There’s talk of 2025 being the worst year on record. Growing concerns about AI replacing human creativity, spiralling global conflict, outright genocide and skyrocketing costs of living in many western countries are but a few of the reasons why the world feels particularly hopeless right now. But some small hope, at least, can be found in the fact that musicians around the world have somehow managed to transmute this generational low point into beautiful and compelling music.

Not least of all is the new UK Ug wave that has swept British music in 2025. Spearheaded by the likes of Fakemink, Jim Legxacy and EsDeeKid, the scene has seen the release of Young Eman’s movement-defining anthem “popstar in da bits”, and standout new mixtape oopsy season from meme-savvy jerk rapper oopsy. Half of the latter’s lyrics are about sleeping with multiple women but, every now and again, he delivers a line like “I’m lonely on purpose” that hits way harder than it should. Rounding off December in UK Ug releases is Fakemink’s new Skrillex-produced single “Black Jeep feat. Fimiguerrero”, completing brostep architect Skrillex’s 15-year elliptical journey to becoming cool again. 

Elsewhere this month, former PC Music producer Danny L Harle dropped the otherworldly electronic cut “Stellar Parallax feat. Caroline Polachek” – a standout from his collaborative album with Brooklyn experimental artist Rachika Nayar, Azimuth Divergence – and British ‘post-grime’ visionary Jawnino linked up with New York label-collective Surf Gang for the characteristically soul-searching album Amnesia. 

Last but not least, make sure not to miss the advent of Chinese cloud rap figurehead Jackzebra’s new age with the almost electronic pop-leaning track “New Age”, and K-pop antihero The Deep’s new fittingly-titled album KPOP B!TCH.

Happy Holidays!

Album of the month: Jawnino – Amnesia 

Track of the month: Young Eman – “popstar in da bits” 

Although we post these round-ups at the end of every month, we update the playlist regularly for our subscribers – so be sure to follow us on Spotify for the hottest new tracks.