uk-rap Archives - Page 5 of 23

J Hus’ 5 Best Songs, Ranked

July 4, 2023 by newhiphopnews

J Hus has finally announced the release date for his highly anticipated third studio album, Beautiful And Brutal Yard, due out on July 14. Beautiful And Brutal Yard contains Naira Marley, Jorja Smith, Burna Boy, Popcaan, as well as the previously released “Who Told You” featuring Drake. J Hus may be only 28 years old, but his music has proven to be influential on the UK scene and impactful on a global scale. The Afroswing subgenre that he helped pioneer propelled modern afrobeats into becoming one of the biggest sounds in pop music, completely reshaping the UK rap scene.

One of the UK’s most versatile artists, J Hus’s albums combine an eclectic mix of genres, including afro swing, dancehall, hip hop, and UK garage. So far, there have been two singles from Beautiful and Brutal Yard: the pulsing “It’s Crazy” and the groovy “Who Told You.” Based on what we have heard so far, it is safe to assume that Hus’s new album will be varied and not at all disappointing.

To commemorate J Hus’s return and forthcoming release, we compiled a list ranking his top 5 best songs. Drawing from his two previous studio albums, which are both widely considered classics, the selections are ranked from least greatest to greatest. Take a look at the list below.

5. “Helicopter” feat. iceé tgm (2020)

“Helicopter” is one of many highlights from J Hus’s previous album, 2020’s Big Conspiracy. The song ominously builds into a TSB-produced blend of hip-hop and afrobeats. In the lyrics, Hus paints vivid images of feds in a helicopter. He even gets metaphorical when he raps, “I’ve seen pigs fly but I’ve never seen a unicorn.” The minimal production of “Helicopter” goes along with the depictions in the song’s content. Iceé tgm, J Hus’s sister who also appears on Big Conspiracy’s title track, dazzles with a catchy chorus.

4. “Deeper Than Rap” (2020)

“Deeper Than Rap” is possibly J Hus’s best rap performance ever. He may be known for his melodic Afroswing anthems and catchy road raps, but this song sees him being more vulnerable than ever. Over a soothing yet epic instrumental, J Hus is at his most introspective as he reflects on his time in prison. He also speaks to subjects of systemic racism, colorism, and his own internal struggles.

3. “Play Play” feat. Burna Boy (2020)

J Hus and Burna Boy have collaborated numerous times, including on “Good Time,” “Sekkle Down,” and “Cloak & Dagger.” While they have a history of making a banger every time they link, “Play Play” is easily their greatest collaboration. It may be more relaxed than their previous tracks, but the song’s slow rhythm plays to both of their strengths.

Over a Jae5-produced beat that feels like summer, Burna Boy provides his catchy choruses that never fail to get stuck in one’s head. In his verses, J Hus weaves in metaphors that allude to weapons in a sexual manner, a concept that Burna Boy also sticks to. It makes for clever wordplay and results in an irresistible hit. Songs like this set high hopes for J Hus and Burna Boy’s forthcoming collaboration. “Play Play” is one of the major hits from Big Conspiracy, currently certified gold and peaking at No. 7 on the UK R&B charts.

2. “Did You See” (2017)

“Did You See” is easily J Hus’s biggest hit and just might be the biggest song to come from the entire Afroswing movement. The simple yet bouncy rhythm established the chemistry between J Hus and Jae5. It allows Hus to shine with his wit and charisma. J Hus floats over the instrumental, rapping melodically about his effortless swag with unique slang. On the hook, he boasts, “Did you see what I done? Came in a black Benz, left in a white one.”

Almost every part of the song is catchy and is almost impossible not to dance or sing along to when it comes on. “Did You See” has become a UK classic and one of the most impactful songs of the Afroswing subgenre. It is an undeniable hit that remains J Hus’s biggest song to date, peaking at No. 9 on the overall UK charts. It is now certified 3x platinum.

1. “Common Sense” (2017)

“Common Sense” is the ultimate intro to J Hus’s debut album of the same name. Jae5 handles the vintage yet modern-sounding hip-hop beat that allows for J Hus to make his grand entrance. J Hus switches between rapping and singing, showing his versatility. He changes between flows, sounding hungrier than ever. While it may not be the signature melodic Afroswing sound that he is known for, “Common Sense” is still quintessentially J Hus. The bars are humorous and braggadocious. “Common Sense” introduced the world to J Hus’s unique rapping style and culture that has since taken over the UK. The song peaked at No. 12 on the UK R&B charts and is currently certified silver.

