‘Own Motion’ is a remix of an original track written and produced by ML. The release of the remix follows recent revelations from Giggs who shared that his son’s openness about his autism diagnosis led the UK hip-hop star led him to seek one for himself. Over a bouncy, soulful beat, the track features candid lyrics like ‘I used to be ashamed, I used to hide it, but now I own it’ – a declaration of the growth and ownership of the journey both artists have undergone.

Giggs has recently taken to the media to open up about the struggles with ASD that him and his children have faced. In an interview with BBC Newsnight aired on July 8, the UK rapper spoke about the challenges of accessing support for his son and daughter, including difficulties securing EHCPs (Education, Health and Care Plans).

The interview came amid UK government proposals to reduce the number of children qualifying for EHCP support—plans Giggs criticised. Giggs has suggested that ‘it would be actually smart for the government to throw all their money to autistic people and let us be the super genius or super heroes that we are.’ More on the UK’s proposed plans to cut this extra support for children with special needs can be read here.

Prior to the tracks release, Giggs has been increasingly vocal about his own neurodivergent experiences, opening up about how undiagnosed autism shaped his school years and early adulthood. In an exclusive interview with 90s Baby Show, the British rapper said: ‘I always used to answer back all the time and get kicked out of class every single day – until I just thought, well, I’m bad. You can take that through life. I ended up in prison twice. Obviously, I’m grateful enough to have a career now, and that saved my life. But I don’t want that to happen to [my kids]’.

Giggs’ openness is part of a broader movement of artists using their platforms to advocate for neurodiversity and highlight the gaps in support for autistic individuals. ‘Own Motion’ offers a personal, moving look into that lived experience.

The release of Own Motion has sparked speculation among fans about an upcoming album. Earlier this year, Giggs dropped another new single, ‘Gorgeous’, produced by former Paramore bassist Jeremy Davis. MXDWN’s coverage of the release of this new single can be read here.

The track sees Giggs employ his slow flow over a banging, dark trap beat, produced by Jeremy Davis, going by his producer alias JERMbeats. The celebratory, confident character of the track is captured by some punchy lyrics, like “Baddies in my car look gorgeous / And we’re goin’ my yard, big fortress” and “Your ni**a just got smoked, was it worth it? These ni***s are jokes, Eddie Murphy”.

His cadence on the menacing beat may remind fans of his older work over slower trap instrumentals, like “Uummm!!!” from his debut album, ‘Walk In Da Park’.

The track comes a month after the London legend dropped ‘11^th May’, an introspective, pensive number where he reflected on his rise to fame and the environment around him.

In a press release, Giggs compared the difference between the two new songs: “‘11th May’ was me out with the kids and the dog,” he said. “And then ‘Gorgeous’ is the night after when I’ve dropped the kids off at their mums and I’m ready for a few drinks.”

The recent drops of singles will have fans wording if a full-length release is coming soon. Giggs’ last album was ‘Zero Tolerance’, his sixth LP that came out in 2023. The project featured collaborations with the likes of Popcaan, Jadakiss, 21 Savage, Dave, Potter Payper, Tiny Boost and more.

It’s also been confirmed that Giggs will appear on hip-hop icon Slick Rick’s upcoming record – his first album in 25 years. Coming on June 13, the British-born NY rapper has promised that the project will showcase “British artistry at its finest”, also featuring Idris Elba and Estelle.

Giggs recently performed for Due North, an event curated by END., THE FACE and Stone Island, a brand that the Peckham performer has been seen wearing regularly. Taking place at Manchester venue Hidden, he also brought his son ML to play a set, as he’s taken after his father by following him into rap music.

Later this summer, the ‘Talkin’ da Hardest’ rapper is set to take to the stage at Somerset House for his Giggs & Family event – you can find details for that here.

In his trademark low voice and stone-cold delivery, he raps over a tender piano-led beat provided by Levi & Side Real and Desro. He flexes his status and how for he’s come and also ponder his relationships: “hardly got no friends left, but you know the play/Nine times out of ten it’s gonna go that way.” The ambient instrumental and pensive lyrics might remind fans of tracks like “The Essence” and “Slow Songs”.

He also confidently speaks on his undeniable influence in UK rap, referring to himself as the “biggest goat/You know how much London man I’ve given hope?”

