Mr Jukes & Barney Artist have quietly gone about establishing their music as some of the most progressive in the current UK rap landscape. Borrowing inspiration from a range of different musical worlds, the result of their collaborations is almost always musically intriguing and joyous.
However, The Locket sees the most complete representation of their unique art to date. Ten tracks long, this project has been described by Mr Jukes as the antidote for the people to what has been “the maddest year”, and it’s not hard to see why. Themes of reflection and joy are intertwined exquisitely, with Mr Jukes & Barney Artist’s chemistry shining throughout.
It’s incredible to think that this collaboration would not have happened if by chance Mr Jukes hadn’t stumbled across Barney Artist on a random Spotify playlist. Thankfully, he did, and the rest is history.
Whilst having not amassed a mainstream audience just yet, there is no question that they are deserving of one as this project has genuine commercial appeal. Despite this, Mr Jukes and Barney Artist are still doing more than alright, with a devoted cult fanbase and a nationwide tour kicking off imminently.
Make sure to check out The Locket below and be on the lookout for future collaborations between two of London’s most forward-thinking musicians at the moment.