selects 2023

Having recently released his eagerly anticipated joint EP ‘IF I COULDN’T RAP, I WOULDN’T RAP’ with cousin and fellow rapper Jordy.

ELT Cheekz has secured Spotify’s support on New Music Friday with his latest solo single ‘Estates’; the video premiered on GRM Daily and received support across BBC 1Xtra.

EL Cheekz has already left his mark on the UK rap scene and beyond and is set for an exciting year ahead

19-year-old soulful singer-songwriter Jada was born in Barbados and raised in Antigua and Barbuda before landing on English shores a year ago to pave her way in music. Jada is carving out her sound, inspired by her multicultural Caribbean upbringing and unexpected life experiences.

At age seven, she started singing and writing her own songs and wrote ‘Bygones’ at just 15. She was influenced by artists such as Amy Winehouse, Nina Simone, Boogie, Adele, Koffee and Ani Lennox

JERUB is a singer-songwriter from Nottingham whose and finalist in 2021’s BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge and BBC Music Introducing collaborative talent search, standing out from over 10,000 entries.

JERUB released his debut EP “Feel It” last December and continues to make an impact with his beautifully pensive style. Drawing upon various influences across Gospel, Pop, Soul and Indie. His authentic storytelling is deeply inspired by the realities of life, exploring themes of loss, reflection and hope. His music is touching and can stop listeners in their tracks and provide real solace. The artist has also seen support from BBC Music Introducing, Radio 1 and 6 Music.

JERUB will be back with the release of his first single, “Cold”, on 3rd February, followed by two subsequent singles before returning with a new project, an EP, in May 2023.

Kali Claire is a UK singer, songwriter, and producer who has just released the video to her latest single, "Real Man". She released her third project EP, “A Man’s World”, in 2021, which featured the tracks “Temporary Feels”, “Bad Habits”, “Wild”, and “Disrespekt”. Fans heard the project live for the first time in December when Kali played her debut headline show at ‘The Grace’ in North London.

In addition to her music, she co-wrote the track “Wasted Energy” on Alicia Keys’ 2020 album ‘Alicia’. Kali has also worked with the likes of Swag Did It, Not3s, Mabel, M1, and DA. Got That Dope, Legendary Beatz, Yakob, SINGWAD, Swag Did It, Aleep Henry, Gigi Warner, P2j, Fwd/, Jwarner, AriPen Smith, Avb, Arrow Benjamin, Venna, Major Leagues DJ, Ayra Starr, Omar Walker, EY Producer, Jrobb, Ebeneezer, Jin Jin (Jin Sing), Na Na Rouges, Beats By Elevated, Dj Spinal, Daecolm and Ayo The Producer.

Born and raised in London, of Algerian, Sudanese and Turkish descent, Kehina is truly a child of the world. She uses these influences to break through musical borders and genres and define new ones on her terms.

Growing up, music was always playing, so much so that her first words were her first notes. Her love of R&B and Soul was passed down to her by her father through artists like Lauryn Hill, Marvin Gaye, Corinne Bailey Rae and Gil Scott-Heron. On her mother’s side, a taste for Blues and 70’s French pop by artists such as Francoise Hardy and Joe Dassin was equally instilled. This eclectic musical upbringing carved out Kehina’s unique sound.

Knox38 started out freestyling over drill beats and old-school R&B tunes and now makes music designed to get parties started. Having previously released his popular single “Ooh NaNa” on UK Legend Donae’o’s ‘Movin Anti’ label, Knox38 already has the support from some of the scene’s most prominent talent. Just at the start of his career, with three releases under his belt, Knox38 has built an impressive foundation, supported by GRM Daily and with so much more to come.

Motto Estate is a musical collective making an undeniable mark on the underground scene, with all seven members from different corners of the country. They each boast different styles, influences, flows and creative disciplines whilst maintaining a coherent sound.

From bringing the rawest energy at live shows to the most honest introspective expression through their bars, these boys are the truth, and they’re just getting started. Having done shows up and down England and growing its following, the movement has gathered momentum and is now on the verge of reaching 10,000 monthly listeners. A small milestone for some but for the MOTTO boys, it’s a sign that big things are ahead

UK Afro Drill brings forward South London-based artist Omo Frenchie.

Born in Congo before moving to London at a young age, Omo Frenchie flexes his musical versatility by fluctuating between Dancehall, Afro Pop, Afro Drill and more. He is also a writer and producer, which shows his dedication to his craft. Celebrating his culture through his music, he infuses his Congolese and French heritage with his sound.

Raised in North West London, singer-songwriter Paige Lihya is a part of a new wave of UK R&B artists whose sweet melodies, vivid lyrics and dreamy harmonies drag you into her world. Paige pens silky R&B songs inspired by relationships with friends, family and love interests.

Influenced by music from a young age, Paige gravitated towards legends such as Destiny’s Child, Brandy and Aaliyah, who set her on her musical journey

Hailing from Hertfordshire, rapper WESLIE stormed unapologetically into the Hip-Hop arena with his debut EP ‘Rascals and Reprobates’ in early 2021. His unparalleled sound and style demonstrate a unique blend of malicious content and self-reflective sensitivity.

Driven by Jazz melodies and with the razor-sharp flow, his writing offers potent and poignant reflections on personal experiences with love, violence, substance abuse, and several other unsavoury yet salient themes.

His sophomore release, ‘The Malicious Manifestos of a Mindless Moron’, has only surpassed his initial debut, with a pronounced evolution in lyricism and technical capabilities. The complexity and craftsmanship of his second EP are a testament to his skill as a wordsmith and his talent as a rapper.

The intricacy and fullness of this second release have made it abundantly clear that WESLIE’s sound is a force to be reckoned with and one to watch out for.