We bring you perfect late night vibes in this Hip Hop May 2026 edition which curates r&b, boop bap rap and lo-fi hip hop:
The Velvet Soul Experience – “Let Me In”
We all love a soulful r&b song that makes you wanna dim the lights and take it all in. “Let Me In” by London based psychotherapist turned producer The Velvet Soul Experience and LA artist Dope TAF collaborate on this smooth intimate song that captures that exact feeling. The song explores the struggle for connection and the emotional walls we build.
The Velvet Soul Experience crafts lush sonic textures on “Let Me In” with ambient, electric keys, giving the track a “smokey” atmosphere. Meanwhile, Dope TAF (whose voice reminds me of Leon Thomas) shows off his range as he effortlessly shifts from smooth, soulful vocals to a sharp, personal rap verse. Dim the lights and give this a spin!
Shaky – “Mesmerized”
If you miss the days of old school hip hop, Shaky is here to fill that void with “Mesmerized”. Pennsylvania-based producer and multi-instrumentalist Shaky rediscovered “Mesmerized”, which he’d thought was lost for two decades, from his old mid-2000 archives and decided to release it in his latest EP Next Bus To Wrightsville.
Lyrically, the song is about the dizzying feeling of being utterly captivated by somebody. Musically, this track perfectly blends gritty alt-rock reminiscent of RHCP with boom-bap rap rhythms. The swinging drums and the fuzzy bassline complement Chris Kyte’s laid back rap style. It all culminates in a brilliant bluesy, scorching guitar solo.
Southpaw – “Money?”
Some songs don’t need to create the vibe; they are the vibe. “Money?” by producer Southpaw is a hypnotic and hazy lo-fi hip hop track from his latest album Don’t Run From The Rain that highlights just how well musical minimalism works. For this cut, the San Francisco native links up with Chicago born rapper Blvck Svm and vocalist-lyricist Era 51.
“Money?” explores the exhausting grind for financial freedom. Ironically, Southpaw’s chill, hazy minimalist production seems to contrast the lyrics but it perfectly mirrors the clouded, fatigued state of mind. Blvck Svm with his laidback, ASMR-style delivery and Era 51 sharp cadence provide an amazing vocal contrast. Finally, a haunting ethereal vocalization carries the outro away.
Find our previous hip hop review here.
