It has been two years since their last release, but this year D Double E and Footsie – the Newham Generals – two of the finest OG’s at the centre of UK grime are back with a brand new EP called N To The G’s.
N To The G’s is a short but sweet EP choc-a-bloc with collaborations on both production and guest vocals. Guest producers on this EP include Taiki Nulight & My Nu Leng (‘Levels’), Sukh Knight (‘Bang Boy’), Nutty P (‘Murkin’ Yearly), Toddla T (‘Soundboi Killa’), and Bass Don (‘Frontline 2015’), displaying a wide variety of production skills through out the short release. Some of the more notable instrumental and production work comes in the form of opener ‘Levels’ which is one of the most ‘chart friendly’ tracks the Newham Generals have ever done, crossing the fine lines of grime and UK garage. Additionally, the incredible track ‘Soundboi Killa’ is a brooding near-three minute menace that embodies the soul of the bass heavy underground music that has always lurked in the darkest heart of South London – be it grime or dubstep.
Both MCs are sheer fire on this EP, and take equal share in flexing their style and skills on the mic on every song. D Double’s standout lyrical flow clearly being on ‘Soundboi Killa’, whilst Footsie is just nothing short of amazing on the opening track ‘Levels’ – his flow over the chaotic 4/4 beat is just liquid – smooth and compliments his verse magnificently. Although it must be said that this EP has a lot more lyrical presence from D Double E, particularly on the trap-influenced ‘Murkin’ Yearly’.
Whilst both MCs show an impressive range of vocal flows and styles, sometimes their lyrical content can be a little repetitive and one dimensional. Another vocal-based criticism that just felt out of place and rather poor was the presence of Brakeman on the track ‘Bang Boy’ – his guest appearance isn’t memorable at all and sounds poorly produced.
N To The G’s is really impressive with its production range, and it is equally interesting to hear both D Double E and Footsie stretch their lyrical flows over varying instrumentals. However the content of the EP isn’t nothing fresh or necessarily ground-breaking, but it is still relevant and important enough to jog your memory enough to remember just why the N To The G’s are an integral part of the UK grime scene.
