In a testament to the unifying nature of music, over thirty young rappers from Northern Ireland have joined forces to convey a generational narrative through their upcoming mixtape, NI’s Finest, soon to be available on streaming platforms such as Spotify and Apple Music.
Among the artists bringing this tape to life are 21-year-old lyricists Rich Smicks, hailing from east Belfast, and his musical comrade Durtburd, a native of west Belfast. Despite their diverse backgrounds, they have bonded through their common love for rap music, viewing it as a tool for dismantling societal barriers one verse at a time.
Drawing on the ethos of the 1990s rave scene that served as a social and cultural catalyst, these young rappers see parallels in their current rap journey. Reminiscent of how music once unified the rival territories during the rave era, rap continues this musical fellowship, blending voices from the east, west, north, and south of Belfast.
Adopting the moniker Freedom Writers, the duo aims to craft music that reflects the realities of their city, encompassing everything from the long-lasting effects of conflicts and socio-political corruption to personal struggles with mental health. Artistry is their weapon to articulate the Belfast’s true grit, capturing the daily battles, the inherited trauma, and the resilience of the generation tasked to move beyond a complicated past.
Contributing to this landmark mixtape is also Kantuftw, an 18-year-old producer from Dundonald, whose music addresses prevailing issues such as mental health. He believes that music can resonate with those grappling the same challenges, lending them a sense of solidarity and resilience.
James Ayo from Hotbox Studios in east Belfast is the brain behind the ambitious NI’s Finest Mixtape project which has also received support from organisations like the PRS Foundation and the Rio Ferdinand Foundation. James aspires to showcase the burgeoning rap scene in Northern Ireland, bringing to the fore talents from Derry, Newry, and beyond.
While the local rap scene continues to gain momentum, Rich Smicks and Durtburd hope for broader recognition. They aim to build a profound rap legacy, akin to already established hubs like Dublin and London. Their journey serves as a poignant reminder that music is not just a form of expression, but a global language that fosters unity across disparate backgrounds, a testament to the transformative power of art.
