“A vital independent label” - ROBIN MURRAY (CLASH)
“Big up the Tru Thoughts massive!” - SIR SPYRO (BBC 1XTRA)
“The brilliant Tru Thoughts label, one of our favourites” - LAUREN LAVERNE (BBC 6MUSIC)
“I gotta large up Tru Thoughts as well because it’s so important for labels to really invest in new talent and to hold them up alongside some of their mainstays and some of their more heritage artists but also to leave room to introduce us to other artists as well” - JAMZ SUPERNOVA (BBC 6MUSIC)
Curated by A&R and label co-founder Robert Luis ‘Tru Thoughts 2025’ brings together a panoramic selection of tracks released across the past year. Reflecting the label’s eclectic and international roster the 22-track anthology spans Neo Soul, Jazz, Electronica, Grime, Broken Beat, Hip Hop, and beyond - it celebrates new signings, landmark collaborations, and fresh twists on catalogue favourites.
“As an A&R there can be a tendency to be in the moment or plan forward with releases, but doing these compilations always means I take some time out to listen to and enjoy the artists we have put out on Tru Thoughts this year. I am pleased there is a mix of genres that have had good support from people who enjoy those styles. As always, I recommend you check the whole compilation and look into more music from any of the artists you particularly connect with” Robert Luis
The compilation opens with “Tropical Storm”, a striking collaboration between Tara Lily and King Krule from their Quiet Nights (Early Takes) project. Described by Tara as “a lucid dream playing in our minds again and again,” the single captures the atmospheric and experimental direction of her work in 2025.
Other contributions include new signees Kyla Kilzer and Max Noir with their debut single, “Break Through” a trip-hoppy meditation on self-growth, cycles, and learning to show yourself grace; Alice Russell joining forces with acclaimed jazz harpist Amanda Whiting for a stripped-back acoustic rendition of “Agreement” from her acclaimed album ‘I Am’ (released on Thursday 4th Dec); Footshooter’s “Cycles”, a broken-beat, sax-laden journey featuring Mercury Prize-winning James Mollison (Ezra Collective); Steven Bamidele’s “The Fool” feat. Sly5thAve, a soulful reflection on ambition and self-interest; and Oliver Night’s “Boss”, a collaboration with legendary UK rapper Roots Manuva, carrying an uncompromising message of authenticity.
On the electronic front, WheelUP continues his exploration of bruk with “Flash” featuring Abacus (Harry Bryson of Pola & Bryson), which is taken from his third LP Inner Light. Elsewhere, Kuna Maze showcases his jazz-flecked, Bristol-inspired electronica with Bristol Changes, while Bazaazal’s “Computer Love” and Matica’s “Eulerism” further expand the compilation’s adventurous scope.
Jazz and soul moments shine through Alina Bzhezhinska & Tulshi’s “Starling”, dissolving harp and synth into an immersive soundscape; Norah Jane & MOR.LOV’s “A Minute”, a reflective, Amsterdam-born collaboration; and MELONYX’s “At The Door” (North Street West Remix), which brings a gospel-house flourish from Ashley Beedle’s celebrated production outfit.
Collaborations remain central to the Tru Thoughts spirit. Ebi Soda’s “red in tokyo” feat. Jianbo pushes boundaries with what the band describe as “punk jazz drill,” blending snarling guitars, distorted rap and drill-inflected percussion. Vimbai Mango and Footshooter join forces for the soulful “Searching (Nzira)”, while Benji Bower & The Terra Collective Orchestra’s “Love Letter” feat. Kathleen Frances gets an expansive rework from Palm Skin Productions.
From the US, Grammy-winning New Orleans collective Hot 8 Brass Band returned with “Big Tuba,” dedicated to their late co-founder Bennie Pete.
Fellow Tru Thoughts veteran Lance Ferguson revisits Idris Muhammad’s jazz-funk classic “Could Heaven Ever Be Like This”, continuing his Rare Groove Spectrum explorations.
Fresh from supporting AJ Tracey and being nominated for the DJ Mag awards 2025, Crafty 893 delivers the uncompromising “Sorry Mum”, marking him as one of grime’s most compelling voices. Drum & bass energy arrives with Bruk Rogers’ “Get Low (Zero T Remix)” and Potential Badboy’s “Ticker” feat. Jodian Natty, ensuring the compilation moves fluidly from jazz and soul into bass-heavy territory.
Tracklist:
1. Tara Lily & King Krule – Tropical Storm
2. Kyla Kilzer & Max Noir – Break Through
3. Alina Bzhezhinska & Tulshi – Starling
4. Norah Jane & MOR.LOV – A Minute
5. Footshooter – Cycles (feat. James Mollison)
6. WheelUP – Flash (feat. Abacus)
7. Oliver Night – Boss (feat. Roots Manuva)
8. Kuna Maze – Bristol Changes
9. Steven Bamidele – The Fool (feat. Sly5thAve)
10. Alice Russell & Amanda Whiting – Agreement (Acoustic Version)
11. Catpack – Next To Me (MIA GLADSTONE Remix)
12. MELONYX – At The Door (No’West Vocal Remix)
13. Ebi Soda – Red In Tokyo (feat. Jianbo)
14. Vimbai Mango & Footshooter – Searching (Nzira)
15. Ben Bower & The Terra Collective Orchestra – Love Letter (feat. Kathleen Frances) (Palm Skin Productions Remix)
16. Lance Ferguson – Could Heaven Ever Be Like This
17. Matica – Eulerism
18. Bazaazal – Computer Love
19. Hot 8 Brass Band – Big Tuba
20. Bruk Rogers – Get Low (Zero T Remix)
21. Potential Badboy – Ticker (feat. Jodian Natty)
22. Crafty 893 – Sorry Mum
