We’ve got Knucks on the cover this issue, the UK rapper who self-describes his current sound as ‘chill drill’. It’s a good time to catch up with the London-born MC, whose new album ‘Alpha Place’ — named after the South Kilburn estate where he grew up — recently crashed the UK top three and is sounding ace during this long, hot summer. Knucks’ story is excellently told by Yemi Abiade from page 22 onwards, and our photographer Vicky Grout’s shoot with Knucks turned out fantastic too.
Elsewhere this issue, writer Harold Heath — recently diagnosed with ADHD and suspected autism — investigates neurodiversity in the dance music scene (page 47); Mall Grab also talks about living with ADHD and his excellent new album, ‘What I Breathe’ (p61); Ukrainian writer and promoter Tanya Voytko reports on the impact the Russian invasion of her country has had on an assortment of Ukrainian DJs, producers and artists (p69); we catch up with legendary Gang Starr producer, DJ Premier, as he releases a new EP celebrating a significant anniversary of hip-hop (p121); document the part that the East Anglia region of England played in the rise of the UK’s dance music scene (p127); and explore Lithuania’s thriving electronic music scene (p133). Plus there’s a helluva lot more content besides, as you will see.
Hope you enjoy this bumper issue, and are having a great summer.
Carl Loben
Editor