2018 is fast becoming a year for the storytellers, more and more, we see musicians adding cinematic touches to their visuals, drawing out their meaning and message. We’ve picked out five of this week’s most compelling narratives.
Yizzy – S.O.S
Pushing back on any attempts to dilute the culture that raised him, Yizzy returns with the title track from his latest project, ‘S.O.S’. A real grime kid, Yizzy comes back armed with his very own manifesto on how best to ‘Save Our Sound’.
Rapid fire and melodic, Yizzy takes up the call to arms, “I believe each genre and sound has its own culture and share of struggles it’s been through over the years.” Yizzy says, “I believe every genre should be respected and that the constant mislabelling is a disrespect to sound that many people, including myself, have grown to love over the years. That sound is grime and its authenticity, as a key part in UK culture, is something that needs to be saved.”
Buy/Stream/Download Yizzy’s seven track S.O.S EP
Krept & Konan – Crepes & Cones (Ya Dun Know) ft. Mostack
This year saw the launch of the Positive Direction Foundation and – already on to the next – May 12th is opening day for Krept & Konan’s Crepes and Cones in Croydon. To celebrate the launch of their brand new restaurant Krept and Konan have released the official track featuring Mostack.
It’s life imitating art this time around, as the award winning Kaylum Dennis takes on direction for the video of ‘Crepes and Cones (Ya Dun Know)’ boasting a slew of cameo appearances. Stefflon Don, Paigey Cakey, Neelam Gill, Mariah Idrissi, Fekky, Hardy Caprio, Abra Cadabra, J Hus, Dave, Big Narstie, and The Chicken Connoisseur are all present and correct as Krept and Konan continue to show everyone watching that there are levels to success.
It’s a reality show waiting to happen.
Wretch 32 – His & Hers (Perspectives)
Wretch has always been loved for his wordplay, intricate rhymes are no surprise by now, but ‘His & Hers (Perspectives)’ is much more than that. Taken from his most recent project ‘FR32’, Wretch keeps things closer to home in this visual, looking at the everyday menace that lies in toxic relationships.
Brought to life by Lauren Alexandra and Fady Elsayed, ‘His & Hers (Perspectives)’ is a classic tale of two halves. Under Charlotte Reagan’s direction this intense row feels ready to tip over the edge at any moment. Stepping into the world of these strangers, you can’t help but wonder what exactly went before.
Oscar #Worldpeace – No White God
The enigmatic Oscar #Worldpeace releases his ‘IC3’ EP today, an examination of “my thoughts and opinions on police brutality and growing up as a black male in Tottenham, London”. Oscar draws inspiration from his love of Sizzla Kalongi on this new release ‘No White God’ produced by Oscar himself alongside E-Whizz, its sparse melody and driving bassline leaves nowhere to hide as Oscar peels back the layers on life as an IC3.
It’s a timely moment of reflection from Oscar #Worldpeace as the country continues to come to grips with the extent of the Windrush scandal as well as the attention North London has received this year in relation to violent crime
Jimothy Lacoste – Subway Systems
Some narratives you just can’t make up, and somehow everything Jimothy Lacoste is doing right now, is turning parody on it’s head – it’s completely unintentional – or is it? The 18 year-old ‘social media sensation’ took to the underground for his latest video and within days was issued a cease and desist letter from TFL demanding the video be taken down due to ‘dangerous and/or antisocial activities’.
If you’re all too familiar with the trials and tribulations of getting on the train, it’s a London ting, and Jimothy in his matter-of-fact style, says it just how it is, “London Underground is fast, like it’s just sniffed cocaine, Tickets are expensive, shit ain’t cheap”. So in place of the original video, TFL’s letter takes centre stage, why? Because “Jimothy is blessed, he’s loving his lifestyle” and nothing is taking this kid down.
