Track Of The Day 27/1 - Speech Debelle

Speech Debelle has always taken her influences from outside the normal hip hop sphere.

'Speech Therapy' blended jazz, soul and electronics to craft something that was part hip hop and part Acid Jazz. Subtle and understated, the London artist's confident flow marked her out as something distinct.

After a turbulent spell, the rapper is now set to release a follow up. Speech Debelle has again expanded, with new single 'I'm With It' boasting an Eg White and Kwes arrangement that pushes the track into a Motown sphere.

The rapper's lyrics have an uplifting feel, the product of continually pushing against expectations. Handing the stems over to a handful of producers, Speech Debelle is now almost ready to unveil the results.

Out on February 20th, 'I'm With It' comes backed with remixes from Lapalux, Leo Zero (twice!), Louis La Roche and a subtle arrangement from Cooly G.

Removing the bulk of the orchestration, Cooly G reveals the beating heart of 'I'm With It'. Building up pulsing drums that echo UK Funky, the track has an insistent, nagging feel that restricts itself to the briefest of vocal samples.

Paired back, Cooly G's remix has a celebratory House vibe capped off with some cold synth lines to add a dash of colour.

Listen to it now...

Speech Debelle's new album 'Freedom Of Spech' is set to drop on February 13th. 'I'm With It' is due to be released on February 20th.