Manchester’s scene is doing more than just Bugzy Malone

Manchester’s music scene has always been a part of the culture that makes Manchester, Manchester. But as 2019 steps closer, it’s clear that the North is more than just parkas, cagoules and long side burns.

There’s no doubt about it that Bugzy Malone put Manchester on the map. With a new album, tour and a load of new collabs being available in JD, Bugzy really has set the standard for all the new MC’s coming out of the North-West.

But as well as the story telling, boxing obsessed and business minded MC that is Bugzy Malone, a number of new, fresh, up and coming MC’s are starting to make a real name for themselves.

Culps – On Me https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BBmsvYfh3uw

Culps has been around for a few months now, and is building up a very quickly growing fan base around the North-West.

Coming with a new, different energy, with hard 808’s complimented with rugged, yet smooth harmonies on the hooks. Culps writes well too, barring as strongly as anyone else in the new gen.

Visuals are becoming more and more important as its becoming so much easier to build up more views than ever before. Culps comes with energy and a very cool look, which he carries well in all his music videos.

The videos are only surpassing 150k on Link Up TV, which is not bad going but considering what shite has topped a million views on numerous different platforms – it’s easy to say that Culps is being slept on.

But, on Instagram, Culps was seen with Remtrex, suggesting there could be Manchester and Birmingham link up coming soon.

Tunde – Mob City feat. Joe Blow & Lil AJ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_DGq4d_GFVo

Tunde is next up on the list, this MC really does just use the Manchester accent to the best of it’s ability. Spitting clear, real rap is what Tunde stands for – and he does it so well.

The Manchester MC links up with American rappers, Joe Blow and Lil AJ on his most viewed track, Mob City. Showing that the connection between the UK and our transatlantic cousins may be closer than what we all think.

Each Tunde track seems to over very hard, bass-ridden beats, which I love. But lyrically, this MC really does spit truth, and really emphasises on the darker sides to the Manchester hood.

Aitch – Trust Me https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E1mSYh_SPvc

Aitch really is the new kid on the block, and he really is starting to represent Manchester on a very big scale.

The rapper’s first official video “Straight Rhymez” is sitting on 5 million views, and it really was a track that has shown off the extremely clever wordplay, combined with some Mancunian cheekiness.

Bugzy himself has reached out to this lad, where they were seen linking up at Parklife. So it really does seem that Aitch is the next thing in the Manchester scene.

Aitch has a Kenny Allstar Radio 1Xtra freestyle, and has just dropped his new track “Trust Me” which is currently on just over half a million views in 3 days.

 

 

What songs have made FIFA 19?

As we all know, FIFA 19 has just dropped. But, what songs have given FIFA a new chilled, and relevant vibe which may revert some of us from the FIFA rage we experience so often.

1) Tom Misch – Good To Be Home feat. Loyle Carner, Barney Artist & Rebel Kleff

This track provides us with a classic Tom Misch beat, soft cords with soothing melodies – we wouldn’t expect any less from this man. The features are exciting too.

With Tom’s partner in crime, Loyle Carner being involved, you just know it is going to be an anthem. Barney Artist is also included, with his mellow rhymes staying intact, the transition from the chorus through to Barney Artist still maintains the same chilled vibe that Tom Misch demands from his collaborators. Rebel Kleff also has a solid verse on this track to show us all that he is much more than just Loyle Carner’s tour DJ. Speeding up his journey into the main circle of UK Hip-Hop in the very early days of his rap career.

 

2) Bugzy Malone – Ordinary People feat. JP Cooper

Bugzy Malone is included in FIFA 19 with a very chilled collaboration with the rapidly rising star in JP Cooper. From his ‘B Inspired album, story teller in Bugzy has put together a deep track, which requires you to really listen and respect the message that he is putting across.

 

This song and the whole album infact, shows us that Bugzy is much more than a Grime artist from Manchester. He has added context and layers to his music, which allows us to gain an insight into the inspiration behind his many different yet equally effective songs.

The move to put this song into FIFA 19 is simply just another stepping stone in Bugzy’s path to the top.

 

 

 

 

Bas – Tribe feat. J Cole

This is a feel good track, that takes us back to the South Africa World Cup mode on FIFA 10 days with a bright beat, complimented by solid 808’s and a slight trap feel on the high hats.

J Cole’s verse is as solid as always as he effortlessly runs on the beat with his own unique style that somehow fits perfectly with any hip-hop beat. The catchy hook  slots in well with the new vibe that FIFA have gone for this year.

The song is one of those ones that you can easily listen to on repeat. It mixes acoustics with heavy bass which creeps through in the background, fitting in perfectly with the all round energy of the music in this years game.

 

 

 

 

4) Octavian – Lighting

Octavian has only just come through to the forefront of the UK Urban scene. But it is clear now that his new, different energy that he is bringing through is going to attract some new listeners with his collaboration with FIFA 19.

The song offers something new, it is something that we have not really seen before in the UK scene. This song can be chilled to, yet it can be blasted in a club.

With his intense beats, and with Octavian’s peculiar vocals, it just works. This song is definitely a good taster track – if it is the first time you may have encountered the French born artist.

Being on FIFA is just the start for Octavian, with rumoured collaborations with Skepta and Drake inbound, it’s only a matter of time until Octavian is at the top of your most played.

 

5) Childish Gambino – Feels Like Summer

Donald Glover aka Childish Gambino is already a mega star in the world of music, and his colab with FIFA is clearly just another day in the office for Gambino.

‘Feels Like Summer’ is just another vibe from Childish Gambino as it offers a mellow feel, melting us into our chairs while we sit and play our new game.

His iconic melodies and jazzy infused beats mould into the FIFA playlist like an all time classic. I love the new FIFA playlist and this song is the pinnacle of the vibe that FIFA have gone for this year. Smooth, mellow and music to our ears.

 

 

Written by, Jack Lynch