UK rap legend Wretch 32 has welcomed a new musical era with the release of his newest single, ‘Black and British’ which released October 24, and showcases a prominent cultural statement during Black History Month. Jermaine Scott, who is known professionally as Wretch 32, has released this latest single ‘Black and British’ which features collaborations from the boundary-breaking rapper Little Simz, alongside up-and-coming rapper Benjamin AD.
‘Black and British’ reveals profound and nuanced insight into the experiences and reality of being Black and British. Wretch 32 and his collaborator’s abilities to present a powerful message throughout the track highlights the necessity for such tracks to be released during Black History Month.
This single is bold and impactful, following themes of marginalisation, discrimination, heritage and belonging within forms of individual and collective identity. The single explores this much needed topic which is relatable to Black Britons whilst being insightful to White Britons and racial allies.
Black and British out now pic.twitter.com/5obmF6AAGd
— Black and British (@Wretch32) October 26, 2024
The North London rapper also provided insight into the collaboration and input of Little Simz on the single. He revealed to NME: “It’s an honour to work alongside a sister who carries themselves in the right way. Someone who puts the art first, someone who’s not cutting any corners… She’s an artist in every sense of the word. I’ve always known that girl was extremely talented. I’ve always said that girl is a special one… It would be an honour to have a female perspective on a record titled ‘Black and British’, especially hers”. Little Simz’s contributions to the track display the reality of being a Black women from Britain.
‘Black and British’ is the lead single from the rapper’s upcoming seventh album. Despite portraying the Black British experience, according to NME, Wretch 32 believes his upcoming album is for individuals who “need soul food and need something to fulfil them, that have messages and will help them grow”.
This newly released single alongside the promise of a new album, explores a profound and compelling presence of introspection, which further elevates Wretch 32’s music.
‘Black and British’ features a sample at the end of the track. This sample is from Wretch 32’s grandmother Beverly Scott, taken from her contribution to the Broadwater Farm estate documentary, Scenes From The Farm, televised in 1988.
The single ‘Black and British’ accompanies the release of the track’s music video. The music video takes the main theme of heritage by including familial scenes alongside clips of Wretch 32 and his collaborators reciting their lyrics against a backdrop of an archival exhibition on Black British culture at V&A East museum in Stratford.
Wretch 32 debuted the music video at an event on October 23, delving into the single along with giving wider insight into his upcoming LP, which remains untitled.
The release of Wretch 32’s latest single, ‘Black and British’ all in all welcomes a new musical era for the talented rapper. An era which signals a carefully conducted and thoughtful contribution to 21st century British rap music whilst placing Black experiences at the forefront.
