Beach settings combine with bass-heavy sounds for Hideout Festival 2018

Lost & Found Festival proved itself to be an essential pre-summer party

Dr. Dre came to London to remind us Anderson .Paak is a superstar

My Life as a Mixtape: Donae’O

From a career comeback to his first love, the UK vocalist and producer maps out the soundtrack to his most life-affirming moments

20 Rappers and MCs to Watch in 2018

Get to know 20 hungry new artists ready to make an impact on the UK scene over the next 12 months

Lotto Boyzz

Mist:
Blow Off the Pain

The rising Birmingham rapper has turned around hardship and a stint in prison to live his dream. He tells us why you shouldn’t underestimate him or his city

Meet the Tottenham MCs fronting Skepta’s SKAir campaign

Hamda Issa-Salwe gets a tour of Meridian Walk from Belly and Shailan – two young MCs who recently starred in the ad campaign for Skepta’s new trainer

BBC Radio 1Xtra at 15: 10 Iconic Freestyles

Hamda Issa-Salwe celebrates 15 years of 1Xtra by revisiting 10 of the most unforgettable moments in the booth. Featuring Wiley, K Koke and AJ Tracey

The mystery of Frank Ocean and moments of empowerment at Lovebox

MoStack

Various Artists

Belly Squad: Catching a Vibe

Belly Squad’s blend of Afrobeats and UK hip-hop has put them at the forefront of a new London wave. Hamda Issa-Salwe meets them to find out more

Lil Uzi Vert live in London: The greatest rockstar alive?

Rise of The Wicked Skengman: Stormzy‘s Story So Far

From freestyles in the park to stadium ring walks, prepare for ‘Gang Signs & Prayer’ by retracing Big Mike’s strides to the stop

#StartingXX: 20 MCs and rappers to watch in 2017

Hamda Issa-Salwe profiles 20 UK talents set to take centre stage over the next 12 months

Skepta takes on Ally Pally with the gang