Tag Archives: UK RAP

Jun 10 2025
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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.

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Jun 09 2025
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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.

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Jun 05 2025
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Daff – Free ft. Ay Em

As the UK’s current music scene thrives, beyond the pop-centric acceptance, now with a plethora of talent and sounds, sub-genres of Hip-Hop, Grime, Afrobeats and beyond, the country hosts a variety of established acts. More notably, UK Rap finds itself in a great space, with the likes of Giggs, Nines, Pak-Man and Potter Payper (to name a very small few), now household names, credit has to be given to the foundations on which it’s legacy stands, one of the unsung pillars is Ilford’s own, Daff. Responsible for the absolute street classic, Half. Unfortunately, as he broke through towards establishing himself in that early iteration of rap with his 2012 debut Only Just Begun, he found himself sentenced to sixteen years in prison, which whilst halted his progression, equally cemented his sound and style and that absence only grew the demand further. He’s since released a variety of Jail freestyles and actual tracks with the 2021 EP Rap Never Left, including a feature on fellow Illmade artist Potter Payper’s recent album, reigniting the interest. Building on that presence, despite limitations as we anticipate his return, he released the emphatic Free featuring Ay Em.

One of Daff’s qualities aside from storytelling, was the introspect and compassion in his music, the anthem Half hit the way it did because of it’s realism, there’s plenty of get money songs, but rarely has anyone spoke of giving their mother their earnings and that was just too real to be overlooked. With Free, Daff reignites that storytelling, able to vividly share gritty experiences, descriptive events intwined with heavy emotions and personal battles through a motivational lens, holding hope of his imminent return while displaying that empathy which has held him in such high regard, ending his first verse with, “Bout to have the game in a guillotine, before they free Daff, Free Philistine”. It’s this exact selflessness that highlights him as a man, his morals and principles before anything else. Ay Em has lowkey been a cheat-code on hooks and matches the feel of the track with his effort in both substance, tone and delivery. Daff’s second verse continues the theme and ultimately shows his level of faith and strength as he ends his second verse, “All the feelings that I really had to harbour, before you free Daff, free Gaza”.

There’s even a AI-generated visual, though usually might be off-putting, makes sense in the current situation and the opening shot of him walking outside is deep, as we hold hope for that to be a reality soon enough.

The positive is that he’s served the majority of his bid, whilst finding himself able to continue his artistry inside, as fans alike hope and pray to live in a day with a free Daff and Palestine.

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Apr 24 2025
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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.

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Apr 17 2025
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Jordy, Scorcher – Know Me For Music

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.

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Jul 08 2023
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Fekky – Flowers

Amongst the more recent rise of UK Rap, one of the figures responsible is none other than Fekky, returning back to the fold to take his flowers

With his own distinct tone and grown content, Fekky had established himself as a staple amongst the current crop of our rap stars, a major label deal resulted in the pivotal Dizzee Rascal featured classic, though some felt it steered away from his true sound, the scene itself was going through changes, still persevering with multiple projects (4Life and Red Wine) over the past couple years satisfying his core fans, he now returns more comfortable than ever.

Flowers, a textured effort, if Drill is the sound of the soldiers, then Fekky’s music is for the Generals, following up to the audio statements that were Wig Man and Man Like F

All releases so far, are an evolution, a mature level/boss mentality of rap, the lack of label support is irrelevant as the authenticity will help cement him amongst adequate audiences. A blend of street sounds and aspirational anecdotes, accompanied with his catchy adlibs, help reinstate man like F back to the forefront like he never left.

These recent releases have certainly raised demand for a full length project which is no doubt on it’s way, overall, it’s a positive as this return helps further strengthen the scene.

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Jul 07 2023
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Potter Payper – Real Back In Style

After the successful return with Training Day 3 and Thanks For Waiting, the Barking rapper returns with his official label debut Real Back In Style

Having found himself towards the top of the UK rap totem (along with the likes of Nines), this release would have been a tough competitor for such peers, though unfortunately reincarcerated, it’s hindered the rollout and Potter Payper is left to let the music do the talking.

