Open Mike Eagle // contraband (the plug has bags of me)
Pillar of the independent rap community Open Mike Eagle has announced new album Neighborhood Gods Unlimited with ‘contraband (the plug has bags of me)’. Initially conceived as a TV series, OME’s forthcoming LP is a semi-conceptual collection inspired by his Chicago upbringing.
Sudan Archives // DEAD
Sudan Archives’ first new music since 2022’s landmark album Natural Brown Prom Queen, ‘DEAD’ builds over manipulated violin swells before a hefty climactic payoff. It’s good to have Sudan Archives back.
Water From Your Eyes // Life Signs
‘Life Signs’ sees Matador duo Water From Your Eyes have sharing their most urgent, frenetically-charged track to date. New album It’s A Beautiful Place arrives in August and – if ‘Life Signs’ is anything to go by – it’s going to be a stormer.
Mckinley Dixon // Magic, Alive!
The titular track from Dixon’s fourth album (out today). Magic, Alive! cements the Chicago rapper’s position as one of the most underrated names on the scene as deft lyricism coalesces with vibrant instrumentation throughout the LP, check it out now via City Slang.
Getdown Services // James Bay’s Hat
It’s about time somebody wrote a song about George Ezra fornicating with James Bay’s hat: cue Bristol duo Getdown Services. They’re playing everywhere this summer so be sure to catch them live for a surreal hour of wonky, shirtless jams.
Niko B // I like the way you talk looking at me
Nico B has shared his People EP following last year’s stellar debut album dog eat dog food world. A sonic shot of vitamin D, the 3-track offering radiates the bounce of early summer.
Bo Staloch // Angelina
Nashville songwriter Bo Staloch wears all of the cracks and lo-fi charm on his sleeve with new single ‘Angelina’. Bo’s next UK excursion is a biggie, performing at Hyde Park as part of the supporting cast for Zach Bryan’s BST headline.
featured image: Adam Powell
