Going underground.
London-based rapper SLICK has emerged with a smooth and jaggedly confident introduction to his unique style and vocal cadence on new single 'Map'. To call SLICK a rapper feels insufficient, with the artist balancing a more than competent flow with respectably sung performances on the track. SLICK, like many artists in our post-Views rap landscape finds comfort in straddling the boundary of 'singing' and 'rapping', delivering himself on 'Map' as a rapper, but through excellently realised melodies.
The tune's flamenco-tinged guitar backing is immediately reminiscent of early 2000's Craig David, but the song does not at all feel limited to simply recreating a retro UK garage feel. Instead, the Londoner has created a track that successfully combines elements of the past and the present - fusing together both a propulsive guitar riff and weighty trap instrumentals into a very satisfying combination.
SLICK's lyrical creativity takes some time to demonstrate itself on this newest single. While the chorus and early verses somewhat lacks a distinct lyrical voice, as the tune progresses the rapper begins to showcase a very promising combination of interesting wordplay behind pleasing backing vocals. Listen out at around the [2:00] for the subtle doubling of SLICK's vocals with a deep backing vocal a few octaves down - it sounds excellent and is very well done, in expanding the soundscape of the song.
This is a very accomplished release considering how early 'Map' comes in the career of this independent UK artist. Hopefully there is more to come from SLICK, and soon too.
Find him on instagram here.
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Ben Wheadon is editor and founder of Slow Motion Panic Masters. He is a Welsh musician and English Literature student at King's College, London and he should be writing a dissertation instead of creating a blog.
Thanks for reading! Slow Motion Panic Masters is a music, arts and culture blog created and edited by Ben Wheadon, a literature student and musician based in London, England.
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