General News / November 1, 2019

Jelani Blackman drops ‘Average Joe’ EP

General News / November 1, 2019

Jelani Blackman drops ‘Average Joe’ EP

The new EP from London rapper of Irish & Sierra Leone descent was named as Annie Mac’s hottest record in the world this week.

Having worked with acts from Burna Boy to Wolf Alice, Jelani Blackman is now forging a strong solo career. His first EP ‘1-4’ peaked the interest of many, demonstrating his ear for production and twisted, distorted cuts.

Releasing his latest EP through his own label ’18 Records’, the London rapper’s gritty, gravel-esque tone compliments poetic notions dealing with identity throughout the latest project. Not one to mince his words, ‘Average Joe’ sits nicely at 15 minutes detailing the reality of everyday life.

On the EP Jelani said, “I was inspired by the idea of taking ownership of your identity and the things that are important to you. The good and bad parts. “

Continuing to talk on his diverse background he noted, “My nan is Irish and I grew up very close to her. I wear a claddagh ring I got when I was 14 for my ring finger, now it just fits on my pinky”.

Coming to numerous realisations throughout the creative process of his most mature effort the spitter said he learned he has, “infinite energy for things that I love. Whenever I hear the tracks it makes feel lifted. I can’t wait to start playing them live its gona be mad, first proper time is my London headline show on Nov 21st.”

Undoubtedly one to watch, it’d be easy to dismiss the introspective nature of his latest effort due to the strength of the sonics and catchy bars. However Jelani Blackman presents more than cookie cutter, playlist rap, there’s an air of vulnerability to his art that’s so likeable and his latest effort is a prime example of what he has to offer.