As musical groups make a resurgence, NSG, the Afroswing ensemble from Hackney East consisting of OGD, Kruddz, Mojo, Dope, Papii Abz, and Mxjib, cannot be ignored. This dynamic collective, known for energizing parties, has already earned double-platinum, gold, and silver accolades, solidifying their status as potential successors to the supergroup legacy.
With their latest project, ‘The Big 6’, they aim to silence any doubt and affirm their place in the music scene. The title and artwork pay tribute to the iconic Abbey Road image of The Beatles. A recent post on X drew parallels between them and the legendary band, highlighting how they have facilitated a cultural exchange among Ghana, Nigeria, and the UK. Their fifteen-track mixtape was preceded by a single, the anthem ‘Venus’, featuring rising artist LYVIA. Kruddz expressed that by releasing only one teaser before the album, they have built a trusting relationship with their fans: “I feel like we’ve reached a point where they trust us. We don’t need to entice them with singles; they’ll listen regardless.”
Executive produced by in-house producer 4Play, with contributions from REHUM and Alex Montel, ‘Venus’ exemplifies the group's blend of Afroswing with features from the rap underground, including CASISDEAD, Blanco, PsychoYP, and Tayc. Tracks like ‘Overnight’ showcase the production’s brilliance, fusing CAS' nostalgic '80s sound with NSG’s signature drums, creating a smooth and emotional track perfect for radio. NSG explains their collaborative approach: “We bring in various artists, whether underground or mainstream, based on the right vibe and what resonates with us.”
Their 2023 album, ‘AREA BOYZ’, coincided with an initiative to ‘Make Afroswing Great Again.’ This has sparked a noticeable revival of the genre, with NSG at the forefront due to their consistency and appeal across generations. Mojo noted, “There’s a wave of younger artists embracing the Afroswing sound, and their involvement is elevating the genre again. The campaign has motivated the next generation to think, ‘Maybe we can revive it,’ and their success is amplifying the sound.”
“It’s an entire movement,” Mxjib adds, recognizing the hurdles within the reclamation process. “It felt like there were those against it and those in favor. Our goal is to inspire people to desire it once more. This is our culture.” ‘The Big 6’ is a distinctly global endeavor, featuring various international artists while maintaining an authentic NSG identity. Tracks like ‘A.L.Y.B.H.B’ reflect the vibrant energy found in their earlier hits, with infectious instrumentation present from the start.
The mixtape also contains several b-sides, including the introspective outro ‘Sacrifice’, which balances a bold rhythm with personal lyrics. Overall, the mixtape succeeds in crafting a unified atmosphere, likely offering at least one track that will resonate with music enthusiasts — a noteworthy advancement for this boundary-pushing group.
As our discussion concludes, the group's chemistry, humor, and camaraderie are evident. We reflect on timeless tracks; songs meant to endure for decades. Kruddz chooses “Is It A Crime” by Rema, followed by Dope's selection of the stunning “Breathe Again” by Leona Lewis. Mxjib shares his admiration for WSTRN's “Night & Day,” calling it magical, while Mojo highlights the iconic “Everywhere” by Fleetwood Mac, emphasizing the importance of diverse influences. Abz rounds it out with “Die Trying” by Drake, PARTYNEXTDOOR, and Yebba, stating, “That is music, man.”
‘The Big 6’ is available now.
This is becoming absurd now. For admirers of Andy Bell's creations, the recent years have been an exciting journey, characterized by a consistent flow of releases throughout his
Doves' music has endured through the years. Today, they are recognized as legendary creators of memorable melancholic melodies, with a flawless sound that continues to captivate after 25 years.
Pop icon LISA has released her new solo album 'Alter Ego' in its entirety. Now available, the vibrant 15-track album showcases the singer's strength as a collaborator.
Neil Young and the Chrome Hearts are set to headline BST Hyde Park this summer. The band, fronted by the esteemed Canadian songwriter, have already
Interdisciplinary artist Kilo Kish is set to release a new EP titled 'Negotiations’ on May 16th through Independent Co. This upcoming EP follows her highly praised 2022 album.
No one creates atmosphere quite like Jillian Banks. For ten years, the Los Angeles artist, recognized as BANKS by the public, has transformed alt-R&B into a captivating experience.
As we return to a time when musical groups are once again becoming popular, NSG, the Afroswing collective from Hackney East, cannot be ignored.