Tag Archives: UK

Jul 21 2025
Leave a comment
Uncategorized

Jus Rival – Optics & Design (The Evolving Mixtape)

East London’s Rival is one of the scene’s unsung heroes, long before Grime’s recent resurgence, even when artists ventured into Afrobeats and the Rap realm as the spotlight was no longer on London’s own genre, he continued to create and elevate the sound, with no real industry cosign it might have felt like it fell on deaf ears, but he’s responsible for one of my favourite modern Grime tracks with Shaolin Techniques (from his 2023 release, Revenge of The Rivz). Over ten years in the game, from his critically acclaimed Biscuit series to his culture-driven ELMNTRY show, he’s continued to add to the foundations and much like his weekly soundcloud drops, he returns with a new take, the evolving mixtape, Optics & Design.

In the current era of music, there aren’t as many rules and creatives can find themselves using their circumstances to their advantage, so rather than create one body of work and then attempt to find new ways to keep promoting it, he’s released Optics & Design, currently featuring five tracks, but could continue to add to it (hence the evolving mixtape). Kicking off with 2049, a futuristic sound contrasted with his homage and introspection, similar to the Blizzard produced Cold Harbour, it’s notable that often in Grime, the production carries the track, yet he’s approached it with his vocal as the lead, allowing for his lyricism and flow to dictate, highlighting his artistry, further evident with Bring N Kill.

Grime gets boxed into 140bmp, yet it seems he’s found the formula to maintain it’s essences on any tempo and style, ever present with the fourth track, Twilight, sampling the famous Twilight Zone theme, an unorthodox choice but very much in the spirit of Grime. For example, If JME had dropped this, the word genius would be thrown about and emcees across the country would attempt to tackle the production, and so in this case I have to commend Rival for this, whilst it might not be my favourite, I appreciate the direction and what it represents, bringing us to my actual favourite thus far, Premium English. Many may recognise the sample from the Benny The Butcher & J.Cole hit, but this is an authentically British take on the sample (credits to Blizzard), providing the perfect canvas for Rival to lyrically paint on and his experience shows as he effortlessly flows with his distinct style, that sounds like a traditional structured song yet feels like an old school radio set.

Optics & Design is another solid effort, an evolution of Grime, and a smart way to deliver music overall, that could potentially be adopted by many, as it bridges the gap between singles and a full length project. As the scene enters a new era, I hope he achieves the desired results, so stay tuned for more from the Grime wordsmith as he continues his journey, encompassing both the science of optics and the practical application of design principles.

Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Jun 10 2025
Leave a comment
Uncategorized

Clue – Tenacious

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.

Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Jun 09 2025
Leave a comment
Uncategorized

Youngs Teflon – Keep The Change

Youngs Teflon has been one of UK Rap’s most underrated, breaking through amidst the early Grime era, having since made a name for himself, he’s played a part in the emergence of some of our more notable acts of recent, with his versatile street style, storytelling and topical wordplay. If Giggs is considered the King of UK rap, Tef could be seen as the prince and with a prolific discography, this latest album could be seen as the coronation with this Atlantic Records UK debut, Keep The Change.

As acts like Nines and Potter Payper establish their lane of commercial street-centric rap, it’s only right for Youngs Teflon to be amongst those names and with this new Atlantic Records UK venture, he’s in position to do just that.

This album feels monumental, it’s 14 tracks of realness, setting things off with Crouching Tiger, an introductory to the overall theme of this album, poignant wordplay, weaving his experiences of street life and success as an artist, broken down further on Da Gutter,

a lyrically descriptive South London state of mind over the hypnotic loop. The story continues further with Motion, a more polished version of his upbeat sound, adding that major feel with a feature from Manchester’s Aitch. The level of quality is accentuated with the next track, Brownin’,

one of the singles from the album, with it’s Aaliyah sample and his take on a classic metaphor, offering a diverse feel as it can be appreciated by a variety of audiences, especially with him harmonising, using that Aaliyah flow, which caught me by surprise upon the first listen and provides a singalong vibe, highlighting his evolution as an artist. Another standout is the filmesque Tony’s Tub, featuring one of the current talents, Knucks, which before I even saw the title had remnants of Scarface, further established by the opening line, “The blimp told me the World Is Yours”, as the two trade verses of grandeur over the emphatic production. Favourite Poison, the more confidently vulnerable effort, providing some variety, as the theme continues with the contrasting Cologne featuring newcomer Clavish and Ain’t Right (ft. Blaqbonez),

before the introspective and mature songs Need You and Wrong Ones. As we draw closer to the end of the album, Tef gets into his Nas bag with a personal favourite, showcasing his storytelling abilities with the cinematic Unusual Suspects, a motion picture of a track, that would benefit a short movie (upon every listen I’m thinking of location, shots and casting). “Product of my environment, I grew up when they were firing, School next day but I got woke up by the sirens”, he shares a great detailing of a gritty London life on the next track, Product of My Environment, finding light amidst tribulations and systematic disadvantages, followed by the beautiful sounding Members Only, an introspective effort complimented with the unique tone of Frank Ekwa on the chorus, which brings us to the curtain closer, Sicily, a podium finish of a record, neatly concluding the theme, appreciating the fruits of his labour and the journey to it.

