Each Measure Feature: Da Real3st

FEATURE

Da Real3st’s new single plays with the polarities of tough and tender, smooth and gritty to deliver a raw, striking sound for a new London voice. 

This is a new artist for me, and I immediately appreciated the upfront honesty surrounding his artistry. A footballer turned musician, the fast-paced rhyme and rhythm of his self-proclaimed sound “The Stoner Wave” is a perfect stage to express himself on all topics, from the tender connection shared with his single mother to the roughness of growing up in London. The new artist on the block was emerging strong when tragedy struck. After a rebrand following the passing of his mother, he hit the music scene with a new name and a renewed edge. 

In “PUSH IT,” this north London-born, south London-raised artist bares his thoughts and feelings on the struggles of life, both external and internal. Set to a wafting piano tune and energetic Afro-beats, his punchy lyrics are delivered with speed and agility. With undeniable flow, Da Real3st’s musings wander from his humble upbringing to where he is now. Stating, “Funny how things can change,” he dives into the feelings of disgrace or vulnerability that accompanied his journey to now. 

As a big fan of UK grime music, this song was an instant hit with me. A groovy Afrobeat is joined by his aggressive vocal texture, a pairing that instantly creates that street-style atmosphere that almost screams, “Hey, I got something to say.” The balance of the song is created with the addition of that casual piano loop, gliding over the minor notes to add an almost daunting jazzy edge to the whole picture. The musicality continues in a similar style, with the piano and beats remaining constant while most variations happen in the vocal rhythm. While the song flows with a natural grace, with a closer listen the lyrics themselves don’t differentiate between the images or thoughts expressed. Instead of a slow build, it’s as if watching a montage of everything this artist has to say flickering between spaces, people, and memories in the way of one daydreaming or ruminating on life itself. The effect is both haunting and energizing, a sure sign that Da Real3st is not just here to deliver “nice music” but stretch what it can reveal on a deeper level. 

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