Top 5

Eastend killer MC ShaSimone drops hotttt (with 5 Ts) new single Top 5 as well as an accompanying music video featuring shots from her performance at Glastonbury, Rolling Loud AND Dave’s sold-old O2 show.

Hailing from Hackney, ShaSimone grew up writing poetry as well as sending raps back and forth with friends over BlackBerry Messenger. Previously being a hairstylist, ShaSimone has come a long way since her debut release with Belly in mid-September 2020. Stepping into the limelight by featuring on track Both Sides of a Smile with Dave on his #1 UK Album.

Firstly, let’s talk about the beat. Old-school-style female soul samples make up the backing vocals to the track which is what opens the track. Another main element to the beat is the guitar which sits nicely in the mix and then gets a mini solo at the end of the track. Even with the drums over the top, the track feels super feminine which is a refreshing difference from the majority of the UK rap scene (it being extremely male dominated).

In terms of lyrisism, ShaSimone shuts it down like always. There being many key bars that make the track can be discussed as stand-out lyrics, however, a simple one that still resonates is:

“Anytime I had an off day, was a Wednesday”

Because it’s just so damn true. 

If Shaybo is “Queen of the South” ShaSimone deserves the title “Queen of the East” and may she continue to grow and flourish.