Each Measure Feature: StillDSG
FEATURE
You know that feeling when the car driving past you has that catchy tune and you scramble to Shazam it before maybe it's lost forever? This song would be that song. The latest single from StillDSG rolls with an easy pulse right from the start. A few short beats in, and this Zambian Brit has already established a catchy hook to stick around for the next few days (or months, or years…). If the title “Clouds or Clout” wasn’t a hint, these few opening lines will be: “If it’s up or down, I don’t need no clout.” This latest creation is a catchy rap anthem about conformity and his quest for substance over style. Maybe ironically this song proves that indeed, you can have both. Through those ups and downs a deeper voice chimes in, “With the sun around, I don’t see any clouds.” Seemingly a happy-go-lucky message, but wait… Looking at that Spotify clip, it seems that he’s actually saying “son” instead of “sun”...
So who is StillDSG, and where do these mellow, funky, and totally confident vocals come from? Originally from Portsmouth, StillDSG did his rounds around the UK before returning back to his hometown, a proud feature in his earlier singles like “Coming from the Coast.” He is not only a musician but also a multifaceted artist, speaking his stories through fashion and spoken word. His depth seems to not just be a solo journey; he also spreads the care with event management, political activism, and working with youth. Oh yeah, and another core value: he’s a Christian. Well, that would explain the whole son/sun thing.
Returning to the single, this song, while catchy as hell with that thumping classic beat, is more than just a head-nodding song. StillDSG’s confidence and public expression of faith is a generous and unique vulnerability. Coming from a religious upbringing myself, as far as I could remember, there was never a gangsta rap and grime-inspired publicly Christian artist whose music I genuinely chose to listen to. But the musicality of this song, the delicate and vulnerable lyricism, all underlined by a strong sense of rhythm and style, “Christian musician” is only one of the oh-so-many genres that this artist could (and will) hold.
As diverse as his many roles, StillDSG’s voice oscillates between a rich, deep, casual tone and a warbling brightness, between which he spits and pops with plenty of swingy attitude and that classic Brit chewiness. While there’s plenty of meaning to harvest from the poetic lyrics, one can also easily listen and flow along to that simple and thoroughly satisfying rap beat. With so many expressive forms and projects, and combined with that spiritual and artistic drive, I’m intrigued to see what new directions his music could take him. I’ve already clicked the follow for StillDSG and will be sure to keep up with this exciting new artist!
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