iLL BLU have just released their debut mixtape ‘THE BLUPRiNT’, the production duo’s first ever solo project of any kind. The mixtape follows on from a string of previously released singles, including ‘Chop My Money’ featuring Krept & Konan, Loski and ZieZie, ‘Magic’ featuring OFB’s Bandokay and Double Lz, and ‘Dumpa’ with M24 and Unknown T.
The project features a blockbuster array of artists from the UK rap scene, also including MoStack, Donae’o, Sneakbo, Wretch 32, Central Cee, and many more. Although this is an extremely impressive line-up for a debut project, this is not the result of major label backing; rather, it speaks to the profile that the pair have managed to build for themselves over many years prior to release of this mixtape.
Whilst many might regard iLL BLU as a relatively recent phenomenon, the two producers burst onto the scene over ten years ago with ‘Frontline’ featuring Princess Nyah. Released in 2008, the track is a UK funky classic and one that was essential to shaping the UK funky sound, alongside other iconic tracks such as Crazy Couzinz’s ‘Do You Mind’ and Donae’o’s ‘Devil in a Blue Dress’.
Although the UKF sound was intensely popular during the mid to late noughties, this popularity was relatively short-lived. Operating at around 130bpm, UKF uses tempos that are slightly lower than the characteristic 140bpm of Garage and Grime, but the two genres undeniably played a part in its formation. UKF also has parallels with soulful and tribal house as well as soca music.
Many of iLL BLU’s young listeners will be unaware of their UKF roots, or probably even the existence of UKF itself. The pair have managed to transcend the genre that helped to popularise them and move beyond it. Speaking about their new mixtape in a press release, the London duo said, “The BLUPRiNT is a musical journey that documents an 11 year story of the continuous vibes we have invigorated to the people on the dance floor.”
Indeed, the duo specialise in creating club anthems; however, the style of production that allows them to do so often varies. The new mixtape sees iLL BLU utilise a range of hip-hop, EDM, drill, and afrowave-inspired production, demonstrating their ability to adapt to and incorporate popular contemporary sounds. The pair will hope that ‘THE BLUPRiNT’ will cement their position as titans of UK production.
‘THE BLUPRiNT’ is available to stream below:
