REPEAT's writers pick their favourite projects from the year just gone, including titles from Joe James, Ojerime, Hagan and more. In no particular order...
Joe James - Skullduggery
'Skullduggery' is the most recent release from Joe James in a year that saw him drop 5 projects. Boasting one of the best cadences in the scene, this is Joe James at his best. Overall, in true R’n’Joe fashion, it is a very mellow, euphonious presentation as even the skippier songs are laden with sultry synths. One of the many highlights on the project comes in the form of an Ashbeck feature, the two artisans exchange verses over a ridiculously sweet-sounding instrumental. The chemistry is incredible, and they clearly bring out the best in each other musically.
ayrtn - too awesome
'TOO AWESOME' is a release that sees ayrtn continue to refine the cloud sound of which he is a progenitor. This is an extremely fun listen, ayrtn oozes confidence on the project, as he raps on the chorus on 'BIRDS', here he’s exhibiting his new flows whilst maintaining his goat status within the scene. Carefully crafted vocal chops, atmospheric samples, and an eclectic selection of distinct one-shots can be heard in the instrumentation throughout the project. This renders the project an aural collage, giving it a futuristic, unique feel. Nobody is doing it quite like baby a.
Two Shell - Icons
Icons is undoubtedly one of the boldest dance music projects of 2022. Over 5-tracks, Two Shell constructed something like a concept EP. The music accelerates through a digital cosmos at hypersonic speed, encountering various characters – such as the ‘digital rockstar’ – along the way. The beats are mainly techno driven, with plenty of dizzying, euphoric synths and distorted vocals. It is a savvy and decisive contribution to the UK dance music scene that fuels Two Shell's ascending reputation.
Ojerime - Bad Influence
Ojerime’s latest full-length is a poignant, deeply personal representation of her recent journey of growth. Like growth itself, it is often painful, yet it is ultimately gratifying. Themes of heartbreak and betrayal are pervasive in this album, delved into with equal parts confidence and vulnerability. I have the utmost faith this album will stand the test of time, serving to be a hallmark of modern UK RnB. Whilst reminiscent of early 00s/late 90s RnB, ‘Bad Influence’ feels modern, Ojerime’s flows, riddled with emotion, coupled with the concise instrumentation, make for a very cathartic, refreshing listen.
Sudan Archives - Natural Brown Prom Queen
Stones Throw’s Sudan Archives returned this year with Natural Brown Prom Queen, one of the most confident, empowering, and ambitious neo soul/Hip-Hop records of 2022. With sounds ranging from Art Pop to Folktronica and Experimental Hip Hop, it’s one of the most immersive and impressive bodies of work released this year from any genre. From the opener Home Maker, the woozy sounds of #513, and the downbeat vibrations of Yellow Brick Road, this LP made he a critics favourite, but her reach should be far beyond that at this point.
Jeshi - Universal Credit
Jeshi exceeded all expectations this year with Universal Credit, his socially conscious, endlessly replayable follow up to 2020’s BAD TASTE. After a flock of singles like the infectious earworm Protein featuring Obongjayer, and the garage/grime influenced paranoia of 3210, this album was destined for big things, and is Jeshi’s most accomplished statement so far. The LP sees him revelling in Trap influence whilst still paying homage to his roots, and constantly one upping himself with innovative flows and poignant verses.
Nia Archives - Forbidden Feelingz
Forbidden Feelingz is an emphatic six-track EP from Nia Archives, who has had a wild year. The project achieves a crazy amount in just under seventeen minutes – and somehow avoids feeling rushed. It is a sophisticated exhibition of her influences, particularly 90s junglist culture and female jazz vocalists, as well as an expression of her own intent. “18 & Over” is a relentless earworm, and titular track “Forbidden Feelingz” sounds like an instant classic. With this EP, Nia Archives steps up as one of the key flag bearers for current jungle music.
Greentea Peng - Greenzone 108
Promoted as a mixtape, GREENZONE 108 is the 10-track project released by Greentea Peng back in September. The record feels more mature, and perhaps more considered, than her previous work. It experiments with a variety of styles: “Three Eyes Open” is a soulful take on ska music, and previously unheard electric guitars rush through the blazing finale “Top Steppa”. The song-writing is first rate, with lyrics that endlessly seek out honesty. The mixtape is ultimately carried by Greentea Peng’s irresistibly smooth voice, that melts between the cracks of every track.
Matisa - Wonder
Up-and-coming Italian DJ Matisa signed with Steel City Dance Discs to bring us 'Wonder', and the 4-track single really lives up to its title. Packed with percussive drum patterns and raw, boundless expression, 'Wonder' puts Matisa firmly on the watch list for 2023. High-energy techno breaks and acid house synths make her track 'Brillantine' speak for itself, and the Mall Grab remix slaps just as hard.
Braga Circuit - Eternal Intervals
This EP has been on repeat since its release in April 2022, and it’s as diverse as it is emotive. The first track ‘Also’ enmeshes jungle's familiar sounds with floaty house chords. 'Leads To You' slows a breakbeat right down and layers it with goosebump-inducing vocal loops, whilst ‘Track 4 D’’ is an unlikely but soothing lo-fi house tune. The final two tracks pick up the pace and close the EP with a much groovier sound. Believe us when we say Braga Circuit takes his listeners on a journey with Eternal Intervals.
