Unknown T wants to be seen

Unknown T’s career was just taking off when it was unjustly derailed. Now, the east London rapper is looking forward

Burna Boy © Michelle Helena Janssen

Burna Boy: All Rise

The Nigerian powerhouse has always believed in himself. In the wake of his global breakout album African Giant, the rest of the world is finally catching up

Giant Swan © Tom Andrew

Giant Swan: The shape of noise to come

Giant Swan want to question everything you know about extreme music. We meet the duo in Bristol to talk noise, debut albums and their guiding philosophy

Steve Lacy © Sasha Samsonova

Steve Lacy: Easy does it

With just an iPhone and a guitar, Steve Lacy declared himself the sound of a generation. With his debut album, he proved he’s the sound of a fluid future

J Hus

J Hus is ready for you

The east London rapper is back with new music, new reflections and the same charisma

Tierra Whack

Tierra Whack: Planet Whack

With a 15-minute album, the Philadelphia MC showed the world what she can do. We meet with her in London to trace her stratospheric rise

Thom Yorke: Daydream nation

Ahead of his next album, the Radiohead frontman calls for a shock to the system

Grimes © Charlotte Rutherford

Grimes is ready to play the villain

After watching her reputation implode, Claire Boucher leaned into destruction. For her latest album, she brings us the end of the world

Kelsey Lu © Emmet Green

Kelsey Lu’s neverending trip

The cellist, avant-pop alchemist and Issue 98 cover star is on her own divine path – we meet her to trace the journey so far

Slowthai

The Miseducation of slowthai

Everyday life in forgotten Britain, as seen by the anarchic rapper

Shabaka Hutchings Interview

Shabaka Hutchings has something to say

We meet the visionary leader ushering in London’s jazz revolution

Idles © Charlotte Patmore

IDLES: We’re all in this together

Against the backdrop of broken Britain, the Bristol five-piece have become a symbol for collective joy and care

Aphex Twin

Aphex Twin’s mask collapses

After years of feeding the mystery machine, Richard D. James is offering us more pieces of himself

Christine and the Queens © Michelle Helena Janssen

Christine and the Queens: A portrait of Chris

With her latest album, the French pop star has transformed, summoning the swagger of 1000 heartthrobs to unlock a bold, seductive new persona

Charli XCX © Yavez Anthonio

Charli XCX: Pull Up to the Party

Charlotte Aitchison is taking pop on a thrilling joyride. Chal Ravens joins her as she powers into the future

Rich Brian’s Glow Up

At 18 years old, Rich Brian represents a new chapter in hip-hop. No longer just a viral sensation, the Indonesian rapper wants you to see him – and his 88rising crew – as more than a novelty

Jorja Smith © Laura McCluskey

Jorja Smith: Real Talk

There’s a timeless elegance to the breakthrough pop star, but her modern soul speaks directly to today’s youth

© Molly Matalon

Kali Uchis: California Dreaming

Kali Uchis hustled hard to make it as a musician. Now, a generation is in love with her timeless style

© Ninja Hanna

Fever Ray: Bite Back

Since 2009’s debut LP, the freedoms Dreijer fiercely protects have come under threat. Following a period of queer exploration, the progressive glow of Fever Ray is brighter than ever

King Krule

King Krule: The Ballad of the Space Cadet and the Deep Sea Diver

The last few years have been turbulent for Archy Marshall. In a pub garden in Peckham he meets with Joe Zadeh to make sense of it all