Fred Garratt-Stanley
Fred Garratt-Stanley is a freelance music and culture writer who has written for NME since 2019. He's interviewed artists like Ghetts, Hak Baker, Young Fathers, J Noa and Jordan Adetunji for NME, and his work has also been published in The Guardian, GQ, Rolling Stone, Huck, and Dazed.
Vince Staples – ‘Cry Baby’ review: authentic punk outpouring from an energised hip-hop storyteller
Freed from his Def Jam obligations, the Long Beach lyricist delivers his most passionately political release to date
Wesley Joseph’s cinematic leftfield R&B and rap finds beauty in overlooked places
Returning from a three-year hiatus with his debut album ‘Forever Ends Someday’, the Walsall-raised, London-based multi-hyphenate delivers a staggering lesson in how to master musical light and shade
Jack Harlow – ‘Monica’ review: pivot into jazzy R&B struggles to leave a lasting impact
Abandoning rap in favour of mellow beats and soft, introspective verses, Harlow's fourth album is perhaps too much of an easy listen
De La Soul – ‘Cabin In The Sky’ review: a grand, moving tribute to late member David Joliceur
The group’s first record since the death of founding member Trugoy The Dove is packed with purpose, poignant lyricism and fresh reflection
Daniel Caesar – ‘Son Of Spergy’ review: a brave examination of a complex family relationship
Having surged to the top of the global R&B landscape, the Canadian vocalist turns insular, looking to his father for deeper answers about who he is
Young Thug – ‘Uy Scuti’ review: a lethargic misfire from the recently freed rap superstar
What should’ve been a triumphant return for the Atlanta rapper after two years in prison feels sloppy, bloated and lacking depth
Meet The C25 Artists: Cloonee
Having cut his teeth on the UK club circuit, the LA-based DJ and producer is building a huge following on the US West Coast
Saxophone extraordinaire Venna is determined to push things forward
After years bolstering the works of big names like Burna Boy and Beyoncé, the south London musician and producer is taking centre stage
Kwengface is crafting a new lane outside the confines of UK drill
Fresh out of prison, the south London rapper's voice is clearer and more socially conscious than ever
Kae Tempest – ‘Self Titled’ review: an inspiring reflection on identity and self-discovery
The award-winning poet and rapper's fifth studio album is a beefy, self-assured celebration of newfound identity
LeoStayTrill – ‘Home Alone’ review: a moody and measured blend of UK drill and Afrobeat influences
The UK rapper's debut EP exhibits a powerful grasp of rhythm and texture, and varied vocal deliveries that show he's studied his craft
Sam Akpro – ‘Evenfall’ review: a captivatingly eerie debut
The experimental songwriter takes listeners meandering down the dark alleyways of south London with a deep, hypnotising moodiness