Browsing Tag

North London Hip Hop

Kelvo’s Laidback Cuts Got Sharper with His Latest Alt-Hip-Hop Release, Got2Change

North London’s Kelvo is riding an exotically mellow new wave of hip-hop while harking back to 70s soul & funk and 90s hip-hop with his latest single, Got2Change, which showcases his ability to weave introspective lyrics with vibrant beats and transcendent swathes of soul.

From the outset, ‘Got2Change’ sinks you into a tropical-infused groove; the soundscape lays the perfect foundation for Kelvo’s smooth rap bars, which glide effortlessly over the beat. His flow is as smooth as velvet, creating a striking contrast with the colourful vibrancy of the instrumental arrangement.

Instrumentally, Got2Change is a holiday from the gritty streets of London, but the big smoke is infused in the razor-sharp flow of Kelvo as he delves into themes of self-growth and introspection, challenging listeners to awaken from the slumber of unrealised potential. In essence, Got2Change is a call to action, an invitation to strip away tension and embrace a more reflective state of mind.

Got2Change will hit all major platforms on March 27th, stream it via this link.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

AR Jiggy followed a vibe into unchartered new wave hip-hop waters with ‘4U’

No one rides the new wave of hip-hop smoother than AR Jiggy, as exhibited through the hypersonically hot standout single, 4U, from his new LP, Ratchet Melodic 2, which strangely enough, delivers everything it says on the tin. The scintillating synths mimic the twilight as they glisten in the melodiously wavy production that will instantly get you in the genre-fluid groove of the synthesis of hip-hop, pop, and RnB.

Instead of ticking all the right hip-hop boxes with this seminal release and pandering to antiquated parameters, the East London rapper and singer followed a vibe into unchartered waters and ensured any urban innovation seekers would want to take the plunge time after time. From the precision in his sharp lyrically rhythmic hooks to the instrumental odyssey AR Jiggy puts before you in his tracks, there’s no refuting that he has exactly what it takes to hold dominion over the hip-hop domain in London and beyond.

Ratchet Melodic 2 was officially released on February 15th; stream it in full on Spotify now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Zeggé and Reemo cook up convictive chemistry in their latest Drill Rap track “Connect”

Very few artists manage to capture our attention, excitement and adoration as unrelentingly as the Drill Hop Hop duo Zeggé & Reemo.

Their latest release “Connect”, which is due for release on Friday 23rd October affirms that the faith they instilled in us with their previous release Bang was appropriately positioned.

With Zeggé hailing from the North (of London) and Reemo from the East, they’re set to take over the length and breadth of London and go far beyond with their atmospherically ensnaring approach to dark Hip Hop.

After hearing the trepidation-infusing beats laid out by the 808-god Ghosty, Reemo penned a lyrical attack which perfectly complements the nihilistically-textured instrumentals which will be a hit with any fans of Dave, AJ Tracey, Headie One, Skepta, J Hus, Novelist, Ghetts, Wretch 32, Stormzy, Chip, Drake and Travis Scott.

Everything about Connect feels contemporary. It’s so fresh, it’s raw. The dynamically metered bars ensnare you from the first verse, from there on out, you’re utterly transfixed by the convictive chemistry which breaths between Zeggé and Reemo.

Before lockdown, Zeggé and Reemo were able to premiere Connect live at GBNGA. We have no doubt that they’d be tearing their way up from the underground and gracing major stages if live music was still happening. Considering that they achieved over 20k plays with their debut single Bang, Connect will undoubtedly make the scene erupt.

Connect is out now! You can listen for yourselves on all major platforms via this link.  

Review by Amelia Vandergast