December seems to be when people stop paying attention. Spotify Wrapped drops, everyone shares their top songs and artists, and the year feels done. But while the internet was busy reminiscing, we were paying attention. Our underground hip-hop and R&B scene didn’t let us down, and some new music slipped under the radar. So of course, we’ve got you covered.
VV-Ace closes out 2025 strong with ‘Arjay’
VV-Ace dropped a new single ‘Arjay’ and man, the flow combined with the lyricism is nice. The track opens with an instantly quotable bar:
'If we at the BNB she down for the hmmm,
that’s DND
Do not disturb me I’m wit a PYT
we down in Torquay'
The Amapiano log drum pattern adds a richness to the production and pulls the beat somewhere fresher. VV-Ace navigates the song effortlessly, and gives us a great single to close out a busy 2025 for him.
Listen to ‘Arjay’ here:
Listen on Spotify
Rops1 flips ‘Wanksta’ on ‘Trapsta’ and it sticks
Rops1 released his fourth album Trench Kid and there’s some proper bangers on the album.
His biggest hit of the year, ‘Trapsta’ is also our personal favourite. A sharp flip of 50 Cent’s ‘Wanksta’ with a hook that sticks on the first listen. It’s ridiculously replayable. Follow it up with ‘Who They Foolin’’, especially if you have some loud subs.
Rops1 sounds comfortable here. You can hear the confidence of someone who’s been in it long enough to know exactly where he stands – unapologetically Macquarie Fields.
As part of the album release, he’s also on tour this month and the next, with shows across Australia already sold out or selling out quick.
You can find the full album here:
Listen on Spotify
Ash Swaze missed the Christmas spirit on ‘Beef W Me’
Ash Swaze comes for his opps in his new single ‘Beef W Me’. The bass is muddy and thick, built to sit under his voice, and he glides across it. He’s bouncy, but cool and calm, despite the song’s intention.
The instrumental stays out of his way and lets him swing:
‘I’m really a different breed, cut from a different cloth
Maximising casualties, I’ll come for anyone’
Play this if someone cuts you off in traffic, people at work are pissing you off, or someone’s not giving you credit where it’s due. Safe to say the Christmas spirit missed Ash.
Listen to ‘Beef W Me’ here:
Listen on Spotify
BARKAA and The 046 bring West Coast G-funk on ‘Nothing’s Free’
BARKAA, fresh from her 2025 ARIA Award win in November, linked up with The 046 on ‘Nothing’s Free’.
As you expect from The 046, the West Coast feel is strong – proper G-funk inspiration – but the gumtrees in the background remind you it’s home.
BARKAA's verse is nuts from start to finish. No filler bars, no wasted space. Just another reminder that she’s been at the top.
The 046 verses come on strong, with Kymza setting the tone straight after BARKAA.
Watch the MV here:
Listen on Youtube
MUNGMUNG builds a colourful world on FĒI
Switching gears from bars to vibe, MUNGMUNG released her four-track EP FĒI.
She’s got that pop-rap flexibility. She can sing, she can rap, and she can switch it up without it feeling forced. We get a strong Doja Cat overlap to her – the quirkiness pulls you in, then you realise she can really do both.
‘IAM’ is the easiest listen. The music video is fun with the 360 Sydney Chinatown visuals, but our personal favourite is ‘WOMPX4’
Listen to her EP here:
Listen on Spotify
