Jean Grae & Quelle Chris – Everything’s Fine
Jean Grae and Quelle Chris’ Everything’s Fine provides a dystopian view of what it means to be ‘fine’ today. It is a charismatic, idiosyncratic and an intelligently crafted project that combines the talents of two of the most unique and underrated emcees in recent years. Amazing project! REVIEW/STREAM
Blue Lab Beats – Xover
NK-OK and Mr DM really exceed all expectations on their debut album, crafting and curating the perfect soundtrack for the music scene in London. Soulful, jazzy and contemporary in sound, this album ticks all the right boxes. The experimental and often improvisational tone of the album through incredible instrumental jams makes it a memorable experience. Xover by Blue Lab Beats is an incredible audible experience that had had me go back to it time and time again this year. REVIEW/STREAM
Maisha- There Is a Place
Maisha really excel on their debut album There Is a Place, bringing an addictive amount of fire and energy that transcends music. A truly original and spiritual release that is another stellar addition to the London jazz discography that just keeps growing and blossoming into something remarkable. A definite highlight for me this year. REVIEW/STREAM
Makaya McCraven – Where We Come From (CHICAGOxLONDON Mixtape)
Makaya McCraven’s excellent ‘mixtape’ Where We Come From (CHICAGOxLONDON Mixtape) is a sublime body of work, collaborating with some of the most talented musicians from London. Combining heavy, hip-hop inspired production and elements of Chicago Footwork with the dense and spiritual side to the booming London jazz scene, this transatlantic collaboration was a really special moment this year. REVIEW/STREAM
Flamingosis – Flight Fantastic
New Jersey based producer Flamingosis came through with the album of the summer. Flight Fantastic contains some of the most colourful and funky rhythms you’ll hear on a record in a while. The energy he emanates through his music is just infectious. An outstanding body of work I play to this day. REVIEW/STREAM
And there we have it, 20 albums that defined the year for me. 2018 was exceptional musically, and I’ve never felt more connected to the scene in London and beyond than I do today. Thank you to everyone who has supported my journey these last few years, I really do it for the love of the music, nothing else really. If you have any additions, please let me know as I’d love to learn about new sounds I may have missed this year. Much love to everyone! X
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