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This new album is Headie One’s first solo record in three years, and follows ‘Too Loyal for My Own Good’, released in 2021. Since then, he has released two albums in collaboration with other artists, ‘No Borders: European Compilation Project’ with artists such as Gazo, Luciano, Shiva, and Hamza, alongside ‘STRENGTH TO STRENGTH’, which he produced with K-trap.

Recently, Headie One released a sneak peek of the upcoming album, as he released ‘Tipsy’, featuring Aitch. So far, he has also released three other songs from his new album, including: ‘Martin’s Sofa’, ‘I Still Know Better’, and ‘Cry No More’ featuring Stormzy and Tay Keith. The anticipation for his new album is consistently rising, as he also released a music video for ‘Tipsy’, which you can watch below.

In addition to his new album, he also recently announced a European and his first ever Australian tour, that will take him to Gold Coast, Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, Manchester, Dublin, Glasgow, London, Stockholm, Oslo, Copenhagen, Hamburg, Amsterdam, Paris, Antwerp, Cologne, Frankfert, Munich, Berlin, and Zurich this October and November, and next February and March. You can find tickets here.

His new album, is set to be an exciting one, as his 2020 album, ‘EDNA’, made history as it was the first drill album to top the UK charts, leaving the possibilities for his new album endless. The success of his music has lead to Headie One being considered a pioneer of UK drill music, and he is part of OFB, that stands for Original Farmer Boys and is a group made up of prominent drill artists from Tottenham, such as Bandokay, and Double Lz.

When talking to NME about his new album, he assured fans that “it’s the last one but it’s not the last one you know?”, so they can rest assured that the album’s name does not reflect the end of his career. He also told NME that “this album is about the place we come from, the negative things that happened and that are still in effect today so I’m giving a lot of home truths in this one”, exciting fans with the intimacy of his new album, which you can pre-order here. If you pre-order the album by 4pm on the 26th June, then you will have the opportunity to enter a competition to watch Headie One from backstage at Glastonbury Festival on Friday 28th June with a plus one.

Rolling Loud and Levi’s announced their global partnership this year, teaming up to celebrate 50 years of hip-hop and 150 years of Levi’s iconic 501 jeans. The partnership will see a specialised Levi’s merchandise capsule at all Rolling Loud events, with Rolling Loud founders Matt Zingler and Tariq Cherif stating in a press release, “For years, Levi’s have been the uniform for both the fans in the crowd and the artists on stage at Rolling Loud.”

They continued, “Because so many of our fans are there for the music as well as the merch, we’re excited to have one of the most influential apparel brands of all time design special clothing for each event. We’re also honored to serve as Levi’s first global partner and to celebrate history by bringing Rolling Loud events to new cities.”

The 501 Day celebration will see 4 intimate shows put on across London, Tokyo, Paris and Oakland, offering fans the chance to see iconic names in club settings. The shows will take place on the 20th May to honour the date in 1873 when Levi Strauss & Co. were granted a patent on the process of riveting trousers. Each 501 Day club show will include unique Levi’s x Rolling Loud merchandise that promises to “speak to the city and celebrate its character.”

UK fans can look forward to performances from Little Simz, whose latest album earned her a Brit Award for Best New Artist in 2022, as well as appearances from British rappers K-Trap, Unknown T and Sainte. The show will put a spotlight on UK rap and drill talent, celebrating the crossover between Levi’s and these music genres.

In the same press release, Mark Foxton, Head of Global Partnerships and Collaborations at Levi Strauss & Co., said, “As we commemorate the 150th anniversary of Levi’s historic 501 jeans, we’re thrilled to partner with Rolling Loud to support the artists, enhance the fan experience, and reflect on hip-hop’s incredible historical journey. No festival brings together more people to celebrate the culture of hip hop than Rolling Loud and no piece of fashion has been as central to hip-hop as the 501 jeans. Through exclusive merchandise and unique activations, we truly want to amplify the authentic connections at these incredible festivals and shows.” 

Rolling Loud and Levi’s partnership will continue throughout global festivals this summer, starting with Rolling Loud Rotterdam, Rolling Loud Portugal and Rolling Loud Germany, and culminating with Rolling Loud Miami, the brand’s flagship festival.

