More than a year after releasing the original version of REDMERCEDES, Oregon-born rapper Aminé has released a remix featuring none other than Missy Elliott, as well as London rapper AJ Tracey.
It’s a huge boost for the 23-year-old artist, whose original track was noted for taking clear influence from Elliott and other ’90s-early ’00s artists, particularly the stretched-out beats and sirens.
The remix is a very welcome return for Elliott, who immediately (and obviously) steals the scene. Tracey’s guest verse rounds out the remix, his deeper voice and slick accent perfectly complementing Elliott and Aminé’s own tones.
Back in January, Missy Elliott shared I’m Better, her first new single since 2015’s standalone WTF (Where They From). She also features on Mary J Blige’s new album Strength Of A Woman, contributing a guest verse to the track Glow Up, also featuring Quavo and DJ Khaled. This month, she also features on the cover of Elle, which comes with an in-depth new interview. 2017 also marks two decades since her groundbreaking debut album Supa Dupa Fly, which will be re-released later this year.
Images: Instagram
AJ Tracey certainly wasn’t lying when he said on Beats 1 he had some big overseas remixes in the works. Linking up with Florida’s Denzel Curry, it’s a massive move for each of them, who have both been having absolutely huge years.
From releasing his breakout album Imperial to being on the cover of this years XXL Freshmen series, Denzel has quickly become one of the most talked about artists to date. Similarly, AJ has been making some serious waves with his Lil Tracy EP, earning a spot on the BBC Sound of 2017 list, along with dropping one of the year’s biggest tunes, himself and Dave‘s grime anthem Thiago Silva.
Originally released in February, Denzel has returned for what is being branded as the ‘UK Remix’ of his single Knotty Head. The fast paced trap inspired beat fits perfectly with the AJ’s grime sharpened double time flow.
Armed with heavy, lyrically sharpened bars, there’s no doubt he absolutely murked this track. Denzel too comes through with a newly penned verse for the remix, even more energetic rhymes which cement his ‘punk-rap’ persona. It’s a shame that the rest of the track is basically the same, with Rick Ross’ verse being left untouched, but alas the track is hard as hell.
Filmed by AJ’s frequent cinematographer Mornix, the clip features the pair flexing in his area, outside West London’s Trellick Tower and again at London’s Jazz Café venue, yet another high quality visual from these collaborators.
If you didn’t already know, Denzel fans are in for a treat, as it’s less than two weeks until he touches down for a string of shows around the New Years period. Check out the tour dates and watch the remix below!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RjVbjZY5k9o
Denzel Curry Australian Tour Dates
31st December,
Origin Nye Festival, Perth
4th January,
The Basement, Sydney (Sold Out)
5th January,
The Toff In Town, Melbourne
Get festival tickets HERE, headline tickets HERE
Image: Stereogum
It’s that time of the year again – countdowns, roundups, lists. This year BBC Music have brought together 170 international industry professionals to predict what 2017 will sound like be, and if they’re anything to by, it’s looking more urban than ever. The majority of the longlist is revealed to be grime emcees and rappers, alogside R&B singers, shortly followed after by soul singers, and electronic producers.
The list, which includes 15 rising acts, spotlights grime and hip-hop artists: AJ Tracey, Dave, Nadia Rose and Stefflon Don, R&B artist Ray BLK, alongside soulful singers Rag N Bone Man, Tom Grennan, Jorja Smith. Additionally, pop artists The Japanese House, Raye, Declan McKenna and Maggie Rogers feature alongside rockers The Amazons and the post-punk heroes Cabbage. The most interesting addition to the list is a man you should be extremely familiar with, Anderson .Paak who has gone on to dominate this year with his endless stream of features, albums and collaboration projects.
BBC Radio 1Xtra DJ MistaJam commented that he was pleased to see such diverse artists, especially from the UK. “Next year is already shaping up to be a big one filled with amazing music from homegrown talent…From the driving rock of The Amazons to Dave’s 18-year-old inner city street tales via Maggie Rogers’ folk meets electronic soundscapes, the list shows the breadth and quality of what we can expect next year.”
Previous Longlisted artists have included Sam Smith, Ellie Goulding, Jack Garratt and Adele, all massive artists in their own respects who have since gone on to garner huge worldwide attention for their sounds. Have a listen to this year’s selections below!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cYvqntSbIV8
Image: The Guardian