Bugzy Malone exploded onto the grime scene from 2010, and yesterday dropped yet another compelling hit that shows he’s not stopping any time soon.
Like his previous releases, ‘Run’ feat. Rag’N’Bone Man is more mellow and emotive than most grime tracks, and this is what makes Bugzy stand out as one of the most popular artists in the genre. With prominent piano melodies, subtle string sections and Rag’N’Bone Man’s booming voice adding soul to this heartfelt track, ‘Run’ shows new elements of his skillful songwriting getting revealed more and more with each release. It comes from his widely anticipated debut full-length B. Inspired, which is due for release next week, and was produced by Grammy Award winning duo MOJAM, who have previously worked with the likes of Plan B, Sam Smith and Professor Green.
The greyscale video shows a young boy struggling to find his feet with those around him. His friends are getting involved in gangs, his parents arguing profusely and he himself turns to petty crime; somewhat reminiscent of struggles seen in Tinie Tempah’s 2010 video for ‘Written In The Stars’ featuring Eric Truner. As he runs around the streets of Manchester, he sees devastation everywhere he turns, including shining a light on the city’s homelessness crises. Hailing from Manchester himself, this video shows Bugzy highlighting the issues that he witnesses firsthand, rather than project the lavish lifestyles that most rappers prefer to show.
‘Run’ has also been chosen as Record of The Day’s featured track, saying in their mailing list “‘Run’ has everything to become his biggest hit to date with huge crossover appeal. […] enjoy this gorgeous masterpiece from one of grime’s most talented narrators.”
This October Bugzy Malone will embark on his B. Inspired tour – the biggest headline tour to date by any grime artist and will see him perform to a total of over 38,000 people. The run of dates include a massive London show at the Printworks and two 4000-capacity homecoming shows at Manchester’s Mayfield Depot. Tickets on sale now from here.
Rag’N’Bone Man fans can also catch his huge set at RiZE Festival next weekend at Hylands Park, Chelmsford with tickets still available from here.