Stormzy, Stormzy, Stormzy! Y'all knew he was going to make the list right? Before I listened to the album I wouldn't have been so sure. Of course I'd heard the singles like "Shut Up", "Wicked Skengman 4", and "Know Me From" but just listening to those singles wouldn't have been enough for me. However, after just the first listen I was sold. If you hadn't already guessed, in at number 14 is Stormzy with Gang Signs And Prayer.

The versatility of this album is probably what shocked me most. For an artist whom many now seem to consider as the embodiment of UK Grime; it's crazy how overlooked his contribution to Gospel, Pop and even R&B are on this album. From beginning to end this album had me raising my eyebrows - from the intricate bars on "First Things First" to the vocals on "Blinded By Your Grace, Pt. 2 (feat. MNEK)". To this day "Cold" is possibly one of my favourite tracks of the year. Not even necessarily the best track on the album but a favourite of mine nonetheless. Alongside that, current favourites are "Blinded By Your Grace, Pt. 2", "Return Of The Rucksack", "Don't Cry For Me (feat. Raleigh Ritchie)". Each showing off diverse high points of Stormzy's repertoire, but each with room for live development. The same can be said for the entire album - very solid but I see a lot of room for growth in the follow up.

Stormzy's success this year has been colossal and widespread, and whilst a part of me wants to say it's a little too much hype, after seeing him live quite a bit these past few months and listening through his album several times since its release, I can't help but feel like the hype is warranted. Aside from being a quality character, he's a phenomenal performer and a humble newcomer. A recipe for success. I'm more than excited for what's to come.

Another busy month in music and it's as expected after last months first ever two part series of Music News. Let's see what February has for us...

CHARLOTTE OC NEW MUSIC VIDEO "IF MY HOUSE WAS BURNING"
I only had one question after watching this video here - "WHERE IS YOUR DEBUT ALBUM PLEASE?!" Over the past couple years, Charlotte OC has put out a myriad of fabulous singles and even some EPs but I'm gonna need a full length to accompany these sometime soon. 


BRIGHT CITY NEW MUSIC VIDEO "COLOUR"
Bright City are a collective a talented people based in St. Peter's Church, Brighton. Find out more about the project and the talent involved here, but before that, give their new video a watch here. This is just the first single and you can already tell that this album is going to be brilliant. The production is great and the vocals on this song alone... well! Listen out for Lydia McAllister's (Wayward Daughter) vocals on the album too.


ALBOMBS
As per, there are a bunch of new and exciting albums on the horizon for the coming months. To name a few - Slaves, DIIV, Ghostpoet, Jamie T (new EP), Kanye West, Django Django, The Maccabees, Everything Everything, Florence + The Machine, Wondaland Records and Blur (first in 16 years!) and I'm sure more. 2015, you're spoiling us!


BLUR NEW SINGLE "GO OUT" 
Speaking of Blur releasing a new album, here's the first new single to go along with it! Although it's not mind-blowing in anyway it is however very catchy. I right now that is the perfect way to keep people interested in their comeback. I'm glad to finally have them back... April never seemed so far away!


JIDENNA NEW MUSIC VIDEO "CLASSIC MAN"
Again, having mentioned Wondaland (Janelle Monae's new star studded record label) releasing an EP - Eephus - later this year, I'd better mention the new single/music video that one of her artists, Jidenna, has just put out! So much sass and so much flare, this track is BIG and I suspect that this upcoming EP will be ever bigger.


MNEK NEW MUSIC VIDEO "THE RHYTHM"
I haven't really heard much from MNEK recently if I'm honest, well until now. This song just reminded me of how talented he is! Another huge hit; I expect to be hearing this track played everywhere for quite some time. Let 'the rhythm' get to you here.


JACK Ü FEAT. MISSY ELLIOTT REMIX "TAKE Ü THERE"
After her Superbowl performance with Katy Perry everybody has been waiting to hear Missy Elliott's first comeback track after all of these years. Well, technically we're still waiting, but not without this cool remix with Jack Ü (Diplo and Skrillex). Check it out here. It's clear she still has bars and with the help of Timbaland and Magoo, this should be a comeback you'll remember clearly.


TURBOWOLF NEW SINGLE "NINE LIVES"
Turbowolf continuing to impress me with their riffy goodness. I have to admit that this isn't my favourite single that they've put out to date but it still packs a punch and even more so live. They're touring in April so if you like this track here get along to one of the dates - it'll be big.


WHILE SHE SLEEPS NEW SINGLE "OUR LEGACY"
Okay While She Sleeps, no more singles now until the full album please! I don't want to lose all my excitement on all these singles before I heard the full thing. However, this is a banger! I actually feel like Brainwashed might be better than This Is The Six. Have a listen to the new one here. Roll on the 23rd of March!


EVERYTHING EVERYTHING NEW MUSIC VIDEO "DISTANT PAST"
It is so good to have Everything Everything back! This track has got a little bit of an old school disco vibe about it. It's super catchy and I love this video - very engaging. I look forward to hearing more from them before the release of Get To Heaven on the 15th of June. Give the new video a watch here.


SPIRIT CLUB NEW MUSIC VIDEO "DUSTER"
So, if you haven't already heard, Spirit Club are a new band featuring WAVVES' Nathan Williams. As well as announcing the release of their debut LP - Still Life (listen to the awesome title track here), they've also put out this corker of a track and accompanied it with a music video - awesome! Check out the eery new video/single here.


STATE CHAMPS NEW MUSIC VIDEO "IF I'M LUCKY"
Another band that I've been looking out for since seeing them live here. State Champs actually have a habit of just making me smile. When it comes to pop punk supporting labels, Pure Noise and No Sleep are both fighting for my attention. Well, here's one point to Pure Noise for this very sweet single/video.


TORO Y MOI NEW MUSIC VIDEO "EMPTY NESTERS"
Well, I'd say there was no better time for me to start listening to Toro Y Moi because this new single and video have definitely grabbed my interest. This is really, feel good summer time music! I can't wait to listen to this and watch this video here in a few months when the weather is nice. The new record drops on the 7th of April... good timing.


HEEMS AND DEV HYNES NEW SINGLE "HOME"