Staff picks is back for another week, bringing you with a selection hot new tunes that the GRM team have had in rotation.
AJ Tracey – “Ladbroke Grove”
Straight off his fresh self-titled debut album is this one. With AJT straddling lanes throughout the album, “Ladbroke Grove” features Conducta on the production and samples Jorja Smith’s “Wandering Romance”. With both garage and grime vibes coming through, the West London rapper shells on this nostalgic track.
“The moment the tracklist was revealed, I was most excited to hear the track produced by Conducta. The tune certainly doesn’t disappoint. It’s the genius Jorja Smith sample that really makes this track for me ” – Seth P (Features Editor) (@writersblog88)
Namesbliss – “Style and Grace ft. President T, Jafro & Melvillous (remix)”
The banger that is “Style and Grace” gets supercharged with this remix. Enlisting President T, Jafro and Melvillous for guest verses – this remix combines top tier bars from everyone involved making for a skank-worthy track.
“Nothing but energy on this track. The original was mad but the remix is insane!” – Courtney Wynter (Senior Editor) (@cwynter_)
Cleo Sol – “One”
The west London songstress creates bliss with this “One”. Soulful and raw throughout, Cleo lays down mesmerising vocals over a mutli-genre beat. Creating constant vibes that only heighten throughout – we can only imagine how interesting a video for this track would be.
“I love that this track has so many layers to it – the fantasy and theatrical feel to this tune amongst all the layers of jazz, soul, classical and future r&b, mixed with Cleo’s effortlessly celestial vocals leave you completely spellbound. It makes the song have so much character. Very Lana Del Rey but with a bit more of a jazzy edge, stunning. – Keana Bernard (Writer) (@keana_b)
Benny The Butcher – “Rubber Bands & Weight”
This one sees the “97 Hov” rapper, lay down hard-hitting bars that are reminiscent of 90’s hip-hop. With a slow tempo best produced by The Alchemist, “Rubber Bands & Weight” showcases Benny The Butchers impressive arsenal of lyrics. The visuals have several different scenes one that understandingly sees Benny in a butchers.
“Buffalo Hardcore Hip-Hop label Griselda’s Benny The Butcher unleashes some visuals for “Rubber Bands & Weight” the fourth track on his Sophomore album Tana Talk 3” – Mike Spyrou (Writer) (@spizzgeta)
Nicki Minaj – “Bust Down Barbiana”
Nicki Minaj puts her own spin on Blueface’s hit track “Thotiana”. Following her freestyle over Meek Mill and Drake’s “Going Bad”, it seems the veteran rapper is due to keep the freestyles coming. Employing her signature New York infused style, Nicki drops some heat on this one.
“When Nicki Minaj purely raps, there is not many artists around who ca keep up with her, on this freestyle she sounds hungry and with something to prove, this could potentially be a big year for Nicki” – Mehul Bhatt (Writer) (@thisismehul_)
Diplo– “New Shapes ft Octavian”
The superstar producer/DJ Diplo link up with one Octavian for a chilled-out banger. With Octavian showing no signs of slowing down, “New Shapes” is the latest in a string of features from the rising star. With Diplo on the production and Octavian’s universal sound, this one makes sense.
“Feels like Octavian can’t set a foot wrong at the moment with the solid features he’s been dropping. I love the down tempo, smooth vibes that he creates wit Diplo on this one” –Alice Moodle(Writer) (@musicmoodie)
Omar Apollo – “Trouble”
“Trouble” sees Mexican born R&B artist Omar Apollo reflect on his youth. A track that is beautifully eerie and soothing from the onset, the young talent’s soulful vocals shine throughout. With a heart-warming set of visuals that mirror tales from his childhood alongside the present him, a song the artist says he made with his young nephew in mind.
“This tune is a sweet one, Omar Apollo’s voice is seamless” – Shante Collier McDermott (Writer)(@shancolls)
For last weeks Staff Picks, click here.