The British rap game is the strongest it\u2019s ever been. Because of its ever-increasing popularity and saturation, artists are demanded to create something different in order to stand out. That\u2019s where Jelani Blackman comes in.<\/p>\n
When it comes to substance, story-telling, and gunning for greatness, 29-year-old Blackman has become one of the most revered rappers in the UK. His sound fits into a unique pocket, blending jazz, grime, drill, R&B, and soul influences into his work to create one of the most diverse and immersive sounds in the British soundscape.<\/p>\n
Blackman\u2019s musical journey began in 2016 with his debut, four-track EP, 1-4<\/em>, combining a slew of sounds, from indie, all the way through to classic boom-bap hip-hop and lo-fi. Now, seven years and a collection of stellar releases later \u2013 notably 2020\u2019s \u201cTricky\u201d and his relentless \u201cHello\u201d performance for A COLORS SHOW<\/em> \u2013 Blackman\u2019s career has reached its biggest milestone yet: his debut album, The Heart of It<\/em>.<\/p>\n Labeled one of \u201cthe great British debuts of 2023\u201d by DIY Magazine<\/em> \u2013 the album is a perfect example of what\u2019s created when an artist has a genuine love and respect for music. The opener, \u201cArrival\u201d taps into nostalgia, while the piano-led hook on \u201cClear\u201d leans into expectations of love. Additionally, the album highlight \u201cWhen You Feel It,\u201d sounds like a James Blake-esque masterpiece, with the almost-interlude record \u201cFaded\u201d gently leaning into club-ready electronics.<\/p>\n Celebrating the release of his debut album, Jelani Blackman teamed up with Arsenal Football Club for an intimate launch party, unveiling the project IRL to a slew of music and football lovers alike. A Gooner through and through \u2013 Blackman and his boyhood club have joined forces to prove, once again, that Arsenal is the culture club of the Premier League.<\/p>\n The Gunners continue to weave themselves into the fabric of the UK\u2019s creative scene. Whether it\u2019s teaming up with Turner Prize-winning artist Jeremy Deller, artist Reuben Dangoor, and typography expert David Rudnick to create artwork across The Emirates or linking up with British fashion imprints Maharishi and Stella McCartney for collaborative collections, the club makes sure it steps correctly on and off the pitch. It\u2019s not just the current team, either: club legend, Ian Wright, was also seen donning LABRUM\u2019s Spring\/Summer 2024 collection at London Fashion Week.<\/p>\n Additionally, Blackman isn\u2019t the first musician The Gunners have teamed up with. Arsenal\u2019s Away kit release saw the club broadcast the spirit of Islington to Gooners across the world, with the help from the cream of the crop of UK music such as Mabel, Sherelle, Scratcha DVA, and AntsLive \u2013 who are all massive Arsenal fans themselves.<\/p>\n To celebrate the release of his debut album, Hypebeast caught up with Jelani Blackman to learn more about his relationship with Arsenal, his earliest football memories, and how his club is forging bonds within London\u2019s musical landscape.