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Stormzy’s Best Rap Collaborations: Headie One, Dave & More

June 23, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Stormzy is officially back with his latest single, “Toxic Trait.” The song features London rapper Fredo and is produced by Dave. “Toxic Trait” is Stormzy’s first release since his last album, 2022’s This Is What I Mean. The project was a reflective opus that saw Stormzy singing for a large portion of the tracklist. Although he still rapped on many songs, the rapping on This Is What I Mean was very personal and meditative compared to the explosive bangers on Gang Signs & Prayer and Heavy Is the Head. Stormzy sang on his previous albums but fully leaned into singing on This Is What I Mean. Besides a few bars from Ms. Banks, Stormzy’s last album did not feature any rappers. Therefore, “Toxic Trait” is Stormzy’s first rap collaboration in a while. It is the first time he and Fredo have collaborated, and it marks his second song with Dave.

The UK icon has worked with rap and grime legends throughout his career, allowing new artists to shine on his albums. Songs like “Bad Boys” with Ghetts and J Hus or “Audacity” with Headie One are perfect examples. Stormzy’s competitive spirit has allowed him to shine on songs with other skilled lyricists, like “Dead Body Part 2+3” with Little Simz and Kano or “Energy” with Avelino and Skepta. This new single with Fredo is representative of how Stormzy encourages other rappers to step up their game while they bring the best out of him. Take a look at the list of Stormzy’s Top 5 best rap collabs below, ranked from least to greatest.

5. Headie One feat. AJ Tracey & Stormzy – “Ain’t It Different” (2020)

Headie One’s debut album, 2020’s EDNA, was a star-studded event full of the UK’s biggest stars and rising names to look out for. One of the album’s significant highlights and biggest singles was “Ain’t It Different.” The song departed from Headie’s typical drill sound and samples songs from the Red Hot Chili Peppers, M-Dubs, and Lady Saw. The three approach the track with unique flows. Headie keeps his drill flow and raps about how prison has affected him, and AJ Tracey spits about his successes. Stormzy raps from a more mature perspective, reminiscing on when he first got into rapping while continuing to flex. “Ain’t It Different” saw three of the biggest names in the UK from different parts of London and is a career highlight for not just Stormzy but for Headie One and AJ Tracey as well.

4. Stormzy feat. Aitch – “Pop Boy” (2019)

Stormzy may be a lyricist who raps about personal and comments on important societal issues, but many of his most enjoyable songs are when he stunts on his peers. “Pop Boy” is an explosive banger from Heavy is the Head featuring Aitch, who was just starting to reach mainstream recognition at the time. On “Pop Boy,” Stormzy revels in his success while acknowledging criticisms that he went pop and sold out. He stands firm at the top of the UK scene and embraces his mainstream status. Aitch, now a household name in the UK, impresses with his verse as he slides over the beat with ease.

3. Ghetts feat. Stormzy – “Skengman” (2021)

“Skengman” was the second time that Ghetts and Stormzy had collaborated. Much like “Bad Boys” from 2017, the grime legend and the rap superstar brought the best out of each other on this song. The track’s instrumental sounds like a mysterious James Bond theme, creating a sinister atmosphere for Ghetts and Stormzy to spit some of their toughest bars.

The two sound calm and collected even when they rap menacing lyrics. Ghetts starts the song with a nimble rhyme pattern and ends the song with a choppy and aggressive delivery. Stormzy’s appearance in the song is its own cinematic moment as the production shifts around his verse. Ghetts and Stormzy complement each other, making for one of Ghetts’s best songs and one of Stormzy’s best rap collabs.

2. Chip & Stormzy – “Hear Dis” (2015)

Chip and Stormzy teamed up for “Hear Dis” in 2015, the year after grime had its cultural reset and propelled the genre to new heights. “Hear Dis” was a big moment for both Chip and Stormzy at the time. Chip led grime’s second generation before signing to T.I.’s Grand Hustle label and moving stateside. He then left the U.S. and set out to reconquer the grime scene. Chip did just that, reinventing himself and engaging in some of the genre’s biggest beefs. In 2015, Stormzy was just a rising name, gaining recognition with freestyles and viral hits.

A collaboration between the two helped establish Chip as an elder statesman in grime, and his co-sign helped Stormzy gain respect in the scene. The song itself is phenomenal as Chip and Stormzy trade bars back and forth over a traditional grime instrumental from the late DJ Scholar. The two showed immaculate chemistry on the song, which unfortunately may never happen again as Chip and Stormzy beefed many years later.

