Ms Banks announces debut album South LDN Lover Girl, out February 2026
South London rap heavyweight Ms Banks has officially announced the release of her long-awaited debut album South LDN Lover Girl, set to drop on 13th February 2026. Arriving over a decade into her career, the record marks a new chapter for the artist – one that promises vulnerability, maturity and a refined creative vision.
The announcement is accompanied by the release of the album’s first single 4C, a confident, razor-sharp anthem celebrating natural beauty and Black womanhood. The track challenges mainstream beauty norms with bold lyricism and self-assured swagger, taking its name from the natural hair texture often overlooked in pop culture. Produced by Hargo Productions, 4C blends elements of drill, grime and Afrobeats, and sees Banks firmly in her element – assertive, empowered and unapologetically herself.
Speaking about the track, Banks said, “I was just in the studio with my natural hair out and felt really empowered in that moment… I wear extensions and I may even wear wigs, but it’s out of choice – cause I want to, not cause I have to. I’m proud of my hair and all the positive rhetoric surrounding it.”
Across 15 tracks, South LDN Lover Girl explores themes of identity, heartbreak, resilience and community. Featuring collaborations with Tiggs Da Author, Strandz, Layyah and Zinoleesky, the record shifts between hard-hitting rap and soulful introspection. Highlights include No Love, War Outside and the standout title track, which tackles the impact of crime and addiction on young women.
“This is definitely the most vulnerable I’ve ever been on a project,” Banks said. “Just being honest about how life feels from my perspective – some past, some present.”
A trailblazer for women in UK rap, Ms Banks has built a formidable legacy. Born to Nigerian and Ugandan parents, she has amassed over 250 million streams, toured with the likes of Nicki Minaj, Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion, and appeared on stage at the Queen’s Jubilee with Duran Duran and Nile Rodgers. Her previous mixtape Bank Statement topped the UK Official Hip-Hop and R&B Chart, and her feature credits include collaborations with Stormzy, Tinashe and Little Mix.
Now, with South LDN Lover Girl, she takes full creative control – not only affirming her space in the UK music scene, but expanding it. The album is poised to be a defining release from an artist who continues to evolve while staying true to her roots.
The editorial unit
Image: @gabevisuals
South LDN Lover Girl is released on 13th February 2026. For further information or to order the album, visit Ms Banks’s website here.
Watch the video for 4C here:
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