Okay. It's nothing new. We all know how much I love Kano. I'm not gunna go on about it. Love love love that Kano seems to be stepping back in the scene with both feet now. Although his sporadic droppings are much appreciated, the news of his a new Kano album coming soon has made me very excited. 'Hail' was our first teaser of what to expect, and 'New Banger' is the second. Both are equally full of energy. Love love love love the visual to this. So raw but still so fun. I guess you can only get these wonderful balances with a don dada like Risky Roadz behind the camera.
I love Kano for many, many, many reasons....okay mainly 3:
He is still one of the finest MC's we have. He pioneered the Grime scene and still runs things in it. A nice album from you, Kane, would help in proving people wrong when they disagree with that statement, although I think one of his latest droppings, The King's Speech, featuring Ghetts (still also in probably my top 5) which you can have a listen to here, provides plenty of proof.
His face is really, really very a lot nice.
His instagram makes my life. The hashtags are A*. Plus it's another opportunity to admire his face so yeah.
Anyway seeing as it's Throwback Thursday and it's Kano's birthday and it's nice and summery outside, how about an old school track from Kay-ayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy
So Skepta decided to hook up with KKK-AAAA and make an extended version to the vibe that is 'Lay Her Down', from Blacklisted, which he is now putting on his new upcoming album (yay), Konnichiwa.
I've seen a few of the oh-so-typical "this ain't a grime track reh reh reh" comments ...well no one said it was so shhhhhhhhh and let the 80's flavours soak into your veins and feel the music. The vibe it creates and the whole relaxed aura of the song means it doesn't need all the technicalities of a crazy 'agdfayfagfigci' flow and mad metaphorical wordplay. It's not what the song was made for or aimed to achieve - it's just a song which gives you that good feeling. Simple. The 80s influence with a fresh twist have formulated a calm summer jaaaaaaay-yummmm and whether you're cutting the grass or cutting a slice of mango you know you have to stop and cut some shapes to this one.
When I first heard that Sway and Kano were dropping a new tune together happy wasn't even the word. For me no other British rapper's flow get's me as excited as Sway - he delivers EVERY time and you always know Kano will K.O with his punchlines. They have been in the centre of the scene for god knows how long but it still frustrates me to this day how underrated both of these artists are. This track re-enforces that frustration x100000000.
With the piano from the classic 'Still Dre' sampled, normally I'd be saying "why would they even go there?" but they went there and I can't even fault it - and I'm quite a critical person. They obviously added the UK flavour and made it their own and every lyric was worthy to be spat over that legendary choooooone. They proved that no matter what newbies come onto the scene they have STILL got the game in their hand. And what's even better it's an sound that I can see hitting the charts, as well as not straying too far from their roots - none of that rapping over a dubstep/dance beat.
This is the first we've heard from both of them from 2013, and they have raised the bar fo' sure. With Sway's recent chart success maybe it's Sway's turn to follow in the footsteps of Wretch (who makes a cameo in the video along with his bromanc-er Chip and Mr JME) and be added to the list of rappers who are making an impact on the industry.
If you've already listened then listen again anyway because you know you want to, and if you haven't heard it yet, LISTEN NOW and thank me later ;)