I said years ago, that Dot Rotten was the truth, and caught flack, but fuck it, as an MC and producer, his talent cannot be denied. He’s reinvented himself quite a few times, from Young Dot, to Dot Rotten, after signing to a major label and not liking how things were (especially in that climate, where everything other than conforming was a risk they were not prepared to take), he chose to walk away, integrity intact. The scene was in a reshuffle, and some quality material went overlooked by the masses, somewhat resulting in another evolution, into producer Zeph Ellis. As I said, talent can’t be denied, and he was back on top, contributing to some pivotal Grime moments, providing the instrumental for AJ Tracy’s breakthrough hit Naila. Fast forward and Dot Rotten has resurfaced to bring the balance back.
Now I’m off the radar clearly, as I wasn’t aware of any tension, or I just don’t check for things as such, but with this Organised Grime freestyle, it’s incredibly clear that he’s sending for P Money.
It was some years ago when I came to hear of P Money, who was continuously sending for Ghetto, and though eventually he got his response, and though Ghetts remains untarnished, P did go onto maintain a decent run and carve a name for himself, so with Dot applying the pressure, it’s intriguing to see where this goes. Aside of the send, it’s great to hear Dot in full effect, and as the scene has established itself better, it would be great for him to continue with his style and sound.
Grime veteran, a pioneer even, D Power, a Grime school graduate, has resurged with his new EBR imprint and it’s roster, whilst he’s heavily supportive of the scene and his team rightfully, with Spooked, he gets introspective, far from a hater, the strong-hearted brother shares some thoughts and feelings of late, over the minimal self-produced banger, with the synth-laced, hard-slapping beat.
“Man-a-mans angry, man-a-mans upset, Man-a-man saw Grenfell, saw man reach their deaths..”
The clean hearted brother, with the dirty flow, Rebel Simpson has been quietly mastering his craft, giving us a variety of Grime gems in the process.
Produced by Captain, the synth-heavy sounds seem perfect for the up and coming MC to flow cold, “I took some L’s last year, but not again”. While there’s always room for improvement, it’s good to see how well he’s improved thus far. Most definitely someone to keep an ear out for as he continues to tackle Grime with substance.
It’s no denying that PND is quietly been at the forefront of the new R&B/Soul wave, though his first two projects may not have directly shown such with it’s electro-fusion, he proved his diversity further with the release of Colours, it boasted cuts such as Let’s Get Married, (the ever so personal) Girl From Oakland and the fan-favourite Travis Scott featured Jus Know. That project acted as a segue for his third album, which further cemented his status as one of the premier talents, leading to writing credits for some of the biggest songs of the year, including Rihanna – Work. Still one to let his craft do the talking, and with glimpses of his talent provided through features, he dropped the sequel to Colours (following suit of his simply titled projects), with Colours 2.
What makes PartyNextDoor important, is his ability to dictate the sound, it’s authenticity aside, the Mississauga crooner continues to pioneer. A highly talented producer himself, Colours 2 sees him work once again with fellow Ferina member, up and coming producer G Ry, this time on the majority of the project. G Ry is most certainly one to listen out for, along with the likes of Bizness Boi, they’re bringing the soul back into productions, reinstating that depth that makes it connect so strongly with a listener.
Colours 2, like the original, is 4 tracks deep, but it truly is quality over quantity, as each track is a moment in itself, starting with Peace of Mind, it’s laid back, Party keeps it G as he checks in with his lady whilst out on the grind, it’s an ode to love, and putting ‘her’ first. Having recently penned hits for DJ Khaled (Shining ft. Beyonce & Jay-Z and Wild Thoughts ft. Bryson Tiller & Rihanna), his writing ability is getting the recognition it deserves, and Freak In You is another example, combined with his unique cadences, PND really executes a record like no other. This homage to the Jodeci classic Freak In You, with lines like, “rush rush rush, baby, just like Kimora Lee..”, only PND could pen such a simple line with such complex definitions, as he oozes confidence throughout the record, not before he’s unafraid to unveil vulnerability, on what sounds like a chart smash, Low Battery.
There have been jokes regarding him hiding the record, to keep it for himself, but within that humour, there is a point being made, that if this was released by any other major recording artist today, it would be a sure fire hit. “Have you ever lied? It’s a dumb question, baby girl, ’cause everybody lies, but did you lie..with someone else?..”, over the uptempo melody, to give it such context rather than some generic sing-a-long bullshit, is exactly why PartyNextDoor has developed such a strong and loyal fanbase. Just when you think that was the best, the tempo slows down, and he captivates you with the final track, Rendezvous, as he tries to make sense of what ‘she’ wants, he continues to spring metaphors effortlessly, “How many times did I get you wet, that night I pulled up to the dock..”, while most artists today are loud over social media, he keeps it all in the music, which not only gives it depth, but a stronger sense of authenticity, and relevance as he pays homage with lines like, “I’m not fooled by the money that you got, you still Jenny from the muthafuckin’ block..”
To share from experience and make it so relatable for audiences is no easy task, unless you’re PartyNextDoor it seems. As much as I am a fan of his own productions, with G Ry, they’ve really crafted and put together a very strong soulful offering, raising expectations for his next album even further.
