January: 8 urban releases you need to hear this month

Tusks 'False' (Submotion Orchestra remix) (One Little Indian)

Released in June to critical acclaim, London based artist and producer Emily Underhill (aka Tusks) signed to One Little Indian and the resulting goods came in the shape of the ‘False’ EP. Now available on vinyl, it’s worth visiting or revisiting again and again. Along with the originals, expect to find the four remixes on the B-side from Submotion Orchestra, Throwing Snow and BAILE. It’s a keeper.

9/10

Star Slinger feat D∆WN 'We Could Be More' (OWSLA)

Boasting collaborations with the likes of James Vincent McMorrow, Sam Sparro, Tunji Ige and more, Manchester-born producer Star Slinger’s debut six-track EP is a beast. The title track, featuring Dawn Robinson (of En Vogue greatness), is essentially great pop music: serenely drawing on the emotion of r’n’b but keeping things futuristic enough for the club and 2017.

8/10

GoGo Penguin 'Branches Break' (Live) (Decca Records)

Originally heard on the album ‘Man Made Object’, ‘Branches Break’ is an outstanding instrumental composition from three-piece jazz outfit GoGo Penguin. Part of a new four-track EP recorded at Abbey Road, the live version of the track brings a new dimension to the already dazzling original. Lift music this isn’t.

8/10

Professor Green 'One Eye On The Door' (Relentless)

Now at a new label and officially back on the relationship market, Pro Green’s cheeky strain of rap sits comfortably in its own lane. Clearly alluding to his recent marriage breakdown, preconceptions of his sex life, drugs and domestic bliss are all challenged here. It won’t change history, but you’ll have a giggle.

7/10

Teff feat Gallest 'So Insecure' (Island Indigo)

Bajan-born, Toronto-based MC Teff has dropped his latest single, ‘So Insecure’. Produced by Mohamed Haniff & Yuri Koller and featuring Rihanna’s brother Gallest, it highlights female insecurity with Teff offering some love and support. Chilled rap for the cold nights, Teff’s self-directed video makes for a strong accompaniment, too.

7/10

George The Poet 'Wake Up' (Island Records)

Documenting the highs and lows of being single and the difficulty of trying to find a good work-life balance while juggling raging hormones, trust issues and more, George The Poet’s got it all covered in his new release ‘Wake Up’. He’s definitely not a rapper but, if you’re open minded and have a penchant for good poetry, you should give this one a try.

7/10

Emeli Sandé 'Breathing Underwater' (Virgin Records)

If this were the 80s, Emeli Sandé’s new single ‘Breathing Underwater’, which is produced by long-term collaborator Chris Loco and makes use of a guesting gospel choir, would probably bag her a Christmas number one. Taken from the singer’s second album ‘Long Live The Angels’ and boasting a sound that’s reminiscent of Moby, Massive Attack and a few other golden oldies, this is big pop vocal territory – and what else would you expect from her?.

7/10

Fuse ODG 'Jinga' (3 Beat)

Afrobeat royalty Fuse ODG returns with the first single from forthcoming album ‘New Africa Nation’. Produced by Killbeatz, ‘Jinja’ (a term from west African English that means to give excessive energy to a person or situation, especially through dance) is yet another release from the Ghanian Brit artist which seems destined to bad up the club.

7/10