The worlds of UK Drill and Atlanta’s trap have collided with the release of Central Cee’s and 21 Savage’s collaborative single, ‘GBP’. Accompanied by an engaging music video, the track showcases the unique artistry of both rappers and unites two distinct rap cultures.
‘GBP’ is the first major collaboration between London’s Central Cee, or Cench, and Atlanta’s 21 Savage, blending their respective musical influences into a seamless, fluid track.
Cench brings his signature melodic flow, introspective lyrics, and catchy hooks – which have a history of catapulting to global, viral sensations such as ‘Doja’ and ‘Sprinter’. Savage complements this with his relaxed, gritty delivery and sharp wordplay with lyrics such as “Latex gloves, I’m on a drill, watch ‘em fall, Jack and Jill”.
Throughout the track, both rappers reflect on their humble beginnings and the challenges they’ve faced. Lyrics like “So distraught, we were broke as hell, well, until we broke the law” highlight their shared ability to turn personal struggles into compelling narratives. The single weaves themes of ambition, resilience, and success, central to the Rap and Hip-Hop genre, with clever metaphors such as “That’s GBP, the price go up if it’s USD”.
It also delves into topics of loyalty and cultural identity with Central Cee referencing UK rap culture through “Red carpet in my trackie and Air Max, they want a boy with a London style”, hinting at his viral moment at the 2022 British Fashion Awards. Meanwhile, Savage adds his iconic swagger, referencing his “Internet beef” with Soulja Boy with “Better watch your words, I’ll get you X’d ‘bout the s*** you tweet (On God)”.
This interplay highlights Central Cee as a pioneer for UK rap. Following his performance of ‘BAND4BAND’ Atlanta’s Lil Baby at Rolling Loud Festival last year, ‘GBP’ cements his position as a trailblazer for transatlantic rap collaborations.
The music video reinforces this narrative with striking visuals, including a British flag serving as a symbolic backdrop and recurring red cars that subtly nod to London’s iconic red buses. The video not only complements the song’s themes but also emphasises the importance of music videos in the industry – enhancing storytelling and increasing global visibility. Additionally, the integration of bold and creative fashion, an industry closely linked with Hip-Hop culture, demonstrates the evolution of modern rap aesthetics.
With the release of ‘GBP’, Central Cee and 21 Savage delivered a standout collaboration, bridging two distinct rap cultures through music and visuals. As Central Cee prepares to release his highly anticipated debut album, ‘GBP’ offers an exciting glimpse into the innovative direction he is taking.
