Hey,
Music has honestly been one of my saving graces this year. I’m not just talking about gospel music. Sometimes when I was feeling low I just blasted a song in my speakers and danced away my pain. No, I’m not being dramatic, I actually did this. It helped that there was so much good music from UK this year, and there is nothing like music you feel connected to. So, I have decided to write this piece acknowledging some of the great projects, singles and people that have made 2017 a good year for UK Music. Oh and I don’t listen to drill, so don’t be expecting to see any of that round here.
PROJECTS
Stormzy – Gang Signs and Prayer
If you have not listened to this album what is you doing sweetie? I honestly do not even understand people that do not like this album. Even if grime is not your preferred genre of music, its so much more than a grime album. I understand Stormzy as an artist so much more and without being a black male growing up in the UK, I can sympathise with what they encounter. I can also recognise the grace of God whilst telling my man shut up because he got way too big for his boots. I know, all in one project? Genius. It seemed like a couple people agreed with me because this debut album peaked at No. 1 in the UK. If that is not black excellence I do not know what is.
J hus – Common Sense
Everyone who knows me knows I have been a big J hus fan from the beginning. He could have released farts and I would support it. Fortunately for us, he released some amazing songs so I’m definitely going to big that up. What I respect most about this album is that is represents his evolution as an artist, through the instrumentals, lyrics and music videos; without disconnecting from his authenticity. With hits like “Did you see”, “Bouff Daddy” and “Common Sense” and underrated favourites of mine “Sweet Cheeks” and “Like Your Style”, this is an album deserves the upmost appreciation, because this is truly for the culture. It’s no surprise it peaked at No.6 in the UK and recently won LinkUp Tv’s album of the year.
Dj P Montana – Rah Boy Vol. 1
My house mates in uni used to call me the “mix queen”. Why? Because I always had a good mix to recommend. 90% of the time it was a DJ P Montanna mix. In 2017 he’s branched out and released his own body of work, working with some talented UK artists. From Paigey Cakey, to Sona, to Tion Wayne, to Ms Banks, to Big Tobz, the album is filled with hits to say the least. It can be daunting to step out from your comfort Zone but when this is the end product, it is surely worth it. Wait wait wait.. who’s mixing popping like that. Rah boy Dj P Montanna you know.
Dave – Game Over
Nines – One foot out
Mo-stack – High street Kid
These projects have also been amazing. So If you have not checked them out, please do!
HITS
Aside from the tracks in the projects above, these are the songs that provoke a reaction, whether you are in the club, a baby shower, a wedding, a birthday party, or just in your car. For me these are the songs that have made me put my volume all the way up and scream the lyrics!
Sneakbo ft Giggs – Active
Wretch 32 ft Kojo Funds & Jahlani – Tell Me
One Acen – Verified
23 – Ain’t bothered
Hardy Caprio & Tion wayne – CMON
Lotto Boyz – No dun
Not3s – My Lover
Yxng Bane – Rihanna
Mable ft Kojo Funds – Finders Keepers
Ramz – Barking
Dave ft Mostack – No Words
Ed Sheeran – Shape of You
Yungen – All Night ft. Mr Eazi
Krept & Konan – Get A Stack (Official Video) ft. J Hus
Krept & Konan – For Me
Stefflon Don, French Montana – Hurtin’ Me
Giggs – Linguo feat. Donae’o
Kojo Funds – Warning
Tion Wayne ft. Kojo Funds – I’m On
Dabeatfreakz – Like Quavo – Ft Sneakbo, Afro B, Moelogo & Sona
NSG ft. Geko – Yo Darlin’
Steel Banglez – Bad ft. Yungen, MoStack, Mr Eazi, Not3s
Steel Banglez – Money ft. MoStack, MIST, Haile, Abra Cadabra
Hardy Caprio ft. One Acen – Unsigned
Don-E ft. Nado – You Alright Yh?
I know, I have probably missed out one million and one amazing songs that came out this year, but it is impossible to list them all. So feel free to tweet me or comment below your favourite UK songs this year.
MAN OF THE YEAR: 2017
Michael Dapaah aka Big Shaq
On a recent interview Michael Dapaah described his year as a rollercoaster that just keeps going up. He is a true Tears to Laughter story. He has shared his struggles with not taking a ‘normal’ career path and feeling unfulfilled at his job at Vodaphone. Now his single “Mans not Hot” has taken him all over the world, on all sorts of red carpets and to various interview couches. The single currently has over 120 million views on YouTube and is a Top 5 UK hit. He has expressed this success is not overnight and he has been pushing his comedy content for while. What puts the cherry on top for me is that on several occasions he has given glory to God. If his success does not inspire you that anything is possible, you are just a hater. Sorry not sorry!
It just goes to show when God is ready to elevate you, your reach will have no limits.
TAKING OVER 2018
Kojo Funds
We have seen Kojo Funds feature on a number of tracks this year and made them spectacular. We have even seen Davido (afrobeats artist) copy and paste ‘Dun talking’ into his song ‘Fall’. However, I am hoping for a body of work from Kojo Funds next year, hopefully an album! This may finally give him the recognition he deserves.
Finally, I want to give a shoutout to all the producers, songwriters and people that make it work from behind the curtains. Without these people we will not have the music we do.
Kind Regards,
Sis x
