Tag: Habibi Records

Emerging Scottish hip hop artists to listen out for this December

Scottish hip hop record label, Habibi Records, reveals latest track releases

Scottish hip hop label, Habibi Records, has revealed three new track releases from the country’s most promising artists. Formed in April this year by CTRL, Do Rego and Mezzo, Habibi Records aims to provide a platform for the best emerging talent here in Scotland.

‘We’re all about supporting aspiring, hungry, lyrically-driven rappers’, says CTRL, and the list of tracks set to be released in December 2021 reflects the diversity of skills, styles and flair of their artists. 

DECEMBER 2021 RELEASES

Artists: Armzy x CTRL 

Track Title: HeadGone 

About the track: A collab track featuring CTRL and Armzy, the track includes a thoughtful in-depth verse from Armzy and light playful rhymes from CTRL, layered over a dreamy slow-paced hip-hop track produced by Do Rego, mixed and mastered by Leftmind.

Release Date: 9.12.21

Artists: Driss x CTRL x Jaad

Track Title: Al Pacino

About the track: An aggressive drill multi-language track, with the hook themed around the actor, Al Pacino. Featuring three up and coming Scottish rappers; Driss, CTRL and Jaad. Produced by Do Rego, mixed by Jaad, and mastered by Leftmind.

Release Date: 23.12.21

Artists: Bakersville ft Joey Locke 

Track Title: Beside You 

About the track: A catchy pop love song with an early Calvin Harris vibe. Featuring gorgeous vocals from Joey Locke and a creative video, Bakersville has produced a new wave set hit to captivate listeners. 

Release Date: 30.12.21

ABOUT THE ARTISTS

CTRL
Multi-genre rapper, honest in his lyricism and keen to impress with his rap ability. His unique flow, speed, tone, minimum use of profanity, and clever way with words make him one to watch.

Driss
Adding a fresh new edge to UK drill music, Driss is a 22-year-old Greek with a passion for the ever-growing sub-genre. With a full unreleased catalogue of music, Driss is poised to make waves in the industry.

Jaad


An impressive rapper with a distinctive sound, spreading his vibe across the Scottish rap scene with multiple track releases and features.

Armzy


Sudanese heritage, Oxford born but Scottish living rapper Armzy is a versatile and skilled rapper with a highly seductive voice.

Bakersville
A quiet and mystical producer, this emerging talent started out making hits in his bedroom right here in Scotland.

Joey Locke


A singer songwriter, model and actor from Scotland, Joey Locke is a young, talented, and passionate artist set for big things.

To find out more, follow @habibirecords_ on Instagram and Habibi Records on YouTube

Edinburgh hip-hop artist, CTRL, breaking through with poignant new single ahead of Father’s Day

From a childhood diagnosis of ADHD to his darkest moments dealing with grief – the latest track from Edinburgh hip-hop artist, CTRL, is a raw, gritty, full, and frank autobiographical insight into his life.

Solo artist Chris Thomas, also known as CTRL – a play on his initials and a reference to his determination to control his own future – speaks openly about his personal experiences on the single, ‘R.S’. The most defining moment being the untimely death of his father, Richard, when CTRL was just 19 years old. His decision to release the record ahead of Father’s Day is a fitting tribute to the most important figure in his life story.

Discussing the inspiration behind the track, CTRL explains: ‘R.S. is about facing up to the worst moments in my life, processing it all, and channelling that energy into shaping my future. It’s based on a text message my father sent me – his words of wisdom which still guide me today – and it’s what I wish I had the chance to say to him today’.

The artist, now 23, first made a name for himself in the Edinburgh rap and hip-hop scene as a regular DJ in the capital. And now he’s taking his love for the genre one step further by founding a record label, Habibi Records, with fellow music lovers, Paddy Do Rego and Mezzo.

‘We want to provide a platform for the amazing talent here in Scotland and we’re looking to sign aspiring, hungry, lyrically-driven rappers’ says CTRL.

Spotting and nurturing talent is something that comes naturally to CTRL, who is also CEO of tech company, incovo, co-owner of street food venue, Ozen, and podcast presenter on The Chris & Ryan Show.

As he says on the single, ‘Richard said, anything worth having in life will take a plan, time and effort’. And with plans to release further tracks in the coming months as well as talk of musical collaborations, it’s clear his father instilled an admirable work ethic in his son, whose unrelenting dynamism and energy is getting him noticed.

R.S. was written and performed by CTRL, produced by Paddy Do Rego, and mixed and mastered by Leftmind. It was recorded in Edinburgh, and the accompanying video was also shot in the city. Watch the full video at https://youtu.be/zjSK-SqI44s or download the track at ditto.fm/rs-ctrl.

To find out more, follow @ctrl_musicofficial on Instagram, @habibirecords_ on Instagram, and Habibi Records on YouTube.