The Sik List #102
Another great week of releases
M.I.C - Dr Yakub’s Laboratory (Prod. Nammy Wams, maJ)
Score: 8.5/10
After teasing us with a single at the end of last year, North London’s M.I.C. has finally dropped his first project in over 3 years, with one goal, to deconstruct and pulverise bigoted Lewisham MC Snowy Danger, or as M.I.C. puts it, Enoch Powell Jr.
Track by track, M.I.C. dismembers his opponent and his beliefs; the islamophobia, transphobia, racism and so much more… Track 5 is a conversational assault on Snowy Danger, and anyone who stands with him; there’s no MCing, just talking for over 20 minutes, but it’s engaging and Nammy Wams’ production provides the perfect backdrop for Snowy Danger to get hung, drawn, and quartered.
Louis Rei, WSTRN - More (Prod. Louis Rei, OMY)
Score: 8/10
‘More’ is Louis Rei’s first solo drop since his album towards the end of last year. It’s a laid back banger, focusing on his mindset and perspective at the minute. The production is classic hip hop, and his lyrics are sharp. The video is shot on VHS, giving it a laid back feel, and we see him go cigar-shopping and partying with his friends. It’s a classic ‘90s American vibe, but I’m here for it.
Lady Leshurr - SET UP CHICKS
Score: 9/10
Lady Leshurr’s latest release is one of her first since returning to music late last year following a brief hiatus. The song is a bold showcase of her versatility as a wordsmith, she effortlessly glides through different rhyme schemes and flows, as she traipses around a Birmingham shopping centre. If this is the energy she’s starting the year with, I look forward to seeing how her imminent ‘Back 2 Basics’ mixtape builds on it.
Chinx (OS) - Silence (Prod. Nathaniel London)
Score: 8.5/10
Chinx’s ‘Silence’ is a cinematic and unfiltered look into Chinx’s view of the UK music scene and the series of events that led him to where he is now; how everyone lies in their bars, and foolish choices he made in his youth that led him to situations he didn’t want to be in.
The video is just as striking, showcasing him at different stages of life; in detention, as a teenager, in a cell, and as the acclaimed Drill maestro he is now. The production is laid back, with warped vocals and strings building and deconstructing as Chinx narrates his life story.
Krept & Konan - Low Vibrations (Prod. Lekka Beats)
Score: 8/10
The latest drop from Krept & Konan is a joyful celebration of their success thus far. The duo sail over a hypnotic jersey club instrumental, and the video, shot in Dubai gives us a close-up view into their lives, including Krept’s birthday celebrations last year. With under a month until their album drops, and no misses in the rollout so far, it’s safe to say the UK is expecting big things from the two of them.
Jordan Adetunji, kwn - Too Many Women (Prod. Take A Daytrip, 18YOMAN, Villa Beats, Jordan Adetunji)
Score: 8.5/10
Alongside his latest release, Irish Grammy-nominated rap superstar Jordan Adetunji announced his upcoming mixtape, ‘A Jaguar’s Dream,’ releasing on the 24th of January, a bold move considering Central Cee, The Weeknd, and FKA Twigs all have their own albums slated for release then.
Functioning as the lead single for the mixtape, ‘Too Many Women’ sees Jordan jump on his usual American rap sound, but with kwn adding an East London edge this time round. The track is club-ready; it’s bouncy, dancey, and catchy, no doubt building anticipation for his upcoming project.
Nat and Ish - The Essence With Mak 10
Score: 9/10
The Essence With Mak 10 has quickly become my favourite freestyle platform, and it should be yours too. Week on week, they get countless legends, including the likes of Roll Deep, So Large, Flirta D, and so many more. This week however, identical twins Nat and Ish took home the title of best episode. Their chemistry is undeniable, they’re dancing, having fun, and they never skip a beat. Even Mak 10 can’t help but dance, even in the freezing cold.