North London’s Scorcher is on a Balon D’or run of recent, back to the basics with a heap of verses and features, not only returning to the forefront, receiving the well deserved Mobo Award and recently performing Can’t Touch This with British pop legend Robbie Williams, but shining the spotlight on the real local talents, reigniting that authentic feel that’s been missing in the game for a minute. This time connecting with Smila for the impromptu 9:17PM
It’s been no secret of Scorcher’s abilities as an MC, however each time you hear him, levels are being raised, with this verse serving yet another example of that. When he flows like this it’s reminiscent of ’06 Thierry Henry, unstoppable. An effortless balance of skill, presence and most of all bringing the fun back, creating real music for real people. Linking up with Smila, who takes the opportunity to deliver an equally credible verse whilst taking on directorial duties, putting together this complete vibe of a production, from the opening title, sequencing, humorous text overlays and the one take transition he’s been known for, crafting a real and raw execution, complimentary of the overall feel, one that North London can be proud of.
South London’s Clue has close to two decades in the game (since his street classic Get Away featuring legendary So Solid crew’s Mega Man), with a host of projects and features, through the industry’s transition and Grime’s spotlight, he’s been one of the notables of UK’s street Rap foundations. So as the genre continues to dominate, it’s only right for the tenacious talent to return with an aptly titled new album.
Tenacious is a concise project, consisting of 8 tracks (highlighting his integrity as an artist), starting with the Intro,
setting the scene of his trials and determination, “live everyday as it comes, never give in or stop”, a concurrent theme of the album. No Disrespect, with K Koke on the hook, doubles down on the notion, it’s less glorification of gangsterism and more portrayal of the morals as a man. Clue could always rap, however, only two songs in and there’s a clear improvement, from lyricism to the delivery, accentuated by the quality mix. With Young Soul at the helm of production on this project, they switch things up on Rap or Drill (a double entendre if you like), featuring man of the moment Scorcher, both comfortable in their element with a grown take on a modern sound. Continued on Motion, the lighter of tracks, before the retrospective Outside, linking up with Manchester’s Ross The Boss (If you know, you know), with the two detailing their perspectives and lessons learned through a harsh lens of consequences and maintaining. A lot of street-centric music today tends to be fabricated or glamorised, so to get a view from some of the most authentic really offers the duality, the ups and the downs, further emphasised with P&A featuring another UK Rap staple, Joe Black, with the two offering a darker view of staying afloat amidst repercussions and the correctional system. Southside featuring up and comer Tee Tenny,
adds to the motivational elements of the album, a mix of desire and hardships, “I was broke, but I never broke down”, as he looks back how far he’s come, followed by the final and possibly the realest song, Myla,
an ode to his daughter. A heartfelt letter to his greatest achievement, complimented further by the road travelled (and the tracks leading up to this), sharing the lessons learnt and passing his wisdom, more valuable than any material, displaying a greater level of vulnerability and strength, as an artist yet first and foremost as the man he is today.
Tenacious is a quality and evident effort created out of the love for the art, built upon a base of street life and real stories, holding up principles and inspiration for those in need, an aspect I appreciate most from this album. A great re-introduction for the South London veteran to build upon (with a range of previous projects for new fans to catch up to), defining a new direction to develop on.
As the new era of Grime continues to grow, favoured by the return of it’s legends, another heavyweight staple returns to lead it back to the top, with More Fire Crew’s founding member Lethal Bizzle emerging with a new original in the form of Can’t Touch This.
