Mitcham-based rapper Ramz has recently released an EP of six tracks, entitled Retro Boy. Ramz, of ‘Barking’ fame, has experimented with different sounds in the last few years, including a drill track last year titled ‘Brixton to Oxford Circus’, among several trap-esque beats. As implied in the title, Retro Boy is a return to form, to the afroswing sound that he initially became popular with.

Announcing on Twitter, Ramz said “RETRO BOY EP OUT AT MIDNIGHT 6 NEW TRACKS OLD SKOOL RAMZ STYLE FOR YOU TO ENJOY…SORRY FOR THE WAIT I LOVE YOU ALL.”

RETRO BOY EP OUT AT MIDNIGHT 6 NEW TRACKS OLD SKOOL RAMZ STYLE FOR YOU TO ENJOY…SORRY FOR THE WAIT I LOVE YOU ALL pic.twitter.com/4hpDwYUV3G

— ramz | the mitcham dreamer | retro boy (@ramonerochester) November 11, 2021

His first project since Blockbuster in 2019, Ramz has had a relatively low workrate since. Some suspect this is due to his struggles with mental health; in 2019 he recieved help after making posts that made reference to suicide on Instagram. According to The Guardian, the post was replaced with a message from his associates: “Thank you guys for all your messages. Ramz is in the right hands getting the support he needs. From Mum & Management.” 

The new project has a distinctly naive sound, with beats pulled right from 2017, and lyrics that reminisce the past. On “Rewind” he discusses wanting to turn back time, and on this EP he does exactly that; amongst the darker sound that UK music has embraced since the days of ‘Barking’s success, Retro Boy sticks out like a sore thumb. Ramz is not afraid to sing like he used to, ditching the drill flows he briefly adopted. The album cover features a booklets worth of family photos and baby pictures of Ramz, tying in growth to the overall theme of the EP.

Last month, he dropped visuals for the single ‘Rewind’ that features on this EP, which can be watched below:

‘Retro Boy’ is out now on all major streaming platforms, and can be listened to below: