With ‘turning trauma into storytelling’ as her modus operandi, ChinChin Iller is making serious waves in the UK rap scene. Her debut single, ‘As A Friend’, shares the all too relatable regret of allowing a relationship to evolve beyond platonic only to find duality and frustration.
When an artist is so bold, daring and open, for personal catharsis and to help the listener overcome self-confidence-stripping trauma, it is impossible not to pay attention. ChinChin Iller’s lyrics cut with the same sharp intellect as George the Poet and Kae Tempest. Paradoxically, she brings soul to a deadpan direct delivery while the beats celebrate the best of downtempo British hip hop.
As A Friend is now available to stream and download on all major platforms via this link.
Review by Amelia Vandergast