Weekly Hotlist III

The Hotlist returns for its third week to put you guys on to the fresh new tracks we've been rinsing over at Beetz Magazine this week.

1. Pitch 92 -' Dawn' ft. Sparkz, [ K S R ] & Doctor Outer

For fans of: Children of Zeus

Mancunian producer Pitch 92 links up with an array of features on this fresh High Focus Records release. The style of instrumental is unfamiliar in UK Hip-hop, reminiscent of the 90's G-Funk we all know and love. This creates a welcome juxtaposition with the first two lyricists; some of Manchester's finest. Sparkz holds down the first verse, followed by [ K S R ], apparent on the recent Children of Zeus album, delivering silky vocals for the chorus. US Doctor Outer lays down a hard second verse with a sound more commonly associated with this type of production. The fusion of typical US sounds and Manchester rap/soul connects fluently, and is a partnership we hope is explored more because of this.

2. Fiction - 'Coconut Water'

For fans of: Kid Kudi

Fiction is an upcoming LA-based rapper that in 6 months time you'll be bragging to your friends about having heard of way before he was being featured on XXL - and we have no doubts that he will be. Released on Maktub Music Records, 'Coconut Water' combines progressive sleepy synths with subtle trap drums to the effect of creating an engaging and accessible (yet still undeniably cool) track; with culturally analytical lyrics that, paired with an emotive drawl, are reminiscent of Kid Kudi at his peak.

3. Just Rome - 'RhiRhi' ft. Charmz

For fans of: Not3s, Drake

Manchester-based Just Rome is fully grafting right now. Having already collaborated with prominent artists within Manchester's urban scene, Just Rome's latest single 'RhiRhi' cements his contributions to the city's music scene, with a lighthearted (but meticulously crafted flow) reminiscent of London's Not3s. Charmz' hook over a catchy dancehall beat delivers this track to new realms and is very 2016 Drake, in a very good way.

4. Slow Thai - 'Rainbow'

For fans of: Dabbla, Ocean Wisdom

Slow Thai's ascension has been one of the best things to happen in UK music this year; and this new track is one of his finest. Before the dust from the drop of his second EP RUNT has even began to settle, the Northampton-based rapper delivers more impeccable flows and culturally critical lyrics on 'Rainbow'. The track explores the ever-prominent racial discrimination suffered by many in this country; but, after several sonically flawless snipes, Slowthai concludes 'Colourblind, swear we’re all blue/No difference between us two'. We stan an inclusive queen.

5. Des McMahon - Ghost

For fans of: Alix Perez, Break

Des McMahon returns for his second EP on Santoku Records, No Need To Speak. Ghost, the release's standout single, delivers an expertly crafted dancefloor beat that succeeds in establishing the young producer's authentic sound. With the success of his debut EP as well as his US performances on some of the scene's biggest stages, Des McMahon has firmly placed himself on the radar of ones to watch.