The festivals will feature a Levi’s Tailor Shop experience as well as limited edition Levi’s x Rolling Loud capsule collections, with special items also being available to purchase at on the Levi’s website.

Tickets for all 501 Day club shows can be purchased here.

Details of the 4 501 Day celebrations are below:

London, UK:

Headliner: Little Simz
Supporting: K-Trap, Unknown T, Sainte
Venue: KoKo

Paris, France:

Headliner: Headie One
Supporting: Franglish, Lujipeka
Venue: Élysée Montmartre

Tokyo, Japan:

Headliner: Lil Tecca
Supporting: Aklo, Tana, DJLEAD
Venue: Spotify O-East

Oakland, California, US:

Headliner: Kehlani
Supporting: DJ Five Venoms, more TBA
Venue: The Fox Theater

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On his Instagram, Dsavv posted “free my n**** potta [Izzpot] gonna do u proud bro”, breaking the news of his friends recent incarcertation. Some speculate that a comment like this from Dsavv is indicative of a long sentence instead of a brief recall. More news is expected to follow in the coming days and weeks.

This announcement comes alongside the news that new music is on the way from Izzpot. Clips depicting Izzpot on the phone from the inside, as well as excerpts of unreleased music, have appeared on social media in the last 24 hours.

OFB, being a major figure in UK drill music, headed by arguably the biggest star in drill, Headie One, have been embroiled in multiple controversies over the last few years. As well as being mentioned regularly in the wider conversation about drill music inciting violence in the capital, OFB specifically have recieved heat from the British public for glorifying actual crimes committed by actual criminals.

The aforementioned SJ, once a major emerging talent from OFB, is currently in prison for murder and will only be a free man once he reaches his forties. Headie One, who in the last few years has collaborated with Drake and Future, recieved a huge amount of heat for his track ‘Know Better’, now a drill classic, but then sparked controversy. The lyrical content referred to real crimes and murders; someone speaking to the BBC said the following: “What’s being said are facts relating to real people, what he is saying is real. That person that got shot in his neck, his parents got to listen to that. Everyone from Wood Green knew exactly what he was referring to. Everyone was upset.”

Of course, these accusations are one-sided, and there is a larger story at play. OFB hail from one of the most deprived estates in London and the UK at large, Broadwater Farm. OFB member Bandokay lost his father at a young age, known to the public as Mark Duggan, whose killing sparked the 2011 London riots. Bandokay’s manager said the following to The Guardian: “We’re known as one of the most notorious estates in the UK. We want to change that. Through music, using the technology available to us, we’re coming together to run a business.” Indeed, music is the way out for marginalised children, and in their music they are merely depicting the life around them. Some may see this as deeply subversive. The debate is, of course, itself divisive and ongoing as the genre grows.

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“Pound Signs” contributes to Headie One’s impressive and successful discography. The track opens with audio extracted from an interview with Bob Marley, in which he was in conversation about how financial wealth and monetary gain doesn’t equate to personal fulfilment. This interview sets the tone for the rest of “Pound Signs” – it is fuelled with hi-hit patterns and 808 slides typical to UK drill as well as lyricism which reveals the advantages and disadvantages of gaining money in a modern society. It is this kind of insightful lyricism which contributed to the notable success of Irving’s critically acclaimed album “Edna” in 2020.

Headie One’s latest album “Edna” was released on Friday 9th October of last year. The 20-track album reflects on the loss of the rappers mother, hence the album being named after her.  The critical success of “Edna” is undoubtable and it is no wonder that Headie One received various reputable nominations. For instance this year Headie One was nominated for the Brit Award for British Single with Master-card, as well as the Brit Award for British Male Solo Artist. Such nominations and critical success have contributed to the artist rightfully earning the reputation as one of the best Drill artist’s out there.

Clearly 2020 was significant for Headie One and it is no doubt that this will continue throughout 2021, especially with the release of “Pound Signs“. The release of “Pound Signs” has also sparked hope for the preparation of a following album in the near future. For now we can appreciate the single for the talent it showcases and the message that it offers. You can watch the music video for “Pound Signs” here.

“Pound Signs” certainly shows promise for the UK artist, who isn’t shy of successful hit-singles. His reputation grew from the release of his track “18Hunna“, which features the rapper Dave. “18Hunna” reached number 6 on the UK Singles Chart. As well as this, in August 2020 Headie One, along with British rappers Stormzy and AJ Tracey, released the track “Ain’t It Different“. The track impressively became the highest-charting single for both Headie One and AJ Tracey. Big things can only be expected from the drill star.

