Artist spotlight: Danny Brown

I haven’t been as religiously into rap for a minute now; I’m all about the alt rock scene and its ever-growing, developing, churning nature at the moment. But that’s not to say I don’t still have a huge appreciation for hip-hop. In fact, it was hearing Pusha T’s latest album that reminded me of the genre’s upper echelon, which inspired me to write about a slightly more underground act, who I’ve seen live twice now. Hi, Danny Brown…

The solo rapper first sprung onto my radar after hearing his all-encompassing, floor-filling anthem with Purity Ring in 2013. ‘25 Bucks’ is pulsating, while delivering dynamic drum beats and electronics, with angelic, feminine vocals contrasting to Danny Brown’s fast-paced, stabbing flow.

Experiencing his frenzied approach to gigging was exceptional. On both occasions, I attended heaving Leeds venues to see him with my brother, first to headline, then later support the majestic Run The Jewels. But his immersive, transcending hooks and distinct tones were at full chat during his Atrocity Exhibition tour, where you felt in the presence of underground rap royalty.

The beats are intrusive, the sounds are deliciously warped and melody-defying, and the verses to choruses can be juxtaposed and disorderly. But there’s a wonderfully well-curated carnage to his formula.