The algorithm can be gamed and hype can be bought, which is why curation matters. Some of the best hip-hop and R&B dropped last month with little fanfare, but we paid attention:
#10 ‘Raincoat’ by David Grey / lil ket and Sidney Phillips
David Grey / lil ket produces a great genre-bending mix. The uptempo kick drums and low-end guitar line give it pace, while the echoing vocal delays bring a Trippie Redd feel.
#9 ‘Sip Away’ by eoeo (Seeoh and Chan Seok Park)
Lots of soul, lots of funk. The bass guitar sits underneath, with the guitar solo and her soulful vocals over the top. It feels like it belongs in a movie soundtrack.
#8 ‘Summer Cold’ by MATEK
It feels like a whimsical, playful production that matches her bars. She’s just having fun with it. There are quotable bars too, including: ‘it’s going to take mad payments if you want me to respond’.
#7 ‘closer’ by Miles Nautu
The sax, drums and the soulful backing – it’s all very jazzy. Like we said before, it’s very reminiscent of early Kendrick. There’s also three full solid verses in a near 4-minute track (in 2026!)
#6 ‘Not Enough’ by Roach feat. ELL!OTT
The hook is very melodic and very catchy. Also, Roach picks up the pace in a way hip-hop hasn’t seen in a while – retro, yet modern. It’ll make sense once you listen.
