After months of hype, the Manchester-based rapper finally unveils his latest mixtape, ‘Locked In’
Nemzzz (real name Nemiah Emmanuel Simms) releases his new mixtape, Locked In, a highly anticipated fourth long-play featuring 17 tracks over 35 minutes. Released and distributed by Atlantic, it features appearances from Lil Yachty, Travis Scott, Cash Cobain, Latto and Tunde, with production from several names after four months of a prolonged rollout.
Review: Bland With Potential
Individually, the project is digestible, though recurrent plays might have some listeners reaching for their phones. Locked In’s tracklist is filled with short-form songs akin to snippets, as heard on “HATE ME LOVE ME” and “GASS”, featuring Travis Scott.
Locked In features a specific sonic signature that is certainly curated to match his vocal tone, but a textural unevenness is noticeable. It’s an acquired taste and can seem strident to the uninitiated, yet, at times, hits the right notes. Audibly, Nemzzz’s style is distinct, but far from displaying idiosyncrasies owing to a delivery that remains rigid and in need of adjustment, lacking fluidity as the UK rapper spares little variation in pitch.
But this and other features are compounded by incompatible sound designs that are unsynchronised, showcasing just how distant he and his rhyming partners are. This is exemplified by the introduction of Latto, whose roaring verse curtails Simms’ efforts.
Need to Know
Need to Knows
- Artist: Nemzzz
- Title: Locked In
- Format: Mixtape
- Release date: 4 September 2026
- Number of tracks: 17
- Runtime: 35 minutes and 21 seconds
- Featured artists: Lil Yachty, Cash Cobain, Latto, Travis Scott and Tunde
- Label: Nemzzz/Atlantic Records UK
- Previous project: Rent’s Due
- Rollout releases: “GEEKIN”, “LOCKED IN FREESTYLE”, “KILLIN EM”, “PRINCE OF THE SCENE” and “4AM”
Tracklist
- “4AM”
- “TODAY”
- “GEEKIN” featuring Lil Yachty
- “PRINCE OF THE SCENE”
- “EXPANSION”
- “BRB”
- “TRICK” featuring Cash Cobain
- “HATE ME LOVE ME”
- “OK” featuring Latto
- “GET READY”
- “GASS” featuring Travis Scott
- “KILLIN EM”
- “CLIENTELE” featuring Tunde
- “CAPTAIN HOOK”
- “TOKYO DRIFT”
- “WHERE YA GOIN”
- “101”
If the Manchester-based rapper is to financially compensate artists for their involvement, the least they can do is stretch the target project’s runtime to more than two minutes. It seems profligate and a disservice to listeners.
Nevertheless, the UK rapper shines on “KILLIN EM” and matches the pace of Zel’s production, while being equally in form on “CLIENTELE”, featuring Tunde. His collaborator’s fervent verse piques further interest in his work.
The Verdict
Overall, Locked In is carried by all its hype, but is in dire need of guidance and curation. The entire project could benefit from rehearsals that could vary the tonality of his expression. The production is there, his ability too, but the technical execution and performance of most verses fail to match the canvas.
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