Highly acclaimed UK rap artist and grime MC Ghetts has shared his third single of the year, an incredible collaboration with Skepta entitled ‘IC3‘. The song premiered yesterday, 7th October, as Annie Mac’s Hottest Record on BBC Radio 1 Future Sounds.
Both artists posted to their social media platforms to announce the release, with Ghetts asking his followers, “What lines did you pick up on?” It’s clear that the lyrics are the foundation of the track, not only because of the simple drum-based instrumental, but because of the pivotal sections which were posted prior to the release. For example, the verse four line about British history – “Don’t tell me to go back where I came from while the Queen sits there in stolen jewels” – and the title itself, which is the UK police code used to identify Black males.
Ghetts, who co-wrote the single, spoke to Annie Mac on her radio show, explaining that “It’s a collaboration that the people that are familiar with myself and Skepta, and familiar with grime culture have been waiting on for absolute years.” He continued, “It’s a great time because we’ve done it in a time where we’ve made a record that has substance to it.”
The rapper expressed that he and his collaborator had previously been competitive and egotistical, which caused them to see each other as professional rivals, but he is grateful that they have matured now and were able to work together. He also spoke out about his experience, which many Black people also experience, and is the song’s main theme; he eloquently said that, “If you’re constantly stopping people and radioing through and saying a letter and a number, that’s what it becomes.”
‘IC3′ is a follow up to previous single ‘Mozambique‘, shared in April 2020, which features Moonchild Sanelly and Jaykae, as well as being produced by Rude Kid. The lead singlet to Ghetts’ upcoming album was also released this year, another collaborative track called ‘Like What’ featuring Joe Grind and LD.
