Don’t Sleep: 5 Under-The-Radar Projects You Need To Hear

We're halfway through 2017 and music has delivered in major ways.

Quality has superseded quantity, with great projects dropping on almost a weekly basis, and for every veteran re-establishing themselves, there has also been youthful prodigies just waiting to grab the limelight. Kendrick Lamar shared another album of the year contender in DAMN., Bryson Tiller returned from the wilderness with True To Self, and Khalid brought teenage joy and anguish to reality on American Teen. Here in the UK, Stormzy reached the mountaintop with his chart-topping debut, Gang Signs & Prayer, while Wiley showed why he's the Godfather on his "final" project. Sampha and J Hus both dropped diverse, bold and bright debuts in Process and Common Sense, and the Gorillaz delivered a roller-coaster with Humanz.

Whatever your tastes may be, music has proven once again to be dynamic, emotive and forward-thinking over the last six months. But beyond the big hitters, there has been a constant stream of fiery sounds filtering through from a number of artists that are starting to shine. They have gone under the radar, but have been as entertaining and attention-grabbing as your favourite artist's drop. Here are just a few of those projects that deserve a spin or two.

One of the hardest-working rappers in the game, Jay Prince has notched up an impressive CV. Four mixtapes, sold out shows, and collaborations with Shakka, Allan Kingdom and Joyce Wrice, there's not a lot the east London rapper hasn't done. His latest offering, Late Summers, has early evening vibes to it—bangers to blare from the speakers when the sun is coming down. Over a hybrid of rap and trap flavours, Prince is introspective and commanding, especially on opening cut "Waste No Time", the Aminé-assisted "Vice" and "When I Die". "Anthem", which features Shakka, is as feel-good as can be, and Prince continues to spit positivity on "Peace Of Mind", with some lyrical gold from Avelino. Jay Prince's progression over the years is plain to see on Late Summers.

Listen here.

Blay Vision is a take-no-prisoners lyrical beast. The London MC/producer has been building his name in the underground for a hot minute—and his debut LP justifies his standing as one of the country's most slept-on rhymers. The likes of Skepta and President T have hopped on his tracks, and he has been quietly pumping out bangers for quite some time. Over hard-hitting, progressive beats crafted mainly by Blay himself, Turner Ave speaks to the world's many hypocrisies on the Jme-assisted "Gone Mad", shows he has no time for the haters on "These Guys", and remains critical of the socio-political climate we find ourselves in. His sincerity is his enduring quality, and even in moments of clarity, like "My G's", he remains resolute and lyrically on point. Blay is realising his potential all over this album.

Listen here.

Hailing from Croydon, Kèmi Adé​ represents the revival of neo-soul. Mixing together a variety of sounds, her music is an effortless infusion of alternative neo-soul, jazz, hip-hop and folk. Her second EP, Ownesty, is self-assured, as she gives an honest reflection of herself and where she is in her environment. Kèmi​ is spiritual and aloof on "Third", reflective on "Remedy" and at complete peace with herself on "The Most". The EP represents an individual finding comfort in herself and others, and it retains a musicality that expands on Kèmi​'s influences. She takes you on a journey across the project, and it is a confident offering from one of the UK's most exciting singers.

Listen here.

Bringing indie-rock back in a big way, Cosmo Pyke is making waves right now. Along with being a singer-songwriter and instrumentalist, he's also a skater, graffiti artist and even appeared in Frank Ocean's "Nikes" video. Pyke's cultural impact was confirmed with inclusion in the Dazed 100 earlier in the year, and his debut EP, Just Cosmo, is a breath of fresh air. In just five tracks, he captures the burgeoning music scene over in south east London with lo-fi production, breezy guitar plucks, mellow drum sequences, and piercing vocals. Opening track "Wish You Were Gone" tenderly breaks down a deteriorating relationship, while "Social Sites" and "Chronic Sunshine" are refreshing odes to normality in this world of excess. Cosmo's songwriting shows a maturity beyond his 18 years of age. A confident debut from the rising talent.

Listen here.

House Of Pharaohs are London's answer to the Wu-Tang Clan. Six larger-than-life characters, AJ Youngsoul, Bandanna, Blaze, Kevin Taylor, Danny Stern and Sam Wise bring lyrical edge, energy and heaps of eccentricity to proceedings. Their recent project, Real Faces, uncovers a crew steeped in brotherhood, and a common aim to get paid! Highlight "RWM (Run With Me)" blends the best of trap and drill sounds to create a euphoric work of art; lo-fi cuts "Pope" and "Cillit Bang" are slow-burning bangers, and there are tongue-twisters aplenty from each member as they try to outdo each other (friendly competition, but with seriously wavy results). The Pharaohs are making a racket with this one.

Listen here.