by Alex Griffin
Welcome back Go Left gang, we’re back for our 10th edition! What’s great about the young and developing scene we have in London (and beyond), is the sheer diversity of it. It seems every day a new artist is coming to our attention, sounding new and innovative and original, yet still so distinctly British. Artists are getting weird and artists are getting experimental, and it’s due time we started highlighting some of these creatives that may otherwise slip under our radar. With that being said, we’ve devised this column those looking for something different; Go Left, GRM’s guide to alternative grime, hip-hop and R&B.
We will also be uploading more alternative videos onto our YouTube channel. If you fit in with those who don’t fit in, are part of the Go Left gang and have something wavy for us, send an email to [email protected]
Be sure to check out the last column of dopeness right here too.
Lauren Ralph – “Himalayas” (ft. Pshay, H1, Nino, Darius XL & A-Bluntz)
“Himalayas” is a collaboration between producer/MC Lauren Ralph and a handful of young MC’s from his hometown Birmingham. Pshay, H1, Nino, Darius XL and A-Bluntz all check in to deliver verses over the sparse and creeping grime instrumental from Lauren, showcasing something a little different from 0121.
Jackum – “Suits You”
Jackum is another artist who thrives off of the rapper/producer combo, as evidenced in his new release “Suits You”. He performs his bars in a husky and smooth delivery, experimenting with various flows over a lazy and woozing instrumental. The verses are entertaining and the hook is catchy, making this a new favourite at Go Left.
Ellz – “1:20”
The Badside boys make it onto Go Left for the second week running, although this time it’s member Ellz who takes the spot. The South London artist has dropped another wavy rap tune, that blends melodic flows, airy production and witty lyrics. His work rate has been hella consistent this year, so make sure you keep up to date with what he’s dropping.
TroyBoi – “Mantra”
Don’t get it twisted, TroyBoi is already a staple amongst forward-thinking dance music fans, but it’s not often we get to celebrate him. The latest track from the London boy, “Mantra”, blends sounds and cultures into a freakishly brilliant banger of an instrumental. It wobbles and bounces with elements of UK bass, hip-hop and Arabic music, an alien and special kind of riddim. Why haven’t more artists tapped him for beats?!
Tuckz – “Headtop”
To be honest, “Headtop” probably doesn’t even warrant “alternative status. It’s just straight-for-the-jugular grime at it’s very finest. However, we’ve supported Vision Crew on Go Left before, we we’re gonna do it again. With Ezro behind the boards, Tuckz doesn’t hold back from going all the way in, making for a cold new anthem.