Bizzle has carved his own lane since his early Grime dominance, securing chart success with a series of uptempo feel-good anthems and whilst he could have just continued that streak as a solo artist, he recruits the current captain Scorcher and the living legend Wiley for what can only be described as a banger. Can’t Touch This, produced by Felix Dubs, with it’s blend of musicality, piercing synth and heavy-slapping drums, allows Bizzle to reinvigorate the genre, “Original sound, can’t touch this”. As a lot of Grime’s current resurgence depends on nostalgic rhythms, this is exactly the elevation the sound needed. Wiley had faced some tribulations for his honesty and shedding light on the ill-practices of the system and while it may have felt like the game turned it’s back on him, the real continued to hold him in the rightful high regard, and as the genre re-enters the spotlight, his appearance makes it official and he effortlessly returns like he hasn’t missed a beat, with his verse painting the foundations of Grime, highlighting it’s essence and being able to deliver in it’s present iteration, “timeless flows, can’t touch this”, setting the tone for Bizzle to match that energy and remind us of why he was able to breakthrough the way he did. Whilst there are many factors for this new stage of Grime, from DJs, producers and a variety of artists that had not ventured from the sound, however, one of the real reasons for this recent impact is none other than Scorcher and so his feature on this is just mandatory, especially if you know of his origins of clashing and legendary radio sets. Grime consists of elements and together Wiley brings the sound, Bizzle adds the energy and Scorcher provides that street component. A perfect mix of why we fell in love with the genre and even greater example of the growth and direction it’s leading to, plus another great step in it’s evolution. The visuals help portray it further with it’s studio setting and appearances from a variety of the scene’s original members.
More recently, as people online engage with their own verses, I randomly come across none other than Take That’s Robbie Williams flowing, which still baffles me because I never knew he was a barrers like that, he could’ve easily been on this or an official remix even.
This collaboration cements the genre’s reemergence and will undoubtedly revive that live show energy, whilst serving as a sign of more to come.
As Grime continues it’s revival with the likes of Ruff Sqwad and Scorcher, amidst consistent staples such as Novelist, Manga and Rival, including breakthrough acts like So Large, one person that has maintained the foundations and contributed to it’s survival is Bloodline’s Milli Major. A bridge between Grime and it’s street essence, Mili Major has been conducting behind the scenes through a series of content (including the posse cut Skeemset) and live shows (most recently mashin’ up Prague) and so the OGs reconnect as he links back up with Scorcher for Gun Finger and the new release, My GG.
Gun Finger is great example of authentic Grime, with both veterans effortlessly tackling the high energy Luke Fly production, with it’s Igloo-esque sound bagged up in a more Drill-centric beat, with a hook tailored for a live performance and true-to-self verses that give it that originality of a set with the delivery and execution of a mix & mastered track. A contrast to his new release My GG, which like his previous Tempa T collab, Ooo Na Na, is a genre-elevating sound.
While the content is more gyal-focused gangsta music, it’s another up-tempo catchy number that can add to the dance, the radio set as well as benefit his live performance. Where most artists aim to replicate the streets through their music, Milli Major being stamped and certified allows him to experiment with his sound and it naturally comes across as such. For someone that can easily craft hard-hitting street-orientated songs, to delve into these territories highlights his artistry and with My GG (available now on all DSPs), he takes another step in broadening his range and adding more variety to his discography.
What happens when one of the best up and coming rappers in the country links with one of our legends?! Jordy has steadily been climbing to the forefront as one of the more prominent rappers in the country, though I was introduced through his appearances on the Filthy Fellas football show, which coincidently I first came across through Scorcher, fast forward in a full circle moment, the two collaborate on Know Me For Music.
Whilst responsible for the recent Grime resurgence, Scorcher has been one of the original hybrids who was able to effortlessly run through tempos and displayed just as much prowess in the rap realm, and this is no different. Jordy has been consistent, crafting out his own audience and organically developing his artistry, though I can’t say I’ve heard everything from him, the features with the likes of Louis Rei and freestyles that I have come across, he’s definitely one of the more talented no frills artists about, and along with Scorcher, doesn’t disappoint. Kicking off Good Measure with the hook and his distinct tone, he’s a true to himself artist and that’s evident with his verse, it’s wordplay with substance, which allows Scorcher to delve into that introspective space for the second verse. My personal favourite is the latter, Ain’t Settling For Less. This time Scorcher starts it off, with a verse that’s reminiscent of his Dear Diary days and though I hold Scorcher in high regard, Jordy steps up, including one of the hardest lines I’ve heard with, “A n***a sayin’ that he made me..that’s too jarring, cos If I bite the hand that feeds me, I’m self-harming”. Though there’s not much to dissect, the one complaint is that it’s only two tracks (Three on Jordy’s bandcamp), as their contrasting individual styles and content compliment each other and makes for an unexpectedly palatable pairing.
