Five on it: Br3nya’s got ‘Plenty’ of slick bars

I can’t believe I am already writing another five on it intro rooted in memorial, but very sadly this week we said goodbye to Black The Ripper – the grime veteran – and Chynna, the A$AP Mob-affiliated rapper (whose bars had a wonderful penchant for Mean Girls references).

These are such uncertain times, and I worry people passing during this period will not get their due eulogy – the world is distracted and overwhelmed, and unable to gather to mourn. So this long weekend, I’d highly recommend you listen to Black The Ripper and Chynna – whether you’re already a fan, or looking to discover something new.

With all this said, I also feel like it’s important (and okay!) to give yourself a break from the news and the discourse. Log off when you can, do some nice soft things for yourself – I’m getting really into perching by my window trying to soak up the sun, looking at the small park below. It’s okay to not video call every single person every single day, but think of other ways you can take the time to show and tell the people you love how you feel (and how much you miss them!).

For me, very often that is sending someone a song or a playlist or an article I think they might like. Maybe one of the below can be that song for you, here’s your five on it:

Br3nya – ‘Plenty’

This bangs! Gritty beats and hard-hitting bars, the latest from the West London MC shows off a slick artist on the cusp of blowing up.

Jasmine Jethwa – Hurricane EP

Soft and light like a feather drifting in the sunlight, this debut EP is very pure and gentle listening from the South London acoustic pop singer-songwriter.

BenjiFlow – ‘Wonder girl’

A beautiful new video befitting the music – BenjiFlow just has such a way with rich and vibrant sounds that glimmer and make you want to bask in this spring warmth.

Joy Crookes – ‘Anyone But Me’

Firstly, Joy Crookes has one of the most magic voices in the UK scene right now. Secondly, this song is beguiling, swirling instrumentation topped with stark lyrics that speak to that all-too-familiar feeling when you’re struggling with anxiety and depression and dealing with the reality you are stuck with yourself.

Cadet – The Rated Legend

It’s jarring remembering it’s already been a year since Cadet left, and today marks the release of his posthumous album – an underrated legend no longer. Executively produced by Krept, with work from Da Beatfreakz and features from Young Adz, Wretch 32, Deno and more, this is a must to celebrate the UK scene and pay your respects.

You can follow the Five on it playlist on Spotify: