Freedom 2020
Following on from his summer release, the grime/garage showcase ‘Vibes’, producer/rapper St3ph links up with American rapper Dewwy to tackle broader, relevant issues on the absorbing, vigorous and latutudiinarian ‘Freedom 2020’. Having pioneered his own sound, influenced heavily by garage, reggae, grime and trap, the London born artist uses individualism and refinement to set him apart from his peers. On this new cut, the artist shows lyrical craft and artful visualisation to pillage the current political, moral and cultural climate.
From the murky, itinerant timbre emerges a creeping, psychedelic sample that acts as a constant in the instrumental, further engulfed by ominous, grumbling bass and static, busy percussion. The production is encompassing and bountiful, with the vocal perched atop the burdening, big soundscape. Both rappers come strong with forceful imagery and thoughtful, intense ideas, hitting salient flows and expressive delivery.
St3ph shows himself to be a versatile, cultured MC, who seems bound to receive wider acclaim in the coming months. A powerful message with a stylistic approach, it’s the artists best work to date.