The artist credited the charity in his music video, to which Maggie’s expressed their gratitude, stating, “We are incredibly grateful to AJ for thinking of us and including us at the end of his music video for his new single ‘3rd Time Lucky’.”

‘3rd Time Lucky’ features on Tracey’s new album ‘Don’t Die Before You’re Dead’, set to release on 13 June. Tracey has shared four other songs from the upcoming album, ‘Crush’, ‘Paid In Full’ ‘Joga Bonito’ and ‘Friday Prayer’. The record includes exciting collaborations with names such as Jorja Smith, Aitch, and Headie One. 

‘Don’t Die Before You’re Dead’ has an exciting sonic range with Headie One and Aitch giving UK drill with soulful backing vocals in ‘Friday Prayer’, and later in the record, a 90s inspired R&B sound with ‘Crush’ which features Jorja Smith’s sensitive pop vocals and Tracey’s iconic playful rap style. The song is a fan favourite from the upcoming album with the two performing the track in the Radio 1 Live Lounge. 

Tracey shared what this song meant to him and how he used writing for emotional processing in a TikTok announcement prior to the release of ‘3rd Time Lucky’. He says, “‘3rd Time Lucky’ is about going through tough times with your loved ones, but coming through stronger at the end of it. I wanted to be honest but also hopeful, to help give strength to all those who need it. In order to process something of this difficulty, I had to name it and tackle it head on. I hope this song gives strength and hope to all those who need it.”

 ‘Don’t Die Before You’re Dead’ will be Tracey’s fourth studio album following the success of his last release ‘Flu Game’ which spent 19 weeks at Number 2 on the UK Official Albums Chart. 

Tracey spoke with Dork Magazine about his thoughts towards creating. He says, “I don’t believe in microwave dinners when it comes to music – it’s got to be good, and that can take some time”. This stands true as his upcoming release comes four years after ‘Flu Game’. Though, his return is welcomed by fans as the artist gives his followers the opportunity to vote on the venues of upcoming intimate tours. 

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To mark the release of ‘Don’t Die Before You’re Dead’, Tracey will be performing at Pryzm, Kingston on 13 June. He shares this is the “Last time to see me headline for now”. Find tickets for the exciting live celebration here as well as how to contribute to supporting Maggie’s. 

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The news was announced this morning by Radio 1 Breakfast Show presenter and DJ Greg James, the presenter said: ““FINALLY…Radio 1 HAS COME BACK…to Liverpooool! The last time I was there I was doing a big game of Hide and Seek and was hidden in the Liver building for a week so it’ll be nice to see some daylight and enjoy it properly this time..We can’t wait to bring the biggest artists in the world to this brilliant city in May. Everyone’s going to LOVE the line-up!”

Other additions saw the names of Wolf Alice, Artemas, Tom Odell, Inhaler and Good Neighbours added to the festivities. About 100 acts will be performing across four stages, with over 100,000 fans expected to attend the weekend.

Tom Grennan, Biffy Clyro, Confidence Man and more were recently confirmed, with Sam Fender being the first headliner unveiled. Grennan shared to Facebook about his promotion to headline status: “From BBC introducing to headlining @BBCR1’s Big Weekend in Liverpool can’t wait see you there x.”

Another band that will be performing is Stockport indie rock band Blossoms, they said about the weekend: “We’re delighted that Radio 1 have invited us to play at this year’s Big Weekend. Even more so because it’s taking place in Liverpool, a city close to our hearts, where we’ve worked and recorded every single one of our albums since our debut in 2016. It’s going to be a really special weekend and we can’t wait to perform.”

The festival will be broadcast live on BBC Radio 1 all weekend long, with performances available to watch on iPlayer and BBC sounds.

Tickets will be available from 17:00 on Thursday 13 March and will cost £33 (plus a £4.50 booking fee per ticket). You can find out more information on the BBC website.

More acts will be announced in the coming weeks.

The music video adds another layer of depth to the track, capturing an intimate atmosphere. Set in a warm, golden-lit apartment, the visuals focus on moments of connection, small glances, playful touches, the kind of subtle body language that says more than words ever could. This is juxtaposed with the cold lighting of the cafe, where space is created. Jorja and AJ move through the space naturally, their interactions feeling authentic and effortless, mirroring the easy-going nature of the song itself but the push-and-pull and infuriation in the lyrics. 

