Throughout the week, a whole lot of material gets posted here on XLR8R. And while we know—and love—that some hardcore readers will eagerly pour over every single news story, interview, podcast, video, and MP3 download that appears on the site, we also realize that for most people, it’s impossible to see everything, which means that some quality XLR8R content is likely to get missed in the hustle and bustle of everyone’s daily lives. In the interest of making it easier for everyone to catch up, every Friday we present The Lowdown, a weekly wrap-up of the best tidbits from our site.

– Four Tet dropped an incredible new album, Pink, which we loved, and then gave us an overview of his storied career in the latest installment of our Rewind series.

– Grime upstart Royal-T turned in a high-energy mix for this week’s XLR8R podcast.

– We inaugurated our new Welcome to… series by taking an in-depth look at Russia’s burgeoning beats and bass scene. A couple of days later, a free compilation featuring many of the artists from the article was sent our way.

– Zodiac, former producer for The Weeknd, posted the first taste of his forthcoming EP for Jacques Greene’s Vase label.

– Our new advice columnist Nick Hook still needs your questions before Hi, Doctor Nick! debuts in September.

– Separate mini-documentaries about Flying Lotus and Mala surfaced on the same day.

– Hyperdub don Kode9 is making a new single.

– We reviewed new releases from Teengirl Fantasy, JJ Doom, and Bobby Champs.

– Streams of the new albums from Holy Other and Matthew Dear were posted online.

– Both Bicep and Soul Clap launched new record labels.

– This week’s contest offered up the chance to win some boomSTREAM wireless speakers. Enter now, while you still can.

An expanded version of the The Lowdown is also available via a weekly email newsletter. Those interested in an even more in-depth round-up of XLR8R content, including a complete listing of all the free downloads we’ve offered in the past seven days, should sign up by entering their email address below.

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