Headie one has even previously been labelled as “the best drill artist in the world” by his collaborator Drake – enforcing the reputation he has built on the UK music scene.

In interview with The Guardian, Headie One commented that “I started to realise that music is a language: you have to listen to it and speak back”. You can listen to his new track “Pound Signs” here.

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The music video explores the experience of being Black in modern Britain and ‘the struggle against an invisible oppressor propagated by cultural, systemic and structural biases – that is often hard to see and even harder to overcome.’ The collaboration of Headie One’s honest rap with twigs’ avant-pop vocals singing ‘Don’t judge me, be there for me / Hold me in your arms’ whilst watching Black artists and influential figures being pushed down by the invisible oppressor creates a powerful and though-provoking audio-visual document. Twigs, who is also a renowned dancer, provides stunning, contemporary choreography that highlights this projects message.

Adjei and twigs’ visualisation features work from many influential Black British artists including Kara Walker’s ‘Fons Americanus’. The Hyundai 2019 commission is a fountain that was based off the Victoria Memorial outside Buckingham Palace. However, Walker’s fountain depicts ‘the legacy of Empire, public monuments, contemporary and historic violence of water, the black Atlantic and culture and narrative.’ Walker’s visual representation of these themes ‘questions how we remember history in our public monuments’. Adjei stated “Having the enormous Victorian-inspired fountain Fons Americanus by visual artist Kara Walker – depicting the historical, sorrowful story of slavery and colonisation – as our setting, and particularly as the spirit of the film, this important monument creates another layer of depth and meaning to an invisible yet shared history”. Twigs tweeted her adoration of the work stating, ‘it was an honour to shoot with kara walkers fountain exploring the interconnection of black history between africa, america and europe’ 

so proud to release don’t judge me into the world. this project is very personal and special to me. it was an honour to shoot with kara walkers fountain exploring the interconnection of black history between africa, america and europe. pic.twitter.com/YvlG3PgqMz — FKA twigs (@FKAtwigs) January 26, 2021

Set with a backdrop of ‘Fons Americanus’, the video features multiple Black, British artists and influential figures including writer Reni Eddo-Lodge, activist Munroe Bergdof, mental health advocate Nicole Crentsil and Black Lives Matter activist Solomon O.b. Twigs is dressed by Black designers, supported by FarFetch. 

FKA Twigs is also launching a new radio station, named the ‘main squeeze’ on Sonos Radio. Twigs stated that the station will include, ‘music that has not only made me into the woman i have become but also inspired the artist that i am today’. It will launch February 10th 2021, alongside new stations by Björk, D’Angelo and The Chemical Brothers.

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Watch the new ‘Don’t Judge Me’ video below.

Of the most popular songs this year, a significant number are collaborations, which has brought new sounds to the limelight. Some have been from breakthrough acts, and all are reflections of the various events of 2020. Here are our top ten songs of 2020.

10. Contagion – Napalm Death
Arguably the highest peak in Napalm Death’s sixteenth record Thores of Joy in the Jaws of Defeatism (Century Media, 2020), ‘Contagion’ is the ruthless manifestation of Napalm Death’s forty-year long crusade against ignorance and social injustice. In a milestone album with influences ranging from signature grindcore to old-school industrial, the track is a straightforward brutal tirade against greed and corruption.

With music and lyrics by bassist Shane Embury and produced by Russ Russell (At The Gates, Dimmu Burgir, Exploited), ‘Contagion’ captures the rage and defiance of the whole record. The song is a fast and precise blend of grind and death metal, with doom feel and hardcore attitude. It is moody and angry, but above all, it is pure Napalm Death and one to remember 2020 with.

- Viktor Balchikliev

9. Strange Girl – Laura Marling
Strange Girl was written by Laura Marling and comes from her seventh studio album ‘Song for Our Daughter’ which was released in April of 2020. ‘Song for Our Daughter’ was co-produced by Laura Marling and long-time collaborator Ethan Johns. The album is a collection of messages Laura wants to convey to her future daughter.

The song addresses this fictional daughter as someone quite like Marling and has given up financial stability to pursue her art. The song is the perfect dance around the kitchen song, it follows the classic folk song style of and undeniable beat with a beautiful message, told through passionate lyrics. ‘Song For Our Daughter’ was shortlisted for the 2020 Mercury Awards and was also nominated for Best Folk Album in the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards.

- Susan Owens

8. Heat Waves – Glass Animals
Written by Glass Animals frontman Dave Bayley and produced by Paul Epworth (Adele, Rihanna, Florence and the Machine), has been pivotal in the band’s career – and this year for fans, gaining over 64 million streams. ‘Heat Waves’ is blends genres in the way that Glass Animals so often do; despite featuring hip-hop beats and influences from trap music, there is ultimately an electro-pop sound running throughout.

This was one of many singles to be shared from the band’s latest album ‘Dreamland’, premiering in June, with the album following in August. Lyrically, the song focuses on combatting the judgement of other people and staying true to one’s own path. Bayley wrote on Instagram, “It’s about realising you can’t make everyone happy. And realising it’s ok to be defeated by something,” going on to say, “being vulnerable should be a positive thing.”

7. Head &Heart – Joel Corry ft. MNEK
Head & Heart by Joel Corry, featuring the widely popular MNEK on vocals, was the UK’s favourite dance-track of the summer after its massive release in July. The single had the added benefit of being mixed by the acclaimed Kevin Grainger who has worked on iconic dance records, including with the late Avicii. Head & Heart was the fun and optimistic club-banger that was sorely needed in a time of isolation and therefore rocketed to the top of the charts in its first week.

Corry is a relatively new artist, only breaking onto the London DJ scene in 2019, so his success with this track has been unprecedented as it sat at the number 1 spot on the UK Single Charts for 6 weeks straight. Corry has come a long way from his reality television days on Geordie Shore as Head & Heart has made him one of London’s most successful DJ’s and producers of the year. It would be fitting to say that Head & Heart makes 2020’s heart go ‘boom boom bah doom!’

- Shana Briddock

6. Ain’t It Different – Headie One ft. Stormzy and AJ Tracey
‘Ain’t It Different’ was written by 13 writers (including AJ Tracey) and produced by Fred (Ed Sheehan, Rita Ora, Major Lazer, Ellie Goulding) and Toddla T (Major Lazer, Sean Paul). The song sees the three rappers trade straight-talking bars about how different their lives are now.

It’s an important message depicting how different their lives have changed since their younger days, which uses samples from M-Dubs’ Bump and Grind and Red Hot Chilli Peppers’ Pretty Little Dirty. Sitting at over 60 million streams and peaking at number 2 in the UK charts, these rap and R’n’B legends have hit out with a powerful and immersive song.

- Rory Aitken

5. Obey – Bring Me The Horizon and Yungblud
‘Obey’ is a collaboration between two pop-punk giants; Yungblud and Bring Me The Horizon. Full of battering guitars, hard-hitting drum beats and electric vocals, the song pulls from multiple genres nu metal, electronic dance music and rave music.

Throughout, the song carries a riotous energy, focusing on the oppression and suffering many face due to government control; “Obey, We’re gonna show you how to behave, Obey It’s nicer when you can’t see the chains.”  The track has received universal acclaim from fans and critics alike, being voted Annie Mac’s Hottest Record of the Year for 2020.

- Lily Blakeney-Edwards

4. Rain – Aitch, AJ Tracey and Tay Keith
Two of the biggest names in UK rap, Aitch and AJ Tracey, released their track ‘Rain’ this year on the 5^th of May 2020. The track was produced by Tay Keith, who also featured on the hit single which was premiered on BBC Radio 1 and 1XTRA as Annie Mac’s Hottest Record In The World and DJ Target’s ‘Targo Embargo’.

The LA Filmed video was produced by Arrad. NME says it “sees Aitch and AJ making it rain – both literally and metaphorically – as they hold onto stacks of dollar bills and rock various pieces of iced- out jewellery.” The 3 rap artists roll out their lyrics effortlessly over a heavy piano beat produced by Tay Keith. The highly anticipated track was a brilliant collaboration and it’s therefore no surprise it was a huge hit this year.

- Ashleigh K

3. All I Need – Jacob Collier ft. Mahalia and Ty Dolla $ign
Penned by our very own Jacob Collier, the ‘Clarity’ artist offers a soulful, R&B infused standout single. A creative collision between Jacobs, American rapper Ty Dolla $ign and singer- songwriter Mahalia (formally known as Mahalia Burkmar), All I Need draws upon the three artists’ eclectic and equally strong vocal prowesses.

‘All I Need’ is taken from Collier’s fourth studio album, ‘Djesse Vol. 3′. Released back in August, ‘All I Need’ is a genre-blending, foot-tapping bop, filled to the brim with sounds of both neo-soul and synth pop. Lyrically, the track hones in on the all too relatable feeling of infatuation. Collier sings: “I love the way that I feel when you put your arms over me/(There must be something I could say to make you stay baby)”. He said of the track’s meaning: “In the gorgeous, naive space that exists when one falls in love with somebody, it can really feel like they are exactly everything you need in that moment.”

- Sadie Willis-Falkiner

2. Don’t Start Now – Dua Lipa
Released as a single ahead of her successful ‘Future Nostalgia,’ album late last year, Dua Lipa’s ‘Don’t Start Now,’ made a splash which has led to it to becoming one of the biggest hits of 2020. The tune charted at number 2 on the official charts, only narrowly behind her two biggest hits, the UK number ones ‘New Rules,’ and ‘One Kiss,’ and it remained on the charts for a whopping 52 weeks.

Like the rest of ‘Future Nostalgia,’ don’t start now has a retro 80s disco vibe with a great bassline and neat guitar work, the lyrics are in some ways typical of Dua Lipa’s songwriting, dealing with everyday themes like relationships and heartbreak with simple, yet effective delivery. As we head into 2021 ‘Don’t Start Now,’ is still one of the hottest tracks in a hear of British music which has undoubtably been owned by Dua Lipa.

- Felix Leif

1. Black Dog – Arlo Parks
2020 was a breakthrough year for Arlo Parks, and in ‘Black Dog’ the Londoner produced a timely and powerful reflection on mental health which captured the frustrated, longing mood of a nation in lockdown. Parks’ lyrics fuse the mundanity of everyday life stuck indoors (“Let’s go to the corner store and buy some fruit/ I would do anything to get you out your room”) with a dark sensuality, particularly that superb opening line, “I’d like the grief right off your lips/ You do your eyes like Robert Smith”.

It’s a curious and winning combination which has gained over 10 million streams. Sonically, ‘Black Dog’ is sweetly melodic and quietly intense: an indie ballad which blends in folk and R&B influences to stirring effect.

2021 looks set to be another big year for Parks – her debut LP ‘Collapsed In Sunbeams’ is due for release next month – and you wouldn’t bet against this prodigious young talent scaling new heights in the very near future.

- Daniel Parker

A Massive congratulations to all of our 2020 #MOBOAwards winners!

— MOBO (@MOBOAwards) December 9, 2020

Headie One scooped the award for Best Male Act, seeing off competition from nominees including Stormzy, J Hus and AJ Tracey. The  Tottenham trap star also picked up a second award for his collaboration with Young T & Bugsey on Don’t Rush, which secured the coveted Song of the Year title based on a public vote.

A night of MOBOs glory capped off an exceptional year for Headie One (real name Irving Adjei) whose debut album Edna soared to number one in the UK Albums Charts in October. In their review of the record, NME described the LP, which was named after Adeji’s late mother, as “a clear and persuasive bid for transatlantic stardom“; labelling the artist the “global King of drill.”

Leicestershire songstress Mahalia also enjoyed a memorable evening. The British-Jamaican singer, who made her second successive appearance in the US Adult R&B Top 20 this year with single BRB, was named Best Female Act on the night. The East Midlander also came up trumps in the Best R&B/Soul Act category, fending off WSTRN, Tiana Major9, Lianne La Havas and Mercury Prize winner Michael Kiwanuka. Mahalia told the RTÉ network that it was “an honour” to feature in an awards show close to her heart, saying “I remember seeing my first Mobos…As a young black female artist, it really is special to be here and to be recognised in this way.”

There were further gongs for North London rapper Nines – aka Courtney Leon Freckleton – who won the Album of the Year award for his third studio LP Crabs In A Bucket, which topped the UK Albums Chart at the end of the summer. Nines also pipped J Hus, Ms Banks, D-Block Europe, Krept & Konan and Potter Payper to the Best Hip Hop Act prize.

