Dizraeli & The Small Gods – Never Mind

Unlike Scroobius Pip, another artist who made the transition from hip-hop influenced poet to rapper with a record deal, Dizraeli's flow is based on literate, witty wordplay rather than obvious jokes. His lyrics on Never Mind are alternately clever (“I've been thrown like the dice in the I-Ching”) or hilarious, but always intelligent (“I'm in effect! I'm ineffectual!”).

Backed by folk-influenced live band The Small Gods, featuring the World Female Beatbox Champion Bellatrix, he makes a very English kind of rap music; tuneful, summery and infectious, driven by a marvellous accordion hook. B-side The Little Things is minimal and reflective, but just as tightly executed. This is how folk music should sound in 2012.