Young T and Bugsey grew up on opposite sides of Nottingham, yet they seemed to be living similar lives.
Kids just trying to get by, both were using music to express themselves – drawn to early Noughties hip-hop, emerging trap sounds, and the resolute stance of grime.
Working together at a community arts space in Nottingham’s St Ann’s area, the pair swiftly found that they had a natural, easy-going chemistry both inside and outside the studio.
With those early tracks blowing up, Young T and Bugsey met Stormzy backstage at a Westwood Crib Session, and the grime star has remained a steadfast supporter ever since.
The New Year is upon us, and the Notts duo seem to be stepping up their game, matching the underground hype that has settled on their name.
New single 'Greenlight' is a fantastic return, a supreme bop that re-tools those hip-hop influences with a defiantly UK slant.
It's a real Nottingham sound, too; something that's localised, potent, but with a universal feel, as those slick rhymes intersect against the pointed physicality of the production.
They explain: “The whole cadence and inspiration for 'Greenlight' was that jiggy early 2000's hip-hop, you can hear it in the melody of the hook and how we're approaching the verses, paying homage to the likes of Mase, Young Buck & Biggie of course with the flows but making sure we add our own style and spin on it – it's early 2000's hip-hop in 2018!”
This is essential stuff – tune in now.
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