Coming soon: Hip Hop/R&B

Review: Ever-prolific Japanese beat king par excellence DJ Krush is back on it with this triumphant solo album, Saisei. From his roots in the trip hop boom of the mid-90s, Krush has maintained a presence in the culture by working with a huge variety of artists, producing for heavyweights and embracing alternative ideas and approaches. On this double-disc long player he's leaning in on his prowess as a producer, creating a blockbuster sized sound which adds cinematic heft to the boom bap beats and balances funk and soul instrumentation with powerful orchestration and electronic innovation. It's a rich, high-end result brimming with ideas, innovation and originality, but then what else would you expect from DJ Krush?

Review: Standing on Giant Shoulders by Seafood Sam shows a multifaceted talent and visionary approach to hip-hop. Released under the up-and-coming label drink sum wtr, this album showcases Sam's ability to seamlessly blend elements of soul, funk, and West Coast rap into a cohesive and stunning sonic experience.Drawing inspiration from legends like James Brown, Bobby Brown, and Miles Davis, Sam delivers a collection of songs that exude confidence, spirituality, and a deep connection to his roots. Tracks like 'Saylo' and 'Can't Take The Hood To Heaven' transport listeners to the sun-soaked streets of Long Beach, while 'Cowboy Leather' and 'Attack of the Dreadlocks' offer modern interpretations of classic themes. Collaborations with artists like Pink Siifu and Rae Khalil add depth and diversity to the album, allowing Sam's ability to collaborate and innovate shine.