A statement describes the song and its contemplative nature: “No gloss, no gimmicks – just grown-man truths, laid bare in that unmistakable baritone. It’s a slow burn of a track, where reflection hits heavier than the beat…this is Giggs holding a mirror up to himself and daring us to look too.”

Giggs is seen by many as a legend of the UK rap scene, and one of the spearheads of the road rap movement that took Britain by storm in the 2000’s. He’s had numerous high-charting releases, such as his fourth album ‘Landlord‘ and commercial mixtape ‘Wamp 2 Dem‘ peaking at no. 2 on the UK album chart.

Giggs has been steadily dropping some new songs over the past few months. His last full-length release was in 2023, with the well-received mixtape ‘Zero Tolerance’. In October last year, he teamed up with Quavo and US fashion brand Kid Super to drop a new single, ‘Big In Da Game’.

More recently, he released a new song in February called ‘The Entry’ via a unique format – a live video performance with DJ AG on the decks. In March he dropped ‘Big On Change’, a menacing trap banger with an imaginative music video.

In a recent feature with Something About Rocks magazine, the Peckham Landlord shared his admiration for the newer generation of British rappers, naming some that he’s particularly fond of: “Everyone influences me and I get influenced to this day by the new kids. Dave, Strandz, they inspire me.

“[The UK rap scene] is always evolving. From the beginning to now: it’s gone crazy.

“Look at the likes of Central Cee, Stormzy – they’ve taken it to the highest of heights. All of them.”

Giggs currently has a couple of gigs scheduled for 2025, one of them being “Giggs & Friends” at Somerset House. He will be joined by guests Potter Payper, P Money and Tiny Boost for an outdoor performance at the London venue. More details can be found here.

This exciting announcement comes after both artist’s recent album releases. Peckham-born Giggs released his sixth studio album, Zero Tolerance in August of this year which featured a collaboration with Diddy on the song, ‘Mandem‘. Diddy recently released his fifth studio album, The Love Album, which features works and collaborations with some of the best names in music and which arrived 17 years after his previous album, Press Play.

Diddy took to Instagram to share his excitement, “Attention LONDON! One night only! We comin’ to make History!”.

This has not been the first show Giggs has put on for charitable purposes. In 2018, Giggs put on a show at Camden’s Roundhouse in which people could set their own price for tickets for Sickle Cell Society and the Amy Winehouse Foundation.

Similar to previous charitable events, the upcoming evening with Diddy and Giggs will also be funded by patrons where they can choose their own ticket prices.

Diddy has also recently made news by donating a large sum of money to Howard University. Ben Vinson, president of the academic institution, stated, “A monumental moment at Yardfest! Thank you Diddy, for your incredible generosity and support of Howard University. Your million-dollar contribution will make a profound impact on our students and community. We’re honoured to have you as a part of our Bison family.”

This year marks the 15th year anniversary of Giggs’ debut studio album Walk In Da Park. This album has been seen as one of the most influential in the British hip-hop scene and even helped spawn a sub-genre called ‘Road Rap’.

Diddy’s rise to stardom has been as tumultuous as it has been successful. Releasing music which has topped the charts, won awards and has earned Diddy international fame despite receiving consistently mixed reviews has not stopped this hip-hop legend from performing and writing.

Diddy has recently taken to social media to announce his film, ‘Off The Grid’, stating, “The Movie “Off The Grid” starring Sean Diddy Combs & Eva Apio coming to a theatre near you. Inspired by The Love Album.”

Between Diddy and Giggs are years of brilliant performances and shows which they are sure to bring next week at O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire. You can find tickets here.

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The collaboration was teased when Giggs posted a picture of the pair outside Peckham McDonalds on the 15th of September, the McDonalds having been somewhere Giggs worked when growing up in Peckham.

 

 

 

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The track “Northside Southside” is from Meek Mills new album Expensive Pain which was released on the 1st of October and sold 95,000 units the first week debuting on the US charts at 3rd.

Giggs collaborating with a North American artist is nothing new having featured alongside Canadian superstar Drake on the tracks “KMT” and “No long talk”. The 38-year-old rap legend has also appeared on tracks alongside Cassanova, Bun B, Swizz Beats and Baka.