Milli Major has been holding Grime down for a while now, with an array of content from a short movie, music and events, but ultimately the uniting a host of acts within the genre has to be applauded, with Skeem Set Pt. 2 being another great example of his position in the game.
Few can bring together legends like JME, Scorcher & Crazy Titch with the addition of SeriousxSyikes, if any, over the hard-hitting production, we get a stellar performance from the face of Grime, JME, a verse that could be put up in the V&A with the picture he paints. Followed by man of the moment, Scorcher, further cementing his return to the field with his ballon d’or winning presence and intent. Milli Major glues the track together effortlessly with another heavyweight effort, anchoring for authenticity, allowing SeriousXSyikes to step up and take advantage with his energetic performance, before the Grime icon Crazy Titch, with an exclusive feature from behind bars, in typical Titch fashion, sounding like he hasn’t missed a step.
As Grime continues it’s recent resurgence, with many returning to the elevate the space, the likes of Milli Major have been playing a key part in maintaining it’s legacy and future. With more on the way from the Bloodline representative, rest assured, order is set to be restored.
As the current scene “appears” to flourish, it’s no secret that the standard, identity, authenticity and thus overall feeling is sub par, and whilst even the real ones are able to venture, there does lack a sense of direction, and that makes this return of the people’s champion even more so monumental.
It’s been a turbulent few years for the British legend, one of the Grime’s graduate Rap hybrids, the Leader of the new school, once the clear chosen one to ascend the culture (to where it currently is now), has continued to stand tall amidst adversity, and a man first before an artist, found himself on a hiatus from the art.
Though there has previously been music released, during these times, including the fan favourite Down, plus more recent freestyles, but the presence on the field was missing, and a few decent touches and key passes later, this freestyle has him win the ball back and lead the attack in stellar form.
I had originally quoted some of the lyrics that backed my point, but truth is, there isn’t a wasted bar throughout this freestyle, some things are being said, if you’re listening.
Fresh off a headline show, he’s back to lead the charge with this new collaboration, and there’s definitely a new surge of energy flowing, as his verse here is powerful for the right ears, and actually what the game’s been missing.
Recently collaborating with fellow Grime legend Rapid, that energy combined has now added a much needed component to the genre’s progression. With a project for sure in the works, I look forward to this new chapter. As the game finds itself lost at times under new tactics and infringements, you need the best players and strongest personalities to anchor the ship, dictate play and bring glory back to the people.
Since the (from Jail) release of (the heavily underrated) Down, Skywalker went quiet (for obvious reasons), but God is good, and back like he never left, he returned with the emphatic Could Be Worse
a typical take from Scorcher, as he reintroduces himself back in the game. Reality is, I never got round to reviewing it because I was actually just enjoying listening to it, and naturally, the streets united in rejoice for his return, out the box and into the booth, “nothing weren’t safe from when I come out”.
There isn’t too much to “review”, just listen and soak up the new energy. Whilst Could Be Worse served as the appetiser, it was not long before the people wanted more, and it was already in the works, as he dropped the new track, Gargoyle
“Top of the roof” music, it’s a slower tempo but more intricate freestyle, as the Dark Knight reasserts himself back in position, watching down at the game. “They ain’t see me for a minute, didn’t emcee for a minute..”, only few could take a hiatus and walk right back into the mix, but then few hold his level of credibility and stature in the scene, “I ain’t got a reload lyric, but I got a Reload lyric, you can double up and reload wit’ it”.
What’s genius about the tracks he’s dropped thus far, is the rhetoric. We know the industry has changed, there’s a heap of new acts (many who I’m not even up on), and people will have their doubts and question Scorcher’s place in this climate, and as he further finds his feet amidst the distractions, he has an answer for all, “they think local, scoping the galaxy, meanwhile i’m getting followed by focus and galaxy”. The younger fans and industry people are part of something that Scorcher helped lay the foundations for, and even if they’re unaware, he’s assertive of his own influence, “Dem man are all my kids, these man are all my youts, dem bwoy are all my sons..”, and he ain’t telling no lies.
Not a negative, but I think the impact of Could Be Worse has overshadowed Gargoyle, and I would have preferred a whole EP or project straight after, but it’s always better to test waters and reassess things. To be honest, I’ve just been glad to see him out, participating in football matches and just to know a man is back with his kids. There’s a lot more to come from him, so lock in on the socials, and stay tuned, as he looks to deliver like only one of the greatest talents to emerge out the country can.
One of the undoubted stars of the British scene, Scorcher seemed set for stardom from the get-go, with the foundations laid, he was one of the early MC’s to garner a large female following, and whilst I’ve previously mentioned the struggles that can bring with the direction of their music, he’s one of the few versatile enough to dominate in both. Maybe because it seemed like he was the chosen one..that peers and audiences developed animosity and might not have championed him as deserved, but in recent times he has still been able to stand tall amidst the negativity, with tracks like (the incredibly underrated) No One Else and Paranoid, plus standout performances in both the TV series Top Boy and (the movie) The Intent. Unfortunately, whilst I thought he was just being himself..not as prominent on Social Media (as he’s definitely not one for all the fake shit), it appears that he is currently in prison. Initially I thought (and was hoping) he was just filming for the sequel of The Intent, but it appears that he really is currently serving time (the reasons are unknown and really none of our business), but while the Universe finds ways to align you on your true path, don’t for once think his abilities as a top tier artist are under question, as he not only gives us a freestyle, but a whole track with (the 2Pac inspired) Down:
One of the realest people in the industry, or at least one of the realest I’ve met in this game, that honesty has always transcended through his music, from early as his classic My Diary. Though he’s certified with the street shit, he’s one of the best with the introspective raps, and Down is just that. Something for the fans whilst they wait, but it definitely shines light on situations, “I’m at my best when I’m at my worst”. Ever the fighter, the wordsmith is able to poetically inspire even at the toughest of times, one of his qualities and reasons for his loyal fanbase.
Whilst it’s great to get some new music from the talent, I’d rather he was free, and hold faith that this is just a step-back that will help propel him further to where someone of his talents and nature deserves.
One of the best things about our scene taking back the power, is the re-emergence of the rightful. For those that may not be aware, Scorcher is in, “your favourite rapper’s favourite rapper” category, one of the veterans who many believed from early was destined for great things with his evident potential. It did feel like at some point that it was because of that very notion, people bitterly didn’t want to see him win. You can’t stop the Winner Flow in motion though, and so after dropping one of the best songs two years ago with No One Else, he followed up his Top Boy stint, with an entertaining performance in the movie The Intent, a project with Splurgeboys, Scorcher now returns with the anthem, Paranoid.
Produced by Donae’o, the track sits somewhere between Grime and Trap, with his signature flavour, fusing it’s choice of sounds and pattern. It’s enough for Scorcher to have some fun and vent that aspect of his armour. I do believe that this is light-work for Scorch, but regardless, that merely highlights his vast ability. The two trailers for this prior, do set it up to be a more cinematic affair, with possible narrative, and that can taint things, however, the quality of this balances that. Appreciative of detail, and this video did capture well with the shots and edit, down to the tones, to really compliment and most of all showcase Scorcher in adequate visual that stands out.
“Fuck my ex..I got new tings, Fuck my next..I got two tings, I’m up again, like fuck a friend…They weren’t ‘ere where I was going through tings..” – Scorcher
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