Suburban Spotlight: Newcastle

Suburban Spotlight is a series which highlights the some of the best emerging rappers from various cities across the U.K. For the third edition of the series, we went up north to see what Newcastle had to offer! To our surprise, the North-East city had an array of undeniable talent; as dominating as London may be in the music industry, it’s easy to dismiss rising music scene’s elsewhere. From Grime, Drill to Rap, Newcastle has it covered – there’s a continuous momentum of talent brewing up north and it’s only a matter of time until they blow!

Simba Shore

21 year-old Simba Shore, has already proved himself as one to watch this coming year. Influenced by the likes of Potter Payper, Nines, Dave and KO, the Newcastle native started releasing an array of freestyles on Facebook from a young age, with no intention to take it seriously; little did he know one of these would turn out to be his first banger! The newcomer shared his debut single titled “Exposing Me” (below) which has caught the attention of many. Having previously released the track as a freestyle over a year ago on Facebook, it quickly garnered over 250,000 views, which encouraged Simba Shore to release the track as an official song. Layered atop of a haunting and skittering Drill backdrop, Shore lays down cold and intricate wordplay, bars and street poetics throughout, boasting his nation-wide fan-base and musical ambitions – Simba created the ultimate banger that’s bound to get you moving! The rising rapper recently returned with his brand new offering “2am In Newcastle”, proving his undeniable artistry and potential yet again – Simba Shore is one to watch!

Rambizy

Introducing one of Newcastle’s coldest Drill rappers; Rambizy. Known for his deep, gruff tone and assertive flows, the 24 year-old, from a young age would memorize the bars from his favourite artists and spit them over different beats to learn how to switch up his flow. When he reached the flourishing age of 16, Rambizy was making tracks for fun; having received a warming encouragement from his peers to take music seriously, it wasn’t until his collaboration with RobRez earlier this year on “0191” that he did so. Influenced by the likes of Dutchavelli, Abra Cadabra, J Hus, Sneakbo, K-Koke and Fredo, Rambizy’s sound is the combination of them all. Having recently followed through with his crud-enriched single “Country Lines & Consignments” (below), it’s evident Rambizy is here to make a statement. Produced by Frosty Beats, a hard-hitting, skittering drill backdrop was provided for the rising rapper to lay down street poetics, cold wordplay and bars with his signature low cadence. With more music on the way, we’re sure this isn’t the last you’ll hear of Rambizy!

RobRez

Born and raised in Germany, a young and prosperous RobRez moved to the U.K at the age of 12. Growing up listening to the MTV Charts, which at the time consisted of a lot of Eminem and 50 Cent, RobRez also draws from various other artists for inspiration including SSIO, GZUZ, Chip, Meekz and Tunde, for their versatility, punchlines and all-round delivery. Not only is RobRez a creative musically, but the rising rapper has a found love and passion for art (@robinreza.art), which he also draws to for inspiration. It wasn’t until 2016, in which he battled with mental health that RobRez started writing; used as a form of escape to help him cope, writing bars acts as a diary of self reflection for him. Last year, the emerging rapper recorded his debut single “Kill Em”, layered atop of an old-school beat, this is when RobRez began building the foundation blocks towards what’s looking like a thriving career ahead. Since then, he’s released an array of singles, including fan-favorite “0191” featuring Rambizy and an EP titled ‘Ne1 to Anywhere’ which consists of 5 tracks and features from Zico MC, Dredz Buju and Kkenz. More recently, he returned with his latest offering in the form of “The Vision/Same Sh*t” (below). Seated atop of a piano-led, up-beat instrumental, he boasts his versatility, flow and pen game for just over 3 minutes of undeniable talent. Having proved his artistry time and time again, RobRez is most certainly a name to look out for!

Blixkz

Blixkz, influenced by no other than the nations favorite J Hus, has been into music from the youthful age of 9. At just 19 years old, his passion for music took a serious turn around 2 years ago. Dropping his debut single “Stacks” back in the bustling summer of 2018, this single is a playful, feel-good tune that quickly garnered a lot of attention. In no time at all Blixkz soon followed up his debut release with an array of singles, including fan-favorite “Enemy”, which has amassed over 250,000 streams on Spotify alone. Known for his laid back flow and approach, Blixkz has become a very popular name in Newcastle’s rising music scene. Earlier this year, the newcomer returned with “Riding” (below), a smooth and melodic offering that showcases his laid-back cadence. Following up with his latest release “Monsoon”, with visuals on the way, this track is laid upon a guitar-lead, summer-felt backdrop that enables Blixkz to flow with ease on the top – having already proved his potential, it’s only a matter of time until Blixkz get’s the recognition he deserves!

A$H96

Having only started music a few months ago, A$H96 is still at the very beginning of his career. Growing up listening to both American and British Rap, A$H96 takes influence from a cluster of artists worldwide. Weaving these influences alongside his own style, into one, A$H96 entered the Rap game with his debut single “Gully”. Taking on a Hip-Hop inspired instrumental, he coats the beat with an infectious flow and punching bars with his Northern accent, creating an almost nostalgic essence. At the start of May, the ascending rapper followed up with his latest single “Tempus” (below). Acting as the lead single from his forthcoming mixtape ‘Gully Season’, Don’tPanic constructed an upbeat and melodic backdrop for A$H96 to showcase his flourishing artistry and all-round talented delivery. With the mixtape pending, we can’t wait to see what else A$H96 has got in store!

Zico MC

27 year-old Zico MC is one of Newcastle’s profound Grime and Jungle MC’s. Influenced by the UK’s very best spitters; D Double E, Wiley, Ghetts, Skepta and Dizzee Rascal as well as Burna Boy, Mr Eazi and Buju Banton, Zico MC began penning his bars from the age of 14. By the time he turned 15, he had released his very first single titled “Do You Have A Rizla” and since then, the rising MC has been developing his artistry. From performing at MC nights to being the support act for many great names in Newcastle including D Double E, Kano, Novelist, Shy Fx, Chase & Status and many more, you can feel the determination, hunger and passion in his music. Having already released 4 tracks this year; “Everybody Knows” featuring NE Dons, “Come Heavy” alongside RobRez as well as the hard-hitting grime-infused track “Gnarly” (below), Zico MC isn’t playing around! Enriched with snappy flows, cold wordplay and bars, he boasts his undeniable artistry across the skittering and explosive backdrop. More recently, Zico MC joined forces with Ryza for their collaborative track titled “Top”, switching up the vibe, Zico MC proves his versatility. Reppin’ for the North East, this single see’s the pair going back to back against the jumpy instrumental; holding down the infectious hook, Zico MC showcases why he’s one to watch!

Which city should we visit next?

Check out our Leicester edition here alongside the Manchester edition here.