Jorja Smith has been carving out her space in the industry since her breakout single ‘Blue Lights’ in 2016. Her debut album ‘Lost & Found’ earned her a number three place on the Official Charts and a BRIT Award for Best Female Solo Artist. Since then, she’s become one of the UK’s most distinctive voices, known for blending soul, jazz, and contemporary R&B in a way that feels both timeless and fresh. She’s also been a voice for Black communities, with songs like ‘Peng Black Girls’ (Remix) alongside ENNY celebrating Black beauty, culture, and identity in the UK. Whether she’s addressing social issues or diving into personal emotions, Jorja’s music always carries depth and authenticity with a silky-smooth voice. 

AJ Tracey, one of the most versatile figures in UK rap, has made a name for himself by seamlessly moving between grime, garage, and melodic rap. His self-titled debut album in 2019 cemented his place at the top of the scene, while follow-ups like ‘Flu Game’ saw him experiment with different sounds and styles. Known for his confident, effortless delivery, he brings that same charisma to ‘Crush’, making the collaboration feel completely natural. 

Looking ahead, both artists have an exciting year in store. ‘Crush’ is the latest hint at what’s next for Jorja, who has been teasing new music since the release of her 2023 album ‘Falling or Flying’. She is also set to embark on tour in May and June of this year, whilst also being a part of Parklife’s line-up on June 14. AJ Tracey, meanwhile, has been hinting at a new project of his own, and he has also been confirmed for Reading & Leeds festival.

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With ‘Crush’, Jorja Smith and AJ Tracey have delivered a track that’s as effortless as it is addictive. Whether it’s the silky production, the natural chemistry, or the cinematic feel of the music video, this is a song that lingers long after the final note. If this is a taste of what’s to come, then both artists are set for a big year ahead. 

Ticket information for Jorja can be found here and ticket information for AJ can be found here.

Earlier this month, Eurovision stars Måneskin announced that due to “scheduling conflicts” they had to cancel their appearance at the festival. “We love and miss the UK and all of our beloved UK fans and we’re absolutely gutted to no longer be able to play these shows,” they wrote in a post on their social media. The festival organisers then followed up by posting “We are saddened to hear that Jack Harlow and Måneskin have decided to perform at an award show the same weekend they were confirmed to play Reading and Leeds,” on their Instagram story.

This blow came after headliners Rage Against The Machine pulled out due to frontman Zack de la Rocha’s leg injury. A statement on Twitter was released saying: “Per medical guidance, Zack de la Rocha has been advised that the August and September 2022 UK and European leg of the Rage Against The Machine tour cannot proceed. It is with great disappoint that we announce this cancellation.” Soon after, The 1975 were announced as their replacement. This will mark their second appearance as headliners after their 2019 set. 

@OfficialRandL
Its not easy to find a headline festival act in short period of time but the replacement you have are not on the scale of RATM and are not even of the same genre of music. If you are not offering refund for sunday ticket holders that is absolutely unacceptable.

— Ryan Arthurton (@RyanArt9119) August 12, 2022

The changes to the line up have garnered mixed responses from ticket holders with one Twitter user describing The 1975 as a “downgrade”  and another saying that The 1975 were “not even of the same genre of music”.  The festivals’ refund policy states money can only be returned for a “material alteration which, in Festival Republic’s opinion, makes the event materially different to the event that ticket purchasers expected”, but it also mentions that “changes to the line-up” or “changes to a band” does not make consumers entitled to a refund. 

The announcement of the latest additions, Charlie XCX and AJ Tracey has also got some festival-goers feeling let down with on saying Reading and Leeds has “lost its identity” and another asking why there wasn’t a rockbound replacing Måneskin. A lot of the disappointment seems to be from those who had booked tickets to see bands more associated with the rock and indie genre; something which Reading and Leeds has been synonymous with since its inception. 