Elsewhere there was success for Hackney-born Jme in the Best Grime category; while Samuel Nwachukwu – known by his stage name of  Calledout Music – was named Best Gospel Act. The Nigerian-born, UK-raised singer is a rising star of Christian music globally, and has been touted as a prospective collaborator with Stormzy and Wretch 32 in the past. In a special feature on gospel music last year, The Big Issue described him as “a much needed breath of fresh air” on the scene, with an “infectious sound.”

Other award winners on the night included Lancashire rapper Aitch – who secured a top ten hit in the UK Albums Chart this year with his EP Polaris – in the Best Newcomer category; and Ella Mai, whose eponymous 2018 debut album was recognised as the best LP released over the two years that passed without a MOBO Awards ceremony. There was also a win for East London rap collective NSG in the Video of the Year category; while South Londoner Ego Ella May got the nod for Best Jazz Act. Stratford-based Jae-5 picked up the Best Producer award, telling Audio Media International: “It’s beautiful to be acknowledged and to win an award that promotes what I am.”

Meanwhile non-UK winners on the night included Nigerian Afrobeats merchant Burna Boy (Best International Act) and compatriot Wizkid (Best African Act). Jamaican dancehall veteran Buju Banton also bagged the Best Reggae Act award. The full list of musical winners at the MOBO Awards were:

Best Female Act – Mahalia
Best Male Act – Headie One
Album of the Year – Crabs in a Bucket (Nines)
Song of the Year – Dont Rush (Young T & Bugsey feat. Headie One)
Best Newcomer  – Aitch
Video of the Year – Lupita, NSG
Best R&B/Soul Act – Mahalia
Best Hip Hop Act – Nines
Best Grime Act – Jme
Best International Act – Burna Boy
Best Album (2017 – 2019) - Ella Mai (Ella Mai)
Best African Act – Wizkid
Best Reggae Act – Buju Banton
Best Gospel Act – Calledout Music
Best Jazz Act – Ego Ella May
Best Producer – Jae 5
Best Performance in a TV Show/Film - Micheal Ward (as Marco in Blue Story)
Best Media Personality - Chunkz
Inspiration Award - Steve McQueen

The continued absence of a category to recognise rock music was highlighted ahead of the awards ceremony by Londoners Nova Twins. The self-described ‘urban punk’ duo rightly pointed to the key role pioneers like Sister Rosetta Sharp, Chuck Berry and Little Richard played in the development of guitar music and rock ‘n’ roll as an overarching genre. The MOBOs judging panel responded directly on Twitter by saying they would “…continue to review potential category expansions for future Award ceremonies.”

AJ deleted his instagram earlier this year and then revealed a mystery mobile number, asking his fans to text him for more news, keeping them updated with teasers and news about the upcoming EP. He said, “This one’s for the real day 1 Lil tracey / AJ Tracey / GTraceo fans. I made sure the ones who stuck with me get something in return.”

Secure The Bag! 2 OUT NOWhttps://t.co/foblp2hUEG

— aj (@ajtracey) November 29, 2020

The nine track record has taken us back to his roots of Ladbrook Grove with pure grime and transatlantic rap and having grown a huge fanbase over the years, this will no doubt show his growth as a talented rapper. NME reported him saying about his recent success, “Would you believe / I killed the shows overseas / Spread the sound like a disease / brought the world to its knees,” he raps on ‘Yumeko’.”

In 2017 AJ Tracey released his original EP ‘Secure The Bag’ but with his latest release it seems he has cemented himself as one of the UK’s top current rappers. His EP is very versatile and have something for everyone’s musical tastes. NME reviewed the EP saying, “Across the EP, there are moments for every type of AJ Tracey fan. Lean, skittish drum rolls on ‘Hikkimori’ are underpinned with road rap, which slots alongside the taut trap braggadocio trills of ‘Blow My Phone’. ‘No Chucks’ and ‘Triggered’, meanwhile, epitomise Tracey’s quintessential energetic, boastful rap sound.”

Having entered the album chart in 2017 with ‘Secure The Bag,’ AJ Tracy will no doubt be hoping to top his success with his latest record. Tracy then released ‘Butterflies,” feat British singer Not3s, which peaked in the top 20 on the UK singles chart. The self titled album, ‘AJ Tracy’ which was released in 2019 by Warner records and peaked at number 3 on the album charts. His highest charting single was ‘Ladbroke Grove’ which peaked at Number 3 on the UK Singles Chart.

2020 has been AJ’s most successful year yet having released his hit ‘West Ten’ feat Mabel and massive hits including ‘Dinner Guest’ feat Mo Stack, a charity single ‘Times like these,’ and the platinum certified Tik-Tok track ‘Rain’ with Aich. He’s also featured alongside Stormzy on Headie One’s ‘Ain’t It Different,’ which peaked at number 2 in the UK Official Chart.

Having had over one billion streams globally, AJ’s continues to show his versatility and talent as a UK rapper as he continues to push the boundaries and have a clever use of wordplay to captivate his audience. His surprise release will surely please his fans and no doubt be another one in the bag for AJ Tracey.

Tracklist

1. Yumeko
2. LA4AWEEK2
3. Red & Green
4. Graveyard Shift
5.Hikikomori
6. Blow my Phone
7. No Chucks
8. Triggered
9. Coloumbiana

#MOBOAwards season is almost here. You ready?! pic.twitter.com/Oa469Xzyft

— MOBO (@MOBOAwards) November 23, 2020

The full show will be livestreamed on YouTube on the 9th of December at 7pm. The BBC will then show a hightlight show the same night at 10:35pm. BBC Radio 1Xtra will also be covering the awards starting on Sunday 6th December from 9pm with a special 1Xtra Talks show hosted by Richie Brave which will look back at the last 24 years of MOBO history and look at how music has changed and evolved over the last two decades.

The hosts for the awards show was announced yesterday as presenter Maya Jama and comedian Chunkz. There will also be performances on the night from Headie One, Ms Banks, Kojey Rachal and Tiwa Savage.

YAAAAAS. Very very excited for this one! Il be back hosting the 2020 #MOBOAwards this time with my hunty @Chunkz & it’s gna be on @YouTube & @BBCOne Congratulations to all the nominees see you next month pic.twitter.com/8ZBZut3VPQ

— Maya Jama (@MayaJama) November 24, 2020

Speaking about the awards show, founder Kanya King said; “Recognising the unique role the MOBO Awards plays for so many, and the challenging year we find ourselves in, it is now more important than ever to be there and to continue the rich history of showcasing the very best of black music and culture. We are proud to partner with YouTube and the BBC to bring this year’s celebration to millions of music fans, and continue to uplift creative voices here in the UK and around the world.”

YouTube Music’s Director of EMEA, Dan Chalmers said; “It’s a real privilege to be partnering with The MOBO Awards to bring a global audience to such an important British music event. It’s vital that artists and creators from across all backgrounds, genres and sounds are given a platform to build an audience and fanbase. I’m honoured to continue to lift up and support the Black British music community, which continues to be at the heart of the music experience in the UK. I look forward to watching the nominees and winners on this special night and supporting them on their journey forwards.” 

The MOBO awards will be livestreamed on YouTube at 7pm on the 9th of December. The full list of nominations is below.

Best Male Act
Headie One
J Hus
Stormzy
Nines
AJ Tracey
Young T & Bugsey

Best Female Act
Lianna La Havas
Ms Banks
Tiana Major9
Mahalia
Darkoo
FKA Twigs

Album Of The Year
J Hus – Big Conspiracy
Stormzy – Heavy Is The Head
Mahalia – Love And Compromise
Nines – Crabs In A Bucket
Lianne La Havas – Lianne La Havas

Song Of The Year
Young T & Bugsey – Don’t Rush (feat Headie One)
Digga D – Woi Darkoo – Gangsta (feat Acen)
Tion Wayne – I Dunno (feat Stormzy and Dutchavelli)
Abra Acadabra – On Deck

Best Newcomer
Aitch
Alicaì
Darkoo
Dutchavelli
Ivorian Doll
M1llionz
Miraa May
Pa Salieu
Shaybo
Tiana Major9
M Huncho
Loski

Video of the Year
Bree Runway – Apeshit
Nines – Clout
NSG - Lupita
Jorja Smith - By Any Means
Knucks - Home
Kojey Radical - 20/20

