The invasion of the chart by classic Christmas songs is well and truly here. Although we’re here to discuss the excellence emerging in UK music at the moment, it’s worth noting that this week Mariah Carey, The Pogues and Wham have all made it into the top ten with their festive classics. It’s certain that the Stormzy’s and Shaq’s of the world are going to have to pull something special out the bag to remain in their top chart places. Could they do it? Without out a doubt. In the meantime let’s dissect where other stand-out acts are sitting this week.
As mentioned, it’s plain to see that the charts are inundated with mainstream artists and their Christmas releases right now. However, still going strong is Big Shaq with “Mans Not Hot”, it is down to number eight from his previous fifth place position. Week after week he’s still going strong, we have to commend his staying power, his rise to notoriety has proven to everyone what you can achieve with the power of the internet and some perseverance. By the way, Shaq creator Michael Dapaah made a return to music this week as his character MC Quakes, you can catch his linkup with Justsul, here.
Dave continues to smash every expectation of him. His UK tour came to an end this week with a spectacular sold-out show at London’s KOKO. He’s still sitting pretty number 23 this week with “No Words” featuring MoStack, a non-mover from last week’s position. When you look back at Dave’s SBTV Warm up Session in 2015 it’s clear he’s an artist with integrity, the consistency in terms what he brings to the table as lyricist can never be questioned. Shout outs all round for Dave, what a year for him.
If you hadn’t heard of Steel Banglez before 2017, it’s a sure thing he’s now ingrained in your mind. As well as producing our last mentioned track “No Words”, he is also responsible for this week’s number 50 track, “Bad” with Yungen, Not3s and MoStack. We’re sure you’ve had a listen by now, but if not you can catch the lively visuals right, here. Talking of Not3s, he’s also sitting at number 48 with the tropical sounding “My Lover”. The afro-beat infused rap dominating the airwaves is without a doubt the genre taking over right now. Everyone involved should be more than proud of what they’ve accomplished this year.
Talking of genre dons, J Hus isn’t going anywhere. As an artist at the forefront of this new era sound he has dominated the charts the latter half of this year with his Common Sense album, and banger after banger he has released from it. “Bouff Daddy” is at 61 this week with Common Sense at 71 in the album charts. If you want to re-live that album, and no one could blame you if you do, we’ve got his live lounge performance of tracks from the album right here for you.
We have of course got to mention Stormzy, the brilliant “Blinded By Your Grace Part 2” is at number 14 from number eight last week, this comes 41 weeks after the GSAP release and nine weeks after its official single release. Hollowman Giggs is also still smashing it in the mainstream circles, with “Linguo” featuring Donae’O at number 73 this week.
And that’s about it for this week. Although it’s worth mentioning that X-factor winner Rak-Su also entered this week at number two, and are a real contender for this years number one. With two weeks to go, it’s all to play for. Let’s keep streaming and downloading to ensure this year we have a worthy winner, reflective of the current sound of the UK. Back next week with all the updates for you, right here on GRM Daily.