1. Dave feat. Stormzy – “Clash” (2021)

“Clash” is a collaboration between two of the UK’s biggest stars in their most impeccable form. Over a drill instrumental, Dave and Stormzy rap at the highest level, approaching the song differently. Dave’s delivery is relaxed, while Stormzy’s lively verse brings nuance to the song. In addition to how they complement each other, the beat switch during Stormzy’s verse excites the listener. The sudden switch leads to the two trading verses. The song is also quite catchy, making for one of the biggest hits of both of their careers and one of the best UK rap collabs.

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Central Cee: The London Rapper’s Path To Success

June 23, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Earlier this week, XXL Magazine unveiled its annual Freshman Class of rising rappers that have the potential to be the next big stars in hip hop. Each year, the list tends to provoke conversations about the current state of hip hop and which newcomer will impact the genre. Twelve artists appear on this year’s cover, including the likes of Lola Brooke, Fridayy, GloRilla, and others. Also shown on this year’s cover is Central Cee, who stands out among the rest of the artists.

The West London rapper is the second UK artist to ever make the XXL Freshman list, with the first being Stefflon Don in 2018. His appearance on the cover speaks volumes about his recent success in the United States. At just 25 years of age, Central Cee has become one of the biggest names in the UK and is now making waves overseas.

One Of Drill’s Biggest Stars

Central Cee is from Shepherd’s Bush in West London. He started rapping at 14, releasing various singles, EPs, and freestyles. Central Cee is one of the biggest artists pushing the UK drill genre forward. Within the past four years, UK drill has proven to be a driving force in hip hop culture. The hip hop subgenre reinvented the original Chicago drill with the edginess of grime, further influencing New York drill.

Central Cee’s career took off in 2020 when he caught multiple hit records with “Day in the Life” and “Loading,” with the latter being one of his biggest songs. Both of these singles led to the independent release of his debut commercial mixtape, 2021’s Wild West. In addition to “Day in the Life” and “Loading,” the project also featured the commercially successful song “Commitment Issues.” His second commercial mixtape, 23, arrived in 2022 and was also self-released, featuring the hit single “Obsessed with You.” Both of Central Cee’s commercial mixtapes are now certified Gold. So far, he has yet to release his official debut album.

Central Cee’s Viral Moment With “Doja”

In the same year he released 23, Central Cee dropped his biggest single to date with “Doja.” The song samples Eve and Gwen Stefani’s 2001 song, “Let Me Blow Ya Mind” and name-drops Doja Cat. “Doja” instantly went viral on social media because of its famous sample, title, and, most notably, a particular lyric. Central Cee raps, “How can I be homophobic? My b*tch is gay.” Cee won his fourth MOBO Award for the song’s video and has been nominated for various categories eight times. The success of “Doja” has led to further success for Central Cee, allowing him to reach beyond the UK into international audiences.

Recent Successes & Ventures

Central Cee has crossed over as one of the biggest rappers in the UK and one of the biggest artists in the drill genre. He has now seen great success in the United States, playing multiple dates across the country for his worldwide tour earlier this year. He is one of the hottest acts in the festival circuit, as he is listed close to the top of many international festival lineups this year. Central Cee has even been able to venture outside of music, modeling in different collections throughout the past few years.

Earlier this month, Central Cee teamed up with Dave for a collaborative EP titled Split Decision. The project displayed the immaculate chemistry between two of the UK’s biggest rappers. The EP’s lead single, “Sprinter,” is also an early contender for song of the summer. It was recently announced that Central Cee signed with Columbia Records in partnership with Sony Music UK. His partnership with a major label indicates that he is only just getting started with his successful rap career. Central Cee is clearly on a hot streak that is not showing signs of slowing down anytime soon, and his appearance on this year’s Freshman cover for XXL reaffirms that.

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Stormzy Locks In With Fredo On “Toxic Trait”

June 23, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Stormzy remains a leading figure in the UK rap scene, although he’s shown that he’s much more than an MC. Since his debut album, Gang Signs & Prayers, his appreciation for gospel and soul music have trickled through his catalog but none more than on 2022’s This Is What I Mean. The majority of the project found Stormz’ in a plaintive space but fans hoped that he’d come through with some bangers.

It seems that he listened to the fans and slid through with some new heat this week. The rapper came through with the release of his new single, “Toxic Trait” ft. Fredo. Produced by Dave Santan, who recently dropped off his joint project with Central Cee, Stormzy and Fredo deliver a blistering banger that finds them showcasing their lyrical tenacity on wax. Hopefully, it signals that a follow-up to This Is What I Mean come soon.

