Dhruva Balram, Author at NME

Rico Nasty – ‘Las Ruinas’ review: a mixtape of two halves

The Maryland rapper and singer's latest release gets off to a strong start, but ultimately fades over its prolonged runtime

Pusha T: “I’ve won the wars. I have withstood everything”

How the Virginia rapper confirmed his place as one of the greats

Surya Sen – ‘At What Cost?’ review: a bold, cheeky voice like few others

The Bengali-British producer's debut mixtape is at once a chaotic love-letter to London's club scene, and a reflection on his South Asian heritage

Toro y Moi – ‘Mahal’ review: Californian experimentalist offers a pastiche to suit every taste

The artist's seventh album is a divine demonstration of genre-blending, psychedelic electronic music

Pusha T – ‘It’s Almost Dry’ review: Virginia legend still going strong in his rap tenure

The 44-year-old's latest proves that true lyricism is the key to longevity in the rap game

Syd – Broken Hearts Club’ review: arguably the R&B star’s strongest project to date

Album two was conceived as a collection of love songs – until heartache struck

Syd: “I don’t care about validation anymore. I know I’m a genius”

With the alt-R&B she pioneered with her group The Internet now firmly mainstream and new album ‘Broken Hearts Club’ imminent, the artist is more self-assured than ever

Five things we learned from our In Conversation video chat with Toro y Moi

Toro y Moi on creating his new album 'Mahal'

Little Simz: “It’s nice to see my peers win. When they win, I win”

Simbiatu Ajikawo’s fourth album, ‘Sometimes I Might Be Introvert’, is a stunning, sprawling, ambitious ode to family – both the one you’re born into, and the one you choose

Little Simz – ‘Sometimes I Might Be Introvert’ review: stunning introspection from a true great

The much-lauded London rapper melds razor-sharp lyricism, moving vulnerability and compassionate storytelling as she ascends to the level of legends