Live4ever - Cal1sto
Released in August, Cal1sto gave us the timeless, self-produced album, ‘live4ever’. The record showcases cal1sto’s irrevocably unique sound, which he’s bodied from such a young age. With features from Len and Recky, the 8-track album demonstrates versatility in cal1sto’s music, giving us vibes upon vibes for every mood.
They Hate Change - Finally New
‘Finally, New’, the latest project from Tampa Bay duo They Hate Change, explores a myriad of global club genres. From jungle to Baltimore bounce and garage to footwork, every subgenre serves the purpose of accommodating their East-Coast lyrical flare. And, as you go further into the project, the nauseating mix of sounds begins to make sense; Vonne Parks and Andre Gainey are simply music geeks. Few artists could explore such a breath of sounds, make them sound so coherent and have such an impact both in America and the UK.
Hagan - Textures
‘Textures’, Hagan’s debut album, explores the African diaspora with a combusting mix of contemporary, club-driven genres. A palatable blend of afro house, gqom, uk funky, jazz and ama piano oozes through the record, embracing the artist's heritage. Featuring an impressive list of collaborators, everyone from Soweto Stalwart Aymos to Ghanaian hype man Bryte, ‘Textures’ crafts percussive music that possesses an inherent swagger. The title track perhaps best encapsulates this, with its syncopated hops and kaleidoscopic jazz breaks fabricating a sound we simply haven’t heard before.
Lil Silva - Yesterday is Heavy
It took 12 years in the business for Lil Silva to release a full-length album. It is fitting that Yesterday is Heavy is twelve tracks long, because it feels like the accumulation of his whole career – from UK Funky heavyweight to Adele collaborator. With the help of numerous accomplished friends, Silva has crafted a keenly original piece of art. It is largely impressionistic, building soundscapes that are intensely communicative. Even on the more vocal tracks, such as ‘Backwards’ and ‘Still’, it’s the texture that swirls on in the mind. Silva abandoned genre in favour of heart spoken meditation, and the result is brilliant.
Esstate - Esstapes
Lewisham producer Esstate has been making waves since the release of ‘Mystery Machine’; a highly addictive debut single, which showed early signs of promise.‘Esstapes’, with its beautifully soulful hip-hop beats and syrupy rap verses, places the 22-year-old more prominently on Britain’s musical map. Threading samples of Family Guy episodes and recordings of his mates through the lavish beat selections, the EP serves a meditative function made for smoke-ups or any moments of contemplation.
Minikingz - ICONICY
The London-based collective consisting of multitalented singer/rapper/producer trio: BenjiFlow, Ragz Originale, and Oscar #Worldpeace, have dexterously executed a masterclass in collaboration. Uncompromising in their approach, the group propelled by divine synergy, fuse grime, rap and R&B elements to create this unique-sounding project. With each member drawing on a dizzying collection of sonic influences and sprinkling their own distinct flavour into the mix.
Bellah - Adultsville
“Just got evicted from my youth, didn’t even get a notice.” From the opening line of the project’s title track, Bellah sets the tone for the bumpy journey of ‘adulting’ that lies ahead of us. The leap from her hypnotic previous releases to this ethereal new sound is accompanied by an unapologetic exploration into Bellah’s very own coming-of-age story. She looks at her transformative journey from girlhood to womanhood; the project is laced with her soft and sweet harmonies as she unravels each vulnerable tale.
Ghais Guevara - There Will Be No Super-Slave
With its title taken from George L. Jackson’s book Blood in My Eye, Guevara’s sophomore effort is a melting pot of sounds, experiences and cleverly incorporated samples. The deeply political title is a precursor to the music: identity, reflection on the music industry and a relentless rebuttal of organised racism. Its kaleidoscopic soundscape of jazz, soul, 80s hip-hop and everything in between is something to behold. If there is one thing that the album proves other than Guevara’s own expertise, it is that JPEGMAFIA is significant enough in hip-hop to now have his own offspring forming.
Haŵs - Club Unity
Club Unity is the criminally under appreciated 25-track compilation released by Haŵs to raise money for Ukraine. The label enlisted twenty-five different artists, including Adam Pits, Guy Contact and Aloka, to each supply a track. There is a variety of genres represented, but the majority settles around trance and progressive house. A statement from Haŵs said “As humans and music obsessives we stand in solidarity with life, and not with those who are determined to irreparably damage the fragile fabric of humanity.” It's great music for a great cause – go and buy it now.
Feux - Opal Blues
On 'Opal Blues', Feux remains aware of his vision but considers the mental challenges that have come with his journey thus far. It’s a definitive step in the artist’s discography, which sees him move further away from hip-hop, and mark an exciting period of experimentation. Fans are taken on a journey through Feux’s psyche and plunged into his internal pursuit of happiness. It takes a while for him to get there, but by the end, he finds reassurance from the scene around him that forebodes a positive future.
Words: The REPEAT Team