New Gen (Double LP)

New Gen: a collaborative album showcasing the best of new UK grime, hip-hop, trap & new wave R&B in the U.K. The compilation features buzzed about artists including AJ Tracey, Ray BLK, and Steflon Don - all were included on the influential BBC's Sound of 2017 long list.

New Gen started out as a playlist series curated by Caroline Simionescu-Marin, editor at GRM Daily and now an A&R at XL. Working with the label, she expanded the idea into an album project centred around the New Gen Studio, a space for MCs, songwriters, mixers and engineers to collaborate.

XL elaborates on the album's concept: "It serves as a timely snapshot of London's burgeoning underground music scene, as well as an introduction to those who may have missed these exciting young artists until now."

Prefaced by teaser single, Ring The Alarm from Avelino and Tiggs Da Author, and the crushing rudeness of Stefflon Don & Abra Cadabra's Money Haffi Mek, highlights also come heavy in the form of 67's road rap banger Jackets, AJ's sweetly moment, My Ways, the Afrobeats swerve of Rather Get Money by TE dness, and a Future-style bewt, Top Floor feat. Yang Bane.