Whilst there’s no accompanying movie or meet and greets to boost sales, it actually speaks volumes for the organic results this project has obtained.

A solid fifteen tracks of pure audio crack, in what might just be his best body of work to date. Each verse spat with the same hunger and venom from his introduction, maybe it’s the mix and mastering, but his intensity with each bar is even greater, like he’s rapping with a new found purpose, and that level of content is complimented by a higher quality of production. Tracks like All My Life, If I Had.. highlight his storytelling abilities, never afraid to be vulnerable with the pen, Potter is able to take you through the ups and the downs of street life, something that allows him to resonate with those infatuated as much as those who live it.

I always say some people make music and some make the soundtrack to our lives, and Real Back In Style is one of those, at a time where I may have needed it most, I was stuck in an unfair business situation and I have to credit it to why after four years, I cut my losses and left. My personal favourite How Can I Explain? has Potter tackle the sample-driven production with ease, an inspirational anthem of victory, sitting well in the middle of the album, it helps highlight the perfect sequencing. The second half of the album only gets better, as if he hadn’t dropped enough bars already, standouts like Toy Story 2, a movie in itself, help portray the craft beyond music, blending well into Scenes,

another example of his high level penmanship, music with a meaning, placing this album above the cool trendy shit that’s been churned out over the years. The introspective Corner Boy served as a single,

classic Potter, displaying more songwriting and structure, but on the album it sets up the hard Track Flocaine, produced by the legendary Harry Fraud, and interestingly Potter Payper doesn’t follow the wave, but adds his own style and element to the production, still maintaining that depth in his vocals and no compromise in his artistry. Now towards the latter part of the album and somehow he’s able to take it to a whole new level with Money or Victims? (Kayla’s Story), it’s this exact ability to let that grit in his voice sit harmoniously over the instrumentation as he paints a dark story, with the listener hanging onto every word as it unfolds. Winding down with Actuality, and White Ash, serving as the outro, closing out with the more retrospective lens of his success.

It has to be noted that there are no features, just pain and inspiration bled through, a rarity in today’s music, especially where major labels are involved, so a special mention for 0207 Def Jam for trusting the home team Groundworks and supporting such a project, undoubtedly proving that Real’s Back in Style.

Free Potter Payper!

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Jan 30 2017
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“Tell ’em I’m back, and proactive, I need no practice, I know I can hack this..” – Klashnekoff

Before I start, just want to say I’m saddened to hear of Klash’s loss, and rest in peace to his mother. My prayers go out to you.

One of the leading pioneer figures, he emerged vividly painting pictures of the realer, more grittier parts of the country, captivating those that could relate and those fascinated by the authenticity. Honest and uncensored, Many have likened him to Nas, and he is most certainly one of our legendary rappers. Returning with this video, Klashnekoff keeps it sincere as ever, opening up about the loss of his mother, but emphasising more on his strength to continue, and such a common feeling for many, it serves as motivation.

Hand on Heart is exactly what the title says, the production is comfortable territory for Klash to flow, and there’s an eagerness in his voice, as he cements his intentions of his return. The visuals help establish the sentiment, as he looks through old family pictures, and press cuttings, with the added elements of nostalgia transitioning into the present helping portray how far he has come and reinstating his presence today, overall supporting the song.

We have not had a full release from Klashnekoff since 2012 with his Fu*k The Long Talk mixtape, and prior was the underrated Back To The Sagas album (2010), so it is definitely welcomed and I look forward to it.

 

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Aug 23 2010
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No Hats No Trainers Cypher 1

No Hats No Trainers brings a collective of artists together for a series of Cyphers, this is the 1st in the instalment, featuring veteran rap duo SAS (Mayhem & Mega), a long with lyrical geniuses Mystrogen and Wretch32, “spitting” over the ‘Kanye West – Power’ instrumental, each artist brings a powerful presence to the set.

UK STAND UP!

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