It’s a Smooth Piece of UK Hip Hop That Explores Social Injustice
Producer and MC combination Micco & Elias, return with some of their most outstanding work to date in the form of ‘Playground’. An emphatic piece of UK Hip Hop that’s full of soul and Drum and Bass influence, it’s a track that lyrically explores a time when Micco was living between the U.S and United Kingdom, during the George Floyd riots:
“The first verse addresses when Micco left the UK to stay with close Family in the United States after the riots in London, which left him feeling a deeper sense of identity. The second verse was written after the social injustices in the United States so it seemed only right we addressed this too.”
Approaching their craft from different backgrounds, both Micco and Elias come from strong musical heritage and passion within their family. Producer Elias spent his earlier years making waves on the drum & bass scene, with releases supported by the likes of Drum & Bass Arena and SkankandBass. Micco’s journey began with MC’ing at events across Liverpool, when the two met sharing a love of legends of the scene such as Madlib and J Dilla. Since they began collaborating, music has become a viable option for their future and the genuine creative driving force in their lives.
“I started the instrumental a few months before lockdown and sent it over to Micco immediately. It was around this time civil unrest in America began to surface which gave us more inspiration to finish the song. With addressing how normal it is nowadays to see controversy on every news outlet, we wanted to highlight the silver linings Micco felt as a child when staying in the southern states. The polarising themes within the lyrics shed light on how both the UK & USA are far from perfect but provides an inspirational playground for growth and development. With some reflection we both decided the song was too good to lose and the premise it carried was sincere.
This song also features a couple references to great musicians who have inspired us both within the lyrics, Fela Kuti, Otis Rush, Pete Rock & Jay-Z. We commissioned Artofnvck for an illustration to feature as the cover art. The final image pictures a young boy surrounded by distraction and injustice, however he stays focused to secure his greater goals.” – Elias
Listen to ‘Playground’ in full below
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