If being a part of the production for one of the biggest records of last year, with Bryson Tiller’s ‘Don’t’, was not enough, the talented duo display some versatility with their new cut, Freaky, featuring Wande Coal and the legendary Beenie Man.
One for the Summer for sure, having garnered over a million plays on Spotify alone, sees the East London duo link up with Wande and Beenie for this uptempo vibe, it’s easy listening at it’s finest, and definitely one to step to. Most impressive, is their use of sounds, with traditional Caribbean influences glimmering throughout. You’ll be hearing more of Dr Vades as they embark on tour, supporting our homegrown hero, Craig David.
Amongst the many talents, taking control of their careers, JMSN is one of the best. From the long hair days, the quirky visuals, to the clean-shaven, his ability to craft a quality soulful record has not tarnished one bit. A seasoned performer, he blesses us with the smooth cut, Patiently.
The last track off his latest album, Whatever Makes You Happy, this soulful piece is classic JMSN, with his diverse vocal range, he’s able to emit so much emotion through so little effort. With the visuals fitting the theme of the album, the visuals maintain just as much consistency as the music. Starring fellow White Room Records artist, the beautiful Alexa Demie, it’s another creative step in the right direction for JMSN, with no doubt many more to come.
With her Galacticat album still in rotation, the beauty that is Quiñ returns with I’m Good..
Taken from her forthcoming Dreamgirl EP, I’m Good is not too far off from the sounds of Galacticat, much like the outro/Who Am I, it takes you back up from the clouds, with the angelic vocals, as she reiterates that confidence. I’m most definitely looking forward to this EP, as she continues to sing her way through the fibres of your body and touch the soul.
To some, they may have seen her in The Internet’s Special Affair video, the beauty shone bright in a monochrome video, but that was just her aura. As her soul proves to be even more beautiful, with the release of this conceptual album, Galactica.
The Aristocats classic tribute is highly appreciated, and maybe because the song was a favourite as a kid, grown me really connects to this. Tempo picks up, for I Am, the album has merely begun and you’re already on another dimension with this experience, her vocals soft, move through you like light, with a warmth like the sun’s rays. “I am Quin, the magnificent (don’t need to remind ya)..”, it’s honest, as she serenades, and only gets better, as you dive deeper into the next track. Sea of Space really accentuates her vocals, that unique tone, it sounds vulnerable yet fearless. As conceptual or abstract as this album might come across, it’s very relatable, and makes for more depth.
Just as you fade away with one song, you’re transported with the other, and while the G-Eazy featured Over Again brings you back to the surface, Solo captivates you back in, and you do not resist. There really is a lack of music with such range, it could be placed amongst the likes of Jhene Aiko and SZA, but from another galaxy.
Math is powerful, it’s a deeper journey, the beat of this song is probably her heartbeat, as her vocals float over the production like smoke on glass. “It’s all good when it’s all bad, been looking all day but it’s all math. Just solve the equation, get it all back..”
A personal favourite, I’ve found myself listening to Math since it’s release, but it only accentuates how good the entire project is. The album closes out with Who Am I, which though sits well with the project, offers more versatility, like the floating clouds, though it’s the end, it’s sonically bright and I was initially disappointed that the album ended, but as a project, it’s smart, as the listener awaits what’s next.
Track placement is important when creating an experience-like body of work, and I feel that effort was made in that area, as each song plays it’s part throughout the course of this journey that is Galactica.
The Tottenham up-and-comer has shown versatility from his early freestyles, his then blend of trap styles with the soulful vibes, to this riddim. Presenting you with ShaqyDread – Nah Easy:
Produced by Prince Galalie (notably worked with Wizzy Wow), this summer vibe can be played all year round, it’s easy listening, with a fusion of Island flair. With it’s catchy lines, it’s a nice lickle sing-a-long tune, with the homage to Gyptian’s hit Hold Yuh, it’s certainly capable to introduce that vibe in a dance for sure.
Stay tuned for more from ShaqyDread, as the new class of Tottenham talent emerges.
The standout track from his acclaimed American Muscle album gets the visual treatment.
Polyester The Saint might just be the West’s most underrated, as talented behind the boards as he is on the mic, the West Coast native has delivered a range of waves over the past couple years, with his music ahead of the curve, it’s understandable that he has yet to make that major transition, but his peers are well aware, as he recruits fellow West Side talent, Dom Kennedy, for On The Regular.
If the album title does not give it away, Polyester has been prominent in introducing another aspect of California to the front, the muscle car, with the showcase and circuit being displayed in prior visuals (and on his social media) such as the heavily underrated Let You Know, and this is no different, with the Chevy beasts on display.
“You be doin’ all that talkin’, but never pop off, If you step..you leavin’ with nothin’, so don’t you run up..”
Don’t sleep on The Saint, with his multiple flows and ability to authentically capture the sound of LA, as he works on the next instalment to this solid effort, with fuck loads to check back on in the mean time (including the trendsetting Grey Filas).
ONE Fáris 