Back in 2015, Soundcloud was sanctified with an EP by London rapper Finn Foxell. Nowadays, not a month goes by where, if you’re a fan of the Capital’s highly regarded alternative scene, you fail to hear from the Shepherds Bush native; whether he’s collaborating with other members of ‘ElevationMeditation’ (Louis Culture, Lord Apex, P-rallel, XavEmp and Ric Reefer), or releasing coveted videos on LoudHouse Diaries, the rapper is quickly becoming a prominent figure in UK rap.
‘Good Tea’ sonically explores the depths of British culture; not only is the EP named after one of England’s most loved drinkable commodities, there is clear influences of Garage pulsating through the core of each song. A confessed lover of Mike Skinner, who’s indisputable impact on UK born music has broadened the definition of the word ‘rapper’, you can tell Foxell confides in the transparency of albums like ‘Original Pirate Material’. The project could even be described in the vein of Pinty’s ‘City Limits’, both possess crisp beats that are perfect for the winter; if you’re strolling to uni, or find yourself alone on the way home from a night out, this EP is perfect for those settings.
The track that best sums up this aesthetic is ‘Piece Of Mind’, which features the incredibly gifted Nayana - her velvety vocal tones are credited so well by the lo-fi house inspired beat. The bass-line sounds straight off a Kaytranada record, but still manages to maintain a consoling feel that gives the EP so much warmth. Additionally, Foxell’s voice sounds as deep as ever; a mix between the gravelly tone of Morgan Freeman and the nasally, cockney twinge of Loyle Carner wouldn’t be an unfair comparison.
Already released as a single with P-rallel, ‘What For?’ is our favourite pick off 'Good Tea'. ‘Brakes’ was such a banger, so we knew the combination would produce yet another absolute tune; the imagery of “moroccan hash and portuguese wine”, combined with the overlaying guitar groove is pretty special. The lyricism is equally admirable on ‘Mystery’, as the Londoner narrates a tale of love, but the inevitable interference of rum making it ever harder to truly focus on the matter in hand. Lava La Rue provides a cracking verse to close out the song too, rightfully calling out a “generation lacking in trust”, whilst equally addressing break ups.
It may be a short project, but It’s one that oozes quality - every track is meticulously put together, and therefore possesses a coherence many other artists strive hard to find. Give it a listen below.
RATING: 8.4/10