Stormzy & Fredo Deliver A Banger

A large part of the record revolves around Stormzy’s growth throughout his career. Emerging into the rap game in his early 20s, he recently reflected on his maturity as he approaches his 30s. “There’s a difference between doing music at 22 and when you’re about to turn 30,” Stormzy recently told Dazed Magazine. “It’s the kind of peace and stability and stillness you can only get from maturity. You lose all the nervous shivers and the anxiety; you shake it off because now you’re a grown man coming into your skin.”

As for Fredo, the UK rapper came through with a few new records this year including “Everybody Knows.” His last album Scorpion dropped in 2022 and he also came through with a couple of features. Dave, on the other hand, is getting deeper into his production bag. Along with collaborating with Central Cee on Split Decision, he also contributed to the majority of the production on the project. Press play on Stormzy’s new single above and sound off with your thoughts in the comments.

Quotable Lyrics
Tell Gretta to ‘llow me
I know that my carbon footprints large
The Urus drinks, I still wear minks
We brought on weed, The PJ stinks

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Dave’s Best Collaborations

June 6, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Fresh off their collaborative single, “Sprinter,” UK rappers Dave and Central Cee released a surprise collaborative EP, Split Decision. The four-song project features the aforementioned “Sprinter” as well as “Our 25th Birthday,” which continues Dave’s “birthday” song series. Central Cee is one of the most notable rising artists in the UK Drill scene, while Dave has established himself as one of the UK’s biggest rap superstars. With two critically acclaimed studio albums under his belt, he has earned the Mercury Prize and multiple BRIT Awards. Highly regarded as one of the best rappers in the UK, Dave has a knack for collaboration, of which this new Split Decision EP is a prime example. He has worked with some of the biggest UK and Afrobeats artists and has worked with Drake.

This is a list of Dave’s best collaborations, including his own songs with other artists and tracks on which he is featured. Many of these consist of Dave and other rappers from the UK. Others include songs with famous Afrobeats artists. Take a look at the list below, ranked from least to greatest.

7. Avelino feat. Dave – “Cassius Clay” (2019)

Before working together on “Cassius Clay,” Dave and Avelino previously teamed up in 2017 for “U Can Stand Up / Royal.” The two acclaimed lyricists have mutual respect, as Dave once called Avelino “one of the best rappers [he’s] ever seen.” Over the captivating yet intense instrumental, Avelino sets the bar incredibly high by spitting one of his all-time best verses.

With immaculate wordplay, compelling metaphors, and various flows, following a verse as impressive as Avelino’s is hard. Immediately after the two-minute verse, Dave’s approach is more relaxed but still lyrically potent. He raps, “Lately I see a lot of man tryna play me / I ain’t an escort but it’s f*ck you, pay me.” Each verse is of the highest quality, making “Cassius Clay” one of Dave’s best collaborations with another rapper.

6. Dave & AJ Tracey – “Thiago Silva” (2016)

Before Dave and AJ Tracey would become two of the UK’s biggest rappers, they teamed up for “Thiago Silva,” which is historic for several reasons. Dave and AJ Tracey make UK hip hop, but “Thiago Silva” is a grime song, sampling Ruff Sqwad’s classic “Pied Piper” riddim. The two were part of a new generation of up-and-coming UK artists that made a classic grime track.

Dave and AJ Tracey trade verses back and forth on the song, showing their undeniable chemistry. Though the two moved away from making grime music, “Thiago Silva” is still historic. The song is well-known for its role in Dave’s live performances, where he invites fans, including me, onstage to perform AJ’s lyrics with him. The song notably went viral after Dave’s 2019 Glastonbury performance after he pulled a fan onstage.

5. Dave feat. Wizkid – “System” (2021)

In addition to his collaborations with other rappers, some of Dave’s best and biggest songs are collaborations with Afrobeats artists. “System” from his second album, 2021’s We’re All Alone In This Together, features Wizkid. The song’s festive production from P2J and melodic vocals from Wizkid make for a perfect summer song. In a verse, rhyming letters can often be too basic, but Dave utilizes abbreviations to make some killer punchlines. He raps, “She wanna do SMS / Not save my soul, that’s spend my savings.”

4. Dave feat. Burna Boy – “Location” (2019)

Before teaming up with Wizkid for “System,” Dave and Burna Boy created magic with “Location.” The Fraser T. Smith and Jae5-produced single is both Dave and Burna Boy’s biggest song to date. It currently sits at 4x Platinum status in the UK. The song sees the two reveling in their successes, making for a triumphant hit.

