my neighbours dont know.

On his debut album, 2022’s *Chasing Euphoria*, M Huncho was in search of happiness. *my neighbours don’t know.* finds the fame-wary rapper in mixtape mode, transplanted from the streets to the suburbs, adjusting to life as a first-time parent and subject to a level of curtain-twitching scrutiny that can’t be easily deflected by donning his trademark mask. Obligingly, Huncho’s refusal to relinquish the block gives them something to talk about, as he continues his tenacious mission to chronicle life on the margins—from the struggle to the come-up—undeterred. Huncho leans on longtime collaborator Quincy Tellem (Headie One, Nines) for the main heft of the production duties, expanding the trapwave pioneer’s unique lane to incorporate new influences—“misunderstood” is embellished with a G-funk-reminiscent twist, while there’s a jersey bounce tint to “tell me how you feel.” Elsewhere, contributions from the likes of Chucks (Central Cee, Pa Salieu), Cage (Dizzee Rascal), and emerging Ukrainian beatmaker Mike Vegas (Wiz Khalifa) add yet more dimensions to the sonic landscape. Crashes and thuds of percussion bring a heavyweight feel to the easy rhythm to “of course,” and the beleaguered outpourings of “myb” are diffused by mellow, Sting-inspired chords. Features from D-Block Europe, Nines, and Slim—among others—populate the cinematic scene Huncho directs on this project. Bars about “spraying like Lynx,” meanwhile, strengthen the record’s London roots. But the sleek, laidback beats elevate Huncho’s melodious cadence to wash the grit with glamour, projecting an atmosphere that feels international rather than localized. Huncho may relish his anonymity, but he makes no attempt to hide his ambitious streak. *my neighbours don’t know.* reveals the latest stage of a masterplan from an artist fully in control of the game.