'Get The Message' is London jazz collective Kokoroko's latest EP, and is set to follow fresh on the heels of their pre-release new single 'Three Piece Suit', featuring Azekel. The latter track is a heartwarming tribute to the Nigerian immigrant experience; an initial draft began life at Kokoroko's studio under the working title 'Get The Message', which led to an interesting dialogue between one-off single and wider EP; 'Three Piece Suit' was recorded first, but appears last on the EP, which overall mounts and rides a trotting broken jazz advance. Lilting vocals, brassed-backed chorus harmonies and chop-chop drumming all mirror the quiet confidence with which band member Onome Edgeworth's grandfather first touched down and made his way in Balham, London in the early 1960s. An intentional vessel for joy, coming heavily filled with themes of community, connection and relationships both romantic and platonic.

Kanye West's new collaborative album with Ty Dolla $ign, VULTURES 1, feels unexpectedly cohesive and fully realizedia surprising change of pace for West's recent output. Known for raw and often incomplete releases, this time he brings clear production and a crisp, polished mix. Ty's smooth delivery contrasts with Kanye's own verses, blending effortlessly on tracks like the Donna Summer-sampling 'Good (Don't Die)'. Rhythmic, industrial beats provide a dynamic backdrop, especially on tracks like 'Paid' and 'Carnival,' giving this album a depth that stands out in West's complex, ever-evolving catalogue.

On the centenary of the birth of Luigi Nono, the Maurice Quartet – Georgia Privitera (violin), Laura Bertolino (violin), Francesco Vernero (viola) and Aline Privitera (cello) – reinterprets the composition for string quartet by the Venetian composer: Fragmente – Stille, An Diotima, dedicated to LaSalle Quartet on the occasion of the thirtieth Beethovenfest in Bonn, in 1980. This limited edition (300) record hammers home the pensive, minimalistic innovations of Nono, considered a radical innovator in the classical music of his time.

Straight Checkn 'Em, the 1991 sophomore album by Compton's Most Wanted, is a cornerstone of West Coast gangsta rap, vividly portraying the harsh realities of early 90s Compton. With MC Eiht's gritty storytelling and DJ Slip's expertly curated beats, the album delves into themes of street life, survival and resilience. Tracks like 'Growin' Up in the Hood' and 'They Still Gafflin'' showcase unfiltered reflections on urban struggles, underscored by heavy basslines and raw, funky grooves. During recording, Chill MC was incarcerated, leaving Eiht to step up as a lyrical force. Tracks like 'Def Wish' (the first shot in his feud with DJ Quik) and 'Compton's Lynchin' highlight his growing confidence and style, cementing his role in the gangsta rap movement and helping lead to his starring role in the acclaimed movie Menace To Society. With this reissue on numbered 180-gram yellow audiophile vinyl, Straight Checkn 'Em is given a fitting tribute, offering fans a high-quality revival of this overlooked classic. Essential listening, it stands among the era's greats, embodying the grit and authenticity of Compton's streets.

OLO Records returns for its eighth edition with a powerful collaboration between Miroloja and Reboot, delivering three distinct tracks that span minimal, electro, and techno influences. The A-side kicks off with '9 Ufo's', an otherworldly minimal cut that keeps things deep and atmospheric. On the flip, 'Drip' leans into a more driving electro sound, while 'Daddyswing' closes the EP with a groovy techno touch, blending rhythmic sophistication with a dancefloor-ready energy. With early support from Ricardo Villalobos and exclusive digital gifts for vinyl buyers, this release is one to watch for those craving variety and quality in one package.

Secretsundaze, both the label and party, is now helmed by James Priestley alone. Here the long-time London staple embarks on a new journey with his first solo release which features a fresh pair of originals. The EP opens with 'Doesn't This Sun Feel Great' which is a slick, speed house cut that is pent up with joy and celebration and has some twisted vocal manipulations and superb percussive details. 'The Real Sun' is similar in that it features plenty of live percussion, some tropical bird calls and humid synth lines that will get big reactions in the club. On the B-side, Drua's remix brings a psychedelic tech-house edge, while Giraffi Dog closes with his '700 Lakeside Remix' which is a little more sundown and sultry.

Nina Simone's rendition of 'My Baby Just Cares for Me' stands as a definitive interpretation of this jazz standard, with her distinct, soulful style infusing the track with fresh charm. Originally recorded in 1957, the song gained new life decades later, reaching the UK top ten in 1987 after it appeared in a perfume commercial. Simone's piano work shines, blending playful syncopation with bluesy phrasing, while her voice adds an intimate, deeply expressive layer. Her version transformed this classic into a timeless, iconic piece, reintroducing her genius to a new generation and solidifying her lasting influence in jazz.

Alpha & Omega are serious UK dub legends and now they are back on ZamZam with a typically powerful new anthem featuring Steppas Records' Nai-Jah. Over a thunderous bassline, melodica, sparkling keys and evocative jungle sounds, Nai-Jah's heartfelt lyrics call for empathy and action as he signs "Money-making has filled our minds with disease." The flipside jam on this fine 7" is 'The Dubplate Trembles' which extends the vibes in classic style. Another fine collaboration from these mainstays who have already long since assured their legacy over the course of 30-plus albums that have shaped global sound system culture.