The Twilight Singers stormed the UK with their partner in crime Mark Lanegan, Greg Dulli and co proved once again that he is one of the most charismatic frontmen in music. Their set is always full of dark pop covers and their own inimitable twisted lounge-art-rock, so get in line now for their next live dates in November. A new EP 'A Stitch in Time' is out now on i-tunes, and although no one loves us enough to send it to us yet, we just know it will rule in the most deliciously depraved way.

 

It's time to play spot the guest MC as backpacker hero Hi Tek returns with the second instalment of his Hi-Teknology series. Another sturdy collection of beautiful beats and superstar guest appearances, Tek's genius has always come from the most unlikely of combinations - Q Tip and Kurupt anyone? - and a strong infusion of nostalgic soul into every track. With appearances from Talib Kweli, Ghostface and Busta, prepare yourselves for an even deeper journey through the mind of an uber-producer.

Xzibit reached his peak with tracks like 'Paparazzi' and 'The Foundation', and while this album tries to straddle the gangsta rap and hip hop fields, it too often sounds clunky and forced, albeit refreshingly straightforward. As an MTV presenter he is relaxed and humorous, as a story-teller he is close to the bone and honest – never more so than on 'Scandalous Bitches' where he finds out the girl he loves is sleeping with Usher. Producers please - give the man some better beats and let him shine as an emcee.

Grrrowl! Pitbull's first outing was the biggest selling bilingual hip hop debut in more than a decade, and he has certainly kept himself busy - becoming a character in the new Scarface game, working for the Florida Election 2004 movement, and stealing the stage at both the Vibe and MTV Latin awards. It’s a shame then that such a politically savvy, controversial artist has produced an album that while fiercely driven and tightly produced, never quite reaches explosive levels, perhaps due to the huge amount of styles on the disc. Tracks like 'Come See Me' are definite highlights, retaining a Beatnuts style bounce without the Benny Hill lyrics.

Legendary label Rawkus are back and they are bringing the bizarrely titled but utterly brilliant 'Ink Is My Drink' by Panacea. A soulful soundscape that clearly nods referentially to A Tribe Called Quest, Outkast and current tourmates Brand Nubian. Throw in narratives that touch on relationships, politics and family, slick production with a live feel, and some random samples, and this is one of the hottest debuts of the year.

A free download only single at present, the new year heralds a physical release complete with a stomping cover of Duran Duran's 'Girls On Film'. 'Silence' starts innocuously enough before spluttering into one of their unashamedly joyous and anthemic choruses. A cracking piece of electro punk disco from a band who really should be getting more attention.