Staff Picks is back for another week, bringing you another eclectic mix of bangers that have been in heavy rotation in the office.
Dapz on the Map – Can’t Sleep Feat. Blay Vision
Dapz on the Map links with Blay Vision for “Can’t Sleep”. One of seven tracks from his latest project Champion Settings, this track is overflowing with slick bars that are typical of Dapz. Blay Vision features on the hook, making for a smooth but wavey track.
“When its dark and cold outside, you need mellow bangers like this in your life. Calming overall but lively enough to keep spirits high” – Courtney Wynter (Weekend Editor) (@cwynter_)
AJ Tracey – Doing It
The lead single from his upcoming debut album is “Doing It”. With a gritty instrumental, this one builds up for a fire hook. Reminiscent of “Spirit Bomb” AJ T, he shells throughout. Allowing the bars to hit-hard, the visuals are subtle and include scenes of AJ and his guys riding through West London.
“With this tune AJ Tracey makes you feel like you can do anything, with some slick bars and a crazy hook he’s a rapper who is repping hard for people from West and North West London at the moment.” – Mehul Bhatt (Writer) (@thisismehul_)
Krept & Konan – Pour Me Another One (Conducta Remix)
Bristolian producer Conducta puts his own twist on Krept and Konan’s “Pour Me Another One”. With garage aspects already intertwined in the track, Conducta takes this already great track to new dynamic heights changing the vibe from sultry to lively.
“Straight off the back of releasing his latest EP The Golden Kiwi, in which fans voted for the track-list; Conducta delivers what he’s called his favourite remix thus far. When Krept and Kones first released the track, it was calling out for the magic touch of the prince of garage, and he certainty didn’t disappoint” – Seth P (Features Editor) (@writersblog88)
Belly Squad – SOS
Straight off their Bon Appetit EP, “SOS” uses a relaxed bouncy beat that’s laced with bass tones. The visuals are sleek and follow the trio in a variety of drip. Just like the name, this track exudes sauce with nice bars and a catchy hook.
“It’s one of those mellow tunes that you can still turn up to, pure vibes. Added bonus, it’s also jam-packed with countless bars mandem can and will use for their Instagram captions.” – Shante Collier- McDermott (Writer) (@shancolls)
The Streets – Call Me In The Morning Feat. Chip & Grim Sickers
With a nostalgic beat, The Streets enlist Chip and Grim Sickers to turn out this unique track. “Call Me In The Morning” sees Mike Skinner spit in an effortless manner that is somewhat signature to him as well Chip and Sickers jumping in high with energy flair. The video for this one is sleek and amusing but is still a good fit for the track.
“Yesss The Streets are back! Not your everyday collaboration but somehow it works. I love this track because it’s got a nostalgic feel with that slightly off-beat UKG sound that we all love The Streets bursts with new energy and charisma from Chip, whilst Grim Sickers brings an added grit to the track. It’s like an old school tune that’s new school, Chip really doesn’t run out of bars and Mike Skinner is just a g.”- Keana Bernard (Features Writer) (@keana_b)
Aitch – Trust Me
His first release following his epic Daily Duppy is Aitch’s latest track “Trust Me”. With fire bars from the onset, Aitch spits over an enigmatic instrumental that makes use of heavy base in intervals. At only 2:30 minutes long, the 0121 rapper keeps it short and sweet alongside some fun visuals.
“Manchester’s Aitch is revealing himself to be one of the most talented young lyricists in the game. His clever punchlines and sick wordplay are evident in his freestyles and now in his new offering “Trust Me.” – Naimah Archibald-Powell (Writer) (@naimahrebelle)
Earl Sweatshirt – The Mint Feat Navy Blue
“The Mint” is the latest track from the elusive Earl Sweatshirt. In this one he employs an unorthodox rapping style whilst going back to back with Navy Blue. Earl lays down thoughtful but fire bars over a whimsically nostalgic beat, everything fusing perfectly.
“With his forthcoming album fast approaching, young California rapper and former member of hip-hop collective Odd Future, Earl Sweatshirt is back with another cold single entitled “The Mint”. His pending album Some Rap Songs, set to drop at the end of this month will be the first release from Earl since his 2015 I Don’t Like Shit, I Don’t Go Outside. The cold production on this track comes from Black Noi$e, it’s eerie feel reminiscent of a Knxwledge track and is the perfect backdrop from some slick Earl bars.” – Mike Spyrou (Writer) (@spizzgeta)
For last weeks Staff Picks, click here.