GRM Daily’s Staff Picks: 28th Oct – 3rd Nov

This is Staff Picks, where we’ll be bringing you a compilation of seven tracks the GRM team have in heavy rotation. Look forward to seeing what our writers have been vibing or getting jumpy to this week! And you may find something new to add to your playlist. 

Casisdead – Drive you home

The enigma that is Casisdead dropped his latest track “Drive You Home” on October 27^th. This one is mellow, it uses higher tones and percussion which serve in giving a real 80’s vibe. Subsequently the video ties well into that, its animated in its entirety and has a retro theme. – It follows Casisdead picking up a girl and the two embarking on an intense drive. The girl is cleverly wearing ‘Pat Earrings’, one of rapper’s past songs. 

“Cas stands alone in scene that has become saturated by melodic rap carbon copies. “Drive You Home” cements Cas’ versatility as he gives his own wavey twist in the 80’s classic “Drive” by The Cars. The visuals once again set him apart from his peers as he brings the track to life with a Sega Mega Drive inspired animation. The album can’t come soon enough!” – Seth P (Features Editor) (@writersblog88)

Dropped on October 31^st, this one has an eerie, stripped down beat. Suspect spits gritty hard-hitting bars alongside Halloween themed visuals. Setting the scene in a dark mansion, with mysterious characters, the video meets constant twists and turns.  The OTB Rapper is known for his energy flair which isn’t lost in “F About”. He talks, money, drip and grinding on the verses, switching it up accordingly before getting to an explosive hook.

“I played this in the gym this morning and my energy levels went through the roof. True story” – Courtney Wynter (Weekend Editor) (@cwynter_)

Released on October 30^th, “Dip” is a new high energy track from Tyga. The beat is centred around striking violin notes which are exhibited in the video as several violins essentially playing themselves. This is one of many intricate details featured in the video. Joined by Nicki who drops two fire verses, the “Taste” rapper keeps it rhythmic on the hook.

“This song just executes the crazy comeback of Tyga from being dead and back to putting out hits. The visuals are super slick, and the Nicki Minaj feature is just insane, and I reckon it could be as good as “Taste” – Mehul Bhatt (Writer) (@thisismehul_)

Geko linked up with Not3s for “Will Smith”, a melodious track that the ladies will love. Dropping on October 25^th, this song flaunts Geko’s vocal prowess and versatility. Not3s makes for the perfect feature who keeps his tone low and sultry. They are a harmonious pair. The visuals for “Will Smith” play on several futuristic elements, with holograms and spacey effects – an interesting dimension that further adds to the track.

“The visuals are unexpected because it’s a sweet boy tune but it works, it’s a tune that you can sing out loud too. And the vocals come rightfully together with the beat” – Ayan Khaire (Writer) (@_sk_ox)

Dropping on October 31^st, Halloween releases have become a tradition for Skepta. “Neighbourhood Watch” is a gritty banger. Made in only two days, this track is a product of both Skepta and LD’s signature sounds that works very well. As the pair go bar for bar, the lyrical excellence of two of the UK’s finest. The beat is intertwined with subtle sweet-sounding tones that make for a wavey component alongside both Skeppy and LD’s adlibs.

“After nearly two decades in the game, Skepta proves his versatility and adaptability once again by trialling new sounds and collabs. The grime legend linked with Carns Hill and drill scene legend LD of 67 for a fiery collab that marries together the varying styles of both artists” – Naimah Archibald-Powell (Writer) (@naimahrebelle)

Action Bronson – Picasso’s Ear

Straight off of Action Bronson’s album, White Bronco released November 1^st.  Sampling The Egyptians “Thanks To You”, the beat is complex with several changes and aspects but champions Bronson’s bars perfectly – allowing his words to be isolated and taken in. At only 2 minutes in length, “Picasso’s Ear”, this track manages to fit in a remarkable amount of depth. Action consistently makes clever references and connections, doing it several times throughout this song, all while keeping it funny and real on the chorus.

“Picasso’s Ear” is one of the standout tracks on Queens rapper, Action Bronson latest album White Bronco which was released on Thursday this week. White Bronco is Action’s fifth studio album and contains production from a number of stellar producers like Harry Fraud. “Picasso’s Ear” was produced by Knxwledge one of the top producers in contemporary hip-hop, and a close affiliate of Anderson Paak.” – Mike Spyrou (Writer) (@spizzgeta)

Released only three days ago on November 1^st, “Calm Down” is currently trending on Youtube and rightly so. It is a short and sweet banger that is both nostalgic of Loski’s earlier days but also similar to tracks like “Forrest Gump” – The beat strays away from what’s typical of drill. The Harlem rapper flows well on the track and has high energy on the hook. Despite the length of the song, the visuals tell a story that ends ironically, tying into the songs name.

“Loski’s one of the most consistent in the game, reminiscent of “Cool Kid” and “Forrest Gump” this track had me bopping as soon as the beat dropped” – Shante Collier McDermott (Writer) (@shancolls)