One of the north’s most exciting rappers, J. Chambers, has just released his much-anticipated EP Merchant of Manny. Being a prominent figure in Manchester’s thriving hip-hop scene, he also supported legends like Akala and Dead Prez in the last year. The title track of his new EP explores issues of class, race, consumerism and the ultimate hope of ‘breaking chains’.
As the UK powers through uncertain political times, J. Chambers brilliantly articulates many struggles facing young and working-class people today through a dynamic hip-hop sound. The press release for the EP states:
“The Merchant of Manny was inspired by Shakespeare’s Merchant of Venice. The pound of flesh concept stood out as I feel like within this industry artists are constantly expected to give more besides our music when we’re at the underground stage. We’re expected to give that proverbial pound of flesh for the ear of new listeners and for “bragging rights” or “hype”. ‘Merchant of Manny’ explores various topics that face the average young person growing up in the city we explore the traps of growing up in working class areas, we explore consumerism, relationships and we explore loss. The ‘Merchant of Manny’ really paints a well-rounded image of having to grow up in an inner-city environment.”
Merchant of Manny was released on 08/07/16. It can be listened to in full on SoundCloud.
