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Suburban Spotlight: Derby

Elle Evans

Catch me on IG: @eleanor_evans

Following a brief hiatus away, Suburban Spotlight has made it’s highly awaited return as we continue to uncover more deserving talent across the country; this time in the up and coming city of Derby. With the aim to highlight several artists from outside of London that we feel deserve that extra time to shine, we have selected 6 rising emcees that you need to look out for! Tap in below to see who we picked.

KC

19-year-old KC is already proving himself as a force to be reckoned with. Taking influence from the likes of heavyweight hit-makers Young Thug, Tyfontaine, Sofaygo, Pressa and Drake, his melodic yet slick approach has caught the eyes of many. Growing up in a musical family, it was inevitable that KC would take in the steps of his father and fall into the vibrant world of music. Having only started to record his own material back in 2018, the newcomer has since navigated a distinct sound that sets him apart from others in his lane. From the Billie Eilish sampled track “STRO” to the wavey sounds of “Cold Hearted”, KC is showing no signs of slowing down this year. More recently he returned with “All Good” (below), a trap-esc joint that boasts his infectious melodies and slick pen game, alongside the release of a summer-infused bop named “Summer Love”. Proving why he is one to watch over the coming year, we’re sure this isn’t the last you’ll hear of him!

Webbo

Encapsulated by Mac Miller, Liam Gallagher’s persona, and Future’s unapologetic approach, is where you’ll find Webbo’s distinct wave of sound. Like any artist, the Derby newcomer stumbled across his talent back in 2019, however, he didn’t decide to take it to the next level until the start of lockdown last year. Following on from the release of his debut single “Best She Ever Had”, the 22-year-old has recently hit the ground running with the release of his debut EP ‘Webbo’s World’ which features his stand-out track “My Mistake” (below) alongside 4 other top-notch listens. Reputable for his auto-tuned vocal, fresh approach and fire-flows, Webbo is a name to look out for! As he continues to prove his worth, his newly-released single “OOZE” is a head-bopping track that will instantly leave you wanting more. Fit perfect for those summer nights out with your friends that we’ve all been craving as we begin to step out of lockdown, Webbo is a must spin this year!

Biz2Busy

Often referred to as “one of the hardest in Derby” is the up and coming drill emcee named Biz2Busy, who’s recently been labelled as ‘One To Watch’ by Mixtape Madness. At just 20 years old, his charged up flows, laid-back demeanor, and raw street poetics have turned the heads of many. Having only marked his entrance on “Keep It Moving” alongside fellow newcome Ds2mh earlier this year, which has since accumulated over 50,000 views on YouTube alone, Biz2Busy is influenced by various UK heavyweights including Headie One, Nines, K-Trap and Teeway. Although he is still at the very beginning of his career, Biz2Busy has already shown huge potential with his more recent drop named “Trap Intro” (below). Complimenting the bass-heavy production with his laid-back flow and unapologetic pen game throughout, Biz2Busy is definitely one to watch!

Lz Ot

If you are familiar with Derby’s rap scene, then you will certainly know of Lz Ot. Having discovered his love for music and rapping in his teenage years, the now 26-year-old has proved his worth time and time again. Influenced by the likes of Gucci Mane, Meek Mill, Jay Z, Ghetts, Dizzee Rascal, and Wiley, Lz Ot’s unapologetic delivery, street poetics, and hard-bars have seen him garner a small-yet-growing fan base that eagerly await his releases. For many artists in 2020, the pandemic put a lot of plans on pause, but for Lz Ot, it didn’t stop him from pulling off yet another successful year. Best known for his “I Heard” and “So Derby” releases back in 2019, the rising emcee has since released a 9-track EP named, ‘Rule 39’ which features the stand-out track titled, “Like I Never Left” (below). Housing an infectious hook, “Back like I never left / But I’m going harder / All I wanted was money, it came with drama”, and slick bars throughout, Lz Ot proves why he is force to be reckoned with!

Wardz

Known for his hard-hitting bars and dynamic artistry is Wardz, a rising emcee from Derby who primarily takes influence from Young Adz, MoStack, Dappy, Chip, J.I., and more. Since stepping onto the scene back in 2017 with the release of his debut single named, “110’s”, the 27-year-old has since released a full length 11-track project titled, ‘English Weather’ and a slew of impressive freestyles and tracks; one of which is titled, “Better Me” (below). Following a brief hiatus, Wardz gifted supporters with a short yet effective freestyle at the back end of last year. Tapping in at just under 2 minutes long with production from Andyr, his auto-tuned vocals and slick approach pave a way for the thought-provoking bars he sprays throughout. With more music on the way, this is only the beginning for Wardz!

Slendz

At just 15-years-old, Slendz, an independent up and coming emcee from Derby is one to look out for! After receiving encouragement from several friends at the beginning of lockdown last year to take his love for poetry to the next level, the newcomer took the courageous step to start uploading freestyles on Instagram and build a name for himself online. Influenced by the likes of Don Strapzy for his use of football references, Potter Payper for his wordplay and raw story-telling, as well as Derby’s reputable name Eyez, Slendz is beginning to find his own feet within music. Stepping into the game with the release of his ‘Urban Linkz Studio Session’ earlier this year in February, it wasn’t until his recent appearance on Pie Radio’s ‘#ShutdownSessions’ (below) that he made quite the impression. Clocking in at just over 2 minutes long, his fire-flows and hard-hitting bars take centre stage over the melodic production. Keeping the listener captivated from start to finish, Slendz proves why he is one to watch!

Check the Leicester, Manchester, Newcastle, Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Sheffield, Liverpool, Coventry and Brighton editions here.

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