Following on from our first instalment of GRM Staff Picks of the Week , we come together again to select our favourite releases as of late. With Skepta’s “Shutdown” released officially recently, Jme’s ‘Integrity’, Chip’s EP ‘Believe & Achieve’ as well as some sick freestyles from Yungen and Monkstar, it was very difficult for us to choose our favourite tracks! Add in the Tinie Tempah track responding to Chip and we had a serious problem, it became Peak.
Vidal
Slaves, a two-piece Punk band from Kent, joined Fearne Cotton on BBC Radio 1 in the Live Lounge to deliver a refreshing twist on Skepta’s latest release “Shutdown”. The pair, made up of Isaac Holman on Drums and Laurie Vincent on Guitar, give their own take on the skits at the beginning and midway through. This cover reminded me of Dizzee Rascal’s performance at BBC Electric Proms – arguably the best performance in grime. Hopefully, Skepta at the upcoming BBC Proms Grime Symphony will live up to Dizzee’s 2009 performance.
Hendrix
Prior to hearing my pick, I’d been bumping Drake’s “My Way RMX” almost endlessly and been loving it – total banger. Then I come across a brand new release from Jesse James Solomon, titled “We do”. Having previously produced tracks for Benny Banks, Kwabs and Vicktor Taiwò (to name a few), Felix Joseph returns with yet another mellow instrumental layered with Solomon’s nostalgic bars rolling rhythmically over the beat.
“During lessons I was in the hallways, creeping on my ones” – stream “We do” below:
Rene
Following last week’s pick coming from the States, this week’s pick for me has to be from North West London’s very own, George The Poet. Seeing a young black male rising from the rough and notorious St Raph’s estate, his message could be so different. Instead, George has written a book and translated the title into a soul-filled acoustic track, with lyrics and wordplay that inspires and educates, along with points of views that echo throughout many of the youth in the UK. While the election is over, George is utilising his skills and voice in the right way without sounding preachy. All in all the track is refreshing in era where music is surrounded by criminal bragging rights.
“Certain man who never made it out the strip, They’re the same ones who taught me how to spit, They deserve their credit in history, I told you lot already, don’t embed it in mystery”.
Elle
I have to admit when I heard Krept & Konan had a feature with Jeremih on #TLWH, it was probably the one I was least excited about. Although Jeremih is a great artist in his own right, it could have quite easily been just another track with a bait Stateside name on it, getting buzz purely on that fact alone. So when I finally heard “Freak Of The Week” I was actually surprised. Between Mustard and ADP’s reproduction of the hypnotic “Playground Riddim” (which will eternally bang and has always been a personal favourite) the catchy hooks and pure comedy lines like, “You last ten minutes/Man you’re a Snapchat” and “Have you ever ate McDonald’s on a G4?” (I’d prefer Nando’s but whatever), like it or not this tune is already the summer smash of 2015.
If you haven’t heard it yet, check out their video channelling that that Ma$e/Diddy 90’s vibe and thank me later.
Caroline
With the release of his forthcoming album ‘At.Long.Last.A$AP’ set to takeover on June 2nd, Flacko season is definitely in full in effect. This week A$AP Rocky hit the Hip Hop world with a massively unexpected collaboration; joining forces with Miguel, Rod Stewart and Mark Ronson for “Every Day”. Rocky’s wit and smooth flows are complimented by Miguel’s silky vocals, Rod Stewart holds his place equally- bringing that nostalgic/sample-esque vibe and Ronson ties it all together with precision. I’m going to have this one on repeat for a while.
Alex
I’m another one who has been spinning the hell out of the Fetty Wap and Drake tune, as well as destroying my speakers (and relationship with my neighbours) with Jme’s ‘Pulse 8’, but I’ve gone for a wildcard with my choice. I’m sure the debates will be endless about whether Tinchy is just hopping back on the Grime bandwagon or nah but ‘Six 4 Stuff’ is hard regardless. Although I’m not sure I can ever forgive ‘Spaceship’, Tinchy goes all the way in on this Swifta beat and goes a long way to helping me forget it happened. Keep it up Cloud 9 Strydes!
“History proves I handle my business/Or should I say businesses?”
Bernie Mac (aka The Oracle)
Man don’t care ’bout no explanation. Press play.