A lot has been happening since I wrote my last “songs I’m listening to” article on here. However, the series can never be stopped. Five more months and it’ll be two straight years of these articles. A true feat in YSN history. Let’s get into it.
1. Digga D – STFU , 2. Digga D – Bluwuu
In my opinion, there are five rappers really running the UK scene right now. Central Cee, Dave, Tion Wayne, Headie One and Digga D. Now obviously, I’m speaking from across the pond so I’m on the outside looking in. Despite that, I’ve enjoyed listening to all five of those artists and they all have their own unique sound and presence over each song. Digga himself is just strictly aggressive on the two songs I listed above. It seems like he has no remorse for killing the beat. He’s rapping like someone literally just punched him in the face. Just angry bars and I love it.
“Why you think I’m not liked in the industry? Cah I’m in the streets with the shooters”
Digga and YoungBoy have some career parallels in my opinion. Both have been in trouble with the law at a very young age, both are beefing with a lot of the industry and both have #1 albums in their respective countries. Digga and YB have this “me against the world” attitude that is palpable throughout their music. The only difference between those two is that Digga isn’t expecting his 10th child.
“Digga D, I’m in love with violence”
3. Bandokay x Double Lz x SJ x Headie One – Once In a While
OFB is another collective in the UK that has been constantly putting out hits for that past couple of years. “Once In a While” is one of those hits that caught my eye.
“Top floor penthouse, I reminisce just once in a while”
OFB The trio of Bandokay, Double Lz and SJ were set to run through the UK drill scene for years to come. Sadly, SJ and four other members of OFB were sentenced to life with a minimum of 21 years for a murder of an opposing gang member in Wood Green. Despite his sentencing the three biggest artists of OFB Headie One, Bandokay and Abra Cadabra have been going strong in the game still putting out hits. Including the next song on this list.
4. Headie One x Bandokay x Abra Cadabra – Can’t Be Us
Despite this bering a hardcore diss track to Tion Wayne’s Wood Green neighborhood, I play this in the car on full volume. Now just a reminder to everyone around the world listening to their favorite rap artists who are beefing with other artists. You are not apart of the beef, you are a civilian so please take the 4KT and OTF out of your bio they do not know you. Anyways, I love Headie One’s music. This man sounds like he’s falling asleep while rapping and it is so hard.
“Look in the mirror and ask yourself if you been in the trenches”
While I may highlight Headie out of three, Bandokay might’ve had the most impressive verse.
“So don’t get caught lackin’ on Church Street. This candle never came from a reverend”
Don’t get caught lacking on CHURCH street, this CANDLE never came from a REVEREND. Church street connects with reverend and the candle, a.k.a the stick, never came from said reverend. Ridiculous bars. And here are two more Headie One songs that I’ve been listening to.
5. Headie One – Illegal , 6. Headie One – Came In the Scene
As you can see I’ve been listening to not only a lot of Headie One, but just UK artists in general. Especially considering the fact that Central Cee has my third favorite album of the year so far with “23”. I’m not going to say too much about these two tracks but the beat for “Illegal” is one of the best I’ve heard in a very long time. Big up to Headie man for continuously putting gout these bangers. Also… the world needs the joint Headie and K-Trap project.
Don’t think Lizzie is getting up from this one though.
“They see me smilin’, they wanna take my kindness for weakness”
7. Dougie B – I’m Back , 8. Dougie B – Forever On That
The ultimate energy man of the Bronx. With Kay Flock getting locked up Dougie B has been putting DOA on his back with the music lately. In my opinion, he had the best verse on “Brotherly Love Pt. 2”, he went crazy on “Shake It” and now with this two song EP he’s showing that he can deliver while Kay Flock is locked up.
“Dougie and Dougz, that’s two different faces”
I started listening to Kay Flock late last year but I always found myself bumping Dougie B just as much. His energy can be felt throughout every track and his beat selection is crazy too. Excited to see what he has in store next in terms of a full-length project.
“Call me D Wade, all I need is three”
9. Bryson Tiller – Outside
The G.O.A.T has returned. Bryson Tiller is back with a single before his album, “Serenity” gets released. If you know me you know that Bryson is one of my favorite artists of all-time so I’m definitely amped up for this album. Hopefully he drops before the end of the year but if not I’ll just have to keep bumping “Anniversary”.
“Watchin’ real time while you’re too live. Easily adjusted to your new life.”
10. DJ Khaled – BEAUTIFUL ft. SZA & Future
GOD DID. Future did great on this track but SZA is the star of this one for me. When her part of the hook comes on it’s like you just start floating hearing it. There isn’t too much to say about this song you just have to hear it.
“Almost went to therapy but you was all I needed”
DJ Khaled I get it man but can you PLEASE be quiet man. Track is almost ruined by you jumping in and just saying the cringiest “baby, you beautiful”. WE DON’T WANNA HEAR THAT MAN. Regardless thank you for making this song happen just chill out a little bit.
Three more months until I have to load up the annual “Album of the Year” article. Who do you want to see drop before the year ends? This is YSN, until next time, signing out.
