This time last year, Mayday & Stretch DCM dropped “The
Dojo”, a melodic grime cut that took the oriental aesthetics of DubzCo’s production
and added their relentless rapid-fire bars. After months of keeping us waiting,
they followed up the track with a stunning music video shot in Osaka while
bringing Brum vibes to Japan – plus, they documented the trip in this 85HRS IN JAPAN YouTube documentary, and have more work coming soon that features
some of the most exciting acts rising out of that section of the Japanese scene.
Now, they’ve released “The Dojo” as part of their four track
Slowgress EP, which draws on their time abroad. Opening with a snapshot
of their experiences, “Ramen” recounts them shelling the stage on
the other side of the world, but also the difficulties they faced on the way there - including getting filming equipment confiscated and broken in Beijing customs before
they’d even arrived at their final destination.
“Melon Fanta” has a harder edge balanced by skippy rhythms as
both MCs show their skills while constantly trading bars back and
forth. Adding to the effect is Vagrant Real Estates’ instrumental, which
reminds you of a classic fighting game soundtrack at the climax of a boss
battle. It’s less than two minutes long, but it’s still slaps you in
the face with hyped-up jumpy energy and impressive varied deliveries.
Then, Blay Vision supplies a deeper, darker production for
“Pick N Roll”, as Stretch & Mayday take on a more directly competitive tone. The
lyrics move through constant basketball references like “it’s not only the
marks on the court that get drawn out and left in chalk” and “jab step
tell a man he can’t leave me open, when I skip flows on a tune, that’s both of
your ankles broken”.
With Slowgress, Mayday and Stretch DCM show that they can back up style with substance by running with a strong theme, putting in work internationally and, in the end, creating an inspired EP.
With Slowgress, Mayday and Stretch DCM show that they can back up style with substance by running with a strong theme, putting in work internationally and, in the end, creating an inspired EP.
Check out Slowgress on Spotify below.
Follow Mayday on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, and Stretch
DCM on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for more updates on their upcoming projects.