she’ll be performing live at her sold out headline show at Amazing Grace next month.
Nubiyan Twist, Eniola
Azimuth
Strut Records
For fans of… Kokoroko, Ezra Collective, Tanhai Collective
Why listen… This bright and beautiful track needs to be on your playlist.
Nubiyan Twist return with ‘Chasing Shadows’, a record that brings back the pulse, warmth and spontaneity of real human connection. Their fifth studio album is a rich, free-flowing fusion of jazz, afrobeat, hip hop and electronic textures, delving into the space where organic musicianship meets digital influence. ‘Azimuth’ is the first chance to hear new vocalist Eniola do her thing. Speaking about the track the band say on socials, “The song is about the turbulence of saying the wrong thing, losing our way in the rush of life and summoning the courage to realign with our true path.”
Ezra Collective
Joy To The World
Partisan Records
For fans of… Yazmin Lacey, Yussef Dayes, SAULT
Why listen… If you weren’t feeling festive yet, Ezra Collective’s latest release will do the trick.
Ezra Collective are bringing festive cheer with three Christmas covers, all reimagined through their signature UK jazz lens. Taking on ‘Joy To The World’, ‘Hark The Herald Angels Sing’ and ‘God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen’, the five-piece band breathe new life into these classics, blending vibrant rhythms, rich melodies and their unmistakable sound. It’s a joyful, soulful spin on tradition – perfect for this time of year.
Baobei
Morning
Hotpot Records
For fans of… DRIIA, Lucy Tun, Pretty Girl
Why listen… Baobei has crafted a relatable bop that’s impossible not to have on repeat.
Baobei is the moniker of London-born, British-Chinese producer, DJ and songwriter Lila Yin. Blending next-gen UKG and house with pure pop sensibilities, her sound thrives in the push and pull of duality – light and dark, soft and sharp, playful and vulnerable. Her latest track ‘Morning’ is a little ode to the chaotic morning after a night out, sprinting through the streets hungover, stressed, and craving nothing more than the comfort of home. It’s raw, relatable and super catchy.
Mom Tudie, Tia Gordon
Under Attack
Lordship Loft Recordings
For fans of… edbl, Tom Misch, Quinn Oulton
Why listen… ‘Under Attack’ mixes hypnotic beats and soulful vocals into a powerful, immersive track you won’t forget.
Mom Tudie and Tia Gordon team up on ‘Under Attack’, a track that blends the producer’s genre-fusing beats with Tia Gordon’s soulful, vulnerable vocals. The song navigates tension and resilience, layering rich textures of electronic, hip hop, and jazz-influenced sounds to create a track you’ll want to keep returning to. ‘Under Attack’ is on Mom Tudie’s latest album, ‘As The Crows’ which he’ll be performing at his headline show The Jazz Cafe in Camden.
Nia Smith
Limit
0207 Records
For fans of… Jaz Karis, Mahalia, Tia Gordon
Why listen… The UK Soul talent continues to push boundaries with ‘Limit’.
Nia Smith returns with her new single ‘Limit’, delivering a powerful blend of emotive vocals and sleek, contemporary production. The track incorporates a pitched-up James Blake sample of Feist’s ‘Limit To Your Love’, while showcasing Nia’s ability to fuse heartfelt lyricism with fresh sounds. Speaking about the song, she explains, “Limit is a song for the people who’ve had enough and have come to terms with letting go.” The track further solidifies Nia’s place at the forefront of the modern music scene, pushing it in an exciting new direction.
Danny Sanchez
Night Bus
Music Group
For fans of… Bawo, Frankie Stew & Harvey Gunn, MANIK MC
Why listen… Danny Sanchez is keeping it consistent with another fresh release.
Danny Sanchez returns with his new single ‘Night Bus’, delivering a late-night journey filled with smooth grooves and emotive textures. The track blends his signature atmospheric production with introspective melodies, capturing the quiet, reflective moments of life on the move. With its immersive soundscape and thoughtful storytelling, the track cements Danny Sanchez’s reputation for creating relatable music while pushing modern electronic and soulful sounds forward.
Words: Maria Hanlon @mariahanlon.
Listen to The Voices Breakfast Show with Maria Hanlon every Friday 9-11am on voicesradio.co.uk.
