uk hip hop

Rarelyalways Says It’s “URGENT” On New Song

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The U.K.’s own Rarelyalways just dropped his second single of the year, and it’s “URGENT” that you give it a chance. Moreover, the South London artist will drop his debut album Work later in the year on March 10. Also, this isn’t the first teaser we’ve received for the project. Just a couple of weeks ago, he released two new tracks: “LET’S” and “Voice note 0142.” With these grimy and energetic tracks, Rarelyalways is setting up a varied and widely-influenced body of work. After all, his background in music education and lifetime of loving music of all kinds should make for an incredible combo. Furthermore, “URGENT” is a woozy, deeply psychedelic, and atmospheric cut that pulls from varied sonic territory.

While the track’s percussion and emphatic flows fit into a hip-hop formula, the rest of the instrumentation reveals Rarely’s creativity. For one, there are some old-school DJ scratches throughout this track that give it a retro feel at certain points. Also, there’s a hypnotic and effect-heavy synth line that persists menacingly in the background, fading in and out. Still, the additional uses of strings swells and deep bass provide a solid foundation for the rapper’s hardened life stories. However, one of the track’s best features is its hazy and abstract song structure. All of its elements fight for the listener’s attention and bob in and out of the track, changing its focus. Once those trumpet lines come in, they pull you out of the murky beat, and drop you right back in once they end.

Still, what did you think of Rarelyalways latest track, “URGENT”? Moreover, are you looking forward to his March 10 debut album, Work? Let us know in the comments and check out some standout bars and the single’s music video down below. Also, if you haven’t heard it yet, you can find the eerie song on your preferred streaming service. As always, log back into HNHH for the best new music in hip-hop and beyond released each week.

Quotable Lyrics
You can hold a box of tissue, they want me on the curb doin’ big issue,
No parachute, but I stay wishful, had to play radical, swindle,
Sustainted injuries, additional, globalized, I was sacrificial,
I stood ground, no need for a pistol, wrist taking’s part of the ritual

Stormzy Drops FLO Remix Of Song “Hide & Seek”

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London group FLO just dropped their remix of Stormzy’s “Hide & Seek” off of his latest album, This Is What I Mean. Moreover, it adds even more beauty and calming vibes than its already breezy original. If anything, it shows a true chemistry between these artists, as they emulate the original’s R&B vocals quite skillfully.

LONDON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 16: Stormzy attends “A Very #MERKY Christmas” hosted by Stormzy at Fairfield Halls on December 16, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images)

Meanwhile, Stormzy’s tender performance on the track isn’t undercut. “Hide & Seek” found him in a softer and more easy-going flow and performance compared to some of his best output. Regardless, the “Vossi Bop” MC delivered an earnest and straightforward verse that meaningfully connect with the song’s message. However, in the lead-up to his November album, other singles like “Firebabe” indicated to fans that the London rapper was bound to surprise.

Still, the “Hide & Seek” remix is a quality blend of dancehall-inspired rhythms, warm acoustic instrumentation, and gorgeous R&B melodies. Moreover, FLO blend together with such harmony and grace on the track that they feel more like a choir than just three singers. However, that’s not to discount each member’s talent, as Jorja Douglas, Stella Quaresma, and Renée Downer all impress. Furthermore, their presence on the song is owed just as much to their sung lyrics as it is to the atmosphere their background vocals create.

After an incredible comeback year, Stormzy showed us why he’s as beloved as he is. For example, he made a great appearance on the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack, which only elevated his skill set. Given music videos and a host of other promotional material, he’s likely to have a big 2023 as well.

What did you think of FLO’s remix of “Hide & Seek” by Stormzy? Moreover, are you still bumping This Is What I Mean? Whatever the case, let us know in the comments down below. Also, you can peep some notable lyrics from the song down there as well. As always, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest R&B hits of the week.

Quotable Lyrics

If I leave this up to you (To you)
We’ll lose all that we knew (We knew)
Tell me, have you ever been so deep
We don’t even know where we are?