Ed is playing the Main Stage at @BBCR1‘s #BigWeekend this May! pic.twitter.com/LIMLKxy56n

— Ed Sheeran HQ (@edsheeran) March 14, 2022

Sheeran has spoken on his upcoming performance at Coventry’s War Memorial Park, “I can’t wait to kick off festival season and perform in front of a live audience at Radio 1’s Big Weekend 2022 in Coventry. See you all there!”

The “Shape Of You” singer is amongst eight headlining acts who will take to the Main Stage on the second day of the festival. Saturday’s main stage acts also include Calvin Harris, Aitch, AJ Tracey, Anne Marie, Central Cee, Joel Corry and Yungblud. AJ Tracey and Anne Marie also joined Sheeran in last year’s event, where the three acts participated in a virtual event that was held in lieu of a live festival. BBC Radio 1 took to social media to share the headlining acts that will perform on the main stage on Saturday.

Some #BigWeekend line-up news! Performing on the Main Stage on Saturday 28th May: @CalvinHarris @EdSheeran @OfficialAitch @ajtracey @AnneMarie Central Cee @JoelCorry @Yungblud Everything you need to know about this year’s event: https://t.co/GNEZRXbbVS pic.twitter.com/uswiaDjRkJ — BBC Radio 1 (@BBCR1) March 14, 2022

The event has also announced Sunday’s main stage acts, George Ezra, Becky Hill, Dermot Kennedy, Jax Jones, Lorde and Mabel will headline the festival’s closing day. A long list of up-and-coming acts have also been confirmed to play the BBC Music introducing stage, the smaller stage aims to showcase emerging artists whilst providing a perfect platform in which to grow a fanbase and career and has remained a vital part of the event. Taking the stage this year are Alfie Indra, Crawlers, Danniella Dee, Hope Tala, Lizzie Esau, piri & tommy, Queen Millz and Sad Night Dynamite.

Two further stages have also been confirmed for Saturday, and both feature an impressive line-up of acts. Set to take the Future Sounds Stage are Sam Fender, Easy Life, Fontaines D.C., KSI, Mimi Webb, Sigrid and Tom Grennan. The BBC Music Introducing Stage features Artemas, Celina Sharma, Deyah, Jordan Mackampa, Tamera, Thomas Headon, USNA and Willow Kayne.

The British YouTube sensation, KSI, has spoken on his appearance at the three-day event, “Ya boy KSI is performing at Radio 1’s Big Weekend 2022. Cannot wait to get out and perform in front of you all in Coventry. Expect all the hits and maybe even a few surprises!”

Head of Radio 1, Aled Haydn Jones has provided the following statement concerning this year’s event, “We are kicking off the UK’s festival season in true Radio 1 style with an incredible line up of acts already on the bill, and more exciting names to be revealed this week. We can’t wait to bring our flagship live music event to Coventry for 2022.”

#BigWeekend is coming to Coventry from the 27th – 29th May!

Want to be there? Find out everything you need to know before tickets go on sale on Friday 18th March: https://t.co/IVIdwjCF62 pic.twitter.com/WDjT0QqfnG

— BBC Radio 1 (@BBCR1) March 11, 2022

Ticket sales for Radio 1 Big Weekend 2022 go live on 18th March 2022. Tickets are limited to two per person and the availability has been divided into three sections. 60% of tickets are reserved for Coventry residences, 25% are for people who reside within the neighbouring towns, and the rest of the tickets will be released for general sale. A detailed step by step guide on how to get your ticket can be found here.

I told you i’d be back ARENA TOUR this time no likkle shows who’s ready to go mad?!

presale weds 10am get access @ https://t.co/GEYq4Q0Een pic.twitter.com/FiEkFt8VxQ

— aj (@ajtracey) April 19, 2021

Tracey’s LP ‘Flu Game’ was released last week (April 16). The album features appearances from stars including Mabel, Digga D, Kehlani, T-Pain, NAV, MoStack, and more. ‘Flu Game’ is currently battling it out with London Grammar for the Number One spot on this week’s UK album chart. Tracey had previously teased the tour announcement on Twitter:

i feel like i should announce a tour pic.twitter.com/xZbbp4rbLI

— aj (@ajtracey) April 18, 2021

‘Flu Game’ sees Tracey embrace a basketball aesthetic, framing himself as the Jordan of rap. Tracey previously announced the record via a fake press conference which aired live on YouTube in March. The video saw him play the role of a basketball star who had recently signed on to a team called Revenge Athletic. Tracey answers questions from journalists saying that he doesn’t feel any “pressure” about joining the “big leagues”, and said he’s “ready to get going”.

