Browsing Tag

Drill

Rourky initiated the cybernetic revolution of UK hip-hop with Cyborg ft Riley

Posted on 7 August 2024

Nathan O’ Rourke, known by his stage name Rourky, has been a sonic staple in the UK for over a decade. Hailing from Birmingham, the 31-year-old rapper has been honing his craft since his teenage years, releasing music globally since 2013. Aligning with TigerBloodMuzik Entertainment, Rourky has become bigger than his gargantuan beats.

His latest single, ‘Cyborg,’ featuring Riley Zm, a drill rapper from Zambia, is a high-octane hip-hop anthem, effortlessly commanding attention with its fiery rap bars blazing across cinematically elevated beats. The track utilises synthesised electronic orchestral motifs, adding an air of grandiosity that is efficaciously juxtaposed by the grit in Rourky’s grimey bars.

The interplay between Rourky and Riley ensures that ‘Cyborg’ unfolds as a dynamic track, embedding itself in the listener’s psyche long after the electrifying hit has faded to a close. Rourky’s charisma bleeds through every progression, as he positions himself at the vanguard of hip-hop’s cybernetic future with his playfully convictive hit.

Cyborg stormed the airwaves on August 2 via TigerBloodMuzik Entertainment; stream the single on SoundCloud.

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

MOBI1 & Hardest Bars ignited the London grime scene with ‘Joey Clipstar Freestyle’

Posted on 7 February 2024

In the gritty heart of West London’s grime scene, MOBI1’s latest single, ‘Joey Clipstar Freestyle’, is a rhythmic inferno, signalling his indomitable presence and unyielding ascent.

Surviving a catastrophic explosion and emerging from literal ashes, MOBI1i is an emissary of resilience. Anyone who locks into his bars that run as hard as his beats can live it by proxy and feel the fire that blazes as MOBI1 razes the music industry with the head-spinning volition in his flow.

The production, a collaborative genius of Katmandu and Wadizdis, tears up the rulebook of drill beats. It’s a rhythmic firestorm, a relentless assault on the senses that perfectly complements MOBI1’s explosive delivery. Every hook is a masterstroke of lyrical agility, a testament to Mobi1’s skill as he weaves through the beat with a tongue-twisting fervour.

In short, ‘Joey Clipstar Freestyle’ is a declaration that MOBI1 is here to reign supreme in the grime domain. As he continues to make waves across the UK, from radio sets to fashion shows, one thing is crystal clear: he’s a force to be reckoned with.

Check out the official music video on YouTube or add MOBI1’s latest hit to your Spotify playlists.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

ADZii Boii – Let’s Go: a high-speed chase through the streets of raw, unfiltered lyrical genius

Posted on 5 January 2024
ADZii BOii

ADZii BOii, the Scottish hip-hop heavyweight, started 2024 with a seismic bang by unleashing his latest single, Let’s Go. Hit play and be flung into a high-speed chase through the streets of raw, unfiltered lyrical genius which cements his position as a formidable force in the hip-hop arena and offers a glimpse into his unapologetically candid mind.

The single is a masterclass in blending the ferocity of drill beats with the finesse of intelligent lyricism. ADZii BOii’s flow is a relentless force, intertwining with the pulsating beats to create a musical experience that’s both exhilarating and thought-provoking. The motorbike sound effects add to the high-octane atmosphere, painting a vivid picture of speed and agility that mirrors ADZii BOii’s rapid-fire delivery.

What sets Let’s Go apart is ADZii BOii’s ability to weave social commentary into his lyrics with a wit that’s both brutal and hilariously on point. The track is a rollercoaster of emotions, echoing the artist’s own life experiences. His storytelling prowess first showcased in his debut album, Colours, takes a more intense turn here, with each bar packed with meaning and raw energy.

The lion on the cover art is not just an image; it symbolises the aggression and power that ADZii Boii brings to the track. Notably, ADZii Boii is on a path to redefining the landscape of alternative hip-hop.

