Prolific producer Shy One and grime MC Kwam have teamed up on a new project, tackling some big issues while celebrating the sounds of their city. And they’re sharing a track from this new venture exclusively with Clash today.
The upoming ‘Spoons’ EP was borne out of a meeting in an East London Wetherspoons – hence the name – where the duo decided to join forces, the first time the two artists have recorded together for a specific project.
Spread over six tracks, Kwam’s lyrics explore London living and society at large, over a diverse selection of Shy One’s trademark rough and ready productions.
Tracks like ‘Let Us’ and ‘The Raid’ are a striking expression of the frustrations of being on the receiving end of prejudice from the powers that be – Kwam’s stark refrain “No justice, no peace” ringing out over ‘Let Us’, while ‘The Raid’ features a sample from a police raid at a ‘90s Soul II Soul rave.
Title track ‘Spoons’ and ‘Power’ show off Shy One’s versatility as an artist, with precise sample chops, sophisticated chord progressions and unpredictable jagged drum programming.
Starting out on pirate radio as a teenager and obsessively collecting white labels while developing her production skills, the West Londoner has been exposed to and influenced by the full spectrum of sounds her hometown – from grime, garage and jazz, to hip-hop and broken beat. This diversity and unexpectedness can be heard throughout the new EP.
Meanwhile, Kwam’s delivery is refreshingly honest clear, while still laying down technically impressive flows and powerful hooks, especially evident on ‘Kwam Freestyle’ and ‘Power’.
The EP is due for release via Astral Black on 7th December – digital download with a limited edition A3 illustrated print – with a launch party at Bleep X in Dalston on 11th December where the duo will perform the EP in full alongside sets from Aqwea, Jon Phonics plus special guests.
The duo have shared the powerful ‘Let Us’ for the first time here, tune in now…
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