Themis Gkiosasi
London's very own Jelani Blackman dropped his new single "Swerve" accompanied by a video clip and it's a track that you definitely need to listen. Already a fan favourite from Jelani’s energy-filled live sets, ‘Swerve’ is an intuitive new cut blending his trademark deep and dark flow, accompanied by a powerful lyrical punch and a sinister piano Line. The artist shared a few words regarding his new track:
“When I say ‘eat’ I mean I get what I need, but I put in work for it and then swerve out. Nothing long. No bad energy no spending time going over what’s happened. I just eat, work, and then I swerve”
Working with artists from Brian Eno to Burna Boy, Wolf Alice to Abra Cadabra, Jelani is able to bring about the hype but at the same time, display the reality of being a young black male living in inner-city London. His voice holds a very distinctive deep gravel tone creating a raw edge to his music but if you listen carefully, his songs often have a rich, resonating lyrical content. His music brings about fun but also raw truth and profound vulnerability. Jelani Blackman is a diverse rapper and singer, set to take the music industry by storm. Born and raised in London, growing up Jelani was heavily influenced by soul and RnB but grew up at a time when Grime was everywhere. His diversity of musical influence comes through in his music, blending hard and softness, dark and light.
Finding his own lane within the musical landscape, Jelani’s music has taken a much more open and honest turn. He found comfort and confidence in rapping about subjects close to his heart and in doing so he has refound his voice. Having rebuilt everything from scratch, the West London musician dropped his guard and has moved into a new stage of his life. Following on from a transformative year, Jelani made serious waves in 2019 with the release of his critically acclaimed ‘Average Joe’ EP, the catalyst that cemented him as one of the most intriguing artists in the UK scene. Getting support from Annie Mac’s 'Hottest Record', Radio 1’s ‘Track of the Week’, Maya Jama, Toddla T to being a support act for rap legend, The Game, at his headline London show.
This year is set to be Jelani’s biggest year yet with a host of singles planned to drop throughout the upcoming months and to top it off, Jelani announced his next headline show will be taking place at East London’s Moth Club on 3rd April. For tickets click here.
Find Jelani Blackman and listen to his new track "Swerve" below
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