Congratulations, everyone, you made it through the first month of 2026. And, while the depressing state of current affairs might have us all yearning for 2016, in music, at least, there are good reasons not to write off 2026 just yet.

Chief of which is UK Ug paragon fakemink, who has just dropped his first project since exploding in popularity last year. The new EP, which is titled The Boy who cried Terrified, is only 14 minutes long but, through transplanting choice samples from Burial and Flawed Mangoes into mink’s distinctively hyperactive soundworld, it nonetheless gives a strong hint as to where the young star might be headed on his still-upcoming sophomore album, Terrified.

Speaking of long-awaited projects, last month also saw the release of A$AP Rocky’s fourth album Don’t Be Dumb. Arriving a full eight years since Rocky’s last LP, and facing multiple delays due to leaks and sample clearances, the project saw A$AP return to his braggadocious 2011 rap style, alongside a series of lucrative samples that betray the superstar status he’s attained since. And that’s not the only wait that’s set to be over in 2026 because, with the release of restorative electronic track “Aperture”, British pop star Harry Styles has also kicked off the campaign for his next album Kiss All The Time. Disco Occasionally. Beyonce: it’s your turn next. Renaissance Act III, please?

But don’t let all of these heavy-hitters distract you from one of the most exciting projects of last month – Xavier, the debut album from underground rap icon Xaviersobased. From cloud rap through to rage, jerk and plugg, Xav has long been the king of hip-hop microgenres but where the new project really succeeds is in making these niche and experimental sounds profoundly listenable, replete with catchy melodies and – for the most part – intelligible lyrics.

Meanwhile, on the single front, last month saw the release acerbic garage cut “Headside in da Skiez” from Dazed musician-to-watch Kibo – who, after two years of dominating rap cyphers in the British capital, is finally rolling out new music. Elsewhere, Moroccan-Belgian rapper Dina Ayada has had the Dazed office’s toes wiggling with triumphant trap track “no rush feat. Gunna”, Charli xcx is back in her cinematic score bag with the expansive “Wall of Sound”, and soulful north Londoner Osquello offers a timely reminder that we should all be buying music on BandCamp with the release of his latest album PORGY (cop here).

See you next month! (Or, rather at the end of this one, because we’re a little late – sorry!)

Album of the month: Xaviersobased – Xavier

Track of the month: Dina Ayada – “no rush feat. Gunna”

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.