Review: YT (feat. Lancey Foux) - Black & Tan

Black & Tan sees YT and Lancey Foux going back-and-forth to produce a bouncy, jerk-infused banger. Released with a nostalgic and minimalist music video, amassing nearly one million views on Youtube, Black & Tan has gained global attention and is on its way to being cemented as a cult classic.

The song begins with a deep 808 four-count, then expanding into a constant growling bassline that carries through the song, accompanied with a dynamic hi-hat pattern. Instrumentally, Black & Tan is simpler than a lot of YT and Lancey's previous releases, with the only other elements in the song being a few-second long synth screech and occasional siren effect. Yet these effects, together with YT's signature 'Oi!' vocal snippet, successfully create the intended dark, enigmatic atmosphere. This minimalist production allows for YT and Lancey Foux to show off their talents with their own distinct approaches.

The energy is relentless, with bars and punchlines being thrown around like boxing combinations. Two verses each, in a back-to-back pattern, without containing a hook, maintains this never-wavering energy throughout the track's duration. The pair's chemistry is palpable, perfectly lending to the cohesiveness of this emerging UK hip-hop scene. Witty, quotable lyrics such as "Miami, Tennessee, or Surrey Quays we make it bounce" and "Two baddies double Dutch I might take a trip to 'Dam" keep listeners engaged and entertained. The song possesses an immense amount of reply value, represented in its 4.5m+ streams and 'summer banger' reputation.

Whilst Black & Tan is relatively simple in its composition and content, it proves that further success for music of this style is imminent and should be supported. Black & Tan marks an important moment in the popularity of this emerging scene, and will hopefully be the first of many to come.

Listen to the track here: