Hard on the heels of the release of their Botanicals EP last month, Afterhere spans projects that date all the way back to 2014 in some instances. Each track is like a photograph pinned on a corkboard, together serving as a collection of snapshots into the duo’s progression as artists. Some of these projects are complete, some are incomplete, some are collaborations that haven’t seen the light of the day… all are distinctly L*o*J, replete with their heavy percussion swing, tribal instrumentation, and grimy basslines.

If you’re wondering what prompted the pair to release these tracks now, they break it down saying, “The decision to release this collection of tracks was driven by a culmination of factors. But mostly we felt a sense of weight to share our musical development with our audience. Some of these projects date back until 2014 while incomplete, carry an important spirit that resonates deeply with our journey as an artist.Giving our close listeners a deeper understanding of our musical evolution. Also there is no reason to let it languish on a hard drive, why not spreading your experiments and imperfections with the world.”

While the project features some tracks that are technically incomplete, the duo expand on the importance each played in their artistic evolution, “To refine one’s skills, a dedicated investment of time in exploring diverse genres and styles is essential. While not every experiment leads to a finished project, they’ve been instrumental in positively molding our music production skills. That’s why these projects hold a special place in our hearts, they’ve been integral to our artistic journey.”

Listening to these tracks I often found myself questioning, “What on Earth was it about this track that didn’t make the cut?” Sure, not every track hits as hard as the rest, but I’ll be damned if my jaw wasn’t agape at some of these (‘Grime’ in particular had me out of my seat). I get the impression that L*o*J are true perfectionists with their art, and to go and show the world what even they themselves might consider to be imperfect demands a lot of respect on our part as listeners. Let’s all give this collection the attention it deserves.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/playlists/1796656251″ params=”color=#ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true” width=”100%” height=”300″ iframe=”true” /]

The post PREMIERE: L*o*J Drops Massive Stack of Unreleased Tracks with ‘Afterhere’ appeared first on FUXWITHIT.

The three-track NERVES EP is the latest addition to Hydraulix’s discography. A brilliant foray into dubstep, grime, and drum and bass, the EP makes a point of switching up genres with each track, never pigeonholing itself into any single one. ‘ANXIOUS,’ featuring the gritty vocals of Maksim MC, is a true dubstep banger with UK grime elements as the cherry on top. ‘Click Clack’ with Nika D carries much the same vibe at first before erupting into a tribal trap-esque drop that may remind listeners of producers along the lines of MEMBA or XAVAGE. ‘All Eyes’ wraps up the EP with a sudden but not unwelcome tempo change to drum and bass. With its suspenseful build-up to an electrifying first drop, this track cements itself as an absolute roller that is sure to have jump-up fans losing it on the dance floor.

“So excited to be dropping the Nerves EP with Wakaan. I called the EP Nerves because it’s something I constantly feel when releasing music. Always nervous about how it will be received, will it get playlisting, have I pushed myself enough, have I pushed it too far. Writing music is the most rewarding and disheartening thing at the same time. Constant nerves on the edge. But at the end of the day you just gotta write what’s true to you. I’ve always loved all forms of bass music and this EP I wanted to show a bit of that with Dubstep, DnB and even some trap to cap it off.” – Hydraulix

Hydraulix’s well-deserved career continues to prosper with the release of the NERVES EP. Stream it in full below and be sure to check out the Bandcamp version for a bonus instrumental of ‘Click Clack.’

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/playlists/1772215917″ params=”color=#ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true” width=”100%” height=”300″ iframe=”true” /]

The post Hydraulix Starts the Year Off Strong with New ‘NERVES’ EP appeared first on FUXWITHIT.

A single repeating note opens the track before erupting into fast-paced drum beats that mirror the speed with which Strategy spits out bars. The rolling drumline gives way to an angelic empty space halfway through the track, reminiscent of deep 140 bpm classics from the likes of Coki, Benga, and Caspa. The moment Strategy goes silent is the best kind of sonic whiplash, the kind of moment that makes one audibly gasp “Whoa…” There’s hardly enough time to piece together the first verse of the track before he comes roaring back in for the second between the hypnotizing bassline and sharp hi-hats. It’s a simultaneously filthy and poetic end to this composition.

Everybody knows I’m a UK don / But I’m back on my Transatlantic shit
– Strategy

Strategy does not miss a beat on ‘Blue Mile.’ Amidst the murky low-end rumblings of Of the Trees and Crenshaw, syllable after syllable fires through like a machine gun. It’s clear that the grime wave has finally cemented itself stateside, with Strategy himself remarking that he’s “Got a decent amount of American followers.” In this case, they’re well-deserved.

‘Blue Mile’ is a standout track for Memory Palace. Along with the likes of LYNY, Esseks, DMVU, and Of the Trees himself, Crenshaw is a perfect fit for the vibe of the label. Having recently announced a hiatus next year from his usual Claude VonStroke alias, we can only wonder what label we’ll see him collaborating with next. Longtime fans are still awaiting a second Crenshaw album, given that the first came out nearly seven years ago. Whoever it is, they’re in for a treat. If 2023 has given us any indication of the trajectory of these two producers, it’s safe to say they’re only going up.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1679323566″ params=”color=#ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true” width=”100%” height=”300″ iframe=”true” /]

The post Of the Trees x Barclay Crenshaw Take Listeners on a Trip with ‘Blue Mile’ (Ft. Strategy) appeared first on FUXWITHIT.

