RASCALS - ‘SO HIGH’
Lead track from the 'So High' EP released on 15th June by Virgin EMI
‘The future of rap music’ – Zane Lowe
Four-piece band Rascals have had a phenomenal 18 months that has seen them tour the country supporting Kendrick Lamar, rack up over two million YouTube views and garner support by some of the UK’s most influential tastemakers (with everyone from Radio 1’s Zane Lowe, Charlie Sloth, Mistajam and Phil and Alice through to blogs such as Noisey championing them). And now, showing no signs of slowing down the pace, Rascals are gearing up to release their debut EP ‘So High’ on 15th June via Virgin EMI. Full EP to follow soon.
Growing up in Bow, East London, 21-year old Rascals (comprising of Kay Wills, Shizz McNaughty, Tempz St. Louis and Marcus Merkz) have been deeply immersed in music since the age of 10. Surrounded by the burgeoning grime scene’s glitterati, from Roll Deep, Ruff Squad to Mucky Wolfpack - watching the likes of Wiley, Dizzee and Tinchy inspired Rascals to follow in their footsteps. While most young boys were playing football or video games, Rascals (then named Lil’ Rascals) lived and breathed MCing and worked 24/7 on honing their craft. Fast forward a decade and the boys have since dropped the ‘Lil’ and reaped the rewards of their fierce dedication, having inked a recording and publishing deal with Universal and collaborated with Wiley and Professor Green.
Rascals debut EP ‘So High’ showcases a fresh direction for the boys. Rooted in Soul and Hip Hop influences, narrative comes to the forefront in their new signature sound. Abandoning braggadocio, the lyrics of ‘So High’ tack the real-life struggles of trying to get ahead with fierce honesty and dextrous wordplay. From the melodic lead track ‘So High’ through to the soulful and thought-provoking ‘War Outside’ to the dancehall inspired ‘Ring The Alarm’ feat Sizzla, ‘So High’ EP is a clear statement of intent from Rascals as they move into a new arena of their own.