Album #1

Channel Orange - Frank Ocean

"Was my introduction to R&B, I was thirteen years old and my art teacher put this whole album on for us - I had to instantly ask what it was, the production was so swagged out but Frank Ocean's vocals on top of it was so soft. Beautifully written analogies and song structures."

Album #2

To Pimp a Butterfly - Kendrick Lamar

"Greatest concept album of all time. Jazz influences, production from some of the most influential producers of all time - Kendrick just hits his writing perfectly, speaking on issues without being so 'on the nose' and having a lot of subtlety. My favourite album of all time, probably."

Album #3

Songs In The Key of Life - Stevie Wonder

"Actually found this album trying to look at old samples and where they came from. Being able to look through discographies is such a beautiful thing especially in modern age. Stevie is just the originator of so many little ear candies/production choices that I'm such a big fan of when I hear it in other works."

Album #4

The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill - Ms Lauryn Hill

"Most versatile artist ever, and technically has only dropped this album. Absolute classic, the softer cuts (To Zion, Tell Him) still hold up and are honestly my favourite parts of the album because her voice carries. She is so talented at harder cuts as shown on the Fugees projects, but her singing is my personal favourite."

Album #5

Sonder Son - Brent Faiyaz

"This album really grew on me, really high rotation recently. I haven't been a big Brent Faiyaz fan for much of my life, one of my producers actually put me on. It's like the blunt lyrics and delivery of The Weeknd, but also honest and a bit vulnerable. Really minimalist production, almost feels a bit indie inspired. Thematically I prefer Sonder Son to his WASTELAND album, though sonically I prefer WASTELAND. Just a bit more relatable for me, he's sort of trying to 'make it out' and it tells the story of that struggle."