Browsing Tag

rapper

Careful, King redefined resilience with trap-pop reverie in ‘Don’t Test Me’

In his latest single, Don’t Test Me, Careful, King redefined resilience through the lens of vulnerable trap-pop introspection. While the title may prepare you for a fiery diatribe, there’s a tenderness to his sonic touch which speaks volumes of his ability to stand his ground while never relinquishing his aura of pure intent.

As emotive as Lil Yachty, but with authenticity coursing far deeper than any superficial resemblances, Careful, King delivered a melodically aching arrangement where every rhythm and every lyric feels earned. It’s not just his vocal flow that marks itself with distinction; the way he arranges his wavy trap-pop instrumentals into rhythms of pure candid catharsis is proof that even if you did a full lap of the contemporary trap scene, you’d never encounter an artist in the same vein as Careful, King.

By channelling the emotional weight of lifelong battles with self-perception, self-worth, and the desire to be authentically seen, Careful, King injects raw humanity into his scar-mapping aural canvas. His story of wrestling with the need for validation, finding solace in self-love, and creating purely from the drive within himself resonates through the track’s bruised yet hopeful core.

Through ‘Don’t Test Me’, Careful, King proves that life’s most powerful moments happen not under the spotlight, but in the quiet spaces where we choose to love ourselves enough to be whole.

‘Don’t Test Me’ is now available to stream on all major platforms, including Spotify and Apple Music. 

Review by Amelia Vandergast

ESize’s Sonic Adrenaline Shot Lacerates the Loop of Perpetual Striving in ‘We Are Winners, We Got the Juice’

With We Are Winners, We Got the Juice, Chicago’s genre-morphing producer, ESize, tears through the tendency to think the next goalpost will always be greener. The hyped-up hip-hop anthem doesn’t settle into predictable territory for a second. It’s a sonic adrenaline shot for anyone who’s done bending backwards for unreachable goals and is ready to soak up the energy of their success.

ESize knows how to build something from the raw materials most would overlook. With an academic background in music theory from UIC and a professional portfolio spanning R&B chart-toppers, top-ten dance hits in the Midwest, and international licensing deals, he’s not short on accolades. He channels that experience into forward-motion rather than backward-gazing brags, giving We Are Winners, We Got the Juice its pace and punch.

After the harsh and caustically reverberant bass-drenched prelude, the track flips the script. Pop-soul vocals lift the production into unexpected choral territory before ESize delivers his signature gruff gravitas. His vocal force melds with instrumental layers that defy any textbook on hip-hop structure—rock guitar riffs crash against slick funk-charged synths, as the energy swells and contracts with eccentric precision. One ESize doesn’t fit all, and that’s exactly the point.

With four patents to his name and a mission to create music that cuts through the static—whether for sync placements or sonic statement pieces—ESize puts that inventive momentum into every beat.

We Are Winners, We Got the Juice is now available to stream on all major platforms, including SoundCloud.

Review by Amelia Vandergast.

Equation Billionz became UK rap’s most unreckonable renegade in ‘Billionz Affair’

Dropping on April 11th with an official video that confirms his evolution from rising name to underground juggernaut, Billionz Affair proves that Equation Billionz has found far more than a foothold in the UK rap scene. His rapid-fire, grime-licked cadence lands with the head-spinning force of Busta Rhymes, while the boom-bap-infused beats ensure the floor beneath your speakers doesn’t get off lightly. But it’s not just the production or vocal delivery that hooks—it’s the unshakeable energy of an artist who’s done with waiting for his moment and is now making it.

As Equation Billionz waxes lyrical about staying on the grind and rising through the kind of adversity that would flatten most, the resilience hits harder than the hi-hats. Billionz Affair is an ode to fortitude without the preachy overtones—he makes you feel the fire in his determination and the weight of everything he’s carried.

Having started his musical trajectory at 13, Equation Billionz already made international waves with his collaboration with Teni Makanaki and racked up over 12 million streams with Broken Hearted Crook – Remix, which earned him a Spotify plaque. The name isn’t a gimmick—it’s a mantra. “Equation” reflects the balance he chases between health, wealth, and kindness, and with Billionz Affair, he’s adding undeniable respect to the mix. The track doesn’t ask for validation; it exudes self-earned worth from every bar and bassline.

