MUSIC FRIDAY - Scribz RIley, Dreya Mac, Keys The Prince, Kirn Kai, Yxng Bane
Dreya Mac – Skippin
London based dancer-turned-rapper/singer Dreya Mac has changed direction and made a good impression in one clean swoop, with the release of her debut single ‘Skippin’. The self-directed video displays the multitalented newcomer in her element as she attacks the Kill Miami produced beat with a melodic grace and flow that pays attention to the trap-laden pockets. With no regard for social distancing she takes us on a spin around the block and infuses energy and flair in her every step. Hopefully there is more to come from Dreya Mac as we await the follow-up to her smooth introduction.
Scribz Riley – Eastside
You may be familiar with the name Scribz Riley through past endeavours with big acts such as J Hus (“Play Play”), VanJess (“The One”) and more across the pond. However, the St. Bons alumnus has applied his musical chops to ‘Eastside’, his debut single that plays out like an ode to his beloved East London as he namedrops classic riddims while levitating above an on-looking crowd. ‘Eastside’ does well to display the duality of his hometown; there is beauty in the soft-yet-invigorating intro while the beat switch is embolic of the madness in his city. A refreshing offering from one of the UK’s brightest talents. Look out for the snippet at the end with OFB’s finest driller Headie One.
You will like Scribz Riley if you like: Khalid, Knucks, Ella Mai
Keys The Prince - Nothing
Up-and-coming rapper Keys The Prince takes us to church with his latest offering ‘Nothing’; an anthemic sounding banger that promotes not worrying about things that detract from your goals. Keys’ ability to channel prosperity through past tribulations is much appreciated at a time where most people could do with some hope. Directed by Fly Shoots Only, the visuals find Keys in a variety of places from the church to a police car bonnet as the catchy hook is a sly nod to French Montana’s ‘Ain’t Worried Bout Nothing’. His project ‘Nothing Else Matters’ drops on April 10th and we hope to hear more motivational raps from the upstart.
You will like Keys The Prince if you like: Kojey Radical, Ling hussle, Stormzy
Kiran Kai – Passports
Electronic producer Kiran Kai has turned his hand to artistry that is reminiscent of spoken word rap, as he offers the world ‘Passports’, an abstract number that takes us on a psychedelic journey via stream of consciousness. On a beat that fuses Kiran’s atmospheric soundscape with grime legend Skepta’s synths and 808’s (with co-production and mixing courtesy of Ben Baptie), Kiran offers an ode to London, as he kisses the capital city and its nightlife goodbye. Directed by Bolade Banjo, the visuals take us into the thick of the night lights and city views that he craves – whilst giving us something to whet our appetite before his upcoming EP ‘XYZ’.
You will like Kiran Kai if you like: Jesse Solomon, A2, Sam Wise, Novelist
Honorable mentions
Yxng Bane – Table for Two
Disturbing London’s poster boy Yxng Bane is on a bit of a roll following the release of his Charlie Sloth hosted mixtape ‘Quarantine: The Lost Files’. On his latest offering ‘Table For Two’, he has eschewed the drill sound displayed on ‘Gang Shit’ and reverted to his Afroswing sound courtesy of Big Zeeko. The video depicts Bane on a quarantine date with none other than media personality Zeze Millz as their indoor date via Facetime is a reality for many of us right now. Bane’s penchant for melody serves him well on the warm synths and light percussion will have listeners yearning for a beach holiday, once it’s safe to do so.
Check out our Music Friday Playlist