June: 8 urban releases you need to hear this month

Gregory Porter 'Holding On' (Decca Records)

After winning a Grammy for his 2013 album ‘Liquid Spirit’, Gregory Porter is back with new LP ‘Take Me To The Alley’. Had a shit day at the office? Don’t worry: Gregory is here with a dose of what you need.The husky vocal of ‘Holding On’ will take you to the church in your head. Throw in a sax solo that deserves to be looped for at least another five minutes, and this one’s destined to be a future classic.

9/10

Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah 'Tantric' (Stretch Music)

If trap-jazz was an actual thing, then this would be its anthem. Originally released on the 2015 album ‘Stretch Music (Introducing Elena Pinderhughes)’, this is roughly four minutes of brass sounds over a wavy, chilled backdrop laced with trap drums. Essential stuff if instrumentals and trumpets float your boat.

9/10

Syler Jones 'Touch Your Soul' (White)

There’s little biographical information about enigmatic British artist Syler Jones, but we do know that he’s a serious singer, songwriter, bass player, multi-instrumentalist and producer: everything you hear on ‘Touch My Soul’ is him at work. With one of those rare vocals that will have you clutching your heart on the high notes, this is pure sex. “Want you to feel it when I touch your soul,” he sings. And feel it you certainly will.

9/10

Fusion 'Rudeboy' (IAS Records)

There’s a slew of good grime releases this month, and ‘Rudeboy’ is among them. Taken from Fusion’s four-track EP ‘Genesis’, it’s a throwback to the trusty sound of Dizzee Rascal’s ‘Boy In Da Corner. Produced by Fusion and Shizz McNaughty (formerly Lil Shiz of The Rascals), its bars are delivered with enough clarity to have you ordering tickets to the next grime rave at your local.

8/10

Leo Kalyan 'Daydream' (Leo Kaylan)

Having first come to our attention via some well-executed remixes and covers on SoundCloud, Leo Kalyan’s ‘Daydream’, produced by XO, follows his four-track EP ‘Silver Linings’. While veering to the pop side of r’n’b, the darkness in his vocals makes way for an emotive experience. Picked by 1Xtra to perform at SXSW, the next year should maketh the man.

7/10

Juakali & Secret Agent Gel 'Rule The Night' (Top Billin)

Based in Brooklyn and LA but originally from Trinidad, Jukali first made an appearance on Top Billin back in 2012. Back on a Secret Agent Gel beat, his new cut ‘Rule The Night’ feels like something taken from the Heartless Crew bashment era: it’s all bouncy fun with a UK garage tone (listen to ErrorE’s deep dub version if you’re looking for your roots). Probably not for those who prefer their originals on the dark side, though.

6/10

Chloé Leone 'Domesticated' (Black Butter)

23-year-old singer Chloé Leone (pictured above) is sure to attract comparisons to Izzy Bizu –and don’t be surprised to see names such as Amy Winehouse or Laura Mvula thrown into the mix, either. But ‘Domesticated’ is nice enough, even if it is lyrically and musically a little too meek. Be warned: f you’re looking to stick up your middle fing while you sing-along, this definitely isn’t for you.

6/10

Ziggy Marley 'Marijuanaman' (Tuff Gong Worldwide)

Forget what the title might suggest: in no way should you expect diabolical comedy in the vein of Afroman’s ‘Because I Got High’ from Ziggy Marley. This song is about good reggae sonics and sound logic: if politicians just smoked a spliff together everything would be bless. There’s plenty of other similarly chilled-out vibes on his new self-titled album, which is the follow-up to 2014’s ‘Fly Rasta’.

6/10