Billionz Affair is now available to stream on all major platforms; for the full experience, watch the official video on YouTube. 

Review by Amelia Vandergast.

Fists of Redemption: T9 Da Prince Weighs in with Lyrical Equilibrium in ‘Fighting Chance’

The gloves are off in T9 Da Prince’s vibe-steady, wavy hip-hop meditation on what it means to be a true fighter, to bring your fists to justice, purpose, peace, and family. With so much division and meaningless hostility in the world, listening to this short and sweet sermon on bringing your perspective to a healthier space is so much more than a remedy; it is a necessity. With all the charisma of RZA and all the inspirational magnetism of a secular preacher, the independent rap artist found a way to hit intellectually and perspectively hard with Fighting Chance. If you could imagine Where Is the Love with chests of more lyrical gold, you’ll get a good idea of what T9 Da Prince delivered in his single, which was recently accompanied by a self-shot music video.

From Salisbury, Maryland, T9 Da Prince is retooling hip-hop soul with a gospel backbone and enough lyrical weight to crush the surface-level narratives flooding modern rap. There’s grit in his urban storytelling, but never without a sense of clarity. His musical DNA traces back to Tupac, Biggie, and 50 Cent, but it’s his alignment with the truth-seeking penmanship of Joyner Lucas and J. Cole that shapes his voice into something that speaks beyond sound.

With a tone rooted in transformation and a style that’s more sermon than spectacle, Fighting Chance isn’t a flex—it’s a reckoning.

Fighting Chance is now available to stream on all major platforms, including Apple Music and YouTube.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

CreezOn Unlocked: Inside the Raw Sound of GRIP HOP

At just 21, the Birmingham-based artist CreeZon has pioneered GRIP HOP, a bold fusion of Grime’s razor-sharp lyricism and Hip Hop’s soulful storytelling, layered with melodic choruses and orchestral intensity. In this candid interview, CreezOn reveals how his formative influences—from breakdancing to Ghetts, from gospel to J Dilla—have led him to redefine UK rap’s sonic identity. Fresh from performing alongside Lady Leshurr and JayKae with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, he opens up about crafting music rooted in authenticity over virality. CreezOn also shares insights on the cinematic concept behind his forthcoming EP and how his music, including standout track ‘Chosen One,’ is finding its natural place within film, TV, and gaming.

Your signature GRIP HOP sound is a bold sonic statement. What led you to develop this style, and how do you see it shaping the future of UK hip-hop?

Across my journey, I’ve been influenced by and dabbled in many music genres, both as an artist and as a producer. When I first started recording music, I made quite a few Afro-swing, Trap and Drill tracks, cos that’s what was trending at the time. But as I grew older, and more confident in my sound, I started asking myself deeper questions. I asked myself, Even though I’ve proved to myself that I can make music in any genre, what culture do I truly resonate with? How do I want to be seen?

My life has always been rooted in Hip Hop, Grime, RnB, Gospel, Neo-Soul, and Reggae. I even grew up B-boying (breakdancing). Hip hop and Grime have always been my biggest loves, closely followed by Neo-Soul. Once I realised that, I naturally leaned into those sounds. It became a transition, a step into maturity and self-discovery. These genres give me the space to express myself fully, both emotionally and lyrically.   Unlike most people my age, my lyricism has always been inspired by Grime, from writing bars at 13 to tracks like Treble Clef’s Ghetto Kyote. A lot of my peers caught onto the Drill wave heavier than Grime, but this wasn’t the case for me.

For me, these genres all carry a rawness, a distinct soulfulness. And that rawness, that authenticity, is what I believe real creativity is about. I think UK hip-hop has lost a lot of that authenticity ….and this is evident by the repeated lyrical content, visuals and similar sounding beats. That’s not to say people aren’t still out here making substantial, out of the box and raw UK Hip-hop music.  Don’t get me wrong, there are still artists making music that’s substantial, original and powerful… … it’s just clear to see that the music pushed in front of the industry today  is more based on its virality than its substance. Overtime, music has become more in the background of life, like a multitasking activity, as opposed to an activity in itself, where you actually sit down, LISTEN to your favourite album, and take it in, layer by layer.  As attention spans have shortened and talent is often judged by stats over substance, I think we can all agree that UK hip-hop could use a breath of fresh air. GRIP HOP represents that. It demands your full attention, or none at all.

