In the vibrant and diverse landscape of Manchester’s music scene, Nemzzz stands out as one of the city’s best new artists, blending raw lyrical prowess with a gritty urban sound that reflects the city’s rich cultural tapestry and his upbringing.
With his razor-sharp lyricism, infectious energy and unapologetic authenticity, he has swiftly emerged as a force to be reckoned with in the UK rap scene, captivating audiences with his compelling storytelling and jumpy production.
Hailing from the streets of Gorton, Manchester, Nemzzz’s musical journey began against a backdrop of urban life, shaped by the city’s vibrant multiculturalism and its unique blend of sounds and influences. Blowing up in October 2021 with the release of his viral track “Elevate”, he has gone from strength to strength, including the release of his 2023 project NEMZZZ TYPE BEAT.
He’s attributed his motivation to be successful to the environment he grew up in and his desire to escape it. His hunger is seen in his music, his conviction and delivery put this on full display and is just one of the reasons Nemzzz has been able to grow such a massive audience. From getting a follow back from Drake, to having iShowSpeed rapping along to his track on stream, he is quickly becoming one of the UK’s hottest artists.
His music is a reflection of his life experiences, infused with the raw emotion and unfiltered honesty that define his artistic style. His lyrics paint a vivid portrait of inner-city life, tackling themes of struggle, resilience, and self-reflection. Whether recounting personal anecdotes or shedding light on Manchester’s street life, he delivers each verse with a clear sense of unapologetic authenticity, inviting listeners to delve into his world and explore the complexities of his reality.
This has all culminated in the release of his debut mixtape, DO NOT DISTURB. The new projct contains 11 tracks and has appearances from East London’s JayG and popular German rapper Luciano. He stated in an interview with Complex that, “My phone’s always on DND; I’m very anti. I’m more like an introvert and I tend to keep to myself a lot.” The title also reflects how Nemzzz is focused on his music, not wishing to be distracted on his rise to the top.
On DO NOT DISTURB, his lyricism and storytelling is on full display. On songs like “Reflection”, “Need You”, “DND” and “Reflection”, he takes an introspective look at himself and his current life, delving into topics like women, his mental health and his environment. Despite the trap influence, the instrumentals are more mellow, thanks to the vocal samples, creating a captivating vibe that Nemzzz takes full advantage of, his lyrics sounding like a train of thought that gives us an insight into his life.
On the flip side, “ETA” “PTSD” and “Reassurance” are much more upbeat and jumpier, with the energetic delivery matching the vibes set by the production making for some head-bopping bangers but still giving us that reflective storytelling that we expect from Nemzzz. “ETA” has Luciano bring his usual flair, rapping in both English and German, his distinctive voice adds some dynamism to the track making it a standout on the project. Similarly, JayG shells his feature on “Venice”, with the song having a more lo-fi-influenced sound as opposed to trap, where Nemzzz’s catchy chorus coupled with Jay G’s fast-flowing bars creates another standout song. The album’s production is mostly handled by Zel, Nemzzz’s frequent collaborator, with other production credits coming from Taps, Homage, Aifo, Macshooter49, Nico Barran and TK.
As Nemzzz continues to rise through the ranks of the UK hip-hop scene, his impact extends far beyond the confines of his hometown. Through his music and on this project, he tells his own story and gives a voice to the struggles and triumphs of those who might relate to his thoughts and experiences. In a world where authenticity is often sacrificed for commercial success, he remains a beacon of integrity, mentioning how he turned down a million-pound deal so that he could stay independent and focus on his long-term aspirations and goals. Simply put, he knows his worth. He stands to inspire a new generation of artists to stay true to themselves and their craft.
In the ever-changing landscape of hip-hop, his potent blend of lyricism, charisma and authenticity, continues to push the genre forward, made even more clear on this new mixtape. He’s cemented his place as one of Manchester’s brightest stars and is leaving an indelible mark on the UK hip-hop scene. As he continues to evolve and grow as an artist, one thing is certain, Nemzzz’s journey is far from over, and the world eagerly awaits what he has in store next.
Take in DO NOT DISTURB below on GRM Daily.