Giggs has recently spent a lot of time in America had previously been unable to travel there due to previous convictions. This coming Friday the legendary rapper with taking to the Maddison Square Garden stage for Meek Mill and friends ‘Expensive Pain’ live show. Giggs won’t be the only artist there with Lil Uzi Vert, 42 Dugg, Est Gee, Rowdy Rebel, Fivio Foreign and Vory all set to perform at the 20,000 capacity arena.

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Meek isn’t an artist who tends to work with UK artists, with his last collaboration with a UK artist coming in 2012 with his appearance on Chips London Boy mixtape where he featured on the track “Pizza Boy”.

The collaboration between these two rap superstars further bridges the gap between the UK and US rap scene, with Giggs yet again helping build relations with not just artists from North America but some of the biggest artists in the world.

The collaboration was always set to happen with Meek mill announcing in a Twitter q&a in 2019 that Giggs was his favourite UK rapper before going on to say that he wanted to sign a British rapper to his Dreamchaser label, something he is yet to have done.

Giggs is… I need some new Uk waves put me on the new uk artist… I need a #uk artist on DreamChasers he gotta be official and fiyaaaaa tho https://t.co/Jc6KZeDqj2 — Meek Mill (@MeekMill) November 15, 2019

The video for “Northside Southside” was released today and is available to watch here:

Announcing the release of the interview on Instagram, Link Up TV wrote: “@shabzdidit sits down with the godfather @officialgiggs for an exclusive one on one conversation .You don’t want to miss this one.”

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Giggs sits down with Mr. Shabz for an in-depth interview about his journey in the music industry so far and delves into his sound and persona’s background. The one hour and twenty-seven-minute interview also explores what he thinks about his critics, ongoing disputes, his early mixtapes and reminisces on the good time in his ends. 

Talking about his expression through his music, Giggs said: “It’s always been music bruv, through everything… through music and that, if man can bring people together as well, you know what I’m saying?”    

Mr Shabz reflects on his friendship with Giggs and how they share the common experience of being Dads. Giggs jokingly said: “No ones calling me Giggs in my house, it’s dad, daddy or my name. I might forget I’m Giggs.” 

Most recently, Giggs featured on the track ‘Games’ by Ray BLK, which was released last month and also shared a ‘Daily Duppy’ freestyle. Opening the freestyle, he rapped: “Opening the track, Giggs raps: “The liveliest member, I’m live in the centre/ Rising Avenger/ Riding around, hiding a blender/ These guys are corona, I’m nice with the cleanser/ Quite an agenda/ Was gone till November/ I light up December/I’m sending these texts she likes me to send her/ She likes me, I’m sexy, I like when it’s tender.”

The Peckham rapper, released his debut studio album ‘Walk in da Park’ back in 2008. Following on from his debut album, the rapper has released five albums, with his fourth album ‘Landlord’ reaching number two in the UK charts. In late 2020, the grime artist released a surprise mixtape called ‘Now or Never.’ It consisted of 16 tracks, with features including Dave, Jorja Smith, A Boogie wit da Hoodie, Kyze, Aystar, Tiny Boost, DeMarco, Obongjayar and Emeli Sandé. In response to his latest album, Giggs has been hailed by critics for using his platform to promote a new generation of talent 

Link Up TV hosts a variety of artists from the British hip hop, grime, trap, and drill scene. They have a strong focus on rising talent, aiming to develop new artists. Link Up TV has also featured big names such as Drake, Giggs, Bugzy Malone, Wretch 32, and S1mba. With a host of other artists that have featured on the series of Link Up TV, as part of their freestyle series, ‘Behind Barz’ and ‘Live Sessions.’ 

You can watch Mr. Shabz interview with Giggs now on Youtube:

When Giggs made his previous appearance on the format in 2015, ‘Daily Duppy’ had only been around for three years. Now, six years on, the popularity of both the GRM Daily channel and the ‘Daily Duppy’ format has increased exponentially and has helped to promote a huge array of British artists during that time. Similarly, whilst Giggs was undoubtedly a household name in the UK rap scene in 2015, the rapper’s profile has grown enormously since his first appearance on ‘Daily Duppy’. Notably, he went on to release his highest charting album ‘Landlord’ in 2016, peaking at number two in the UK albums chart, and then on to win a MOBO for ‘Best Hip-Hop Act’ in 2017.