My signature style, which I showcase through GRIP HOP, has been shaped by many influences, both internal and external. Internally, I’m surrounded by creatives every day: producers, MCs, dancers. Within my close circle of friends, the way we make music naturally leans toward that GRIP HOP sound. Because we all listen to Grime, Hip Hop, and Neo-Soul/Jazz, a lot of our beats end up sounding like J Dilla-influenced Grime- raw, soulful, and layered.  Externally, my biggest influences in Grime and Hip Hop have been J-Dilla, Busta Rhymes, Ghetts, and Dot Rotten (Zeph Ellis). Their sounds, energy, and approach to creativity have played a big role in how I express myself musically

GRIP HOP is the result of me sitting alone in a studio I owned in 2023, creating music from the most raw and honest part of myself at the time. From the production to the lyrics, even down to the mixing and mastering, this project is authentically me.  The fusion of Hip Hop and Grime, with a fresh spin of melodic choruses, has been a powerful journey, and one I’m genuinely excited to share. When we talk about Hip Hop, we’re talking about a movement not just about rap music – we’re talking about a culture.

Hip Hop consists of five core elements:

  • MCing
  • Breakin’ (Dance)
  • DJing
  • Graffiti (Art)
  • Knowledge

That’s why, with GRIP HOP, my goal was to include enough substance to feed into all of these elements – from the loose, off-grid drums for the dancers, to the storytelling and concept-deep diving for the knowledge seekers.  I’ve crafted this EP with real depth and precision, with the intention of bringing ART back in style – not just “making a tune and releasing it, tryna go viral.”   Instead, I’m focused on how deeply I can move people. That, to me, is worth way more than any numbers on a screen.  I’m coming from a unique angle.  I’m only 21, but I’m heavily influenced by the past. I’m resurfacing what came before me and giving it a fresh, modern twist. Ultimately, I’m trying to explain something that’s just a feeling- it’s intuitive, and if you know, you know. GRIP HOP is a major restoration of that feeling.

Sharing the stage with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra alongside Lady Leshurr and JayKae is a massive step for UK rap. What does this performance mean to you, and do you think orchestral collaborations will become more common in the genre?

This performance is easily my biggest milestone so far, and honestly, I’m both grateful and a bit shocked that I was chosen. Because my style and approach are so unorthodox, it can sometimes feel like people don’t fully get it yet. But to see that I’ve made enough of an impact to be placed on a major stage, next to major names, is a big confirmation for me.  This is what I’ve been waiting for. Performing is one of my strengths as an artist, I enjoy it . I’ve just been waiting on a stage that’s ready for me.

Your upcoming EP has been described as cinematic and concept-driven. What’s the central theme behind it, and what do you want people to feel when they hear it?

So, the central theme is, of course, the sound of GRIP HOP itself. The EP serves as both a demonstration and an introduction to my self-crafted, raw sound. But beneath that, each track tells its own story.

1.“Not Everything” – The smooth introduction to GRIPHOP. “Not Everything” has a confident vibe, balancing self-growth and personal ambitions with relationship pressures.

2.“Three Shots” – A Triumphant, bold, cinematic anthem celebrating wins and victory through hardship.

3. “When It Rains” – A deeply personal story-telling track about resilience through broken family structure

4.“Chosen One” – A grime-hip-hop fusion with mysterious, orchestral intensity. perfect for film, gaming, and brand placements.

5.“Hit Record ft. Varntae”– An ethereal anthem about confidence, self-belief, and overcoming adversity with spiritual strength and purpose.

Ghetts put you on his “One to Watch” list on Kiss FM, which is a strong endorsement. How did that moment affect you, and has it led to any unexpected opportunities?

That moment was a huge boost for me. It happened back in 2022, I was 18 at the time, and it honestly felt surreal. It was like… one night I went to sleep with not much going on, and the next morning I woke up to a shout-out from Ghetts. We’ve crossed paths and spoken multiple times since, and every time, it’s a vibe of mutual respect. I’m genuinely and wholesomely grateful for his support. Ghetts has been my favourite MC for years, and I’ve learned a lot just by studying his craft.  As for unexpected opportunities? Let’s just say… there’s more to come.