More recently the West London rap star was in the news as organisers of an impromptu AJ Tracey gig were fined £10,000 for breaking coronavirus legislation after thousands of fans flocked to Platt Fields Park in Manchester on April 18^th to see the rapper.

AJ Tracey’s tour tickets will be on presale from Wednesday (Apr 21) at 10am. General sale tickets will be available to purchase from Friday (Apr 23) at 10am.

AJ Tracey ‘Flu Game’ Tour:

13/11/21 – 3Arena – Dublin

18/11 – Utilita Arena – Birmingham

19/11 – Motorpoint Arena – Cardiff

20/11 – AO Arena – Manchester

25/11 – 02 Arena – London

Tracey made this album announcement alongside a mock press conference that he posted on his YouTube channel. Taking various questions from reporters in the video, the rapper plays a sports star that is signing for fictional basketball team ‘Revenge Athletic’ who have a “big game” on April 16th, the day of his album’s release.

Beyond the collaborative singles that have already been released, the tracklist for Tracey’s forthcoming project has revealed a wide range of new collaborations, including appearances from Nav, T-Pain, Kehlani, Millie Go Lightly, and SahBabii. Interestingly, these new features all come from American artists, which possibly speaks to Tracey’s desire to make music that taps into a transatlantic audience. This is a suggestion that is reinforced by the album title itself, with ‘The Flu Game’ being a moniker for one of Michael Jordan’s most memorable performances for the Chicago Bulls, and the resultant Americanised basketball theme that Tracey has created around the release of his new LP.

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Indeed, the 27-year-old’s music has frequently borrowed from American-style trap production, perhaps most emphatically demonstrated by his collaboration with Aitch on ‘Rain’ in 2020, where the duo enlisted American superstar trap producer Tay Keith. His most recent single ‘Anxious’ similarly exhibits this musical influence, with sub-heavy 808 kicks and trap-style skittering hi-hats providing the musical backdrop for his braggadocios lyrics.

However, that is not to say that Tracey panders to an American audience or that he has turned his back on the domestic music scene that nurtured him; in fact, two of the singles from his forthcoming sophomore album, ‘West 10’ and ‘Bringing It Back’, imply the exact opposite. ‘West 10’ draws upon the UK garage sound of the early 2000s which has had a recent renaissance, whilst ‘Bringing It Back’ sees Tracey collaborate with fellow West Londoner Digga D on a UK drill-inspired track. These singles are built upon sounds that are specific to and distinctive of the UK music scene.

Equally, the overwhelming majority of the production on ‘Flu Game’ is attributed to British producers. In particular, Nyge makes many appearances on the production credits, which is unsurprising considering the success that the pair have historically had together. Most notably, Nyge produced Tracey’s ‘Butterflies’ back in 2018, a song that dominated radios throughout the summer that year and has since gone platinum in the UK.

The rapper’s previous album was his self-titled debut ‘AJ Tracey’ which dropped in 2019, peaking at number three in the UK album’s chart. His profile has undoubtedly grown since then, as has the UK rap scene which he is part of. With ‘Flu Game’, Tracey will hope to follow in the footsteps of other British rappers, such as Dave and Nines, that have secured a number one UK album in the past two years.

‘Flu Game’ will be available to stream on all platforms from April 16th.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The artist’s most recent musical outing was a collaboration with fellow West London rapper Digga D on ‘Bringing it Back’, which has currently generated over six million views on YouTube since its release on February 4th. The track’s music video sees both artists allude to respective freestyles that helped popularise them, with Tracey occupying the same studio that featured in his famous ‘Packages’ freestyle on Link Up TV in 2016 and Digga D returning to the riverside setting of his renowned ‘Next Up’ freestyle on Mixtape Madness in 2017.

