Having had music featured in the very first series of “Skins” back in 2007, when Rodney Smith aka Roots Manuva was asked to compose a track for the very last series, he jumped at the chance. With a brief that covered everything from tempo and feel to hints at lyrical content, Manuva cooked up “Stolen Youth” – a classic Roots Manuva moment built on mournful strings, heartbeat drum programming and the kind of lyrical flights that made his name, all delivered in that trademark chocolate-growl. The producers at “Skins” were so pleased with the results that they asked Segal to make a second version of the tune, to be used over the final credits. So here, in all their glory, are the original and remix, a little taste of Manuva to keep you going until the various – at this stage top-secret – projects he’s working on come to fruition over the next few months.

Fresh off the release of his new mixtape, Jammin’ 30: In The Mornin’, Detroit MC Boldy James announces he’ll be teaming up with legendary hip hop producer The Alchemist for a new album – My 1st Chemistry Set (M1CS). While most of you are probably familiar with Alc’s previous collaborative efforts – Greneberg, Rare Chandeliers, Albert Einstein – M1CS serves as Boldy’s first full-length album. My 1st Chemistry Set drops Oct. 15, 2013 on Decon Records. Take a listen to the first single off the new album, “Moochie,” below and get ready to get your Walter White/Jesse Pinkman on.

Kosha Dillz is pleased to release his sophomore album Awkward In A Good Way, through his new deal with Murs 316. Dillz continues to push the bounds of both his creativity and identity on his latest effort, which is produced entirely by Belief (Ghostface, Talib Kweli, Action Bronson, El-P, Murs, Kelly Clarkson and Jean Grae, etc.). The album includes guest appearances from Murs, as well as the Grammy Award-winning Gangsta Boo (of Three 6 Mafia). With Awkward In a Good Way, Kosha Dillz will inevitably establish himself as one of the genres most progressive and complex characters. Enjoy the first single Where My Homies at feat Gangsta Boo and Murs now!

In inimitable style, Wiley drops one of the best songs he’s made in 2013 just in time for Christmas. Fuck It is a cracker and a half, with trap-meets-Eskibeat production from Deeco that sounds like it’s arrived in advance from 2014.

Wiley melts the winter ice with pure vocal fire, and turns in one of his best performances of late. Fuck It proves once again that there is no better rapper from the UK, and isn’t likely to be one any time soon. Long live Grime’s very own Santa.