Staff picks is back for another instalment, providing you with hot new tunes to get you through the upcoming week.
Skepta – “Wish You Were Here”
Skepta spits over a gritty beat using clever bars and a skippy flow on this one. In what may be the start of the first clash of the year, Skeppy sends shots at fellow grime veteran Wiley. With a catchy book that rounds off the tune, this is a war dub grime fans are sure to be skanking to for dances to come.
“Who said grime is dead? Skepta uses a proficient approach to send for Wiley after a no-show at his own birthday. Using a catchy flow, there’s nothing better than a classic war dub” – Amal (Writer) (@altxuqi)
Kofi Stone – “Same Old”
With a beat produced by Joe Corfield, “Same Old” is a mellow tune that makes uses of drums and piano tones. Kofi Stone lays down thoughtful slick bars to express finding himself, pressures of life and striving to be successful – turning out a raw hip hop style track that exhibits another lane of the UK music scene.
“I’m a big hip-hop head so when I hear a track like this, and it’s from the UK, you already know I’m here for it” – Courtney Wynter (Weekend Editor) (@cwynter_)
Octavian – “Bet ft. Michael Phantom”
Octavian’s latest release comes in the form of “Bet”, the BBC Sound of 2019 winner enlists Michael Phantom for 2 minutes of greaze. The visuals are monotone and see Octavian and gang bopping infectiously whilst spitting repetitive but hard-hitting bars.
“Octavian always hits the spot. In this short but lively track, there’s always an energy in whatever track Octavian drops. Michael Phantom comes through in this collaboration, it’s not hard to bob your head to this one. With the song only being 2 mins the is a perfect example that less is more.” – Natalie Malcolm (Writer) (@Natalie_Malcolm)
Double S – “Certy ft. Skepta”
“Certy” sees two grime legends come together for a cold tune. Double S shells on the verses and then lays down a rhythmic hook. Skeppy provides a guest verse, pairing perfectly with his fellow Tottenham MC. Serving as the latest instalment of Double S’ upcoming project, this one sets the tone of what is to come from him.
“Silencer comes through with a very cold beat for these two grime veterans to bar on. This track was always gonna be fire” – Mike Spyrou (Writer) (@spizzgeta)
Lil Berete – “Go N Get It ft. Loski”
This one sees Canadian rapper link up with Loski for a trappy melodic banger. Berete provides a wavey hook and verses that talk about ‘the grind’. Loski comes in for a guest verse that yet again proves his ability to straddle different lanes within rap. This international collab is one you didn’t known you wanted but nonetheless will appreciate.
“This one is something a bit different for Loski and he pulls it off really well. Comparing this collaboration with Canadian rapper Lil Berete to his early work with Harlem really showcases his versatility and of course the visuals are sick too!” – Nic (Writer) (@NicCoaker)
A$AP Twelvyy – “Child’s Play”
Kicking off with a whimsical sounding beat, A$AP Twelvyy’s latest track is a smooth lyrical listen. As the instrumental progresses and gets more robust, the A$AP rapper intertwines this with his laid-back style. “Child’s Play” is a trippy banger that sees A$AP Twelvyy touch on stories from his childhood.
“It’s been ages since we got some music from A$AP Twelvyy and his return didn’t disappoint. I’m really hoping to get more tracks like this from, him throughout 2019!” –Alice Moodle(Writer) (@musicmoodie)
Ryan Leslie – “Forever My Love”
Straight off his latest EP is “Forever My Love”. This one is warm and light-hearted in feel and showcases the multi-faceted musicians talent. Spitting on the verses and laying down silky smooth vocals on the hook , Ryan Leslie goes in.
“Probably the most criminally under-rated producer/artists in hip-hop. Ryan Leslie dropped his latest EP. Fleurier Flows, which gives us a more grown-up sound whilst still maintain the boasty R Les for Pres bars sound he’s known for” – Mehul Bhatt (@thisismehul_)