April 20, 2018
Cotch International
The third release from Rye Wax-affiliated label COTCH INTERNATIONAL is from RnB newcomer RB. The release comes as COTCH gathers a growing reputation for shining a light on sensational new globally-minded music with a raw edge, following their LDN parties and last year's release with Peckham-based Congolese-British afrobeats artist Omo Frenchie. RB AKA Sam Patrick Reid also hails from South East London, this time Forrest Hill. Though only 23-years-old, he's had success as a songwriter and producer, including singing on XL Recordings artist Nines UK Top 10 album 'One Foot Out' and writing the Grammy award winning US RnB star Lyrica Anderson track 'Dancing' (last heard on cult show 'Love & Hip Hop'). The 'Who Am I' EP marks RB's emergence as a named artist. The 5 tracks sets out RB's magnificent dark RnB vision, rumbling trap low end, silky synths glossing over the top and RB's vocal soaring over, finding unique pockets and flows. It's hard to believe he only made his way to the front of the microphone from the producer's desk a year ago. Production credits across the EP are split between RB, production team Studio Pirates and break out UK producer Nav Michael. Having met over Instagram when Reidy was focused on writing, they have developed a winning partnership, with Nav's moody 808-driven work complementing RB's road-ready London love songs. Nav has produced for Drake on 'Back To Back', Section Boyz, Ramriddlz, Nines and Yungen. In these golden years for Grime and UK Rap globally, it was only a matter of time before the LDN RnB scene threw up a star. With RB we have just that.