Stanisland Magazine

This is the reason the rapper is the next big thing in UK hip-hop.

If you’ve been following Scrulove (real name Lee Oakley), you’ll know the past year has been challenging for him. Not only was he hospitalised for half a year, but the process of rehabilitation was also difficult for the rapper. Today, however, he bounces back with his new single, Glory.

Known for his fluid and creative wordplay, the lyricist has made a remarkable comeback, shedding tears into bars of resilience to empower himself through his music. Fully produced by the man himself, his prolific cadence is something the entire industry needs to recognise; this is what UK hip-hop needs right now.

What It Sounds Like

Opening with a parade of horns, the rapper takes to the microphone in his traditional wordy, tongue-twisting style. In a natural tone, the lyricist embarks on an adventurous quest of literary penmanship.

At times, his musical style evokes a hip-hop venture intertwined with elements of Japanese pop culture. In this comeback song, he ever-so slightly retains elements of this within its production. Ultimately, its blaring trumpets and pounding bass illustrate the London-born rapper’s intent to cement his place in an industry he has worked for some time, ready to perhaps stake his claim to a crown of microphones.

Verdict

Energetic and full of purpose, with a tinge of melancholy, the track, which drops today, is a motivational composition that is different from his previous works. There is spirit here, with a promise that he will return to his rap stadium, full of beans to ensure his career peak is yet to be met. It’s a fantastic reintroduction to classic Oakley music, and it’s reassuring to know he hasn’t lost an ounce of skill. Our only criticism, (and he probably thinks we are a broken record) is: make it longer!

Where to Stream

Glory is available on all major platforms including Spotify (above) and Apple Music via Hippie Dictatorship Records. You can also access it via YouTube