In 2018, GRM Daily posted an article on their website titled ‘15 Iconic Daily Duppy Freestyles (So Far)’, which included his 2015 freestyle on it. At the time they aptly said, “The landlord laid down his fire Daily Duppy two years ago and it has most certainly stood the test of time.”

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In his most recent ‘Daily Duppy’, the Peckham-born MC’s sharp lyricism and charismatic delivery is on full display. In the opening lines Giggs raps, “These guys are corona/ I’m nice with the cleanser”, using the current coronavirus pandemic as a metaphor for the need to purge harmful people from your life.  It is this kind of slick wordplay and comic edge that has helped the MC distinguish himself from his rap peers. Accompanied by the characteristically inventive visual effects of the format that bring his lyrics to life, Giggs’ dynamic performance on his second ‘Daily Duppy’ does not disappoint.

Although the London rapper has not made any announcements over any upcoming releases, fans will be eagerly anticipating new music from him after a strong start to the year. Giggs dropped his last full-length album ‘Big Bad…’ in 2019 and then a mixtape ‘Now or Never’ in 2020. His fanbase will be hoping that the veteran MC continues this annual trend, gifting them with a new project in 2021.

Check out Giggs’ ‘Daily Duppy’ below:

Brothers Alec and Alex Boateng will head their new UK project as industry executives. Alex Boateng has been a part of Universal Music for ten years, and up until recently fulfilled the role of President of Island Records’ Urban Division. Giggs, Drake, Tiwa Savage and Ray BLK are just some of the artists who have collaborated on campaigns with Island Records.

Up until Universals’ latest announcement, Alec Boateng served the great responsibility as Co-chair of A&R at Atlantic Records. The growing superstardom of both Burna Boy and Jess Glynne was all overseen by Alec Boateng.

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Amy Tetty, a former colleague at Island Records with an eleven-year alumni, will join Alec and Alex Boateng on 0207 Def Jam. In a statement, Alex Boateng relayed his excitement towards the new project: “Especially in these times, this is a real privilege. I’m proud our collective journey now includes partnering a legendary label with a style that only London and the UK can provide. Looking forward to watching and guiding where the music and art takes the journey next.”

Alec Boateng declared his anticipation and gratitude towards his new role, showing his high appreciation for today’s artists: “Music, art and artists really, really matter. I’m super excited to play a leadership role in this brilliant new space we’re creating for amazing music and talent to live and evolve. A space which will support both our teams and our artists to be the best version of themselves.”

The interim Chairman and CEO of Def Jam Recordings Jeff Harleston was immensely pleased at the news of Alec and Alex Boateng heading 0207 Def Jam. Harleston said in a statement: “It is a perfect fit having Alex and Alec at the helm of 0207 Def Jam.”

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Harleston continued, conveying his upmost respect for the Boateng brothers. Harleston said of the Boatengs: “Their creativity, artist relationships, and connection with culture are all key elements that have made Def Jam such an important label for over 35 years. I have no doubt that Alex, Alec and their team will only make the label and the brand even stronger.”

Def Jam Recordings was founded in 1984 by legendary producer Rick Rubin. Originally starting from his University dorm room in New York City, Rubin started Def Jam Recordings to release a song by his then punk group, Hose. Russell Simmonds joined Def Jam as a partner soon after, following an introduction to Rubin by DJ Jazzy Jay.

Since then, Def Jam Recordings have signed, supervised and overseen some of the world’s biggest artists and their respective rises to superstardom. From LL Cool J and Jay Z, to Rihanna and Stormzy, Def Jam have continuously reigned as the music industry’s most dynamic record label.

Now or Never comprises sixteen tracks. Giggs enlisted multiple stellar collaborations for the mammoth album, working with the likes of Kyze, A Boogie Wit da Hoodie and Aystar. Tiny Boost, Demarco Obongjayar, Jorga Smith, Dave and Emelie Sandé were also recruited for Giggs’ star-studded album. 

Giggs and Kyze for 100 Reps, where the rappers sustain a back and forth, boasting their respective excellence. Kyze opens the track, asserting himself immediately. Kyze raps “100 reps, that money flex/Fill up my tank, my tummy’s next” and “I’ll play the game till sudden death/I meditate till I manifest.”

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“NOW OR NEVER” THE NEW MIXTAPE OUT NOW (LINK IN BIO)

A post shared by GIGGS (@officialgiggs) on Nov 5, 2020 at 4:02pm PST

Changed Me sees Giggs teaming up with American rapper A Boogie Wit da Hoodie. A low tempo bop, Changed Me is the perfect mix from two of the best figures in English and American rap. 

