Keesha Blair – The Inheritance
Keesha Blair transforms generational wisdom into a soul-stirring gem for summer 2026
"The Inheritance" moves with just the right amount of conviction. Its neo-soul foundation supporting lyrics that cut straight to the heart of legacy and gratitude. Blair's vocal delivery carries warmth without sentimentality, threading contemporary R&B textures through a message about what we receive and what we leave behind. The production breathes with organic soul, giving space for the song's central philosophy to land: we all add to the pot. It's reflective music with a real emotional weight.
Based in Woodbridge, Keesha Blair operates through Divine Purpose Music, creating what she calls message-led songs for listeners navigating healing and inner work. Her creative process centers songwriting and concept development, using AI tools to assist with production and vocals. The approach keeps the focus where she wants it: on empowerment, boundaries, and emotional restoration. A great single, that knows exactly how to get the message across.
50mething – These fine lines
50mething's 'These Fine Lines' is a tender, sophisticated slice of alternative Sakamoto-tinged R&B that proves second chances make for the best songs.
At 58, 50mething knows exactly what he wants to say. 'These Fine Lines' opens on a short, delicate riff that echoes Ryuichi Sakamoto's restraint, repeating twice before the track settles into its groove. The song explores love found later in life, and there is no irony or distance in the delivery. Lyrics move with an easy naturalism, building a narrative about romance and second chances that never strains for effect. I've been loving this guy's stuff this year, and it's progressively got stronger. Rhythmically compelling, the electronic production is beautifully layered and warm, and I feel like 50mething's production is growing in confidence too. Beautiful alternative R&B, rich and assured.
50mething is an Ealing based artist with a past life as a dancer and garden builder. His debut single 'Slowly Through the Night' arrived in January as a response to a cancer diagnosis in 2024, and with treatment progressing well, the music is now flowing freely. He records everything at home and has built up a catalogue of around 70 completed tracks, which he is releasing gradually through DITTO. This is an artist with a lot left to share, and we are genuinely excited to hear where he goes next. A gem.
LJ and the Ray Band – Heels
LJ and the Ray Band deliver one of summer's finest disco-funk workouts with 'Heels', a brilliantly crafted dancefloor gem that radiates pure joy.
'Heels' kicks off with a bassline that refuses to sit still. LJ and the Ray Band build the track on bright, bouncing grooves, stacking funky guitar licks and shimmering keys while LJ's soulful voice rides right on top, confident and warm. The whole thing is about letting loose, stepping out, finding that moment where confidence takes over and nothing else matters. And we all need that vibe sometimes, right> The production keeps one foot in the golden age of disco and the other planted firmly in the present, never feeling like a retro exercise. When the chorus lands, you can't help but be locked in. Infectious disco pop, exuberant and irresistible.
LJ and the Ray Band are a UK collective fronted by singer, songwriter and producer Lloyd Garrett, working out of Saffron Walden in Essex. Before forming the band, Lloyd shared stages with Sting, Eric Clapton, All Saints, The Brand New Heavies and M People, and that pedigree shows in the tightness of what they put together. 'Heels' climbed to number 16 on the Music Week Commercial Pop Chart and has picked up solid support from DJs, radio programmers and the independent music press. We're not surprised at all, cos it's a banger this one. We are very excited to have this band on our radar.
Nadjib Krim – Without You
Nadjib Krim delivers a sleek, irresistible slice of disco on 'Without You', proving that warmth and dancefloor sophistication can coexist beautifully.
Shimmering synths and a four-on-the-floor pulse open 'Without You', and the track never lets that momentum drop. Nadjib Krim builds the arrangement around a buoyant bassline and sparkling keys, while the AI-generated female vocal floats above with just enough soul to sell every word. The production balances retro disco touches with modern R&B smoothness, keeping the groove tight without sacrificing emotional depth. There's just enough 80s influence to give me all the feels, and the delivery stays composed, almost defiant, turning heartbreak into movement. I love the chord structure in this, and the pay off at the end of the chorus. Polished contemporary R&B, radiant and emotionally direct.
Nadjib Krim is a French composer and keyboardist now based in Austin, Texas. His background spans pop, rock, soul, funk, jazz, and electronic music, and that range shows in how comfortably he shifts between styles while keeping melody at the centre of everything. He handles all the writing, arrangement, and production himself, and that hands-on approach gives his tracks a coherent identity even as they move across genres. This single continues a growing catalogue built on emotional connection and careful craft. We are keeping a close eye on what comes next from this one. A great tune.