nielskuik – Phoenix
nielskuik crafts a progressive house triumph with 'Phoenix', a euphoric electronic anthem that soars with rare emotional intelligence
There is a moment about halfway through 'Phoenix' where everything just kinda lifts. nielskuik constructs the track layer by layer, letting dotted eighth note rhythms pulse beneath sweeping synth pads while the vocal, written and performed by an uncredited collaborator, floats above with real grace. The instrumental came first, and you can hear it: there's a real voice here, and the sound world does it justice. I love the string arrangements, and the synth work pulses in all the right ways. Euphoric progressive house, expansive and built with a whole lotta care.
nielskuik works from a home studio in Nieuw-Buinen, Netherlands, drawing heavily on the sound design philosophy of Deadmau5 while carving out his own lane in progressive house. He handles production himself, building tracks from the ground up with an ear for atmosphere and reward on repeat listens. 'Phoenix' marks a clear step forward in that approach. We are excited to hear where he takes this sound next, cos this one really flies.
Mannie Mims – OUTSIDE
Mannie Mims delivers a compelling UK rap statement for 2026, a crafted fusion of afrobeat warmth and trap grit that demands attention.
Confidence built from struggle sounds different. Mannie Mims opens 'OUTSIDE' with a declaration that lands hard, his delivery sharp and unhurried over production that weaves afrobeat rhythms through trap percussion. The beat really, really works and as a new father, I love the theme of fatherhood, ambition, and the daily work of becoming someone better. When the hook hits, it carries the weight of everything that came before it: years of building in private, now stepping into full view. Superb UK rap, authentic and fully realised.
Born Prince Marfo Anane, Mannie Mims grew up moving between the UK and Europe, absorbing influences that now run through every track he makes. His music sits at the intersection of street awareness and emotional honesty, aimed at listeners who are rebuilding, levelling up, or finding their footing. He has been building a following across TikTok, Instagram, and Audiomack with content that shows the discipline behind the music as much as the music itself. This single marks a new chapter for him: sharper sound, clearer vision, and a renewed commitment to his craft. We are very glad to have this artist on our radar. Great track.