June: 8 urban releases you need to hear this month

Mez 'Normal Shoe' (White)

Mez (aka Uncle Mez) follows up his Davinche-produced EP from last summer with this solo outing, which is also his first release of 2017. As well as featuring lyrics that’ll raise some actual LOLs, this is essentially grime-meets-funk as producer Diamondz (D Double E/Bluku Music) stumbles across a wave so great even your great-aunt could get down with come the weekend. It’s some much-needed fun from grime’s favourite new uncle.

9/10

Niia 'Sideline' (Atlantic Records)

LA-based future-jazz vocalist and classically trained pianist Niia has revealed the absolutely sublime ‘Sideline’, taken from her debut album ‘I’. Produced by long-time collaborator Robin Hannibal (Rhye, The Internet, Kendrick Lamar), the combination of the classic orchestral lift with smoky vocals makes for something really special. Following forays in trip-hop and r’nb, the rest of album promises to be an essential release, too.

9/10

Joey Bada$$ feat Schoolboy Q 'Rockabye Baby' (Pro Era Records)

Ahead of his second album, ‘All-Amerikkkan Badass’, Joey drops some real hip hop shit. And if you miss those days this high-quality collaboration with Schoolboy Q is a much-needed return to a time when it seemed like people had something to say. This, with its mad wordplay and flows just made to be admired, is rap you want to listen to. American teenagers will be especially grateful it exists – turn it up and lose it.

9/10

ALMA 'Chasing Highs' (PME Records)

ALMA is anti-expectation. A 21-year-old Finnish pop sensation who sits somewhere between SIA, Amy Winehouse and Beth Ditto, her new single has the sass of r’n’b with the uplift of great pop; seven-year-olds the country over will join adults in rejoicing to ‘Chasing Highs’. Already quite a sensation following her debut ‘Dye My Hair’, expect this neon explosion to own 2017.

9/10

Daley feat Jill Scott 'Until The Pain Is Gone' (BMG Music/The End)

It still feels like British r’n’b star Daley is under-the-radar in the UK, even though he’s been making waves in the US. After his stunning collaboration with Marsha Ambrosius, he’s now teamed up with Jill Scott on ‘Until The Pain Is Gone’. Delivering more of that baby-making soul music, his tone melts the coldest of moments, while Scott’s vocal performance is out of this world.

8/10

Liana Bank$ 'Ghost' (Rebirth)

On the follow-up to her debut ‘Insubordinate’, 26-year-old New Yorker Liana Bank$ is one wavy woman who wants to toast the man upstairs. Produced by YOBO, this is one of those tracks that’ll work for lovers of trap and futuristic r’n’b with gliding vocals. Taken from the forthcoming EP ‘Apt 210’, word on the road is it sounds better with a bag of weed.

8/10

Donae’O feat Fredo 'Whole Life' (Island Records)

Following on from where ‘Black’ feat JME & Dizzee Rascal left off, Donae’O uses his second release on Island one to get the club bumping. Featuring rapper Fredo, it details his sexual conquests and such – boys will be boys, we guess – but at least when Donae’O sings, you can’t fault his vocal. As catchy as it is, you won’t be remembering it as a classic.

7/10

Rejjie Snow feat Ebenezer 'Flexin' (300 Entertainment/ Snow Face)

After dropping ‘Crooked Cops’ at the top of the year, rapper Rejjie Snows lines up new release ‘Flexin’ with producer Rahki. This is rap with a bit more substance than your average 2017 fodder: working in the club or for housework duties, you’ll be pushed not to bounce and flex.

7/10