It is unknown yet whether whatever Tracey is dropping this Thursday will involve a collaborator, nor do we have any information on any upcoming album or shows that the rapper could be planning. What we do know, however, is that Thursday March 4th is also the 26-year-old’s birthday, and so his fans may be expecting a particularly special treat.

The rapper’s last album was his self-titled debut ‘AJ Tracey’ which dropped in 2019, peaking at number three in the UK albums charts. On the project, the versatile Londoner experimented with a variety of genres and sounds, ranging from country-inspired trap songs to soca-infused R&B tracks, with the latter being inspired by his Trinidadian heritage. Most notably, the project included the summer anthem ‘Ladbroke Grove’, a track celebrating the neighbourhood in London that the rapper grew up in. The song has also been integral to the recent revival of the UK garage sound from the early 2000s, a sound that will undoubtedly make many appearances this summer as people hope to celebrate a world without COVID-induced restrictions.

4/3/21

— aj (@ajtracey) February 28, 2021

If this Thursday is the beginning of a run of singles that may lead up to the rapper’s second album, it is likely that we will witness the same versatility that Tracey exhibited on his debut. As far back as 2018, in an interview with Esquire, the rapper implored his listeners to not categorise him according to one specific genre, saying, “Just don’t call me a grime artist”. Tracey clearly did not want to be bound to the sound that he originally came up doing, and so it is likely that any possible music he may be dropping this coming Thursday will continue his attempts to explore different musical avenues.

Of the most popular songs this year, a significant number are collaborations, which has brought new sounds to the limelight. Some have been from breakthrough acts, and all are reflections of the various events of 2020. Here are our top ten songs of 2020.

10. Contagion – Napalm Death
Arguably the highest peak in Napalm Death’s sixteenth record Thores of Joy in the Jaws of Defeatism (Century Media, 2020), ‘Contagion’ is the ruthless manifestation of Napalm Death’s forty-year long crusade against ignorance and social injustice. In a milestone album with influences ranging from signature grindcore to old-school industrial, the track is a straightforward brutal tirade against greed and corruption.

With music and lyrics by bassist Shane Embury and produced by Russ Russell (At The Gates, Dimmu Burgir, Exploited), ‘Contagion’ captures the rage and defiance of the whole record. The song is a fast and precise blend of grind and death metal, with doom feel and hardcore attitude. It is moody and angry, but above all, it is pure Napalm Death and one to remember 2020 with.

- Viktor Balchikliev

9. Strange Girl – Laura Marling
Strange Girl was written by Laura Marling and comes from her seventh studio album ‘Song for Our Daughter’ which was released in April of 2020. ‘Song for Our Daughter’ was co-produced by Laura Marling and long-time collaborator Ethan Johns. The album is a collection of messages Laura wants to convey to her future daughter.

The song addresses this fictional daughter as someone quite like Marling and has given up financial stability to pursue her art. The song is the perfect dance around the kitchen song, it follows the classic folk song style of and undeniable beat with a beautiful message, told through passionate lyrics. ‘Song For Our Daughter’ was shortlisted for the 2020 Mercury Awards and was also nominated for Best Folk Album in the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards.

- Susan Owens

8. Heat Waves – Glass Animals
Written by Glass Animals frontman Dave Bayley and produced by Paul Epworth (Adele, Rihanna, Florence and the Machine), has been pivotal in the band’s career – and this year for fans, gaining over 64 million streams. ‘Heat Waves’ is blends genres in the way that Glass Animals so often do; despite featuring hip-hop beats and influences from trap music, there is ultimately an electro-pop sound running throughout.

This was one of many singles to be shared from the band’s latest album ‘Dreamland’, premiering in June, with the album following in August. Lyrically, the song focuses on combatting the judgement of other people and staying true to one’s own path. Bayley wrote on Instagram, “It’s about realising you can’t make everyone happy. And realising it’s ok to be defeated by something,” going on to say, “being vulnerable should be a positive thing.”

7. Head &Heart – Joel Corry ft. MNEK
Head & Heart by Joel Corry, featuring the widely popular MNEK on vocals, was the UK’s favourite dance-track of the summer after its massive release in July. The single had the added benefit of being mixed by the acclaimed Kevin Grainger who has worked on iconic dance records, including with the late Avicii. Head & Heart was the fun and optimistic club-banger that was sorely needed in a time of isolation and therefore rocketed to the top of the charts in its first week.

