Aitch kicked off 2025 with the release of his new single, ‘Raving In The Studio’, on January 16, signalling an exciting new direction in his music. The track marks the beginning of a promising year for the Manchester rapper, who is set to hike Mount Kilimanjaro this month to raise money for the Down’s Syndrome Association.
Born Harrison James Armstrong, Aitch is known best for hits like ‘Strike A Pose’, his collaborative track ‘Rain’, and iconic ‘Taste (Make It Shake)’, all of which secured Top 10 chart positions and amassed over 900,000 chart units each.
His music is defined by his signature blend of Rap and Grime, clever wordplay, and distinctive Mancunian accent. While he is celebrated for upbeat tracks and infectious hooks, he also demonstrates a more reflective side with the 2022 release ‘My G’, a heartfelt collaboration with Ed Sheeran as part of Aitch’s debut studio album ‘Close to Home’.
While not his traditional style, ‘My G’ stands apart from discography as a deeply personal tribute to his younger sister, Gracie, who has Down syndrome. The song’s focus on family love, unconditional support, and Aitch’s bond with his sister allowed the rapper to connect and resonate with fans worldwide.
In 2023, Aitch further demonstrated his commitment to advocacy by taking part in the World Down Syndrome Day Skydive where he fell, in tandem with his instructor, from 15,000 feet and raised a remarkable £50,000.
This year he’s decided to do something “madder than jumping out a plane” and taken on the challenge of climbing the tallest free-standing mountain in the world, Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, and increased his fundraising goal to £70,000.
As an Ambassador for the Down Syndrome Association, Aitch shared: “My little sister Gracie is an inspiration to me and my family, so becoming an Ambassador for the Down’s Syndrome Association, DSA, the only charity in UK which addresses all aspects of Down’s syndrome, means I can help to promote the profile of the DSA on a global basis and here at home in UK, hopefully engaging and educating more younger people along the way. By representing the DSA, I hope I can make a difference for my sister and everyone else around the world with Down’s syndrome, who have as much right to a fully inclusive life as the rest of us.”
Ahead of this hiking adventure, Aitch collaborated with producer Bou on ‘Raving In The Studio’, a creative track that marks a shift into drum and bass for the British rapper.
Buo’s production centres around the sample from Gorillaz’s 2005 hit ‘Feel Good Inc.’ featuring De La Soul. The iconic bassline provides a fresh backdrop for Aitch’s witty verses with the catchy hook “If the club ain’t open, then I’m ravin’ in the studio”. The innovative fusion of the familiar sample with Aitch’s rapid fire delivery is sure to establish the single as a beloved, energetic anthem.
VIDEO OUT NOW ! MANCHESTER BUSINESS WE ALREADY OVER 200K STREAMS LETS RUN UP HALF A MILLY TODAY AT LEAST!!!
https://t.co/jcXx89lgGd pic.twitter.com/TufE8UfFGn
— Aitch (@OfficialAitch) January 17, 2025
Aitch continues to push boundaries both musically and personally, cementing his status as a dynamic and multifaceted artist. ‘Raving In The Studio’ highlights his ability to experiment and collaborate innovatively. With his upcoming climb of Mount Kilimanjaro, Aitch solidifies his role not just as a prominent figure in the UK music scene but also as a dedicated advocate for inclusivity and positive change.