Best R&B/Soul Act
WSTRN
Tiana Major9
Michael Kiwanuka
Mahalia
Lianne La Havas

Best Hip-Hop Act
J Hus
Nines
Ms Banks
D-Block Europe
Krept & Konan
Potter Payper

Best Grime Act
Ghetts
P Money
Manga Saint Hilare
Capo Lee
JME

Best International Act
Burna Boy
Drake
Koffee
Megan Thee Stallion
Pop Smoke
Popcaan
Roddy Ricch
Rema
Shenseea
Summer Walker
H.E.R
Lil Baby

Best Performance in a TV Show/Film
Kane Robinson – Top Boy
Michaela Coel - I May Destroy You
Ncuti Gatwa – Sex Education
Jessica Plummer - EastEnders
Micheal Ward - Blue Story
Damson Idris - Snowfall

Best Media Personality
Munya Chawawa
Chunkz
Yung Filly
Mo Gilligan
Clara Amfo
Maya Jama
Henrie Kwushue
KSI
Harry Pinero
Zeze Millz

Best Album 2017-2019
Dave – Psychodrama
Kano – Hoodies All Summer
Ella Mai - Ella Mai
Skepta - Ignorance is Bliss
Nines - Crop Circle
Little Simz - Grey Area

Best African Act
Burna Boy
Tiwa Savage
Davido
Fireboy DML
Rema
Master KG
Adekunle Gold
NSG
Afro B
WizKid
StoneBwoy
Shatta Wale

Best Reggae Act
Popcaan
Koffee
Lila Iké
Buju Banton
Protoje

Best Gospel Act
Calledout Music
Noel Robinson
Guvna B
The Kingdom Choir
Shekinah

Best Jazz Act
Moses Boyd
Joe Armon-Jones
Tom Misch & Yussef Dayes
Yazmin Lacey
Ego Ella May

Best Producer
Jae 5
808 Melo
Sir Spyro
TSB
Steel Banglez
M1onthbeat

Official Charts have reported the album to of been streamed over 25.5 million times last week. His album, based on the realities of growing up in the ghetto of London and his turbulent life, is dedicated to his late mother Edna Duah.”Having my album go to number 1 means a lot to me. Edna this is for you,” Headie told Officialcharts.com.

Headie One’s pays tribute to his mum as Edna debuts at Number 1 on the Official UK Albums Chart ❤️ @HeadieOnehttps://t.co/MFvKrNPb49

— Official Charts (@officialcharts) October 16, 2020

His album, a mix of UK Rap, drill, trap, dancehall and US hip-hop, is released just 6 months after he was jailed for carrying a knife. The 26 year old described his experience to The Guardian “It was a wake-up call that it really is a thin line – one wrong move and it’s all over, it’s back to what you used to dream to get out of.”

Headie’s stint in prison is drawn upon throughout his album following convictions at the age of 17 for drug and knife possession. In 2014, he was convicted after being caught in possession of nearly £30,000 worth of drugs and sentenced to 30 months in prison.

During these times, music became his sanctuary and he developed his musical skills. He told The Guardian that other people inside, “didn’t feel the music like I did. Not just lyrics or beats, but the emotions, the sounds, the concepts.” His latest single, ‘Ain’t if Different’ ft AJ Tracey, is a catchy track with a hidden message about the dullness and hardships of prison life.

On his first day being released from prison in 2017, he spent the day recording a song and filming the video for it and released it the following day. From then on, he put all effort into his music, working intensely on new songs that later led to six mixtapes.

Headie has already had top 10 hits with rapper stars Stormzy and Dave and recently collaborated with rapper superstar Drake on their track ‘Only you freestyle,’ who describes Headie as, “The best Drill artist in the world.”- The Guardian. As well as dominating the album charts this week, Headie One also takes over this weeks official singles charts in top 40 with ‘Ain’t it Different,’ ‘Princess cuts,’ and ‘Parlez-Vous Anglais.’

Shabs Jobanputra from Relentless Records speaks about Headie’s recent successes to Official Charts, “Another subculture of British music has just permeated mainstream society. Headie is at the top of his game and he truly deserves everything that is coming to him off the back of his authenticity and talent.”

The NME reviewed that, “”Edna is proof that he’s the unmistakeable, global ‘King of drill’, and much more besides, It’s a move into the mainstream, without forgetting where it all began.”