3. Giggs feat. Dave – “Straight Murder (Giggs & David)” (2020)

In 2017, Giggs’s song “Peligro” featured a show-stealing verse from Dave. Three years later, the two teamed up once again for another hook-less track. In comparison to “Peligro,” “Straight Murder (Giggs & David)” surpasses it in every way. The track is even stronger than their first collaboration as Dave spits his greatest guest verse.

While not outshining Dave, Giggs does not slouch, as his verse on “Straight Murder” is one of his best. Over a menacing instrumental, Dave raps for almost three minutes, firing some of his toughest punchlines. One of his coldest lines on the song is when he raps, “Mice, talking heavy, I’ll do my man like George and Lennie.” Giggs’s verse also almost reaches the three-minute mark, delivering his signature pause-and-resume flow with humorous pop culture references.

2. Dave feat. Stormzy – “Clash” (2021)

“Clash” is an all-star collaboration between Dave and Stormzy, two of the UK’s biggest names. Over a fiery UK drill instrumental, Dave floats over the beat with a laidback flow, while Stormzy’s verse is extremely animated. The song gets exciting when the beat suddenly changes during Stormzy’s verse, leading to a back-and-forth between the two. During this trade-off, Dave raps one of his most famous lines: “Don’t get caught for pus, don’t die for nyash.” “Clash” marks the meeting of two of the UK’s most prominent rappers and is also one of Dave’s biggest hits.

1. Dave feat. Fredo, Meekz, Ghetts & Giggs – “In The Fire” (2021)

“In The Fire” is an unprecedented posse cut between newcomers and legends alike. The song’s gospel-sampling instrumental is so gorgeous that it might give the listener chills. The beat is a highlight, but Dave recruits young talent and respected legends in the UK scene. In all five verses, each rapper takes a unique approach to being “tried in the fire,” rapping about how they overcame their respective struggles. The song is full of lyrical gems.

Frequent Dave collaborator Fredo ends the first verse rapping about escaping through the fire escape right before Meekz raps, “Before my entrance, I took the fire exit.” The song gets even more exciting when the beat changes percussion for UK legend Ghetts’s stunning verse. He continues with the theme of making it through the fire, rapping, “So accustomed to the fire, I get shivers when I’m naked in the sauna.” Giggs joins the track for another highlight right before Dave closes the song.

The four features set the standard for Dave, but he keeps up with ease. He raps, “You can hide or glide, I could’ve been deported / That’s the definition of a ‘Fight-or-flight.’” There have not been many posse cuts of multiple generations of UK rappers, making Dave’s “In The Fire” so historic.

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Dave & Central Cee Drop Surprise Joint EP “Split Decision”

June 5, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Collaborative projects come so often these days. Sometimes, it’s awkward pairings of rappers that don’t really make sense beyond the fact that they’re friends outside of hip-hop. However, the release of Central Cee and Dave’s surprise EP, Split Decision is a perfect pairing of two of UK rap’s luminaries. Cee and Dave gave fans a taste of the project on Friday when they dropped off “Sprinter.” However, on Sunday night, Central Cee announced that he’d be dropping off more music to celebrate music.

What fans received was their new project Split Decision, a four-song EP that highlights their poignant delivery and impeccable ear for production. The project includes the aforementioned single, along with three new records. As “Sprinter” showcased, the two have formed a bond that brings out the best of each other on wax. Throughout the project, they put their ruthless sh*t-talking to use while breezing through enchanting production, largely cemented by haunting vocal samples.

Central Cee & Dave Connect On Split Decision

The beauty of Split Decision is that Central Cee and Dave’s chemistry and outlook on the world pair up perfectly. They look back at their London upbringings, detailing the struggles they faced and contrasting those moments with the wealth they’ve accumulated. On “My 25th Birthday,” the two rappers tackle luscious piano chords and knocking drums as they detail balancing their love life with fame, elevating beyond the trap, and maneuvering through the limelight.

Dave’s contributions to the project extend beyond trading bars with Central Cee. He handles co-production on three out of the four songs on Split Decisions. However, the “Streatham” rapper allows Kyle Evans to handle the drill-centric production on the mighty closer, “UK Rap.” The majority of the project is largely filled with airy, laid-back production but Evan’s drill-heavy production puts Cee and Dave on offense as they come through with swaggering confidence and impeccable wordplay. It’s an exemplary effort by two of UK’s most important figures in rap right now. Check out Dave and Central Cee’s new EP Split Decision above and sound off with your thoughts in the comments.