No MC represents the versatility of UK rap better than Momodou Jallow. On his debut album, the East Londoner soars with a warmth of spirit and character that floods all 17 tracks. With pristine, sparkling production—from JAE5, Steel Banglez, TSB—The Hustla pushes further on sounds explored on 2017 mixtape The 15th Day, oozing charismatic flows and inventive sing-song hooks that energise the broad swings in mood and tone. In 2015, J Hus was attacked in London and hospitalised. Common Sense proved a uniquely extravagant way of turning that tragedy into triumph. As such, the ebbs and flows also reach to the PTSD-related effects of this: “On a one-way to an early grave/Recline my seat back anyway/Forgot to plan my getaway” (on “Clartin”). Still, J Hus takes a swift two-step forward fuelled by virtues of “loyalty and honour” on the uplifting “Spirit”: “They can bun my flesh, but they can’t touch my spirit.” In a single listen, his influences are easily detectable. From the title track’s sax-topped G-funk, to the smooth Afroswing flurry (of “Fisherman”) J Hus’ many faces manifest in fine voice.