Gorillaz enlist UK rap favourites AJ Tracey and Jelani Blackman for the eclectic new ‘Meanwhile EP’.

In 2020, Gorillaz dropped perhaps their best project in a decade with ‘Song Machine, Season One: Strange Timez‘, which featured an array of influential UK and US artists; ranging from Slowthai, Skepta, EARTHGANG, Robert Smith and ScHoolboy Q. It was, without doubt, one of the most compelling and engaging albums of last year, with the soundscapes and songwriting immensely diverse and progressive, whilst maintaining coherency and focus. The virtual group have picked up where they left off with this thematic, dense and endearing trilogy of tunes.

Yes, sadly, we are only treated to 3 songs from Damon Albarn and crew, yet despite the minimal run time, the EP provides vast sonic variation and narrative depth. The opener, ‘Meanwhile’ features a Pit favourite, the Ladbroke Grove-raised rap chameleon Jelani Blackman, as well as the legendary Barrington Levy, who is one of the leading innovators of the now flourishing dancehall scene. The track is understated, cinematic and sonically explorative, with colourful samples and pacy percussion the perfect foundation for Jelani’s effortless delivery and an emotive, quietly stunning hook from Damon.

Next up, Gorillaz draft in AJ Tracey, one of UK raps most popular and widely respected names (also from Ladbroke Grove), for a nostalgic ode to Damon’s roots. ‘Jimmy Jimmy’ is a Britpop-infused hybrid that oozes the nonchalant, breezy Britishness that has held a seat at the UK industry’s table for the last 45/50 years. Whether it’s The Clash, Albarn’s Blur or The Streets, it’s an approach that - when done right - is irresistible. The final track, ‘Déja Vu’ is live from NW10 and features Alicai Harley, a genre-defying Kingston-native who impresses here with her seamless vocality and chemistry with Damon and the band.

The project is a homage to Notting Hill Carnival, and the buoyant atmosphere of the EP is merged with vibrant production and substantial writing to give cause for celebration.