Produced by esteemed Brum beat-maker Papez (Skrapz, Kyze, Bassman), the brassy, infectious track finds the two long-standing spitters reminding listeners of their skills on mic. Its electrifying third verse sees the pair going bar-for-bar, completing one another’s lines in an effortless call-and-response format demonstrating their musical synergy.
A prominent member of the local rap scene, Akes has had a journey nothing short of inspiring since first stepping into the game in 2014. Deriving his stage name from the aches caused by his lifelong cerebral palsy condition, the young wordsmith has always hoped to show others in a similar position that they can chase their dreams in music, even when the odds seem stacked against them.
Both MCs can certainly make credible claims to “par with da best”. Akes counts BPI Gold-selling producer Preditah, N.A.S.T.Y Crew legend Nasty Jack and the inimitable Flirta D among his past collaborators, while Deadly, who gained national recognition as a member of West Mids supergroups NODB and StayFresh, once held his own during a viral Fire in the Booth cypher alongside the likes of Stormzy, Akala and Ghetts, and has since continued to thrive as one of his city’s most celebrated grime artists.
“I Par With Da Best” is out now via streaming services, and the lyric video drops at 6:30pm tonight. A full press kit is available here.
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