December: 8 urban releases you need to hear this month

Seramic feat Bootsy Collins 'Greg’s Love' (GMF Records)

If you missed OutKast, this might just make your day. Parlophone’s newest signing, London-based producer Seramic doesn’t sound like much on your radio these days. ‘Greg’s Love’ is an all-out funk affair with plenty of changes to keep you on your feet (there’s no chance of staying on your seat with this one). With a gospel thread running through it, this is really epic stuff.

9/10

Geko feat Ard Adz 'Khalas' (OneTape Records)

While some of the lyrics (mainly those exploring women and sex) are questionable here, there's still something undeniable about Geko's new collab with Ard Adz. The vibes and melody are certainly on point, and it deserves a reload for the opening chorus from Geko alone. ‘Khalas’ (Arabic for “stop” in the context of the song) is produced by Trikks and fuses dancehall, r‘n‘b and British rap as the pair pay tribute to their North African heritage. Welcome to the new rap wave.

9/10

Giggs feat Donae’o 'Lock Doh' (SN1 Records)

'Lock Doh' is one of the biggest rap tunes to have dropped in the latter half of 2016, and it shows no signs of going anywhere anytime soon. Taken from Giggs’ fourth album ‘Landlord’, which entered the UK album charts at Number Two on the week of its release, it’s produced by and features fellow Brit Donae’o. Gritty yet bouncy, it’s a standout moment for both.

9/10

Raye 'I, U, US' (Murlo remix) (Polydor Records)

Raye has already worked with Stormzy, Charli XCX, MNEK and more, and her star has risen after every release. Now, Murlo's remix of ‘I, U, Us’ turns what was once a clever leftfield pop-trap collision into a cut that’s veering into 2-step territory while still sounding like half of the wavy club anthems of 2016. You won’t be able to avoid this one. Check out the Aluna George remix, too.

8/10

Lady Wray 'Cut Me Loose' (Big Crown Records)

Lady Wray’s new album 'Queen Alone' has something of the Amy Winehouse/Feist sound about it, and no one’s complaining. ‘Cut Me Loose’ sounds like it could have been born of an older era, but Wray’s powerful soul vocals bring it into the now. Laced with a saxophone, this is for people who like their r‘n‘b grown.

8/10

P Money 'Panasonic' (Rinse)

Producer D33co has bought straight grime fire for P Money’s single ‘Panasonic’ - if you’re into instrumentals like ‘Street Fighter’ or like your beats to bring that sonic boom, look no further. As ever, South London MC P Money brings the high-octane energy, and subsequently promises there'll be little respite when his long-awaited debut album ‘Live & Direct’ is finally released.

8/10

Krishane feat Wande Coal 'Found Da Boi' (Atlantic Records)

New kid on the block Krishane is dealing with all-consuming love on ‘Found Da Boi’, a strong sing-along track that you’ll be unwittingly dancing to from here on in. Wande Coal provides some rough to even out the smooth, sugary sweet vocals of Jamaican singer Krishane, who’s now based in London and is the son of reggae star Barrington Levy. Given that he's an artist who’s been honing his skills for years, we can expect more from him in the future.

8/10

Last Night In Paris 'Been A Minute' (3 Beat)

A collective of producers and rappers with the odd singer and stylist thrown in for good measure, Last Night In Paris have been effectively utilising SoundCloud over the last couple of years to raise their profile. Lifted from their debut EP, ‘Been A Minute’ is for hip hop heads who like it wavy: it’s catchy and suited to those dark nights.

7/10