Your work with Toddla T on “It’s Our Team” caught attention from The Guardian and Sky Sports. How did that collaboration come about, and what have you learned from working with him

That collaboration came about in a super unorthodox way. So, long story short… my mum went to uni with Delroy Corinaldi, the Founder and CEO of an organisation called The Black Footballers Partnership (BFP). Delroy needed a catchy theme tune for BFP; they had a major campaign coming up focused on the 2024 European Cup. My mum was working with BFP at the time and recommended me and my cousin Ke4t (bad boy producer) for the job. We made the track — and Delroy loved it.  One of BFP’s Co-Founders, Eartha Pond, is friends with Toddla T, so Delroy linked us up and arranged for me and Ke4t to head down to Toddla’s studio in London for post-production and mastering. That’s also where Sky Sports came through and interviewed us.  The Guardian got involved too — about a week later, they came up to Brum and interviewed us at No.5 Barristers’ Chambers, who support BFP and let us use their space for the piece. Big up BFP for the opportunity.  Since then, me and Toddla T have been proper bredrins. We even dropped a freestyle challenge recently on a beat I made at his studio, The Steeze Factory.  So yeah… big shout out to my mum, for real. None of this would’ve happened without her. She’s a real action taker.

UK rap is always changing, but few artists take orchestration and cinematic elements as far as you do. What do you think stops more artists from exploring those kinds of sounds?

Reason 1 – Musical IQ.  To put it bluntly, and I don’t say this lightly,  being good at music is a form of creative intelligence, just like being good at English, Science or Maths. You can learn to be good at music, but the realness, the instinct,  that’s something you’re either born with or not. Rhythm is felt. It’s resonance. That level of musical IQ, the ability to arrange layers of sound with true depth and intention, is rare. And without classical or theoretical training, not many artists are able to take orchestration or cinematic elements to that next level.

Reason 2 – Fear of standing out. Let’s be real,  people are scared to step outside the box of what’s considered ‘normal’. If one person starts dancing in the street alone and no one joins in, what do people say? “It’s embarrassing.” “They’re crazy.” Exactly.  That’s why not many take creative risks. They’re waiting for someone else to move first.

As an independent artist, you’re handling both creative and business decisions. How do you stay in control of your vision while making sure your music reaches a wider audience?

It’s not a task for the weak. Seriously.  But the one thing that has kept me grounded and motivated along this path is… my own music.   My creations are like my babies. When I listen back to them, I think to myself, “I can’t leave this world without putting these out.” I just know the feeling my music gives is valuable and not just the feeling, but the thoughts it provokes too.  I genuinely believe it would be a disservice not just to myself, but to the universe if I didn’t share my music with as many souls as possible.

“Chosen One” has the kind of production that fits into gaming, film, and TV. Have you had any discussions about getting your music into those spaces, and what kind of projects do you think would suit your sound best?

“Chosen One” has given me shivers up my spine more than once. The dark yet luminous harmony of the instruments and vocals, especially on the chorus,  makes me instantly picture an intense, emotional, action-packed movie trailer.  The outro breakdown, where the track strips back to just drums and e-piano, adds this powerful, cinematic tension that I think would land perfectly in a trailer or dramatic scene.  If you listen closely to the project, you’ll notice there’s a recurring theme of rain, both sonically and symbolically. So any intense, meaningful media with a visual rain theme – whether that’s a film, series, or high-concept game – would pair really well with “Chosen One.”

The EP drops on April 25th, right in the middle of both the Birmingham and London CBSO shows.  Big waves are moving right now – don’t miss the ride

Discover CreezOn on all major platforms via this link.

Interview by Amelia Vandergast

R.O.B RECKIN’ ON BEATZ Channels Inner Ferocity Through Meditative Flow in ‘BEAST MODE’

R.O.B RECKIN’ ON BEATZ doesn’t posture, he positions. With ‘BEAST MODE’, the Lorain, Ohio-based artist turns the phrase into something far removed from chest-beating braggadocio. Instead, the track functions as a meditative soliloquy—a sharp reminder that staying in the zone takes more than adrenaline. It’s about mental clarity, grit, and a refusal to veer off course.

