Lately, the blueprint for a business UK drill hit – pitched-up pop pattern, bouncing rhythm, catchy hook laced with primary wordplay – has been firmly established by artists like Central Cee and A1 x J1. For rising artists, there’s a temptation to observe swimsuit, and on singles like ‘PTSD’ and ‘Cash and Vibes’, Manchester rapper Nemzzz (actual identify Nemiah Sims) has skirted cautiously across the edges of this system.
However crucially, he’s by no means dived in; from his jazzy, laid-back breakout tracks ‘Elevate’ and ‘Nemzzz Kind Beat’ to his soul-bearing freestyle ‘8AM In Manny’, the 19-year-old has persistently chased one thing a lot deeper.
His debut mixtape is not any totally different. Throughout the 11-track challenge, Nemzzz makes use of a soulful, silky and pop-tinged model of drill – constructed largely by longtime producer Zel – to discover numerous emotions and conflicts he’s confronted on the rise towards the highest of Manchester’s flourishing rap scene.
On ‘PTSD’, Sims opens up over a warped pattern of Sade‘s ‘Like A Tattoo’, formed round hi-hat triplets and booming kicks that collide to construct an infectious bop. Sade’s unique tells the story of a guilt-ridden US soldier getting back from Vietnam – and this emphasis on emotional well being is mirrored in Nemzzz’s lyrics: “Nobody chat to me after I wanted / Overthink an excessive amount of / I get distracted, begin to deep it.”
Elsewhere, there are references to how rap has introduced him wealth, however not one of the out-of-touch braggadocio showcased by a few of his friends. As he states on ‘Reflection’, “This observe ain’t for me to flex / I’m simply right here to vent, okay”.
There are some much less adventurous moments, the place the teenage rapper drifts into barely clichéd raps like “All my Ls, they arrive with a V” (‘L’s’) or “Them gal look good on IG / In actual life don’t look the identical” (‘Reflection’). However that’s to be anticipated from a younger artist nonetheless sketching out his sound, and it’s clear Nemzzz isn’t occupied with merely rehashing designer life-style lyrics and drained gender stereotypes.
‘Do Not Disturb’ paperwork the realities of navigating life as a younger grownup; on cash and psychological well being, relationships and rivalries. It’s clear that Nemzzz is a refreshing voice in UK rap, steering the style in the direction of a good brighter future.
Particulars
- Launch date: March 15
- File label: Impartial
