I swear this blog has had more false starts in the last month than an offensive lineman who keeps fucking up the snap count. Here’s a little hodgepodge of the best music I’ve heard from the UK over the last few weeks.
M1LLIONZ- Bando Spot
The quintessential, definitive definition of different. Nobody raps like M1llionz. Nobody sounds like M1llionz. Nobody can do what M1llionz does at the ridiculously high level he always reaches He raps like a tapestry blowing in an ever-changing wind; Flows always morphing and twisting as the gusts increase or subside. Every word is elastic, and his ability to effortlessly slide from a more animated cadence to one of a near whisper is beyond impressive. This is provably his best technical showing thus far. He gives you all of it here, with words just flowing out of his mouth at intervals that seem so random and off-kilter, it’s insane to think of how he even comes up with some of these flow patterns. And at just under 3 minutes, the amount of syllables and slick references he can fit into a trim track like this is just another feather in his cap. I’d be silly not to mention that interpolation of 50 Cent’s “Candy Shop” on the chorus, as well as some 50-esque flows near the backend. Just a fantastic fucking track.
Pa Salieu and slowthai- Glidin’
“Glidin” is overflowing with this jovial, class-clown-eque playfulness. Pa absolutely slides (I could’ve said glide but I chose not to, because this is a very serious blog that never features any jokes) over the bouncy, energetic instrumental, which is anchored but his funky, undulating bass-line. slowthai’s energy fits here perfectly, despite this being a decidedly different vibe and style than what he usually hops on. This just works on all levels and it’s been a while since I’ve added a track to my extremely real list of “Songs That Make My Non-Dancing, No Rhythm Having Ass Want to Dance,” but this one is on that for sure. Coupled with the hilarious, hectic and beautifully colorful video, this one’s a winner.
(67) Dimzy, Monkey and SJ- Plugged in W/ Fumez
It’s almost like people forget how long the boys of 67 have been doing this drill shit. Despite being legitimate pioneers of the scene, they’re still inexplicably underrated by the newer class of drill aficionados, as the internet has been flooded with younger, more versatile artists who took that initial drill sound and ran with it to places we never could’ve imagined. However, this session with Fumez should be a nice reminder that these guys were cold, are cold, and always have been cold. The cold-blooded, devilish flows never veer into the dramatic, as all three rappers just calmly recount countless drillings. There is an unnerving quality to the composure these guys show here, especially when that second, insane instrumental comes in. The addition of the Bitcoin ping sound effect, taking a note from Zone 2 and their Sonic Rings effect, adds another layer of dark humor as they rap about things that are anything but funny. 67 has never lost a step as a group and will always be one of the most solid, straightforward drill collectives out.
Headie One- Daily Duppy
Finally the steady one himself, Headie One, has a daily duppy. The punchlines are slick, Headie’s flow is a relentless and diverse as ever, and the GRM Daily editor once again put in work when it comes to the edits. The man just stood still, rapped his ass off, and got out of there. The only real complaint I have is that this is criminally short. A smooth lil 5 minute performance would’ve been preferred, but it’s cool. At least he could’ve let Abra Cadabra hop on the mic for a second, because man, he was standing right behind Headie looking pensive, like he had bars just spilling out of his head. STEADY.
Unknown T and M Huncho- Wonderland
After their first collab on “Addicts,” Huncho and T are two for two now. Huncho is as smooth as ever, constantly adding subtle new twists to his consistent, velvety flow. Unknown T has NEVER put a single subpar verse on wax, and he definitely didn’t break that trend here. His ability to take control of a track, using his unique voice to put the slick, smokey instrumental in a goddamn headlock. A full collab album is a must, or else I’ll retire from listening to music. They’ve got until 2023 to come through for me. Again, VERY serious here. Just wait. The good news is, I think Unknown T has been teasing some new music. So we all have that to look forward to.
Kwengface and BackRoad Gee– Woosh!
In case anyone was wondering, BackRoad Gee has not lost his ability to pop onto any song like a fucking meteor entering the Earth’s atmosphere with the intentions to destroy everything in his path. His energy, and downright vicious performance is seriously captivating. BRG instantly grabs your attention and keeps your ears and imagination in a vice-grip as he details violence and brutality with a visceral, tangible level of anger and energy.
We can’t forget about Kwengface though, who absolutely shells every verse here as well. He even gives a little extra something with his verses, sounding a little more excitable than usual. Chalk that up to the BackRoad Gee effect. I think it’s impossible to lay down a chill, subdued verse on a track with him. The back and forth chemistry they display during the end of the song is wonderful. I don’t know if this is strictly a UK thing, but I swear as opposed to a lot of obviously stitched together songs from some US artists, the amount of chemistry these drill artists constantly display between one another is impressive.
Burner, M24, and Tion Wayne- Hugo Boss
This track just feels huge. I may just have an awful memory, but I swear I haven’t heard M24 this energized in a while. I love how he chooses different styles of production, but this quicker tempo, coupled with some absolutely booming bass, fits his style the best. It’s like the beat just brought the best out of him. Burner’s chorus is anthemic and his verse doesn’t disappoint. Despite me not covering it a whole lot here, because, ya know, I’ve been lazy, Tion continues his unreal 2021, which included his track “Body,” becoming the first drill track to reach Number One in the UK. The remix and original with Russ have done NUMBERS. Drill is going mainstream, and yet, these artists are staying true to their sound. Drill isn’t changing per say; But the way it is discussed and consumed definitely is.
(Zone 2) Trizzac, LR, Snoop, PS, Karma and Kwengface- 8Bar Freestyle
I don’t think we’ve seen a Zone 2 posse cut this packed since “No Censor.” While this isn’t as arresting or shocking as that track, not a single artist here disappoints. Zone 2 is full of unique voices, flows and cadences, which are on display here. It’s pure aggression and antagonization, which Zone 2 are known for. LR and Snoop are notable here, because they have shown some clear improvement over their previous verses. You know that each rapper has a lot to offer when he YouTube comments are full of “_____ is underrated and it pisses me off!” Every single one of them has comments of that same flavor. This is like a superteam of drill; No weak links to speak of.