Since writing his first rhymes at ten, R.O.B has taken the long way round to land where he is now: firmly planted in the boom-bap soil, unbothered by trends and fuelled by decades of DIY dedication. That fire nearly went out, dulled by production issues and misaligned visions, but with a new sonic compass in producer CSB, R.O.B rebuilt from the foundation up. The result? Dope Raps & Beats, a tape built on conviction, housing BEAST MODE at its core—a statement piece hosted by DJ Flipcyide and powered by a couple of Wu-Tang affiliates.

Lyrically, he’s mastered metrical flow. Each bar cascades like a waterfall of lyrical gold over CSB’s sharp, minimal beat architecture. What separates him from the pack isn’t the intensity—it’s the restraint. The luxe aura that wraps around the production and bars moves in perfect synergy with mind, body and soul. You’re not forced into the energy. You’re drawn into it.

BEAST MODE redefines what it means to go hard—by staying still, razor-sharp and fully locked into the moment.

BEAST MODE is now available to stream on all major platforms, including Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast.

Perenna King Fires Shots at the Elite with ‘Billionaire’

Perenna King isn’t here to play nice with the 1%. Billionaire is a slick, sultry rejection of the pop mould, drenched in bass-heavy afrobeat rhythms that instantly set the NYC singer-songwriter apart. With rap verses that cut through with razor-sharp conviction, she delivers a scathing critique of the ultra-wealthy, making it impossible not to get caught up in the hype of this protest anthem.

In a world where Elon Musk is unavoidable and the rich-poor divide stretches further by the day, King amplifies the frustrations of those grinding to get by, only to realise the system was rigged against them from the start. The track doesn’t just highlight the disparity—it vindicates the ones left fighting for scraps while the billionaires hoard power, influence, and entire economies.

Raised on a fusion of classic rock and literature, King has always had a flair for injecting her music with theatrical drama, but Billionaire isn’t just spectacle—it’s a battle cry. Her latest tour de force breathes fresh air into a genre often too cautious to take a stand. The message is as biting as the beat is infectious, proving that resistance isn’t futile.

Billionaire is now available on all major streaming platforms, including Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

CALEBAKACNOTE Raises the Stakes on Hyper Pop with ‘Forever’

CALEBAKACNOTE isn’t interested in half-measures, and his latest single, Forever, makes that abundantly clear. With a hyper pop structure that spirals skyward, guided by faith, hope, and sheer force of will, the single transforms a bitter-sweet trap pop heartbeat into a track you can effortlessly get into sync with.

The future-forward production melds effortlessly with the pitch-perfect harmonies, creating an electronic pulse that refuses to settle into the background. There’s no divide between the melody and the emotion—it’s all stitched together in a way that makes Forever one of the most affecting pop hits of 2025. The track doesn’t waste time on empty sentimentality; instead, it builds on realism, offering a resonantly grounded take on 21st century relationship dynamics.

CALEBAKACNOTE’s instinctive approach to pop draws from a genre-fluid background, his sound fuses pop, R&B, gospel, and alternative influences into a unique sonic signature you will want scribed through your playlists. His refusal to be confined extends beyond the music—his presence in the creative world spans songwriting, production, and visual storytelling, ensuring that his artistry is as immersive as it is immediate.

It’s rare to find a hyper pop track that lingers without gimmicks, but Forever is an earworm with substance, engineered for longevity. Whether it pulls you in for the euphoric rush or the lyrical weight, one thing’s certain—it won’t let go.

Stream Forever on Spotify now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

TNV’s Cream of the Crop – Boom Bap Nostalgia with Boundless Swagger

TNV fires off bars with the kind of force that turns a track into an event. Cream of the Crop, the standout single from his latest LP, For the Record, revives the lo-fi, jazz-infused soul of 00s hip-hop while pushing the energy into overdrive. The larger-than-life presence in his luxe lyrical delivery makes each line hit harder; anyone who grew up on Jay-Z’s prime will feel right at home in the trailblazing anthem which serves as the ultimate soundtrack to your aspiration for greatness.

