London based singer-songwriter Joy Crookes has returned with her latest single, ‘Mathematics’, teaming up with legendary UK rapper Kano. The track, which recently premiered as BBC Radio 1’s Hottest Record, sees Crookes blending her signature soulful vocals with Kano’s sharp lyricism, creating a smooth yet thought-provoking collaboration. With themes of love, miscommunication, and the unspoken tension between two people, ‘Mathematics’ is an emotionally rich track that balances Crookes’ jazzy influences with a subtle hip-hop edge.
The song carries a reflective, almost hypnotic energy, with minimal yet powerful production that allows the lyrics to take centre stage. Crookes’ warm, expressive vocals glide over gentle instrumentals, while Kano’s verse adds a raw, thoughtful layer to the track. The combination of her rich, vintage-inspired sound and his precise storytelling makes for a compelling contrast, capturing the feeling of two people trying to figure each other out. The chemistry between the two artists is effortless, making ‘Mathematics’ feel like a natural and well-crafted collaboration.
The accompanying music video perfectly compliments the song’s themes, using stripped-back visuals to highlight the emotion in the lyrics. Set in moody, intimate location of a flat, the video follows a couple as they navigate the push-and-pull of their relationship. There’s a strong sense of nostalgia in the visuals, with warm lighting, slow-motion shots, and subtle details that make each frame feel like a snapshot of a fleeting moment ultimately ending with Crookes’ character in tears. The way the video captures distance and closeness between the two characters mirrors the song’s message, how love is never as simple as it seems.
Joy Crookes has been making waves in the music industry since she first emerged in 2016 with her debut single ‘New Manhattan’. Her music blends elements of soul, R&B, and jazz, her breakthrough came in 2021 with her debut album ‘Skin’, which reached the UK Top 5 and earned her a BRIT Award nomination. Known for her deeply personal songwriting and distinctively rich voice, Crookes has built a reputation for music that feels both timeless and socially aware.
Kano, on the other hand, has been a key figure in the UK rap and grime scene for over two decades. With classic albums like ‘Home Sweet Home’ and ‘Made in the Manor’, he’s known for his sharp lyricism and ability to tell powerful, introspective stories through his music. His addition to ‘Mathematics’ brings an extra layer of depth, making the song feel like a conversation between two people navigating love and communication in their own way.
Looking ahead, 2025 is shaping up to be a big year for Crookes. ‘Mathematics’ follows her recent collaboration with Vince Staples on ‘Pass The Salt’, and with her second studio album in the works, fans can expect more music soon. As she continues to push creative boundaries, this latest release proves she’s an artist who’s only getting started.
