North London MC Lady Lykez is back with a 4 track EP produced by Hyperdub’s Scratchclart (pka Scratcha DVA). The Muhammad Ali EP is an impressive amalgamation of cultures and sounds in both its lyrics and production, a hybrid of high-energy dancehall, UK gqom and grime.
The title track is updated with a feature from acclaimed rapper Lioness, and the two powerhouse MCs go back to back on the riddim with undeniable skills and flows.
This collaboration with Scratchclart has been a long time in the making - Lykez first met Scratcha back in 2007. Lykez would head to his studio to lay down verses with friends and quickly stood out amongst her peers, gaining her stripes by battling and clashing boys from her local area. Lykez flexes this technical ability and impressive wordplay on each track on the EP, switching from patois to grime bars, experimenting with different styles, flows and deliveries. “I’m a lyricist first” says Lykez.
With influences from Eve and Missy Elliot to Mad Cobra, Buju Banton and old school Elephant Man, the EP is a deliberate mix of grime, hip-hop and dancehall vocals inspired by her father’s Jamaican roots and her North London upbringing.
Additional production comes from North London producer and DJ D-Lux on the track
Lyke U.
The original version of the song Muhammad Ali which was self released in 2018 received support from Toddla T, Ben UFO, Sian Anderson and Skream and is a hyperactive ode to clash culture and competition amongst MCs, with a focus on empowering women rappers. Lioness’s verse updates the track with a focused swagger. On Drmatic, Lykez delivers sharp-tongued bars in high speed. She describes Lyke U as a “love tune” written about an ex, where her romantic dancehall lyrics showcase a sweeter side. Lykez says “I love to tear people’s faces off with my lyrics” and on Buzz Lightyear she spits hard and fast over one
of Scratchclart’s signature UK gqom drum tracks.
“Sometimes as lyricists, you can end up overthinking everything which can kill the fun, this time I wanted to just let it flow," says Lykez, and she sounds confident and relaxed while displaying her technical proficiency.
The title track is updated with a feature from acclaimed rapper Lioness, and the two powerhouse MCs go back to back on the riddim with undeniable skills and flows.
This collaboration with Scratchclart has been a long time in the making - Lykez first met Scratcha back in 2007. Lykez would head to his studio to lay down verses with friends and quickly stood out amongst her peers, gaining her stripes by battling and clashing boys from her local area. Lykez flexes this technical ability and impressive wordplay on each track on the EP, switching from patois to grime bars, experimenting with different styles, flows and deliveries. “I’m a lyricist first” says Lykez.
With influences from Eve and Missy Elliot to Mad Cobra, Buju Banton and old school Elephant Man, the EP is a deliberate mix of grime, hip-hop and dancehall vocals inspired by her father’s Jamaican roots and her North London upbringing.
Additional production comes from North London producer and DJ D-Lux on the track
Lyke U.
The original version of the song Muhammad Ali which was self released in 2018 received support from Toddla T, Ben UFO, Sian Anderson and Skream and is a hyperactive ode to clash culture and competition amongst MCs, with a focus on empowering women rappers. Lioness’s verse updates the track with a focused swagger. On Drmatic, Lykez delivers sharp-tongued bars in high speed. She describes Lyke U as a “love tune” written about an ex, where her romantic dancehall lyrics showcase a sweeter side. Lykez says “I love to tear people’s faces off with my lyrics” and on Buzz Lightyear she spits hard and fast over one
of Scratchclart’s signature UK gqom drum tracks.
“Sometimes as lyricists, you can end up overthinking everything which can kill the fun, this time I wanted to just let it flow," says Lykez, and she sounds confident and relaxed while displaying her technical proficiency.
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