Artist Spotlight: J-Racks

One of the many overawing issue with modern UK Drill is repetition. Every visual is set in an identically fancy rented out house or on an ominous block, and every lyric is violent, sexist or some obscure gang reference. When, on occasion, an artist makes use of the efficacious sensibilities of the genre and offers some sort of individuality, it allows them to stand out from the GRM drones that churn out the burdensome blanks that pummel fear and frustration into music lovers. J-Racks is doing his part to revitalise the Drill scene. 

Energetic, nuanced and driven, J-Racks has talent beyond aggressive cadence and booming pitch. His delivery is particular and perusing, effective at elevating the narrative through his vocal performance. His recent releases have further demonstrated his skill, embodying his diverse flow, chameleonic tone and ever-sharpening lyrical prowess. His first release of the year, Man Of The Match, was a consuming and ominous drill cut that illustrated the ease in which J-Racks can master the sound. Free Flow 2 followed, a striking, entertaining and highly impressive cut which saw Racks purposefully mimic other UK Drillers, recreating their visuals and emulating their flow and tone. His new single, Living My Best Life, obtains the kind of uncensored grit that drill is all about, accompanied by a fantastically colourful and eye-catching visual. 

I caught up with J-Racks to discuss finding his sound, standing out from the scene and his recent releases. 

Who and what influences you?

I defo don't have just one answer to this but I take influence from everyday experiences and seeing other people working hard towards something. I can always relate to that and it makes me want to go even harder. 

What is your musical origins? 

Rap/HipHop, I grew up listening to Afrobeats too.

At what point did you realise that you wanted to be an artist? 

Around 13 or 14, that's when I made the decision in my head.

How did you find yourself as an artist?

By writing lyrics to different beats, every single day. I struggled to find what type of beats my voice would sit well on, but I later realised that the process of creating music will help you magically land where you need to be.

How would you define your style?

Lyrical, unorthodox, hard hitting and entertaining. But this changes depending on the type of track I'm trying to create. 

The drill scene is so packed with talent right now, how do you think you stand out from the masses? 

Just by being myself. People naturally tend to copy sounds/visuals that they see in the drill scene, whereas I'm so focused on putting my perspective on the sound, It'll just naturally be different. I think after a few more releases, you'll be able to easily differentiate me from other drill artists.

Who is standing out for you in drill at the moment?

It's hard to deny Central Cee at the moment, especially with the way he is growing globally.

Who would you love to work with?

Just myself right now, and I'm still working on my sound too for when the day comes that I want to reach out to someone, musically I'll be bringing my best to the table.

Both Free Flow tracks are so inventive and entertaining, where did the idea initially come from? 

It was supposed to be my track at first and that's why the track starts off with me being me, but when the beat switched I just switched flows and I thought this was cool, so I ran with the concept throughout the writing process of the track.

Why did you choose to make a second track of a similar theme and idea?

I posted on my insta story that if part 1 hits one million streams then I'll make a part 2 so I kept to my word. I also think it's super entertaining, a part of me also made it for myself because I wanted to see what a part 2 will look and sound like. So I was even more happier when it hit one million streams.

Talk me through the creative process of the new one Living My Best Life?

Literally as soon as I heard the instrumental, the track came out of my mouth. More time if I hear a beat that I really rate, the main part of the track will be done straight away and that's what happened with this one. Big up Czr and Gotcha on this one. They produced it.

What are you trying to convey with the track?

My lyrical style and a little bit more about me. I like good vibes and that's something that the track gives off.

Can we expect a project from you soon?

I'm having fun with the singles at the moment, but yes, I am also ready to produce a project so it's just about when I feel the right time is.

If you were to introduce yourself to a new listener, what track would you play them and why? 

I would play Living My Best Life because it is the best representative of the sound that I am pushing out at this current moment.

Where do you want to take your artistry?

As far as it could possibly go. I would never put a limit on it, I'm just going to keep working hard/ working smart and I'm sure It'll end up where it needs to be.