Browsing Tag

uk rap

2nd Class Citizenz bruised the boundaries in UK hip-hop with the orchestrally elevated volition in their seminal single, Change

Posted on 25 July 2024

‘Change‘ by 2nd Class Citizenz strikes with the ferocious fearlessness that exemplifies UK hip-hop while setting the collective leagues apart with its ornate orchestral arrangement that thematically juxtaposes the bruising bars, allowing the listener to reflect on how both halves live.

Each line bounces with flawless metric precision in the composition that will instantly greet you with a ‘fuck, this is fresh’ affirmation. Each rapper in the trio injects their own brand of flair, fire and fervour to make a significant sonic impact without resorting to brute force. Instead, ‘Change’ opens minds to the collective’s ethos of using the motifs to pierce lyrical gold into the psyche of their listeners.

The intellectually profound, endlessly accessible bars make every verse a revelation while allowing 2nd Class Citizenz to live up to their reputation as the grittiest, most authentic rappers in the UK.

Change is now available to stream on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

East Meets West in Koza’s Impassioned Inferno of a Drill Track, SHADOWS

Posted on 2 July 2024

Koza’s second single, SHADOWS is a fierily impassioned inferno of frenetic rap cadences that reach the pinnacle of rhythmic fervour; by embracing his cultural roots in the exotically produced hit, punctuated by hard-hitting drill beats, Koza couldn’t have been more authentic to himself in the soul-baring release, which delivers an unforgettable introduction to one of the hottest drill rappers on the UK scene right now. It’s only a matter of time before he teams up with GRM and goes viral.

There are few artists who can match his heat and do so with maximum conviction that spills straight through the soul instead of the ego; all the lyrics serve to viscerally make a statement of intent as they cut through the atmosphere laid out by the diaphanously ethereal Hollywood-esque backing vocals and delicate instrumental layers which contrast sharply with the bass-swathed beats.

SHADOWS is a significant shift from Koza’s debut track, KOHLI; by underpinning the release in his personal philosophy, modernising the East-meets-West production with ahead-of-the-curve beats and anchoring it in vulnerability by narrating themes of self-discovery, the breakthrough artist broke plenty of ground with this stormer.

SHADOWS dropped on June 28; jump on the track on all major platforms via this link.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

West-London’s Drill king, Light served fierce flows and savage lyricism with ‘Ko-Lee Noodles’

Posted on 16 April 2024

Light’s latest single, Ko-Lee Noodles, is an indomitable testament to the West-London-hailing rap artist’s fierce fortitude. His ever-growing loyal fanbase, which is pushing him ever closer to the 1 million stream mark, will note that his signature of mellifluous grooves, punchy flows savage lyricism has followed him into this drill hit, but this time, there’s a relentlessly fierce intensity to the release that is as real as it comes.

The last time something hit so hard, dinosaurs went extinct, but Light’s legacy in the UK rap scene will never die; he’ll be riding high for as long as he continues to wax lyrical with unparalleled ferocity.

With the melodic emotionally charged instrumentals tempering the energy while drenching the polished production in a haunting atmosphere, Light’s candour becomes all the more affecting in the confessionally confronting release.

Light was officially released on April 16; stream the single on Spotify or watch the official music video on the GRM Daily YouTube channel.

To stay up to date with all of the latest releases from Light, follow the luminary on Instagram.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Chin0 confronted the realities of our society through the lens of melodic drill in his quintessential release, Rich Not Famous

Posted on 4 April 2024

Chin0, hailing from East London, has firmly grasped the reins of the drill dominion with his standout single, ‘Rich Not Famous‘, which brings cinematic cultivation to the melodic drill scene.

The multi-layered production is massive, setting ethereal backing vocals against Chin0’s infectiously charismatic bars, while bass-elevated beats reverberate with elements of boom-bap. In ‘Rich Not Famous’, ingenuity flows through every progression. Yet, it’s Chin0’s razor-sharp wit that commands the spotlight. His bars are a window into the rapper’s humanity and his painful awareness of society’s flaws, delivered through a polished and concise lyrical flow.

The single hits hard, no matter how many times it’s played. Chin0 doesn’t just rap about the superficiality of fame; he delves into the deeper implications of having enough money in the bank to fulfil his desire to pay reparations he doesn’t personally owe.

As fans eagerly await Chin0’s next single, set to drop on the 18th of April, ‘Rich Not Famous’ stands as a powerful reminder of his talent and the impact he’s poised to make on the UK music scene.

Stream Rich Not Famous on Spotify and YouTube.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

reubencmg looked beyond the surface level of scars in his compassionately raw rap track, Insecure

Posted on 31 January 2024

In his latest single, Insecure, the UK rapper reubencmg opened a narrative on how we can walk through life buried under the weight of our trauma which bears down on everything we do, from how we navigate relationships to what we will passively accept from life’s protagonists who bank on people being bruised enough to tolerate exploitation and humiliation.

With the soul in the backing vocals harmonising behind the George the Poet-esque spoken-word cadence, which adds to the melodiously wavy vibe of Insecure, reubencmg keeps it raw and real while delivering a gritty urban soundscape that people can seek solace within every time they need a reminder that every person you walk past in the street has their own demons to defeat and burdens biting down on their psyche.

Stream Insecure on Spotify now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Ard Adz & Sho Shallow sharpened the raw edge of London’s rap scene with ‘Still Windy’

Posted on 24 January 2024

Brixton’s biggest rap luminary, Sho Shallow, has another feat of innovative urban engineering in his discography, which is quickly becoming an unreckonable legacy in the London rap scene. Still Windy, created in collaboration with Ard Adz, is a deeply affecting synthesis of lyrical intimacy, gritty charisma, and melodious beats that pulsate luxe grooves into the release which doesn’t allow the essence of the track to be overshadowed and lost by excessive studio production.

