It is a move away from the comedic style or grime, for which Big Narstie is renowned. ‘Legacy‘ is an homage to the struggles that fame can bring. ‘There is something special about me‘, the iconic rapper muses. He rhymes about ‘the paranoia‘ he suffers with, and his wariness of ‘evil in the dark‘. However, over an upbeat instrumental, Narstie’s prose is hopeful as he points out that ‘God loves a trier‘.

Big Narstie has become a household name away from music over recent years. He collaborated with comedian Mo Gilligan to bring a hearty chat show, the aptly named ‘Big Narstie Show‘, to prime time Channel 4. His stock has gone through the roof, and he has subsequently appeared on national television shows such as ‘The Big Fat Quiz of The Year‘. This simply augmented the fame he had cultivated from the British music scene, hard earned by smash collaborations with Craig David.

View this post on Instagram

Ebony and ivory lol we got a banger coming lol @devlinartist @dicerecordingsltd #bdl

A post shared by Big Narstie (@bignarstie) on Jun 9, 2020 at 11:11am PDT

A grime track named ‘Legacy‘ makes Devlin an obvious feature. The Bermondsey-based emcee rose to prominence with his album ‘Bud, Sweat and Beers‘ in 2011. Several high profile feature have followed, as well as a vicious sound clash with grime godfather Wiley. He has therefore moved onto the pantheon of greatness amongst the British rap scene. However, the rapper maintains that this success has left him with ‘no tears left‘, because he feels as though ‘life has no meaning‘. He uses the track to reflect that confidence in his own ability has propelled him to his current status’. Problems I work them out, barriers I break them down‘ is his enduring message.

‘Legacy’ is a collaboration between two of grime’s most recognisable figures. It may not fill dance halls or threaten the Top 10, but it is a track which serves to remind aspiring artists of the dedication needed to become the best. It is advice worth listening to, as both Devlin and Big Narstie are grime icons within their own right. 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

“Legacy” @bignarstie ft myself out now link in bio

 

A post shared by Devlin (@devlinartist) on Jul 10, 2020 at 3:52am PDT

Big Narstie demonstrates his Spanish linguistics in this upbeat track (which could use a bit of work), “Fiesta Amigo! I just grabbed myself an Amiga”. The party packed video shows the pair at pool parties with ocean views and bikini-clad women. A depiction of summer lust, this banger is bound to have people dancing, finding their partners in this hot weather. With assistance on the melodic side of his raps, Donae’o’s smooth RnB sound can be heard on the adlibs throughout the track.

Big Narstie has been keeping busy recently, presenting his own Channel 4 show, ‘The Big Narstie Show’ and appearing on celebrity spin-off episodes of hit British TV shows such as ‘The Great British Bake Off’ and ‘Gogglebox’. His unorthodox, South London take on presenting the weather became a viral sensation after broadcasting on ITV. Becoming a prominent figure on British television hasn’t allowed Big Narstie to forget his musical roots, blessing his fans with a solid track for 2019.

Premiered on Mistajam’s BBC Radio 1Xtra show, the track also features the veteran Grime MC Big Narstie. The two hit it off after meeting at Kurupt FM’s #60MinutesLive takeover of 1Xtra, and collabed for Craig David’s first song in years – a classic UK Garage tune with Big Narstie bringing some nostalgic grime bars. You can check the song out below:

Craig David is, of course, a legend in UK Garage, and his return has seen a warm welcome, as Mistajam pointed out before premiering the tune “There’s UK music pre-Craig David and UK music post-Craig David.” Following My Intuition will be his sixth studio album, and first in six years, following 2010’s Signed Sealed Delivered.

Craig David’s return this year has seen him play Bestival and perform his 2000 classic ‘Fill Me In’ with Major Lazer at their London gig last month. He also performed ‘Fill Me In’ over Jack Ü’s ‘Where Are Ü Now’ during Kurupt FM’s #60MinutesLive takeover. You can watch him at #60MinutesLive, including the moment he met Big Narstie, below: