It’s been such a big week musically that we absolutely had to add in another GRM Staff Picks instalment before the week was up, there was literally so much to listen to. With videos being dropped early in the week for both Shorty and Meridian Dan’s newest tracks, “Whats Going On” and “The Bits” respectively, our eyes have been blessed too.
DJ Dubl dropped an exclusive mix with GRM Daily to celebrate us hitting 2 million plays on our SoundCloud, that can be found here and has over 50 UK bangers from Giggs, Bossman Birdie, J Hus, Skepta, Shakka, Chip, Bonkaz, Manga and a whole load more. We then dropped the brand new Daily Duppy on Thursday which is very VERY special – live from Jamaica with Cashtastic.
Frisco dropped his new track “123” on Tuesday, Skeng released ‘Trap N Finesse’ on Wednesday as well as The Weeknd, Davido & Meek Mill, Otis & Ayo Beatz and more having releases the same day. Double S dropped the visual for “Do It Like Me” and Bonkaz’s hit track “We Run The Block” got a heavy remix from The Writers Block.
Catch up with all previous instalments in the GRM Staff Picks series here: 001 (ft. Wiley, TE dness, Bonkaz and more), 002 (ft. Jesse James, Krept & Konan, A$AP Rocky and more), 003 (ft. Jammz, Yung Reeks, Tink and more), 004 (ft. So Large, Rayf, Stormzy and more), 005 (ft. Skepta, AR15, J Hus and more), 006 (ft. ABRA, Wretch 32, Scrufizzer and more).
Check below for our latest instalment in which GRM Staff pick Skepta, The Weeknd, Travi$ Scott and more:
Vidal
My choice for GRM Staff Picks this week is Skepta’s “Lukey World”. A song in which the lyrics are equally emotive as the instrumental, Skepta lets us into some of his most reflective thoughts. Check out the track and also head over to Skepta’s Instagram in which he posted a photo of his new tattoo in memory of his close friend Lukey Maxwell.
Hendrix
JMSN has consistently released what is some of my favourite music and videos for over three years now, and his latest video release doesn’t disappoint. Taken from his most recent, self-titled album (dubbed ‘The Blue Album‘) is a track called “‘Bout It”. Check out the vhs recorded video below to see JMSN demonstrating some of the dance moves taken right from his Boogie Basics video.
Caroline
Back in November 2014 Angel released a project called ‘Possession With Intent’, which featured a catchy collab with Wretch 32 and Eric Bellinger entitled “On The Low”. Fast forward 8 months and Angel has revived the track in the greatest way possible. The brand new visual directed by the main man himself is really smart, accommodating the transatlantic features problem. Check out the additional verses from Dappy and US hit maker, Jeremih, as well as Wretch 32 and Eric Bellinger and Angel himself.
Push
The King of refixes, Fabolous, is back with a tasteful flip of Kendrick Lamar’s banger “Alright”, retitled “Awwright!”. In his classic Brooklyn “luxury endorsed” infused banter, Fab switches up the flow and tells the paigons that “we gon’ be awwright”.Over the Pharrell Williams produced track, Fab reminds us that since ’01-’02 he’s never seen a financial drought.
Fab’s lyrical luxury raps would make the most sensible guy in the world wanna quit his day job in replacement of long leisurely walks across the white sands of Dubai with two bad b*$hes and a bottle of champs. The ultimate dream seller.
Alex
The last 18 months have been pretty nuts for Chicago upstart Vic Mensa. Rising to prominence in 2013 due to his Chance The Rapper affiliation and debut ‘Innanetape’, solidifying his place in the game in 2014 with huge singles like “Down On My Luck” and a place on the XXL Freshman list, he’s now exploding through 2015. He’s signed to Roc Nation and has released his latest single “U Mad”, which is propelling the Save Money general through the ranks of American rap’s echelons and into the understudy of Kanye West. It’s loud, it’s abrasive and it’s riotous; watch the new video for “U Mad” below and turn all the way up.
Krishma
I’ve always been a fan of Abel Tesfaye, even before he changed his artist name to The Weeknd. Seeing him start his career from making YouTube videos, to selling out the O2 Arena, has just been so amazing to witness. “Can’t Feel My Face” is a funky and upbeat track, which of course doesn’t disappoint, just like all his music for me. Careful though, this track is infectious, it may have you listening to it on repeat.
Marisa
This is the first single from Travi$ Scott’s upcoming EP ‘Rodeo’, and although it isn’t lyrically intricate, he never fails to gas me into oblivion with the new-era trappy, synthy sound him and producer Metro Boomin give to rap and “3500” isn’t any different. Plus, who isn’t a fan of a heavily auto-tuned Future intro and weird 2 Chainz bars?