In the span of 12 hours, Still Windy was recorded and the music video was filmed, ensuring the same fire that sparked the inspiration blazes through the fervent release, which juxtaposes the soul in the backing vocals with the sharp cadence in the rap delivery, which bleeds urgency and expressive candour.

The video has racked up almost 200k streams since its December 28th premiere, which debuted ahead of the Head Above Water LP, which is due for release on January 26.

Check out the official music video brought to YouTube by GRM Daily via YouTube.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Lem’s Sophomore Rap Track, S.A.D, Is A Stark Reflection of Modern Angst

Posted on 21 January 2024

In “S.A.D”, Lem’s second release, there’s an undeniable gravity that pulls you into the heart of today’s societal unease. The track starts with a haunting piano melody, subtly setting a sombre mood. As Lem’s verses unfold, there’s a tangible shift from mere melancholy to a profound, introspective exploration of contemporary disillusionment.

Lem’s lyrical prowess shines as he navigates through the complexities of modern life. His words are a candid portrayal of the pressures we face, from economic turmoil to the distorted realities perpetuated online. His approach is refreshingly sincere, standing out in a genre often dominated by surface-level expressions of frustration.

Lem’s raw narrative resonates with authenticity, offering listeners a glimpse into the struggles beneath the facade of everyday life. His choice to reveal the real sources of his anxiety and depression is both brave and rare, making “S.A.D” a standout piece in UK rap.

“S.A.D” is an impactful addition to Lem’s growing discography, showcasing his ability to articulate the complexities of the human psyche in a way that is both enlightening and deeply moving. It’s a compelling invitation to engage with his music and a strong indication of his potential to leave a lasting mark on the music scene.

S.A.D was officially released on January 12th; stream it on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Bedfordshire’s Jeron Ross started a riot of rap innovation in his sophomore release, Possession

Posted on 3 January 2024

After making his debut with his East Coast-flavoured inaugural release, Write of Passage, featuring A Alchemy, the Bedfordshire rapper, Jeron Ross turned experimentalism into exhilaration by exploring the depths of alt-rap and showcasing his ability to blend storytelling with the unpredictability of freestyle in his sophomore release, Possession.

Hit play and find yourself in the uninhibited corridors of Ross’ mind, where each verse and switch in tempo leads you deeper down the rabbit hole and confronted by a mosaic of musical ideas, where each distinct part is part of a larger, mesmerising portrait of possession.

Ross’ versatility shines as he transitions from harmonised choruses to zany bars, each switch in style and tone adding layers to the track’s rich texture. His vocal performances are a rollercoaster of emotions, exuding a sense of impassioned and cagey urgency that grips the listener from start to finish.

The track’s structure, with more curveballs than cohesion, might seem unconventional at first. However, this apparent disarray is Ross’ genius at play. It reflects the chaos of a mind in constant motion, thoughts and emotions colliding and coalescing into something profoundly expressive.

Ross’ background in freestyle rapping, honed since his teenage years, is evident in the fluidity and spontaneity of Possession. His wicked punchlines and vivid imagery are a sure sign of even bigger things to come.

Possession was officially released on December 26; stream it on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

J Swave waxed lyrical on the cyclicality of capitalism with his soulfully smooth rap track, Round and Round

Posted on 19 December 2023

UK rapper J Swave is a conduit of soulful innovation in his latest track, Round and Round. With ethereal backing harmonies which resonate as though they’ve just been torn from the sunset of an ambiently exotic deep house track behind his steady and captivating canter, the track unravels as a profoundly melodious commentary on the unyielding demands of capitalism.

J Swave, with his Nigerian roots and diverse background, has consistently demonstrated his ability to resonate with a wide audience. His debut EP, III Styles, and the mixtape Catch the Swave have already set a high bar, but Round and Round elevates his artistry to new heights – far above the standard set for underground artists. The track’s cross-over commercial appeal is undeniable, with a melodic sonic signature almost hypnotic in its gravitational pull.

Going beyond the hot-headed anger and opting to verse emotionally charged poetry that delves deep into social issues, it’s effortless to become consumed in the introspection. His verses are a poignant subversion of the medieval theology that love is the central force in the world. In Swave’s portrayal of the UK’s capitalistic dystopia, it’s not the measure of the heart but, lamentedly, the weight of one’s wallet that defines a man.

As the backing vocals provide a hauntingly beautiful contrast to Swave’s grounded, rhythmic flow, the track entwines euphonic magnetism with a provoking stimulus for the mind. It’s a track that not only resonates with his growing fan base but also stands as a compelling invitation for new listeners to explore the depth and versatility of his music.

Watch the official music video for Round and Round, which premiered on December 13th on YouTube, or stream the single on all major platforms via this link.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Mr Asap made lyrical bombs out of his mic drops in ‘Heathrow’

Posted on 3 December 2023

Taking influence from Dave, Lotto Boyzz, MoStack, and Wu-Tang Clan and turning that inspiration into a brand-new urban fusion, the London-based up-and-coming artist, Mr Asap, is ensnaringly fresh on his new track and music video, Heathrow.

By bringing cinematic elements into his instrumentals, including evocatively weighted minor key piano progressions and classical strings, Mr Asap went beyond the drill beats to deliver a track that will consume your consciousness whole while he flexes his skills with wordplay in a way that makes lyrical bombs out of mic drops.

It may be early days in the industry for Mr Asap, but his determination to step out of the ordinary with every bar has established him as a luminary the spotlight deserves to shine on. Expect even bigger things from Mr Asap in 2024; with his swathes of charisma and his gritty true-to-form intellectualism, he won’t disappoint.

The official music video for Heathrow premiered on November 24th; stream it on YouTube.

Review by Amelia Vandergast