Hip Hop / R&B Recommendations Best Of 2016

Review: Since debuting on Bromance in 2013, Kaytranada has become one of the leading lights on the future R&B scene. Given his track record, it's understandable that there's plenty of hype surrounding 99.9%, his long await debut album. The 15-track sees him showcasing the depth and variety of his beat making, production and compositional skills. Thus, the string-drenched jazziness of "Bus Ride" is followed by the off-kilter R&B pop of "Got It Good", and the Onra-ish synth-hop soul of "One Too Many" sits side by side with the double bass, Rhodes and Latin-influenced beats of "Despite The Weather". It's pretty expansive, clocking in at 15 tracks deep, but the quality never dips throughout. Recommended.

Review: Dusty-fingered break-digger J Rocc can always be relied upon to deliver the goods, especially when it comes to the tasty Funky President Edits series. Informed by his impeccable turntablist skills, both versions of "Break Yo Self" offer a whirlwind trip through scorching, floor-friendly funk and rock breaks, with a wide range of classic and little-known samples thrown in for good measure. The A-side "Breakbeat Lenny Tribute" version begins with some Bob James style organ fluidity, before ramping up the energy levels via a string of killer drum hooks. If anything, the flipside "Breakbeat Lou Tribute" is even more party-friendly, with J-Rocc quickly running through almost everything in his box of tricks. In other words, it's a cut-up masterclass.

Review: On Boombox 1, the dusty-fingered crate diggers at Soul Jazz Records have turned their attention to the nascent hip-hop scene developing in New York in the late '70s onwards, gathering together independently released disco-rap and electro released between 1979 and '82. Accompanied by a 40-page booklet telling the story of rap's independent pioneers in impressive detail, it's another essential history lesson. You'll naturally find hard-to-find cuts from visionaries including Spoonie Gee (the quick-fire rhymes and low-slung disco breaks of "The New Rap Language"), TJ Swann and Master Jay, plus killer selections from virtually unknown names. Check, for example, the synth-laden boogie-rap of Neil B's "Body Rock", the hip-shakin' disco hustle of Bramsam's "Move Your Body", and the rubbery brilliance of Sweet G's "Boogie Feelin' Rap".