Jelani Blackman channels big energy with laid back mastery on his new single ‘Bubblin’.

Since his last EP,  2018’s ‘Lockjaw’, Jelani has been steadily building up an impressive arsenal of singles showcasing his formidable rap style and melodic prowess. The fourth single of 2021, ‘Bubblin’ overflows with the confidence of an artist sure-footed on the wave of his success. Jelani’s unmistakable deep bass tone and vibrant beats have attracted accolades such as encore performances on A COLORS SHOW and link ups with the Gorillaz. Recently appearing with the Gorillaz at their NHS benefit concert at the O2, Jelani debuted his feature on ‘Meanwhile’, an introspective reflection on changes to the rapper’s West London neighbourhood that’s just dropped in time for what would have been Carnival weekend. 

On the opposite side of the artist’s considerable range, ‘Bubblin’ is pure celebration. The track captures the energy of “one wavy night”, a single session that the artist shares was so hype he received a noise complaint the next day. Skating over rhythmic guitar and trilling flutes, Jelani’s deft cadence is almost reminiscent of ‘When Disaster Strikes…’ era Busta Rhymes, but his distinctive tone and leisurely delivery make the track uniquely his own.