Demarco and Giggs channel old school reggae vibes on Everybody Dead. Giggs does not hold back on the track, his razor-sharp lyrics dominating throughout. Giggs raps: “I think the money changed me/As for me and you, we’re not the same, baby/If you think you crazy, I’m the same, baby”

Jorja Smith lends her vocals on Im Workin, probably the most ballad-like track of the album. Smith’s unmistakable croon sings of someone feeling let down by the people closest to them; “I’m not tryna provе myself again/I’ve shown both my hands, therе’s nothing left and/I’d be runnin’ miles, tryin’ to please them.”

Giggs has also released an accompanying music video to Buff Baddies on his official YouTube channel today. Featuring an array of choreographed dances within a humongous warehouse, Buff Baddies would fit perfectly in a club setting. The music video to Buff Baddies can be watched in full here.

Giggs took to Instagram to deliver news of his surprise album. In the short clip, thunder and lightning crackled, whilst Giggs stood shrouded in a white hooded jacket, holding what looks like a pulsating radioactive rock. The Peligro rapper then throws the rock to the camera, unveiling the cartoon cover art to Now or Never, where Giggs is displayed almost holding the globe. 

Fans were clearly ecstatic at the post, as the clip obtained over 199,000 views and likes already. One excited fan wrote “Incredible!”, whilst another commented joyfully “Back Like You Never Left”

Now Or Never is out now. The full tracklisting for the episode can be found below: 

1. Now or Never
2. All Spinach
3. Buff Buddies
4. Debonair
5. 100 Reps (feat. Kyze)
6.Changed Me (feat. A Boogie Wit da Hoodie)
7. Branch Out
8. No Back Bone (feat. Aystar & Tiny Boost)
9. Everybody Dead (feat. Demarco)
10. Don’t Be Shy (feat. Obongjayar)
11. I’m Workin (feat. Jorga Smith)
12. Krash (prod by Krash)
13. Man Are Outside
14. Straight Murder (feat. Dave)
15. Hoochies
16. It’s Hard (feat. Emelie Sandé)

Drake goes back to back with Headie One over a commercial, but menacing, Drill beat. Drake is one of music’s biggest superstars, and Headie’s inclusion on the track demonstrates his meteoric rise. The London-based artist, Headie One, dominates the freestyle due to his comfort on a Drill instrumental. His flow rolls effortlessly over the track’s peaks and troughs. Furthermore, his comedic lyrics demonstrate the joy he felt at being involved in the single. Drake’s vocals are more accustomed to the R and B anthems that made him famous, however his wordplay ensured a worthy contribution to the project.

Drake is a keen supporter of British street culture. He collaborated with Giggs and Skepta on his Album, ‘More Life‘ (2017). He brought out J Hus during his 2019 tour, and bankrolled the return of gritty Netflix series, ‘Top Boy‘. He confirmed his support by captioning the freestyle’s release with an emoji of the British flag. Interest in UK Drill peaked last week, with icon Unknown T releasing his ground-breaking ‘Rise Against Hate project‘.

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Only You Freestyle with my gg @champagnepapi Link me back here tommorow at 9pm ‼️

A post shared by One (@headieone) on Jul 19, 2020 at 1:31pm PDT

Headie One took to Instagram to display his excitement at working with Drake. He uploaded a still from the freestyle’s adjoining visual, with the symbol of a goat (which is used as an acronym for Greatest Of All Time).  Drill is a genre which addresses the dark aspects of street life, and ‘The Only You Freestyle‘ music video adheres to this principle. It is set in a dingy car park, lit only by the headlights of several vehicles. The rapper’s perform against this setting, accompanied only by some obscured background figures. The result is an eerie backdrop for the track’s sinister instrumental.

Headie One’s collaboration with Drake cements UK Drill’s meteoric rise. The multi-platinum pop idol’s involvement will send the genre global, as he has an international platform. The ‘Only You Freestyle‘ gives fans a taster of the Drill’s chaotic energy, whilst showcasing a unique fusion of transatlantic flow, wordplay and rhythm. UK drill may be on the precipice of worldwide fame, thanks to Headie, Drake and the ‘Only You Freestyle‘.