Contemporary R&B has been stuck at a creative bottleneck for a while now, and Nic Soze’s Lost isn’t doing much to help. Its influences are clear from the start; submerged vocal samples, crooning sing-rap vocals, lyrics about a nondescript romance with a nondescript partner.

Conjuring vivid scenes of manholes and overcoats, Kenzo’s Glassbox Vol. 2 defies the brittle nature of its name. Unabashed and unconcerned with fragility, the project is reminiscent of a grimy city sprawl with streets ruled by crime. Just like the rumble of urban traffic, percussive samples, sirens, crunchy guitars and turntable scratches thrillingly weave in and out of its beatwork.

On their return, St47tic flex witty lyricism and a truculent attitude over woozy trap production. Yet, despite Altior Potentia meaning “Higher Power” in Latin, the track unfortunately doesn’t transcend its more derivative tendencies.

Balmoral – Yen Disco Soundsystem leader and electronic producer Matt Sekiya’s debut EP as MZA – sounds akin to John Coltrane performing a solo in a Buddhist temple with an analog synthesizer. Traversing worlds of downtempo, ambient, to even drum ‘n’ bass, he conjures an effort that reflects his deep-cut expertise.

Whack is a far cry from BGourd’s previous releases, and an even wilder left-field foray compared to anything else Singaporean rap has to offer. But it’s a genre-bending experiment that works with its infectious energy that is more than enough to convince even the biggest naysayers.

Up-and-comers GOK$ and Kenzo’s Mood Swings present an invigorating, if not slightly overambitious EP full of vague vignettes exploring conflicting confidence and self-doubt

Going all out with a keen pop sensibility, dense vocal arrangements, and head-bopping trap rhythms, Chriskris’ debut is an inspired take on soulful R&B-tinged hip-hop.

With his emotional vulnerability, husky production choices, and a unique delivery, mary sue brings you falling down insomnia’s rabbit hole with him.

A sensitive detour that melts down his ferocious, breakcore-tinged facade, deførmed melts down to an oddball indie rock ode to his prospective takes on love.

Alt-rap collective Unknown Radicals make their return with a thumping tribute to pre-pandemic club-going that doesn’t shy away from partying’s seedier and more unpleasant sides. Much like a night of getting smashed, it’s as exhilarating as it is nasty.

Despite leaning strongly on his influences, Persephone’s Garden definitely establishes P_NEDA as having his own strong voice and identity within Singaporean rap, and it’s heartening to see yet another hip-hop artist bring his own fresh and distinct sound to the table.

Opus Renegade raps of betrayal and retribution, as he balances the merciful mantras of his upbringing with the violence he intends to inflict on those who have wronged him.

On Taiji, Benetton Lim writes some of his best bars yet – hearing how hard the track’s hook goes, you really can’t deny his intensity and conviction.

Wovensound is an underrated project, and Sickleberry Sunsets is a strong testament to Vinod Dass’ dense competency and creativity as a musician, producer, and songwriter.

The lead single preceding Action Bronson’s latest album Only For Dolphins, Latin Grammys sees Bronson gracing a Latin Funk sample with solid flows, hilarious hooks, and an assured braggadocio.

Wira Munir’s it’s 12:45, where are you? is a track that would fly by the radars of many but is still well worth a listen, in particular for how Munir paints his image of longing through his lyrics.

Deliciious wears his heart on his sleeve once again on yet another zany spiritual lyrical miracle-type track with Problems.