It seems these days that the key to breaking big with a hip hop track is having a killer hook to wrap the verses around. I’m not sure if this has always been the case or whether it’s a trend that was started by Eminem just a few years ago, but the pattern continues with this top track from British urban artist Savvy.
With an obvious taste for the catchy, the hook on this particular track is uncomplicated – a simple melody and lyrics delivered by Athlete vocalist Joel Pott – but effective. It sits nicely in the pocket groove created by a dominant drum kit and the guitar line (provided by another ‘name’ in Bloc Party’s Russell Lissack).
But what really makes this track sing is the fact that the backing to all this lovely stuff is provided by a live band as opposed to electronic loops and samples. There’s some scratching and the occasional dalliance with hip-hop tropes, but really this is indie music with a rapped vocal. Refreshing.