Corry is a relatively new artist, only breaking onto the London DJ scene in 2019, so his success with this track has been unprecedented as it sat at the number 1 spot on the UK Single Charts for 6 weeks straight. Corry has come a long way from his reality television days on Geordie Shore as Head & Heart has made him one of London’s most successful DJ’s and producers of the year. It would be fitting to say that Head & Heart makes 2020’s heart go ‘boom boom bah doom!’

- Shana Briddock

6. Ain’t It Different – Headie One ft. Stormzy and AJ Tracey
‘Ain’t It Different’ was written by 13 writers (including AJ Tracey) and produced by Fred (Ed Sheehan, Rita Ora, Major Lazer, Ellie Goulding) and Toddla T (Major Lazer, Sean Paul). The song sees the three rappers trade straight-talking bars about how different their lives are now.

It’s an important message depicting how different their lives have changed since their younger days, which uses samples from M-Dubs’ Bump and Grind and Red Hot Chilli Peppers’ Pretty Little Dirty. Sitting at over 60 million streams and peaking at number 2 in the UK charts, these rap and R’n’B legends have hit out with a powerful and immersive song.

- Rory Aitken

5. Obey – Bring Me The Horizon and Yungblud
‘Obey’ is a collaboration between two pop-punk giants; Yungblud and Bring Me The Horizon. Full of battering guitars, hard-hitting drum beats and electric vocals, the song pulls from multiple genres nu metal, electronic dance music and rave music.

Throughout, the song carries a riotous energy, focusing on the oppression and suffering many face due to government control; “Obey, We’re gonna show you how to behave, Obey It’s nicer when you can’t see the chains.”  The track has received universal acclaim from fans and critics alike, being voted Annie Mac’s Hottest Record of the Year for 2020.

- Lily Blakeney-Edwards

4. Rain – Aitch, AJ Tracey and Tay Keith
Two of the biggest names in UK rap, Aitch and AJ Tracey, released their track ‘Rain’ this year on the 5^th of May 2020. The track was produced by Tay Keith, who also featured on the hit single which was premiered on BBC Radio 1 and 1XTRA as Annie Mac’s Hottest Record In The World and DJ Target’s ‘Targo Embargo’.

The LA Filmed video was produced by Arrad. NME says it “sees Aitch and AJ making it rain – both literally and metaphorically – as they hold onto stacks of dollar bills and rock various pieces of iced- out jewellery.” The 3 rap artists roll out their lyrics effortlessly over a heavy piano beat produced by Tay Keith. The highly anticipated track was a brilliant collaboration and it’s therefore no surprise it was a huge hit this year.

- Ashleigh K

3. All I Need – Jacob Collier ft. Mahalia and Ty Dolla $ign
Penned by our very own Jacob Collier, the ‘Clarity’ artist offers a soulful, R&B infused standout single. A creative collision between Jacobs, American rapper Ty Dolla $ign and singer- songwriter Mahalia (formally known as Mahalia Burkmar), All I Need draws upon the three artists’ eclectic and equally strong vocal prowesses.

‘All I Need’ is taken from Collier’s fourth studio album, ‘Djesse Vol. 3′. Released back in August, ‘All I Need’ is a genre-blending, foot-tapping bop, filled to the brim with sounds of both neo-soul and synth pop. Lyrically, the track hones in on the all too relatable feeling of infatuation. Collier sings: “I love the way that I feel when you put your arms over me/(There must be something I could say to make you stay baby)”. He said of the track’s meaning: “In the gorgeous, naive space that exists when one falls in love with somebody, it can really feel like they are exactly everything you need in that moment.”

- Sadie Willis-Falkiner

2. Don’t Start Now – Dua Lipa
Released as a single ahead of her successful ‘Future Nostalgia,’ album late last year, Dua Lipa’s ‘Don’t Start Now,’ made a splash which has led to it to becoming one of the biggest hits of 2020. The tune charted at number 2 on the official charts, only narrowly behind her two biggest hits, the UK number ones ‘New Rules,’ and ‘One Kiss,’ and it remained on the charts for a whopping 52 weeks.

Like the rest of ‘Future Nostalgia,’ don’t start now has a retro 80s disco vibe with a great bassline and neat guitar work, the lyrics are in some ways typical of Dua Lipa’s songwriting, dealing with everyday themes like relationships and heartbreak with simple, yet effective delivery. As we head into 2021 ‘Don’t Start Now,’ is still one of the hottest tracks in a hear of British music which has undoubtably been owned by Dua Lipa.

- Felix Leif

1. Black Dog – Arlo Parks
2020 was a breakthrough year for Arlo Parks, and in ‘Black Dog’ the Londoner produced a timely and powerful reflection on mental health which captured the frustrated, longing mood of a nation in lockdown. Parks’ lyrics fuse the mundanity of everyday life stuck indoors (“Let’s go to the corner store and buy some fruit/ I would do anything to get you out your room”) with a dark sensuality, particularly that superb opening line, “I’d like the grief right off your lips/ You do your eyes like Robert Smith”.

It’s a curious and winning combination which has gained over 10 million streams. Sonically, ‘Black Dog’ is sweetly melodic and quietly intense: an indie ballad which blends in folk and R&B influences to stirring effect.

2021 looks set to be another big year for Parks – her debut LP ‘Collapsed In Sunbeams’ is due for release next month – and you wouldn’t bet against this prodigious young talent scaling new heights in the very near future.

- Daniel Parker

AJ deleted his instagram earlier this year and then revealed a mystery mobile number, asking his fans to text him for more news, keeping them updated with teasers and news about the upcoming EP. He said, “This one’s for the real day 1 Lil tracey / AJ Tracey / GTraceo fans. I made sure the ones who stuck with me get something in return.”

Secure The Bag! 2 OUT NOWhttps://t.co/foblp2hUEG

— aj (@ajtracey) November 29, 2020

The nine track record has taken us back to his roots of Ladbrook Grove with pure grime and transatlantic rap and having grown a huge fanbase over the years, this will no doubt show his growth as a talented rapper. NME reported him saying about his recent success, “Would you believe / I killed the shows overseas / Spread the sound like a disease / brought the world to its knees,” he raps on ‘Yumeko’.”

In 2017 AJ Tracey released his original EP ‘Secure The Bag’ but with his latest release it seems he has cemented himself as one of the UK’s top current rappers. His EP is very versatile and have something for everyone’s musical tastes. NME reviewed the EP saying, “Across the EP, there are moments for every type of AJ Tracey fan. Lean, skittish drum rolls on ‘Hikkimori’ are underpinned with road rap, which slots alongside the taut trap braggadocio trills of ‘Blow My Phone’. ‘No Chucks’ and ‘Triggered’, meanwhile, epitomise Tracey’s quintessential energetic, boastful rap sound.”

Having entered the album chart in 2017 with ‘Secure The Bag,’ AJ Tracy will no doubt be hoping to top his success with his latest record. Tracy then released ‘Butterflies,” feat British singer Not3s, which peaked in the top 20 on the UK singles chart. The self titled album, ‘AJ Tracy’ which was released in 2019 by Warner records and peaked at number 3 on the album charts. His highest charting single was ‘Ladbroke Grove’ which peaked at Number 3 on the UK Singles Chart.

2020 has been AJ’s most successful year yet having released his hit ‘West Ten’ feat Mabel and massive hits including ‘Dinner Guest’ feat Mo Stack, a charity single ‘Times like these,’ and the platinum certified Tik-Tok track ‘Rain’ with Aich. He’s also featured alongside Stormzy on Headie One’s ‘Ain’t It Different,’ which peaked at number 2 in the UK Official Chart.

Having had over one billion streams globally, AJ’s continues to show his versatility and talent as a UK rapper as he continues to push the boundaries and have a clever use of wordplay to captivate his audience. His surprise release will surely please his fans and no doubt be another one in the bag for AJ Tracey.

Tracklist

1. Yumeko
2. LA4AWEEK2
3. Red & Green
4. Graveyard Shift
5.Hikikomori
6. Blow my Phone
7. No Chucks
8. Triggered
9. Coloumbiana