In an era of short, stream-friendly bops, ‘Mel Made Me Do It’ gives us what the game has been missing. Not only new Stormzy, but a reminder that top-tier rapping will never go out of style. Dripping with quotables, the cut sees Stormzy throwing jabs at opponents while flexing on a level few have the achievements to back. Lines like, “You know the bags Chanel, the trips to Paris/ And if your boy’s a king, the bit’s a palace/ Okay, three O2s that I sell out/ Man, I’m such a sellout/ Might fuck around and bring Adele out,” remind fans of the heights he’s attained and continues to push beyond. It’s the type of track that gets better with every spin. Each listen unlocks a new punchline or level to the track. With the long run time and repeatability, this may be the only thing you’ll be listening to, that’s certainly been the case for me this weekend.

If this is a sample of what we can expect from his upcoming album, it could be his best yet. Check the track and cinematic video for ‘Mel Made Me Do It’ below.

The post Stormzy Reclaims The Throne With ‘Mel Made Me Do It’ appeared first on FUXWITHIT.

Dominant forces in their respective worlds, Hydraulix and P Money prove to be the perfect pair. Icy keys set the stage as P Money’s commanding vocals take the lead over the gritty beat. The raps are hard and riddled with swagger with lines like, “Test me and end up smoked, nothin’ funny about me I ain’t got jokes, overcame fights I came off the ropes, my heart is more pure than cane of the boats.” Hydraulix expertly strips the beat back to punctuate the bars before bringing in an absolutely devastating drop. Cavernous bass, out-of-this-world sound design, and some menacing trap grunts combine to blow listener’s minds. The verse is repeated adding to intensity before Hydraulix comes back with some more nasty wook bass. The chemistry and rawness displayed on ‘GOAT’ makes it one of Hydraulix best releases yet and a clear standout on his upcoming album.

P Money has been a favourite of mine for such a long time and when the opportunity came up to work with him the album I knew that I wanted to write him something I felt like he hadn’t done before: a more American-style rap intro with a crazy wook bass type drop. This one all came together super quickly and I knew it was gonna be something special and different for the album.
-Hydraulix

Stream ‘GOAT’ below and look out for Imposter Syndrome dropping on Wakaan tomorrow.

The post Hydraulix Connects With Grime Legend P Money On ‘GOAT’ appeared first on FUXWITHIT.

From grime, to dnb and dubstep, Flowdan’s iconic deep voice and razor-sharp raps are never anything less than captivating. Taking center stage on ‘Trenches’ the veteran emcee welcomes listeners to the terrordome before unleashing raw bars. Duke & Jones provide a dark and exotic sound palette that evolves with each passing bar. When Flowdan’s first verse concludes ‘Trenches’ descends into a cavernous bass-driven drop. From there Flowdan commands the beat with the militant precision of a true OG. Dark, filthy and anthemic, ‘Trenches’ is a masterful collaboration that demands repeat spins.

Stream ‘Trenches’ below and grab it via Deadbeats.

The post Enter The ‘Trenches’ With Duke & Jones & Flowdan appeared first on FUXWITHIT.

The post BBK Return To Hand Out ‘Red Card’s appeared first on FUXWITHIT.

Out now on Never Say Die, ‘Blind’ might be the most destructive of Vulgatron’s recent string of releases. This time tapping Oddprophet, who has similarly elevated his game over the last year, the London-based rapper uses his raw, natural flow to complement the haunting soundscapes created in the introduction. The energy is relentless throughout, hitting true peaks as Oddprophet’s signature, provocative sound shines in the lyricless sections. Short yet aggressive and menacing, ‘Blind’ is further proof as to why Vulgatron is regarded as a legend in the scene, and why Oddprophet is on his way to that status as well. Don’t miss it and the official music video below.

The post Vulgatron Commits Lyrical Murder In ‘Blind’ Alongside Oddprophet appeared first on FUXWITHIT.

‘Active’ begins with melancholy chords and Jelacee bringing that classic UK rap on top. The first drop blends UK grime with a haunting oriental flute melody and incredibly wiggly, sometimes heavy fills that are a signature of Stooki Sound. The second drop hits so much harder, taking inspiration from hard trap, ‘Active’ explodes into a more freeform bass track that is sure to drive crowds wild.

The post Stooki Sound & WARZ Merge Styles on ‘Active’ ft. Jelacee appeared first on FUXWITHIT.

Loski’s debut album ‘Mad Move’ is set to drop on March 1 and Digdat’s last single hit the Top 20 in the U.K. so it’s fair to say these two are off to a pretty quick start to 2019. Back in October the U.K. saw the first Grime Number 1 from Dave and Fredo with ‘Funky Friday’, partnering up in the exact same formula as this track, which is your favourite?

The post Digdat and Loski Are The Perfect Pair, ‘No Cap’ appeared first on FUXWITHIT.