Swanky melodies and soaring sax lines give the beat a sleek, refined touch, while TNV’s relentless flow keeps the momentum urban nirvana-high. Every bar builds up a kinetic charge that refuses to settle. There’s no stepping back, no slowing down—just pure adrenaline, driven by hooks designed to stick in the psyche. The massive production carries echoes of Run the Jewels, but TNV digs deep into boom bap and soul-driven jazzy hip-hop nostalgia while carving out a sound that is quickly becoming synonymous with his irreplicable presence on the airwaves.

Growing up in Los Angeles with parents deeply embedded in the music industry, TNV absorbed the culture from an early age. His lyricism holds weight, and he uses it to energise and elevate in equal measure. With a fanbase expanding with every release, For the Record positions him at the forefront of the new wave of hip-hop nostalgia.

Cream of the Crop is available now on all major streaming platforms, including Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Grimreepa Interview: From Freestyle Sessions to the Booth Biggie Once Called Home

Grimreepa isn’t just rapping about the grind—he’s lived it, survived it, and turned it into raw lyricism that refuses to pull punches. From growing up in a home where hip-hop was more than background noise to stepping into the same booth where Biggie once recorded, his story is as unfiltered as his bars. The rapper speaks on everything from his early freestyle days to the harsh realities of the streets, the therapeutic power of music, and the fight of his life—beating cancer with the same relentless mindset that fuels his pen. Now, with a solid team behind him and big plans for 2025, Grimreepa is ready to drop visuals and tracks that demand attention.

Welcome to A&R Factory, Grimreepa! We’d love to get an idea of the artist behind the hits. Let’s jump in with your origin story; what got you hooked on hip-hop in the first place? Was there a track or moment that made you think, “Yeah, this is me”?

In the household I grew up in, my older brother would be taping videos when I was younger, and I just fell in love with hip hop and the culture as a whole

Growing up where you did, how much of that shaped the way you rap and tell your story?

I embodied the fact that where you’re from and your reality of where you grew up can shape your music indefinitely.

Who were you listening to when you were coming up? Any artists that made you pick up the pen and start writing?

I’m still very much a LOX, rakim, G-rap, wu-tang biggie smalls, red man, dmx, all ruff ryders, all dipset, special ed, biz mark, big daddy kane, and LL and so on……..

Speaking of writing—when did that start for you? Was it bars straight away, or did you mess around with different styles before locking in?

I actually started freestyling first, rip to my cousin Blizzy he was the one that got me rhyming, believe it or not, I used to beatbox while Blizzy would rhyme, then outta nowhere I just tried it and stuck with it, and here we are now

Beating cancer is no small thing. What was going through your mind during that time, and how did it change the way you move through life now?

As far as beating cancer, I had to make a decision the day the doctor informed me that I had a cancerous tumor between my heart and lung, the size of a softball

I had to choose to cry about it or fight, I chose to fight. I cried when they first informed me, but after that, it was ballgame I was ready for whatever.

Leaving the streets behind isn’t easy. What was the turning point for you, and what was the most difficult part of that process?

The streets are a myth to the young brothers that’s in the streets it’s all bullshit ain’t no love or loyalty in them people will lie on you use you and beg all in the same minute if you in the trenches get ya money set a goal and get out ain’t nothing at the end of that road but jail or death and betrayal I learnt the hard way, trust me.

Do you ever find it tough putting certain life experiences or emotions into your music, or does it help to get it all out?

That’s all I do, I use the studio as therapy. I vent into that mic and let all feelings go, and bring my experiences to the forefront to be honest, experiences push my pen

Looking at where you started and where you are now, what’s been the biggest shift for you—personally and musically?

From where I started to now is totally unbelievable, but never let anybody put their expectations on you and limit what you can do I’m super proud of myself for not giving up. What’s crazy to me is recording in the same booth and studio BIGGIE SMALLS once recorded in; that’s motivation within itself.

The industry’s full of superficial noise. What’s the realest thing you’ve learned about making it as an artist?

I don’t know if I’ve made it yet, to be honest, I’m not paying attention. I’m constantly writing, recording and staying inspired and sticking to what I know, which is my truth

What’s next for Grimreepa? New music? Collabs? Anything wild we wouldn’t expect?

Alotta visuals, I have a lotta music coming in 2025, I have management behind me as well, something I didn’t have b4,  as well as support in alotta different areas, as being an artist just GET READY for G-R

Stream Grimreepa on Spotify now and connect via Instagram.

Interview by Amelia Vandergast