Dhruva Balram, Author at NME

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

Kam-Bu – ‘Black On Black’ EP review: one of the UK’s most exciting new rappers

The South Londoner establishes himself as a versatile voice on this varied, thrilling debut project

Fredo – ‘Independence Day’ review: gritty but unmemorable road-rap

The west London rapper returns to his road-rap roots on his second album of the year

Sons of Kemet – ‘Black To The Future’ review: rage, resentment – and hope

This is the experimental jazz quartet's incendiary evocation of Black Lives Matter

AJ Tracey – ‘Flu Game’ review: UK rapper remains in a league of his own

The Londoner bills himself as music's Michael Jordan with an ode the player's infamous 1997 match

AJ Tracey: “I’ve gone through so much. It’s been so hard, and I’m still here”

The west London rapper on his slam-dunk of a new album, ‘Flu Game’, and why he’s UK rap’s answer to Michael Jordan

Kam-Bu: “‘Black on Black’ has negative connotations – I want to turn that on its head”

Kam-Bu reflects on his work with Leon Vynehall and writing a "revolutionary" song inspired by Fela Kuti

ZAYN – ‘Nobody Is Listening’ review: ex-boybander crafts quietly purposeful pop

The former One Directioner's last album 'Icarus Falls', was a critical hit but commercial flop. Here he swaps maximalism for simplicity

Pa Salieu: “I’ve been cut from the system, but I will rise up like a phoenix”

The Coventry star is sitting pretty atop this year’s NME 100 list, and his journey to this point has been powered by determination and faith in his talents