Hull rapper Chiedu Oraka has today announced the release of his debut mixtape ‘Misfit’, out April 26th via EMI North partner Launchpad+.
Oraka’s previous hits ‘Darcy’, ‘Men Behaving Badly‘ and ‘Flex‘ won him co-signs and support slots for the likes of Stormzy, Novelist and Akala. A cerebral rapper, Oraka is known for excavating the undocumented Black working-class experience; his flow, vernacular and intonation a manifestation of the oft-derided “Black Yorkshireman”.
New mixtape, ‘Misfit’, sees Oraka level up both the messaging and the world-building; a survivor’s chronicle exploring mental health, trauma, his fringe status within the UK rap realm and much more. Of the mixtape he says: “’Misfit’ is a significant body of work which will be a pivotal moment in my career so far. This project will represent my life as an often-outsider but will also help celebrate the differences that make people unique. I intend to highlight the under-representation of northern Black artists in the mainstream music industry, to advocate for and represent Black creators who do not fit the conventional mould.”
With the mixtape announce comes lead single ‘Rhythm Of My Pain’, a surgically-precise, glacial anthem that sees Oraka offload a series of missives about his limitations and the pitfalls of an extractive industry. Speaking on the track, he shares: “‘Rhythm Of My Pain’ is that real take-it-or-leave-it sort of rap. Accept me for who I am, or do one – it’s as simple as that. I’m talking about my mental health, the responsibility I have in my community and my acceptance of my imperfections. It’s uncut, raw and passionate.”
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‘Misfit’ Tracklist:
Misfit Gang
Rhythm Of My Pain
Favourite Rapper
Helly Hansen 6
Mayne
Champs On My Grave
Own Kind (ft. Manga Saint Hilare)
Top 3
No Need
Counselling
If I Had A Fire In The Booth
Standing Ovation
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Photo Credit: Luke Hallett
