In the build up to the release of their highly anticipated fourth studio album, this month has seen Chase & Status return with the aptly named London Bars series, uniting them once again with some of the UK’s most prominent players. The last decade has seen the likes of Dizzee Rascal, Kano, Tempa T, Plan B, Roll Deep (Riko, Scratchy and Trim) all feature on Chase & Status records, and now the duo reaffirm their British roots and with several colossal collaborations.
Now in the final week of the project, Chase & Status announced Bigger Man Sound via Annie Mac‘s Hottest Record on Radio 1, a collaboration with founding member of The Square, Novelist. Novelist has previously partnered with Mumdance via XL Recordings, which saw him support the likes of Major Lazer and more. Now bringing his attention to the UK Scene, and cementing his position as one of the most exciting MCs of the moment, Novelist jumps on Bigger Man Sound for a climatic finalé to the London Bars series.
Beginning the project was the hard-hitting Funny featuring BBK’s Frisco, premiered by Mistajam on BBC Radio 1Xtra. Frisco, aka Big Fris, known for his larger than life lyricism & razor sharp flows takes this opportunity to discuss the power of the scene; “They said Grime was dead, I couldn’t stop laughing.” Volume II of the London Bars project came courtesy of Peckham hailing rapper and SN1 member, Giggs, introduced by Zane Lowe as his World Record on Beats 1, with “More Ratatatin”. Week three of the series featured South London rapper Bonkaz, who having shot to fame with his single We Run The Block earlier this year, couldn’t resist jumping on the London Bars project, delivering Wha Gwarn? as premiered by Charlie Sloth on BBC Radio 1Xtra.
London Bars is out now via Chase & Status’ very own MTA Records, a now highly influential and well respected label in UK music. Releasing on their own label for the very first time, it felt only right for the duo to partner such a pivotal underground release with their own independent set-up: “London Bars is a project we’re very passionate about. It showcases some of the most exciting MC’s to emerge out of the UK and was a real privilege to work with legends and rising stars alike.”
Since forming in 2002, whilst quickly becoming a staple part of the bass scene, Chase & Status’ musical influences have grown and multiplied, seeing them join forces with the likes of Cee Lo Green, Rihanna, Pusha T, Tinie Tempah and many more. As well as winning the Red Bull Culture Clash as part of Rebel Sound in 2014 (David Rodigan, Chase & Status, Shy FX and MC Rage) the duo have sold in excess of a million records (their sophomore album “No More Idols” went double platinum) and have toured the world extensively including sell out arena tours of the UK & headline festival shows around Europe.
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