Imran Khan – “Satisfya”

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Score: 6.3

Enough with the “Satisfya rhymes with Amplifier rhymes with Tumble Dryer!!!!!!” jokes. Enough. Imran Khan is back, and – unfortunately – it’s hard to disagree with him when he states that not enough artists have stepped up in his absence. Yet, his new track hardly aims for lofty heights – it’s acceptable to simply settle for mindlessly entertaining blockbuster single, but we’re not sure even does that particularly well. It’s definitely a cool song to drive to, but the melodies aren’t super catchy. The chorus is ok but again, a notch below what we’re used to. The lyrics? Pretty terrible, actually – at various points, Khan doesn’t even bother to make them rhyme. So what saves the day? The production by Eren E – the undoubted star of the show. “Satisfya” is perfectly alright, but we’re not sure it will age particularly well. (Reviewed by Rahul)

Rita Morar – “Piya”

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Score: 7.0

If you basically ignore the nicely shot performance video, and opt in favour of focusing solely on the song itself, “Piya” is an interesting number from a fascinating talent. Rita Morar is an artist with a God given talent (and we do not say that lightly). She’s sings equally well in different languages, but also knows how to inflect those vocals with a raw, overpowering emotion, seemingly at will – when she sings in English, yet in a Hindi style, that’s when our spine really tingles (we’re sure that Abi Sampa must be a fan). After all that, however, it must be noted that the quiet storm beauty of “Piya” needs assistance when it comes sequencing. There is a beauty in brevity, and the chorus is simply repeated too often, meaning that we can’t help feeling it is a touch overdone. It feels barbaric to simply state the chopping a minute off this song would increase our affection for it, but when all the other parts of it have functioned so admirably, it genuinely does come down to something so basic. Still, there is so much to admire here – moreso with Rita Morar than “Piya” perhaps, but it’s essential listening nonetheless. (Reviewed by Jesal)

Menis – “Kamlee” (Featuring Raxstar)

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Score: 3.9

The problem with Menis… Where do we start? He has excellent taste in beats, he can usually handle a great chorus (frequently carrying it himself too). After that, it all just goes to pot. His rapping skills just vary so wildly that on any given Sunday, you have no idea what he’s going to do. We’ve always said he’s far better suited to faster-tempo songs, and “Kamlee” just confirms it. He is simply appalling on the first verse, and fares little better on the second. There’s no point about analysing why (clearly criticism, whether constructive or otherwise, makes absolutely zero difference to the artist in question). The Jupiter Son beat is a very “A Milli” themed take, albeit with more layers, and it works pretty well. Then, Raxstar doesn’t help matters by showing up at 2:39 and displaying precisely why he’s so good – it just makes Menis look even worse. (Reviewed by Rahul)

TaZzZ – “Long Overdue (Featuring Words Ali)”

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Score: 8.3

Damn fine effort from Words Ali here. “Long Overdue” lives up to the hype, as we find the lyricist dovetailing superbly with one of the most perfectly understated instrumentals TaZzZ has helmed thus far. Both the beat and Ali’s vocals have a truly hypnotic quality that leaves you reaching for the replay button as soon as the brief 3:16 number is up. The MC in particular has a genuinely interesting voice, with quirky inflections and impressive flows, and he plays off the subtleties of the music so cleverly that it will take a few listens to reveal the various layers. Quite brilliant. (Reviewed by Jesal)

Swami – “Back It Up”

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Score: 6.6

There’s just one problem with “Back It Up” – the new highly energetic and funky track from Swami… There are three versions, and each has something special. Now, if they could do one version with the best bits of all three, that would be perfect. For the instrumental, we recommend the Nazran Beats Mix featuring Lovely Pawar; we’d have one English Mix verse to lead with; a second verse from the Desi Mix; and more S-Endz (who always adds that extra spice). Regardless, the multiple versions all have much to offer. (Reviewed by Jesal)

Raxstar – “Dream Warriors”

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Score: 5.9

We’re usually a touch cautious when expressing our first impressions about any Raxstar single, simply because they frequently turn out to be growers. However, the somewhat lukewarm reception to “Dream Warriors” says a lot: it’s not another track aimed at his immense female target market (therefore don’t expect it to spread like wildfire); it’s the first official single from his album “Faith & Patience” (does that mean “Jaaneman” isn’t on there, or it’s just a bonus?); it’s quite an alienating mix of influences, coupled with verses from Raxstar that are anything but. This is a very strange choice to lead with. As we’ve alluded to, the Luton MC spits some truly superb verses here, with quotables aplenty, but the beat (and sequencing) leave a lot to be desired. Musically, it sounds a fair bit like “Break This Game” by Swami Baracus (not just because it’s “rocky” – even the chords strike a resemblance), yet the lacklustre chorus just doesn’t seem to fit at all. The stuttering sample works well, but as a whole, Sunit has simply overcooked the instrumental. As a result, the vocals don’t mesh, and there isn’t the unified feel necessary to make this kind of track work as a single (even a build up one, at that). Making music isn’t easy, and Raxstar’s progression as an MC is exciting – but rule number one in hip hop: “You’re only as good as your beats.” (Reviewed by Rahul)

TaZzZ – “Jhoom (Steel Banglez Remix)”

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Score: 6.0

Strange one here from TaZzZ and his cohorts. The beat is quirky and full of character – it may not necessarily be for everyone, but it has a subtle sparkle and a focus on melody above all. The sequencing also jumps all over the place, taking you by surprise in a most welcome way. However, the MC’s involved don’t really appear to be giving their all: TaZzZ does a solid enough job, but it’s not quite on par with some of his previous efforts; Words Ali has lyrics to burn, not to mention character, but seems a touch subdued; Menis delivers a spitfire verse that just doesn’t connect in any way; Immi has a great natural voice but the bars don’t do it justice this time round… And then, at 2:26 Raxstar pops up and for approximately 26 seconds straight rips the track, owns it and subsequently walks away with it. We don’t like to say it, but this would have been significantly better if this has been from the Luton MC alone. (Reviewed by Rahul)