Melodic rap has been part of the core genre's landscape for nearly as long as hip-hop itself, introducing a fresh take with each new era. From the voice-centric production of the 90s to the emergence of MCs in the 2000s who featured smooth flows that bordered on singing. The trap-wave subgenre swiftly emerged, led by artists like Future and Young Thug in the U.S., alongside D-Block Europe and M Huncho in the UK. In Britain, the ascent of these artists marked the beginning of a period where their sound dominated, yet there is ongoing discussion about what many perceive as a decline in this sound.
QuincyTellEm, a producer based in North West London, is a significant figure in the trap-wave scene, collaborating with British artists such as M Huncho, D-Block Europe, Headie One, Nines, Potter Payper, and others. His contributions have earned him seven Silver-Certified plaques, and he continues to pave the way for the next generation. With a mission to highlight emerging talent, he has put together a mixtape titled ‘Make Wave Great Again’. After nearly a decade in the industry, this project signifies his debut. We spoke with him about the mixtape and the trap-wave genre.
The seven-track mixtape features verses from both established and rising artists. QuincyTellEm explains, “The tape centers around these newer acts, but I’ve surrounded them with artists who already have a platform, allowing me to expose their audience to these other talents... For instance, Figs0, Treez0, and Azuki are still in the development phase, but they’re featured alongside M Huncho and Nafe Smallz, who already have significant reach; that’s the idea.” The introduction also features a soundbite from the notorious Max B, making a statement in itself.
Quincy and M Huncho have had parallel music careers for years; it's hard to consider one without the other. QuincyTellEm has consistently contributed to M Huncho's renowned discography, but he mentions stepping back from that close collaboration in this new phase. He shares: “Now I feel like I have the platform to impact the scene... I’m aiming to carve out my own niche, I need something for myself. That’s why I’m aligning with the new generation, hoping to discover the next M Huncho or DBE, and I want to be part of that.”
‘5 Shots’, one of the mixtape's tracks, features up-and-coming artists Laicositna and Figs0, incorporating some R&B influences that reflect the rapper’s own musical style. QuincyTellEm shares his journey of refining his skills while exploring diverse sounds, emphasizing his desire to establish himself as a distinct creative force, not merely as M Huncho’s producer.
Discussing the current state of trap-wave, he asserts that many top-tier artists are still thriving and insists “wave is still very much alive!” He doesn't place the responsibility solely on these artists to carry the load, but he passionately points out a gap in community and support. “There’s no endorsement for the leading figures in our scene when it comes to the new generation... they lack the GRM connections and larger platforms for exposure today... these artists are starting from scratch with 0 subscribers; it demands substantial funding and marketing.”
He smiles and adds, “If they're not going to do it, I’m going to advocate for them!”
While much of trap-wave is rooted in consistent themes, MWGA reflects these while occasionally feeling fresh. The 'Azuki Interlude' offers a heartfelt moment, while ‘Patience’ featuring M Huncho and Kilo Jugg is driven by a shimmering electronic trap beat. A curated selection of talented artists showcases their best work.
Adapting to evolving musical trends can be challenging for artists, but Quincy expresses his enthusiasm not only for bringing forth something fresh, but also for spotlighting a movement he has been quietly developing. The ‘Make Wave Great Again’ release is set to be the first of several volumes that will feature trap-wave verses from around the globe. Artists like GeeYou, wewantwraiths, Yung Fume, AM, and Retro Green, who didn't make it onto this volume, can be anticipated in Vol 2. Incorporating elements from Parisian R&B and Portuguese music, his dedication is mirrored in his listening preferences. Deeply invested in 808s, he is eager to elevate his genre; this tape is just the beginning, with a sequel scheduled for this autumn and upcoming producer-artist collaborations as well. He concludes with, “this is just the foundation.”
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Words: Shanté Collier-McDermott
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Melodic rap has existed nearly as long as the genre's foundation itself, and with every new era, a fresh niche emerges. This includes vocally-driven production in