Having delivered an array of projects spanning generations, this album is a well crafted offering from one of South London’s finest wordsmiths that will satisfy old fans and serves as a great introduction to new ones, highlighting different sides of the come-up, accepting the highs and lows, lessons learned and wisdom gained, that not only can you can charge to the game, but let it Keep The Change.

Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Jun 07 2025
Leave a comment
Uncategorized

Lethal Bizzle – Can’t Touch This ft. Wiley & Scorcher

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.

Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
May 01 2025
Leave a comment
Uncategorized

Etta Bond – Make Me Cry

One of the most unique talents out of the UK, the beautiful singer/songwriter Etta Bond is one of the pioneers, a prominent talent who stood out early with her unconventional style. Similar to soulful acts like Cleo Sol and Bluey Robinson, the artistry found itself falling behind in what was a transitional period for the music industry, none the less her distinct tone and authenticity cut through and fast forward, as the natural talents rightfully progress, with the likes of Cleo, Jorja Smith and newcomer Kwn, Etta Bond is definitely one deserving to shine. Having teased fans with 2023’s A1, Lie To Me and the introspective (and a personal favourite) Zone, she returns with another two quality tracks, Let Me See Your Phone and the latest release, Make Me Cry

Let Me See Your Phone, is classic Etta, sultry, enchanting and captivating, with longtime producer Raf Riley, it’s a slow and soulful number, her vocals like an additional instrument, taking centre stage as she croons with a perfect balance of confidence and vulnerability. As great as her voice is, her lyricism is heavily underrated and this track emphasises that songwriting ability. Which brings us to the more uptempo offering, Make Me Cry

This is exactly why fans have been craving for an album from her, these contrasting sounds like ranges of feelings are what make artists special and she does this effortlessly. With it’s catchy drums, she’s able to match it’s infectiousness and deliver an emotionally strong and sexy effort. It definitely reminds me of a particular song from the past and though it must be from a while back as I can’t seem to remember, I’m thinking Justin Timberlake or Beyonce maybe, but that merely highlights the level of quality of this song. Credit to Raf Riley, once again creating a perfect canvas for Etta to vocally paint across and being able to delve into these real subjects so organically further champion why she’s so underrated to me.

Like Let Me See Your Phone, Make Me Cry is another step in the right direction for the songstress and hopefully will be part of a full length project in the near future, giving us a greater sample of her artistry, with her blend of innovative, relatable and honest music.

Tagged , , , , , , , , , , ,
Apr 24 2025
Leave a comment
Uncategorized

Pak-Man – Outside

Having established his hustler’s ambition and stance through the success of his last project Legendary Still, Pak-Man makes some changes and is back outside.

“Real life rodeo, investment portfolio”, Classic ‘Patek’ Pak with his bars mirroring his lifestyle, elevated and staunch, despite being obviously overlooked, there’s few that can really deliver this style so fluent and honestly. It’s braggadocios but with reason, as he continues to independently forge his lane within UK rap and beyond.

Leading to the latest single, Outside.

“South London in my veins”. Resuming from where he left off, it’s more motivational music for the masses as he continues to boss up and raise the quality while he’s at it. Though similar in content, (with production and high level mixes on both courtesy of Cee Figz) Outside is a slightly higher tempo to Changes, and much like Pusha T, the Audemar aficionado is able to create these recurrent vibes so many times and yet they always offer something different. One of the reasons why I was waiting for a full length project before reviewing is because in his mixtapes and albums you get a more diverse platter of his craft, introspective, at times vulnerable and ultimately human, blended with these gritty and glamorous displays, shows more to his penmanship, delivery and overall artistry. He’s one of the few pioneers who has continued to maintain his legacy through music (independently might I remind you), which not only heralds him as an established act but adds value and emphasis to his upward trajectory.

There’s no doubt of more to come from the South London legend, so stay tuned for the follow up single and more so the next full project from the Rolex reverer himself, Big Pakachino.

Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Apr 18 2025
Leave a comment
Uncategorized

Kwn – Do What I Say

R&B/Soul tends to find itself in the background, despite it’s DNA being present in the majority of genres and though the likes of PartyNextDoor and Ye Ali have helped its resurgence, it’s still not as prevalent as deserved and none more so than in the UK. The country has had a rich history from the likes of Lynden David Hall, Damage, Fun*mental and more recently Bluey Robinson and Daley. However, as acts like Cleo Sol, Jorja Smith, Mahalia and Raye help lead the culture to the forefront, the talent plus marketability has the industry seeing the value again, with none more so than London’s own, Kwn (pronounced Kay-wuhn)

The signs have been there, her 2022 release Episode Wn EP showcased her distinct tone, production choice and songwriting ability, exploring her versatility through experimentation as she developed her sound, which comes together on the personal favourite Wn Way Or Another. Couple years later, after songs like Eyes Wide Open continue to shape her artistry, she appears on Kehlani’s While We Wait 2 project and earlier this year, the Oakland superstar returns the favour, appearing on the remix for Worst Behaviour, noticeably garnering her more attention and though I came across it, it did not strike me the same way as when I randomly see a promo clip of her latest single. There was something about the vocality that caught me, a unique cadence that despite the lyrics maybe not even being for me, just further emphasised her ability as a songwriter to make it so catchy over the infectious production, you can’t help but sing along to the perfect blend of modern R&B infused with the classic elements. Much like Leon Thomas’ Mutt, Do What I Say is such an unconventional “hit”, (imagine her stepping out to this at like Wireless fest, or any live show for that matter), but thats what makes it so captivating and will capitalise greatly on her new found limelight.

Her identity is such a strength, as few acts can evoke such dominance and vulnerability in this space so naturally, Chris Brown being one, which puts Kwn in great company as she continues upon what can only be a fruitful career on an upward trajectory (as we await the new project), which is obviously good for the artist, but also R&B overall and I can’t help but be proud that its out of the UK.

Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Apr 18 2025
Leave a comment
Uncategorized

Ruff Sqwad – Flee FM 2

After returning to the forefront last year with their unique spin of nostalgic genre-establishing riddims and flows, the Ruff Sqwad mandem are back with the second instalment to their pioneering album

The trio add to the success of their Flee FM movement, with Flee FM 2, another 7 tracks, featuring some new vibes and old Grime classics, kicking off with Xtra 2025, a sound many Grime fans new and old will be familiar with and what makes this project special is the fact that whilst some of us may be relishing the nostalgia, a lot of fans get to put names and faces to some of the most prominent sounds to have come out of England, that are being played at sets and raves still. Tracks like Freshers featuring Roll Deep’s Roachee, the Ghetts (formerly known as Ghetto) classic Top 3 Selected is remixed featuring the legendary D Double E. It’s Grime to it’s core, maintaining the high-tempo throughout, with Rapid stepping to the mic for Baileys Freestyle, Slix taking centre stage on Reason and Roachee joined by another legendary figure, Boy Better Know’s Frisco for Lentil Crisp, before introducing the young star RB on the last track Freestyle. Grime has come through stages of dub tapes, CDs, even sharing tracks via bluetooth prior to the YouTube era, and Flee FM gives you a sense of all those classic moments, they’ve really captured the natural essence of the pirate radio days but delivered in the streaming space, and with so much potential for the tracks and artists that can be reintroduced in this redefining format, this now serves as a solid foundation for Ruff Sqwad to continue to elevate Grime’s sound and culture.

Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Sep 05 2024
1 Comment
Uncategorized

Milli Major – Skeem Set Pt. 2 ft. JME, Scorcher, SeriousXSyikes & Crazy Titch

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.

Tagged , , , , , , , ,
Sep 03 2024
1 Comment
Uncategorized

Ruff Sqwad – Flee FM

As Grime continues to bubble underground, the legends return to stand upon the foundations they built and renovate the building, with no room more unsung than the Ruff Sqwad mandem.

Still a relatively young genre, over the years, (aside from the mainstream directing their spotlight at the more current trends in music), Grime has struggled with it’s identity and sound, though it’s actually evolved and this entire industry is still running off Grime’s momentum, it just hasn’t had the same level of representation amongst the heavyweight UK Rap and their baby, Drill. Whilst there have been a host of previous and new talents flying the flag, Flee FM sees the heart, mind and soul of the collective reunite with seven solid tracks to cement Grime’s resurgence.

Slix had established himself as a presence on and off the mic, with his fly flee style and entrepreneurial spirit, he’s since been working behind the scenes helping the youth as part of his foundation, along with musician Rapid, though a force with the flows, he’s made a name for himself as one of Grime’s greatest producers, so this blend of old and new production is important to the genre’s growth, along with David is a King, formerly known as Dirty Danger, one of the most underrated musicians to come of the country, with remnants of his advanced compositions in today’s sound, he’s elevated as a person and now an official Sound therapist, that energy and purpose matches the others, making this a concise effort (with it’s radio set transitions) that perfectly blends elements of nostalgia with a much needed direction.

Serving as a reminder, (they haven’t lost a step, if anything, they’re more seasoned), it’s exciting to see what’s next from the collective, with so much room for more, as well as individually, like Rapid recently linking up with Scorcher, these moves will no doubt be influential to restoring that feeling again.

Tagged , , , , , , , , , ,
← Older posts