Seeing through the back of a late winter snow storm, the country continued to limp forward into a sludgy Spring. Thankfully the UK scene continues to supplement us with full strength fire bars to raise the heat in this cold season.
Dave – Hangman
Never one to sidestep a chance to speak on life’s hard truths, Dave’s new release ‘Hangman’ serves up another dose of realism for the dreamers. The first new fix from Dave since the release of his 2017 ‘Game Over’ EP, sees the MC take on his critics after a recent string of tweets where he addressed the heart of violent knife crime that’s swamping the country. Produced by Nana Rogues, ‘Hangman’ has been carefully assembled around a lilting piano progression, leaving Dave nowhere to hide lyrically and, as always, he comes through harder than ever. Lauded for his storytelling and praised for his delivery, despite his good intentions, some might keep missing his point, but Dave isn’t relenting with his message. Shot in one-take on the streets of Mitcham, the visual directed by Dir.LX and Jeaniq, is a no-nonsense delivery from Dave at dusk surrounded by his long-time friends.
“When we were young we had dreams of being bosses / Ballers, doctors, lawyers in an office / So how did that turn into dropping out of college / Snaps in a prison cell, bodies in a coffin.”
MoStack – ‘What I Wanna’
Mostack is another returning favourite, ready to show his hand for 2018. ‘What I Wanna’ is both a statement of intent and an insight into what we’ve been missing. Enjoying the fruits of his success, Mostack is focused only on living his life the best way possible. Kaylum Dennis is on deck with the visuals as we jump on board this first class world tour. “It’s good to be back with my first solo release of the new year,” Mostack says of the new single “another banger with my brothers ILL BLU on production. Hope you enjoy as much as I did making the track!”
Little Simz – Low Tides
Welcome to Wonderland: The Experience, takes place this weekend (March 4) at London’s Roundhouse for the second year running and, ahead of her headline slot, Little Simz has shared two brand new visuals. ‘Doorways + Trust Issues’ and ‘Low Tides’. Lifted from the 2017 deluxe edition of ‘Welcome to Wonderland’, ‘Low Tides’ is all about the resilience and ingenuity needed to stay riding high at the peak of your powers when everything seems stacked against you.
Suspect x Skepta – Look Alive (remix)
Suspect and Skepta team up for this rework of BlocBoy JB & Drake’s ‘Look Alive’ produced by Tay Keith. Announcing his headline show at the 02 Islington Academy on the 27th of April, Suspect has been going harder than ever with fire bars and boasts. While Skepta made this a week of headlines returning with a familiar street aesthetic on the collab and on the fashion flipside his new GQ cover with Naomi Campbell. Of course, opinions are divided, some are calling for the ‘old skeppy’ while others stay mesmerised by his evolution. Comments are filled with speculation about his supposed cocaine use and his nitty transformation but one thing we can all agree on is that we know nothing at all.
Knucks x Not3s – Hooper
Both tipped as having breakout 2018’s, Knucks and Not3s come together for ‘Hooper’. Produced by Knucks and Swindle, it’s a track about taking stock of the ups and downs. “The Song made me think of the trials and tribulations that come with being dedicated to your craft and how people change when you’re on the way up.” Knucks says of this new release, “taking a glass for the road is a way of saying despite all that’s happening we still make a toast before we continue on our journey”. We’re yet to see how far 2018 will take these too but ‘Hooper’ is no doubt a step in the right direction.