As we eagerly anticipate his second album, expected in Spring 2024, Let’s Go is a testament to ADZii Boii’s evolving artistry. Stream the single on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Timmy – Speedy Gonzales: A Gritty Testament to UK Rap’s Evolving Landscape

Posted on 17 December 2023

Timmy’s latest track, ‘Speedy Gonzales‘ is a dark, gritty, and profoundly impactful testament to his burgeoning dominance in the rap scene. His ability to press the right lyrical buttons and pluck at the rawest melodic heartstrings is evident throughout the track, which is driven by Timmy’s impassioned delivery and the haunting, ethereal backing vocals that seamlessly blend with his grime bars and drill beats. It’s a vignette that takes you through the highs and lows of urban life, reflecting on the diminishing value placed on human existence.

The track’s pace is relentless, mirroring the artist’s namesake, Speedy Gonzales. Yet, it’s the depth of the lyrics and the sombre sonic imprint that truly sets this song apart. Timmy doesn’t just rap; he tells a story, painting a vivid picture of the struggles and realities faced in the streets. His words are convictive, cutting through the noise and leaving a lasting impression on the listener.

The track is a bold statement from an artist who is clearly not afraid to speak his truth. As the final beats of ‘Speedy Gonzales’ fade, you can’t help but feel a sense of anticipation for what Timmy will do next. His talent is undeniable, and his ability to connect with the audience on a deeper level is beyond compare in the UK’s underground rap scene.

Watch the official music video for Speedy Gonzales via YouTube.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

West London’s freshest trailblazer Zush held no prisoners with the killer cadence in ‘Playing for Keeps’

Posted on 7 December 2023

West London rap icon in the making Zush showcased a luminary on the cusp of great acclaim by unleashing his high-octane hit, Playing for Keeps, which flavours UK drill with a Caribbean kick while exhibiting his ability to hold his own against the charisma of Stormzy and Dave.

By bringing cultural flavour into the dark and ensnaring atmospheric Drill tones, the depth of the track is enhanced to the nth degree; from the first beat you are immersed in an adrenalizing aural visualisation of his infectiously visceral sonic signature.

After the success of his seminal single, We Got the Sauce, which saw his talent recognised by Pulse 88, Itch FM, GRM Daily, UGM, The Beat London, Westside FM, Bound 2 Blow and many more, Playing for Keeps is an impossible-to-ignore statement of intent from an artist who exhibits his determination in every facet of his captivating expression.

By honing his talents from a young age as a high school beat-maker, DJ in a rap group and percussionist in a steel band, Zush was primed to make an unforgettable entry into the domain of UK rap. The influence of hip-hop legends like Nas, Busta Rhymes, Missy Elliot, and Pharrell, coupled with the Caribbean beats from his upbringing, is evident in Playing for Keeps, which fuses his reverence for sharp flows with his affinity towards his Caribbean roots, which pull through when he asserts his Caribbean accent in the chorus as a juxtaposition of the drill bars which exhibit his command of flow and cadence.

Playing for Keeps dropped on the 30th of November; stream it on Spotify and never miss another seminal release from Zush by following him on Instagram.

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

Lil Zino tore the stigma out of ‘PTSD’ with the drill debut of the year

Posted on 28 November 2023

After racking up over 206k streams on the official music video for his debut single, PTSD, and becoming a viral sensation on TikTok in the process, East London’s Lil Zino stormed into the rap scene with one of the strongest debuts of 2023.

With melodic minor key pseudo-trap instrumentals setting the cinematically melancholic tone, the atmosphere was set for Lil Zino to pour vulnerable candour into the track with his stonily steadfast vocal delivery which runs through in a magnetically paced cadence. While some rappers wear their trauma like a badge of honour, Lil Zino is adding nuance to the narrative by exhibiting the weight of scars, becoming one of the most authentic drill voices in the process.

There’s no understating the evocative pull of the track that projects an intimate vignette of the violent event, which led him to finding a necessary means of expression. By keeping his composure while painting a stark picture of the harsh realities of East London’s streets with his blunt bars, Lil Zino delivered a hauntingly affecting release, which will stay with you long after the outro.

Stream PTSD on SoundCloud or watch the official music video on YouTube.

Review by Amelia Vandergast